“Everyone’s favourite lady, it seems.”

“Everyone, but you?” There was that dimple back again.

She gave him a hug. “It’s great to see you again, Marty, but I’d better not keep Flynn waiting. Say hello to the others for me. I might come and catch up this week.”

“Make sure you do.” He winked and gave a wave as she turned and pushed her trolley towards the checkout.

“How’s your day been so far?” the girl behind the counter asked in a sing-song voice.

“Fine, thanks,” Keely replied, acutely aware of Anna’s eyes watching her closely from the next lane.

Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

“It’s a great idea to use this space.” Pam put the large bowl of salad and the platter of nibbles onto the makeshift table in the cellar-door area.

Keely was amazed at the food everyone had brought. It was hard to imagine they’d need it all.

Pam did a slow scan of the room. “It has a real welcoming feel to it,” she declared.

Keely agreed with her. There were fluorescent lights on the rafters but they’d left them switched off. The sconce lights along the walls gave a softer illumination and Flynn had hung strings of festoon lights in loops between the exposed beams. Clear blinds had been rolled down on the open wall, guests were entering via a side door, and Euan had borrowed some pole gas heaters in case it was cold later.

Flynn had also brought the old wooden cupboard from the Haystack Block tasting room to add on to the bar. It had a solid wood top and he had nailed flattened corrugated iron around three sides of the base. All the walls had a rough bagged finish and down the middle of both sides he had nailed pallets. Keely had helped him attach pots of plants to create sections of cascading greenery. Along with the tables made from old wine barrels, the whole room felt country chic and perfect for a cellar door.

“Great place for a party.” Connor put down his esky, lifted the lid and pulled out some cans. “Anyone for a beer?”

“Put that away, Connor.” Euan came up behind them. “We’ve got plenty.”

“I’ll have one.” Sean arrived, loaded down with containers of food.

“What’s all this?” Flynn said.

“Happy birthday,” Anna and Megan chorused from behind Sean, their arms just as laden.

“I’ve made your favourite cake.” Anna kissed Flynn on the cheek before she handed over a large plate with a beautifully decorated cake. “I know how much you love strawberry and hazelnut cream.”

“Thanks, Anna.” Flynn smiled and helped them take the food inside.

Keely tried not to think about the chocolate layer cake she had slaved over. Someone would eat it. She hung back as more people arrived, most of whom she didn’t know. The space was filling fast. Perhaps the extra food would be necessary.