“You’re lucky.” Flynn sat back as he recalled his parting words with Euan. They’d argued about him going, although Flynn couldn’t understand why Euan wouldn’t want the place to himself, with Dianna coming.

Euan had made vague comments about Keely needing company but she had her job at the school and Flynn had the impression she was going to go north with her friends, Marty and co. She’d been particularly close to Marty, and since his bungled kiss on Saturday night, Flynn had kept his distance. At least he could support Kat if he was in Perth.

“Things will work out for you too, Flynn. The Scarecrow Dry White is very good and it’s only the beginning.”

“That depends on Euan.” Flynn had decided they all needed some space. He was thinking he’d jump on a plane and check out the job in the Adelaide Hills. If it worked out Euan could have Levallier Dell to himself with his new woman.

“It’s your wine and it’s good.” Kat leaned in. “Don’t give it up too easily.”

“We’ll see.” Flynn smiled at her and raised his coffee cup. “Now, let’s drink to a new job for you and this bloke you reckon is a bit of alright.”

Kat laughed. “It feels so good to have made the decision. I’m actually going to Singapore and Mal will be waiting for me.”

Her happiness was infectious. She was right; some things were worth fighting for. He knew he wanted to make good wine and the Whipcracker blend was still in the barrels. He didn’t want to leave it, or Margaret River if it came to that. He’d spent enough time away. He looked again at Kat’s happy face and realised something else. Levallier Dell wouldn’t be as much fun without Keely to share it.

* * *

The gentle touch on her shoulder made Keely gasp. She turned to see Euan, his face creased into a myriad of lines. She’d been lost in her thoughts, mesmerised by the river, and hadn’t heard him approach.

“I didn’t mean to frighten you. I called you but you didn’t seem to hear. Are you alright?”

Keely knew her face would be red and blotchy from crying. She turned back to the river and he came and sat beside her on the old seat. Tears welled in her eyes again and rolled down her cheeks.

“What is it?” he asked gently.

Keely had replayed the incident in the classroom over and over in her head. Nothing had happened and yet here she was, a blubbering wreck.

“Nothing, It’s just…just me. I’m hopeless.”

Euan shook his head and put an arm around her shoulder. “Keely, Keely, Keely,” he murmured. “What are we going to do with you?”