Keely laughed. She sat on the blanket and watched as he poured two glasses of wine. Over his shoulder there was a break in the bush and she could see the glow of the setting sun.

“Here you are.” He passed her a glass. “This is a Levallier Dell Sauvignon Blanc. Our pièce de résistance,” he said with a perfect French accent. “Margaret River is famous for its chardonnay but we also produce a very drinkable sauvignon blanc.”

She looked from him to the glass in her hand. The wine looked much paler than any other she’d tried. She couldn’t recall ever tasting a sauvignon blanc. What if she didn’t like it?

“Swirl the wine a couple of times.” He demonstrated. “Then put your nose in the glass while the wine is still swirling and sniff. You can smell the tropical fruits and freshly cut grass.”

Keely watched him then tried to follow his example but she was a bit too forceful. The liquid swished around and as she moved the glass forward, a splosh of wine went up her nose just as she sniffed. She snorted and coughed all at once, spilling the wine down her hand. Her other hand flew to her mouth and she stared in horror at the remains of the wine in the glass that she had somehow managed to keep upright.

A low clucking sound broke the silence. Keely looked up. Euan’s face was contorted into a myriad of lines as he tried to hold back the laugh that was escaping in short bursts.

“I’m sorry…” she stammered.

“Don’t worry.” He laughed openly now.

“My mother always says I’m like a bull in a china shop.”

“Au contraire.”

She glanced at Euan. A small frown creased his brow. “With apologies to your mother but I think she’s wrong. You are elegant and graceful and very creative. You should focus on the positives, Keely. You’re a very talented young woman.”

He smiled and his wise eyes twinkled in the firelight. Once again his kindness reminded her of her grandfather. He’d always encouraged her talents. Not that her parents hadn’t but for them her artistic side equalled a skill she could use as a teacher. A respectable position that would one day offer job security, they’d said. Just thinking about it stirred the anxiety inside her. She looked down and dabbed at the spilled wine with the end of her sleeve.

“Don’t worry about the wine. I get carried away. Just drink and enjoy.” He raised his glass. “Here’s to holidays.”

Keely echoed his words, watched as he took a sip of his wine then carefully took a sip of what remained of hers. At first there was a tart taste but then a softer fruitier flavour took over. She studied it again then took a bigger sip. It really was very light. She enjoyed the taste.