Flynn’s patience was waning a little. It had been a long day and it was time to close up. If this guy wasn’t going to buy, he may as well leave.

“I’m from South Australia and I’d say the Levallier Dell Sauvignon Blanc is the best I’ve tasted yet.” Keely smiled confidently at the two men.

“That’s a high recommendation,” the other man said.

Their two female companions were exclaiming over the jewellery.

“We’re just about to close up,” Keely said. “Seeing you are our last customers for the day, I’m sure our jewellery maker would be happy for us to give you a bottle cover if you buy a sixpack of wine.”

Flynn stood silently beside Keely, amazed to see her so assertive. The group decided to take a mixed dozen of reds and whites, including the sauvignon blanc. He smiled and took their money. Keely packaged everything up, gave both women one of her beaded bottle decorations, waved them off and shut the door behind them. She turned to look back at Flynn, a nervous smile tugging at her lips.

He wanted to jump the bar and kiss her but remained fixed to the spot, surprised at the strength of his reaction.

“I hope that was okay,” she said.

“Fine by me, but perhaps you should have checked with our ‘jewellery maker’ before you gave away her work.” He held her gaze. She looked worried now. Damn it, he’d upset her again. “What’s the matter?” Euan was standing in the doorway, looking from Flynn to Keely.

“It wasn’t really a lie,” Keely said. “I told them your sauvignon blanc is the best I’ve tasted. It’s just that I haven’t really tasted any others.”

Euan laughed. “I’m happy to take your praise.”

Flynn couldn’t hold in his own laughter any longer.

“Oh, Flynn,” Keely said. “I thought you were going to tell me off.”

He took a breath and straightened up. She was smiling now.

“Why?” he asked. “You just made an excellent sale. Besides, one should never argue with a jewellery maker. I think we’ll have to keep Keely front of house, Euan. She’s just sold a dozen wines to the hardest customers of the day.”

“Let’s open a bottle of our best then.” Euan took out a bottle of the Scarecrow Dry White. “All in all, it’s been a good day.”

Flynn looked from the bottle of wine, his wine, to the huge smile on his father’s face. Maybe the tide was turning.

Chapter 30

CHAPTER 30

Flynn tripped and bumped against her. “Sorry Keely,” he mumbled. “Here I am walking you home and it’s me who can’t see the way.”