After a slow start, the visitors had kept coming thick and fast. The lunch tables had been filled and re-filled, she’d lost count of the covers they’d done, and Pappou had been in his element either behind the counter promoting his wines or moving from table to table, talking to those who stayed on to dine. Perhaps Kat had inherited some of her love of working with people from him. He certainly knew how to turn on the charm, but he was genuine and he was confident in the quality of his food and wine.

“It’s nice you can take a break. You’ve been busy.” Pappou stood beside her holding a plate. “Can I join you?”

“Of course,” she said brightly. They were all but alone in this part of the room. Maybe this was her chance to talk to him. Time was running out.

“You’re fitting in very well here,” he said.

“It’s easy to fit in. Everything runs so well. Angela does a great job.”

He ignored her reference to his granddaughter-in-law. “The cellar door is a good operation. Now that we’ve expanded, we need to attract bigger events. Weddings, corporate conferences. We could even have music and put on shows.” He waved his hands. “The sky’s the limit. I’m sure you are full of good ideas. You can have an office next to Michael’s out the back. We can convert a storeroom, there’s plenty of space. Where do you want to start?”

“Pappou…I need to talk to you about that.” Kat put down her fork and reached for the water glass, twirling it in her fingers.

“What is it?”

She took a breath. “I have to return home next week.”

“I understand. You need to talk to your parents and collect your things. That’s fine. I can ring your mother and explain—”

“No, Pappou. It’s not that. I really appreciate your offer but…you already have someone who could do the job.”

“Michael says he’s got enough to do.”

“Not Michael. Angela.”

“She is not true family. The job is yours.”

“I can’t accept it.” Now that she’d finally said it she felt such a relief.

“You are my granddaughter.”

“I’m sorry. It’s a very generous offer.”

“I don’t understand. Your parents’ business won’t be a challenge for you. I’ve watched you, Katerina. You are good with wine and people. You are calm and level-headed in business. Managing the cellar door at River Dynasty is the perfect opportunity for someone with your talents.”

“I know it is.” Her heart raced. Pappou might think her calm but when it came to dealing with him, she was a bag of nerves.

“What’s the matter then? Do you need time at home?”

“No…I’ve been offered another job…in Singapore.”

“What?” He pushed back in his chair. “When did this happen?”