“We’re too big now to be boutique and the big players are looking at us. You know there are companies who would buy us out now, if we’d let them. They’re just waiting for us to go under. Theo next door would be the first to wave money at us.”

Keely could see the profiled outline of Euan’s taut jaw. Flynn had his back to her. She didn’t move. She didn’t want to be part of this scene but she had nowhere to go.

Euan lowered his voice. “Don’t mention that man’s name in my house.”

Flynn slapped the table. “That’s just it, isn’t it? Your house, your vineyards. We’re supposed to be partners but I have no say.”

“What is it you want, Flynn?” Euan slid onto a chair at the table and Flynn pulled one up beside him. They both had their backs to her now but they were between Keely and the bedroom, and there was no way for her to move without them seeing her.

“We’ve got to compete. We need a long-term business plan instead of the hand-to-mouth way we’ve been doing things. Our range needs expanding. We need a better online presence and we’ve got to open our doors and let the customers see and taste what we do here, first hand.”

“A cellar door,” murmured Euan. “That won’t sell all our wine.”

“It gets people in and then we can sign them up to online sales. That cuts out the middle man and increases the profit margin.”

“It’s not always about the money, Flynn.”

“No, but we have to make a profit or there won’t be a winery for us to fight over.”

Euan’s shoulders slumped. From behind, he suddenly looked small in comparison to Flynn.

“You said the trip to Sydney didn’t go as well as you’d hoped,” Flynn said. “Perhaps it’s time you shared all the details.”

Keely reached for the bench to change her position and knocked a glass. It went crashing to the floor. Both men turned, startled. She bobbed down quickly to pick up the pieces and hide her embarrassment. Chairs scraped on the slate floor.

“Careful.” Euan bent down beside her and helped her pick up the shards of glass. “I know I keep apologising to you for our boorish behaviour but I am sorry.”

They both stood up. Flynn was just behind Euan. He was watching her carefully and a tiny grin hovered at the corners of his mouth.

“Please don’t worry.” Keely put the glass on some paper and turned to go.

“Please, Keely,” Euan entreated. “I do mean it. Flynn and I have become so used to living alone…”

“It’s fine, Euan. This is your house.” She stepped around both men. “I’ve just got to go to the bathroom…I’ll be back to finish the meal in a minute.”