Keely stared at him. He’d almost spat the name. She couldn’t understand why he disliked Kat so much but at the same time her insides were in turmoil. At first she was relieved Flynn wasn’t there. She didn’t know how she was going to face him after that kiss. It had obviously been a simple thing for him but Keely still tingled when she thought of it. But then to discover he was with Kat sent a stab of jealousy through her. No matter how much she told herself she liked Kat, her heart didn’t feel that way when she thought of Kat and Flynn together.

“It was something urgent, Euan. The poor girl sounded quite distressed on the phone,” Maggie said. “Anyway, you’re exaggerating the situation. He’s coming back and he’s promised to pick up the fresh rolls on the way. Someone had to do that anyway.”

“And this business about him going off interstate to work. Why did that suddenly pop up at the breakfast table?”

“You pushed him into a corner,” Maggie said.

“So, it’s my fault he wants to leave?”

“He’s young. He wants to make his mark. He’s weighing up his options.”

“You seem to know a bit about it. I suppose he’s discussed it with you already.”

“Only in passing.”

“Anna mentioned something a while back but I thought she was overreacting,” Euan said. “He’s probably even spoken to Keely about it.”

Keely felt the colour flood her cheeks as she recalled the conversation she’d had with Flynn the previous night. She looked from Euan’s angry face to Maggie’s sympathetic smile and wished she hadn’t put her hair up in the style Maggie had taught her. “He only mentioned something vaguely,” she said.

“I see,” Euan snapped. “Everyone knows my son’s business, but me.”

“Oh, Euan.” Maggie’s response was just as sharp. “If only you weren’t so pig-headed. Sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees.”

“There are plenty of people trying to tell me what to see.”

“You mean bloody busybody Anna actually told you his plans, and you still didn’t see how your son was feeling?”

“Anna has our best interests at heart, especially Flynn’s.”

“Of course she has.” There was a hint of sarcasm in Maggie’s voice.

Keely looked at her quickly. What a relief she wasn’t alone in her dislike of Anna.

“Thank goodness Dianna is coming in a few days,” Euan said. “I might have someone on my side.”

“Oh dear. Should I get out my violin?” Maggie’s look was smug now. “I hope she’s not too soft on you. From my brief introduction to her, I think she has more sense than that. Anyway, brother dear, I’d better get myself ready for the day. It’s going to be a long one.”