Why had she come here? She should never have let Ken talk her into it. No matter where she went, her failure would follow her. At last she found the key and managed to slide it into the lock with trembling fingers. She wrenched open the door.

“Hi, Keely.” Claire called cheerfully from across the carpark. “Aren’t you staying for…”

Keely didn’t hear the rest. She was in the vehicle, starting the engine. She pulled away from the footpath and there was a loud toot and a screech of brakes behind her. She didn’t look back. Her hands gripped the steering wheel and the ute took her away, around the corner, along the road and out of town.

* * *

“Thanks for staying, Flynn,” Kat said. “I would have gone mad listening to Yia-yia and the aunts all day.”

Flynn had picked her up from the hospital and they were drinking coffee in the late-afternoon sunshine.

“How is Theo?”

“Doing well. It’s amazing how quickly they get you going after an operation. I thought he’d be out of it for days but he says he’s feeling better already.”

“Probably the drugs talking.”

Kat’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I couldn’t imagine what we’d do without Pappou.”

Flynn reached across and squeezed her hand. “He’s tough. This is only a blip for him. I admire what he’s achieved with River Dynasty.”

“He said the same thing about you.”

“What, that I’m tough?” Flynn flexed his muscles in a Popeye impersonation.

“No.” Kat chuckled. “He likes the way you think things through for yourself.”

Flynn was speechless. He couldn’t imagine Theo ever gave him much thought. Why would he?

“Pappou likes to keep his eye on things, even when they’re not always his business. He likes you.”

Flynn took a sip from his coffee, embarrassed at the compliment. “How much longer can you stay?” he asked, to change the subject.

“A few more days. I was able to delay my flight home and Mal has been very understanding. Everything is organised and there’s still plenty of time before we leave for Singapore.” She bit her lip.

“Everything will work out, Kat. This is a great opportunity. Not only is it a fantastic job but it sounds like you get the bloke as well.”

He envied the longing in her eyes as she smiled a dreamy smile.

“Mal is very special. I can’t believe I kept him from Mum and Dad. They’ve been great. It’s funny how you expect the worst reaction from your parents.”

“What do you mean?”

“I came to Margaret River to think things through and get support from my grandparents. It turned out Pappou was the one who didn’t want me to go and my parents have been the ones to encourage me. I should have been up-front with them from the start, instead of anticipating their reaction.”