Flynn thumped the back of the chair, then winced. “Ouch.” He shook his fingers, dragged the chair out and sat down. “Damn him. It’s like trying to talk to the wind.”

“Would you like a coffee or tea?”

Flynn turned, the look on his face suggesting he’d forgotten she was there again. She held her breath as his eyes searched hers.

“A coffee would be great. Thanks, Keely.”

He was silent while she made two coffees. She brought them to the table and placed one in front of Flynn, who was studying the wine bottle he held in his hands. He looked so dejected. She resisted the urge to reach out and put her hand on his.

“Have you ever wondered if you’re doing the right thing?” He looked up quickly and caught her studying him.

“Pardon?” She reached for her coffee, then had to steady the cup with two hands, as the hot liquid threatened to slop over the rim.

“You’re a teacher. You must love working with kids. For me, it’s growing the grapes to make wine and then reaching that moment when everything is just right. When the best fruit and the best technique bring it all together. That’s my passion. Then to share the finished product with people and get their reaction…at least that’s what I’ve always believed. Sometimes though, I wonder if I should have chosen another path altogether…or maybe I just need to be somewhere else.” He took a sip of his coffee.

Keely watched him over her cup. She could tell he wasn’t expecting a response. Just as well. She didn’t know what she should say. She’d never really thought about why she’d chosen teaching. It’d just happened, a natural progression. Both her parents were teachers and it was expected that she would follow in their footsteps. She loved art but did she love teaching it? Somehow, it all got lost in yard duties, meetings, professional development, reports and…She thought of her last class and her stomach lurched.

“Sorry.”

Flynn’s voice startled her.

She looked up to find him grinning at her. They’d both been lost in their own thoughts.

“Didn’t mean to scare you with a deep and meaningful,” he said. “I always believed Euan and I wanted the same things but I’m not so sure anymore.” He took some of the sandwiches and put them on his plate. “How did you get on with the menu?”

Keely jumped up to retrieve the pad she’d shoved out of sight. She was keen to change the subject but also to hear his response to her ideas for the food.

“I took into account our facilities and also what our nearest neighbour offers.”

“River Dynasty?”