“The true albariño vines are growing in Australia now.” Flynn met his look with a steady gaze. “I’ve been talking to my mate in South Australia. The one who offered me a job.”

Euan’s jaw clenched. He waited.

“They grow the true albariño at his family’s winery in the Adelaide Hills and…” Flynn’s eyes lit up and his face split in a wide smile. “They’d be happy to let us take some cuttings to get started.”

Euan hesitated. The look he saw on Flynn’s face reminded him of his own when he and Lucy started Levallier Dell. He nodded his head. “Why not? It would be a new challenge.”

“We could do it together and I’ve already got an idea for a label.”

“That’s counting your bottles before you’ve grown the grapes, isn’t it?”

“Maybe.” Flynn’s look turned cagey.

Euan didn’t press him but lifted his mug instead. “Whatever we plant I’d say the future of the family business is looking good.”

Flynn tapped his cup against Euan’s. “Here’s to the future.”

Chapter 36

CHAPTER 36

Keely knocked on the door of Maggie’s apartment. It would be good to see her again, before she caught the bus the next day. Now that she’d made her travel plans, she was feeling quite excited about the prospect of finally heading north.

“Hello, Keely. Come in.” Maggie stood back and waved her through an entrance hall and into a magnificent high-ceilinged sitting room.

Keely took in the elegant decor. It was as if she’d stepped into a home magazine. “What a beautiful apartment.”

“I’m very comfortable here.” Maggie led the way across the room. “I thought we’d sit out on the balcony. It’s a glorious afternoon.”

Keely was glad she’d worn her skirt. She’d only bought it that morning. It was made of soft pink crimpy fabric and flowed down to just above her ankles. She’d topped it with a lacy white blouse. It felt good to be out of jeans for a while. She sat in a patio chair decked out with pretty cushions in pinks and greens and took in the view of the Swan River and the city on the opposite side.

“You’ve had your hair cut,” Maggie said.

“I’ve been a bit indulgent this morning.” She ran her hand softly over her hair, which still reached below her shoulders. The hairdresser had praised her for not succumbing to a fringe. He’d raved over her bone structure and brushed her hair back from her face. She’d liked what she’d seen in the mirror. “It’s just a trim. I thought it might be easier to manage for the heat up north.”

“You’re still planning on going?”

“Yes. I’ve booked a seat on a bus for tomorrow. I’m going to the Pinnacles first.”