Between the Vines (22 page)

“It could be a good thing.”

Pete peered at Antoine. It was hard to see his expression in the gloomy light but he was surprised. Pete and Ed had differing opinions on various aspects of the winery from time to time and Antoine had always made himself scarce and kept right out of it.

“I'm having difficulty giving it more thought at the moment. So much to do and not enough of us.” Pete took the plate from Antoine. “This smells good. Taylor's spoiling us.”

“Not for much longer, my friend.”

“Why?”

“I didn't like to ask too many questions but I think she and Ed have broken up.”

Pete sighed. Just what he was afraid of. Ed's relationships never lasted. He looked in the direction of the quarters. “I hope Ed hasn't upset her too much.”

“She doesn't seem too upset. More relieved and perhaps a little
sad. I gather she broke it off but she likes living at the winery and working with us.”

Pete's shoulders slumped. He'd miss Taylor. She'd been a breath of fresh air around the place.

Antoine nodded at the plate of food Pete held. “It's been good to have someone cook for us.”

Pete had to agree. Food was the last thing he had time to think of at this time of year.

“I have enjoyed sharing the quarters with her.” Antoine looked expectantly at him.

Pete had to admit Taylor was more like another worker than she'd ever been Ed's girlfriend. She wasn't bossy either, like Noelene, or flashy like Felicity, she just got on with the job. Half the time he wouldn't even know that she'd been to the lab unless he'd read her neatly recorded notes in the book, although he had noticed the room was looking a lot tidier lately.

“I'll be sorry to see her go,” he said with genuine regret.

“Perhaps she doesn't have to.”

Pete frowned at Antoine. Once more it was unusual for him to get involved.

“You said yourself you need another pair of hands and Taylor has proved capable in many ways. You could put her on the payroll.”

Pete leaned closer. “Are you sweet on her yourself?”

“She is sweet but not my type.” Antoine winked. “Good night.”

Pete watched him start back towards the quarters. What had that wink meant? Pete went inside, poured himself a drink and sat down with the pastie and a bottle of sauce. His mother used to make pastie slice. The pastry was different but the flavours were just as good. Taylor had added swede to the mix of vegetables and plenty of salt and pepper. He savoured every mouthful then sat back in his chair.

He was tired, a deep-seated tiredness that came from stress as well as lack of sleep. And he was tired of being the one to compromise, of going along with Ed's schemes just to keep the
peace. He plonked the plate into the sink.

“Damn you, Ed.”

To hell with it. Ed couldn't sell without Pete's permission and he wasn't going to give it. Not this time anyway. There'd be other opportunities to expand and maybe they'd be able to come up with the money themselves. And he was going to talk to Taylor. Bad luck if it upset Ed, they could do with her help.

He picked up the plate again, pushed open his back door and strode to the quarters. Light shone from behind the closed curtains in the big window. He knocked gently at the door. Taylor tugged it open. She smiled.

“Hello,” she said.

He stared at her. The light from the room behind shone through her hair giving it a golden glow and her cheeks were flushed pink.

“Would you like some more?”

He looked down as she reached for the plate in his hand.

“Oh…no…thanks. That was delicious though. Just like Mum used to make.”

Taylor chuckled. It wasn't a light tinkle but a strong happy sound. Just as Antoine had said, she didn't appear upset. “I have to thank my grandmother for the cooking lessons. Possibly the only thing we've ever had in common. Would you like to come in? I was going to call in and see you.”

Pete followed her into the room. There was a chill in the air outside but the living area was warm. “Is it about you leaving?”

The smile left her face. “Oh, Ed's told you.”

“No, Ed hasn't mentioned it. Antoine said something when he dropped in my meal.”

“He's a nice guy.”

“Yes.”

“I don't really want to go but–”

“Then don't,” Pete blurted.

She studied him closely. “I can't stay here now.”

“Why not?”

Pete found himself staring into her light-blue eyes. He'd tried to keep his thoughts neutral. She was his brother's girl, but now…

“Ed and I,” she said.

“This has got nothing to do with Ed. You've been a great help to us and I've a few more jobs I'd like your help with. I was coming to see you tonight anyway, to ask if you'd keep working for us. I'll pay you of course.” He meant it when he said this had nothing to do with Ed. He wanted her to stay for him but he couldn't tell her that.

“In the lab?”

“In the lab, at the cellar door, in the winery. We'd have you doing all sorts.”

“Cooking?”

“Only if you want to and can still fit it in. Vintage will get busier.”

“I'm not sure how Ed will take it.”

“Did you part on bad terms?”

“Yes and no. We didn't throw things at each other if that's what you mean.”

“Then what does it matter? You won't have to see Ed too much if you don't want to.” He paused a moment, hoping he wouldn't upset her. “Look, Ed is a…well, let's say he keeps his feelings close to his chest. Even when our parents died he simply took a deep breath and got on with it. I don't think it's because he doesn't care, it's more that he doesn't waste emotion on things that are out of his control.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“I'm making him sound insensitive.”

“Don't worry.” Taylor nibbled her bottom lip. “I was the one to call it quits. He acted surprised but I don't think he was really. It didn't work out but I don't know if it's a good idea for me to stay. He didn't seem happy about it.”

“Where would you go?”

“I don't know. I'm not keen to go back to Adelaide yet.”

“Then don't worry about Ed. He'll get over it. Stay. I need an extra
pair of hands and I'm usually the one who employs vintage workers. Why would I look elsewhere when I've got someone capable right here?”

There was silence between them. Taylor studied him, a perplexed look on her face. She took a deep breath.

“Okay,” she said.

“That's great.” He grabbed her hand and shook it, unable to contain his enthusiasm. “Really good.”

“Can you stay a moment?” She moved behind him to close the door. “I'd better find out what I'm signing up…”

Pete spun to look at her as her words turned to a gasp.

“What's the matter?”

Taylor was leaning forward staring through the screen into the night.

“Nothing.” She pushed the wooden door shut. “I thought I saw someone outside but it's just shadows.”

“We're a long way from anyone else out here. It can seem a bit lonely sometimes.”

Taylor looked back at him. “It's quiet but I don't feel lonely. Especially with Antoine here and you not far away.” She moved to the kitchen bench. “Would you like a cuppa?”

“Thanks.” Pete sat at the table. Half an hour ago he'd been so tired all he'd wanted was to fall into bed. Now, here with Taylor, he had a new burst of energy. He watched her move methodically, filling the kettle, setting out the cups. He liked the way she absently brushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes.

“Pete?”

He sat up. She'd said something and he hadn't heard.

“Sorry, I was a million miles away.”

“You said you'd pay me to work?”

“Sure will.”

“I'll have to pay accommodation.”

“No. That's part of the package.”

“I have to admit it will be good to have some income while I work
out what to do next.”

“I'll get Felicity to organise the paperwork.”

Taylor hesitated then turned back to pick up her own cup.

“She's good at all that–” Pete looked up as Taylor let out a squeal. The squeal turned into a scream and her cup crashed to the floor. He leapt to his feet and came round the table behind her. “Are you hurt?”

The cup was in one piece still but its contents had splashed out all over the floor and Taylor's bare feet. She pushed back against him knocking the air from his chest.

“Spider,” she squeaked.

He followed the direction of her shaking finger. A black spider crawled slowly along the bottom of the kitchen cupboard. He sidestepped the puddle of tea, squashed the spider with his boot then wiped up the mess with paper towel.

“Sorry.” Taylor's voice was barely a whisper.

She bobbed down to pick up the cup, all the while staring wide-eyed in the direction where the spider had been. The skin on her feet was splotched with streaks of glowing red.

“Leave it,” he said. “Get down to the bathroom and run your feet under cold water.”

“What?” She looked up at him, a mixture of fear and puzzlement on her face.

He reached out and took her by the shoulders. “The hot tea has burnt your feet.” He turned her round.

“Sorry,” she said again. “I've got a stupid fear of spiders.” She looked down. “That does sting.”

Her hair fluffed close to his face. Once more he breathed in the sweet smell of apricots. Her jumper was soft but he could feel the firmness of her shoulders under his fingers.

“Run the cold water over them.”

She slid from his hands and hobbled away.

By the time she came back he had cleaned up the mess and made her another cup of tea.

“Okay?” he asked as she eased into her chair.

“Yes. My feet are fine. You must think I'm a sook. Jumping at shadows and going to jelly over a spider.”

“Some people don't like spiders.”

“It's more than that.” She drew in a breath.

He could see she was struggling to keep control.

“When I was a kid we were in a park. I picked up some bark. A huge spider ran over my hand and up my arm. It got caught in my hair.” She shuddered. “I can still see its great hairy legs. Ugh.” She clasped her mug in two shaky hands and took a sip. “Every time I see a spider I'm right back there in that park. It must seem silly.”

“Not at all.” He gave her a reassuring smile.

“Anyway, that's enough drama from me for one night. Tell me more about what you think I can do to help.” She gave him a wobbly grin. The vulnerable Taylor all but disappeared except for the alarm still bright in her eyes.

Pete settled back in his chair. No matter how hard he tried to suppress his feelings it was impossible to ignore how much he enjoyed her company.

Taylor dressed in her yellow jeans and white shirt and took extra care over her hair and make-up. Ever since she'd arrived at the winery she'd spent her days in blue denim jeans and old shirts. She was about to meet with Felicity and she needed a confidence boost.

She stood on tiptoe in front of the blotchy bathroom mirror. It was the only mirror in the quarters and barely big enough to see her face and shoulders in but she was confident the clothes were a good look. She wore a gold chain at her neck. The day was already too warm for a scarf.

Thankfully Felicity wouldn't see the daggy old bra she wore underneath. Taylor hadn't done any washing for a while. She hadn't got around to mentioning the broken machine. Antoine didn't seem fussed. He was either washing his clothes somewhere else or he had a mountain of dirty clothes like she did. Perhaps she could ask Pete about it today.

Taylor stepped out into the brilliant sunlight. Even though she was going to meet with Felicity she felt a return of the confidence she'd lacked since she'd arrived at Wriggly Creek. She couldn't believe she'd been so besotted by Ed that she'd allowed herself to be manipulated by him. She could see it so clearly now. Cass had been right. A pang of regret interrupted Taylor's happy mood. She should ring Cass, tell her what had happened and apologise, explain she was going to stay and invite her friend back for another visit without it being overshadowed by Ed.

As she drew level with the winery sheds Pete came past in his ute. He pulled in beside her, engine idling.

“Good morning.” His face crinkled in a smile.

“Hello.” Her voice sounded so light in comparison to his deep, clear tone. Ed had a deep voice too. They both spoke well but where he sometimes was a bit lazy with word endings Pete's were always as clear as if he was reading the news on the ABC.

“Going to see Felicity?”

“Yes.”

“Good. She should have the paperwork organised. I asked her to get it ready yesterday.”

“Thanks.”

“Come into the lab once you've finished. I'll show you what I'd like you to do.”

“Okay.”

He adjusted the cap on his head, flashed her another brilliant smile and drove on.

That smile. It warmed her from the inside. She flicked the hair from her eyes. This couldn't be happening. Now that she was no longer infatuated by Ed she saw Pete in a different light – but she couldn't fall for him. That would be just too difficult. She liked it here, she needed a job, so she'd keep her distance. She straightened her shoulders and strode on towards the office. Time to face Felicity.

“Good morning,” she said as she pushed through the glass doors.

Felicity glanced up from her computer. “Morning,” she said and went on typing.

Taylor stood in the middle of the room and waited. Felicity kept on with whatever she was busily doing, the clack of the keyboard the only sound in the office. She paused, her fingers hovering over the keys.