Chapter 7
As Lisa entered the house, Harper noticed Georgia smirk before her face transformed into a gentle welcoming smile, while Brookes looked even more uncomfortable than before. After a moment of small talk, Leo, Tyler and Zoe took it as an opportunity to go outside, with Rover in tow. Lisa’s appearance gave Harper the much-needed opportunity to process the news they’d just received before she said anything else.
A property owned by her and Brookes — it was preposterous. Hugh had to have made a mistake, maybe he was not of sound mind when he drew up the Will. Someone was probably going to contest it. He would have to have a family who would, someone who thought that the property should be left to them. It’s not like Harper and Brookes were related to Hugh in any way. What in the world had the old man been thinking?
‘Lisa, would you like a glass of wine?’ Georgia asked, standing up. ‘We’ve a couple of bottles open. I’m just going to fix up the dessert. Brookes, why don’t you refill the glasses?’
Harper thought she saw Brookes and Georgia exchange glances, but she could have been mistaken. Did she really need another glass of wine? Brookes poured it and handed them their glasses. She took a sip and left it at that, preferring to have a clear head for the questions she wanted to ask later.
‘Good to see you, Brookes,’ Lisa said, touching him on the shoulder where her hand lingered. He stiffened, and moved away.
‘I ran into Lisa in town today,’ Harper said, trying to dispel some of the discomfort floating through the room.
‘I’m going to help Georgia with dessert,’ Brookes said and disappeared into the kitchen.
Lisa raised an eyebrow. ‘Does he seem uptight or what?’
‘It’s Brookes,’ Harper said. She remembered him to always be cool-headed, although that disappeared when something bothered him, as it appeared to be doing so now. The news they both got was nothing that they could have imagined, so his reaction wasn’t a surprise.
‘You look a little, I don’t know, not yourself either. Is everything okay? Did you guys have a family fight or something?’
‘Oh no, no fights. It’s nothing.’ Except it wasn’t nothing. And while she had looked forward to Lisa stopping by to break up any awkwardness that might have arisen at dinner, she now wished that she hadn’t invited her at all as the myriad of questions grew with each passing moment.
She had things to discuss with Brookes. With her planning to leave tomorrow, they would have to reach a decision immediately, otherwise she would have to prolong her stay, and that was the last thing she wanted to do — although that now seemed like the inescapable outcome.
‘This wine is really lovely. Is it from this estate?’
‘Mathers Vineyard.’ The name felt strange going through her lips. Mathers Vineyard was hers and Brookes’ now. It seemed surreal.
‘It’s lovely. Shame old Mathers died. He definitely had a knack for wine making. I heard he was going to expand. I wonder what’s going to happen to it now.’
‘Hmm, I really don’t know.’ She wasn’t about to tell her about the new owners so she changed subjects and focused on Lisa. ‘Earlier you started talking about a new project. What are your next steps with it?’
‘I’m not sure it’s going to work out.’
‘What? Only this afternoon you were so excited about it. What happened?’
‘The financing fell through. I got the call not long after I saw you. The economy is tough at the moment. I guess banks don’t want to take the risk.’
‘What were you looking to finance?’
‘I wanted to start a bed-and-breakfast. People are flocking here every week. I saw a gap in the market and thought I’d give it a go. We’ve got some land at the back of the property that could have been utilised to build a few cabins.’
‘I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. Maybe give it a few months and try again.’
‘Maybe. It’s much easier if you have someone to do it with.’
‘Sometimes. Sometimes it’s a hindrance.’
Brookes stood at the door. He didn’t look impressed. What did he expect? That she’d be overjoyed to own a property with him?
‘Dessert is ready.’
Lisa smiled at him, but he didn’t smile back. Instead, he took his seat and dug into the apple pie.
Harper wondered if there was something going on between Lisa and Brookes. Had they dated? Were they dating? It shouldn’t have bothered her, but the idea made her sick to her stomach. Jealousy. She hadn’t felt that emotion in a long time. She brushed it off and sat down. She had no right to feel jealous. Their relationship ended the day she left town six years ago.
Lisa went to sit down next to Brookes. A few moments later, Leo, Tyler and Zoe were back at the table. They didn’t look any more pleased than when they had left. Whatever they had been talking about, they hadn’t reached a happy resolution.
‘Lisa, how are your parents?’
‘Fine. They’re travelling around Europe for the next few months.’
‘I haven’t seen them in a while. Please send my regards.’
‘Of course. I’m hoping to fix up a few things around the house while they’re gone.’
‘That’s good of you. I’m sure if you need a pair of strong hands, one of the lads will be more than happy to lend a helping hand.’
Lisa’s gaze shifted towards Brookes.
‘If you need any tools, let me know,’ Leo said.
Harper watched the atmosphere shift as Lisa turned and smiled. ‘Thanks Leo, I’ll definitely be taking you up on that.’
‘Well, let’s dig in. This pie will not eat itself,’ Georgia said digging her spoon in and taking a mouthful.
Harper did the same. As soon as the food hit her mouth, the flavours burst and she ate more. It didn’t take long for her plate to finish. No one talked. Everyone had the same thing on their mind. Everyone had questions for Georgia, but no one would dare ask with Lisa present. Anything they wanted to know would have to wait.
‘Kids, I’m knackered. Why don’t you tidy up after dinner? I’ll see you in the morning,’ Georgia said and stood up.
‘I’ll do it,’ Brookes offered. He was always one to help first, especially if it meant getting out of an uncomfortable situation.
‘I can help,’ Lisa offered.
Georgia pursed her lips. ‘Very well then.’ Her gaze shifted towards Harper. ‘Let’s all chip in.’
The clean-up was equally awkward. There was small talk between them all, but no one was bringing up the elephant in the room. That was going to have to wait for later.
Zoe was the first to disappear into her room, followed by Tyler. Leo went outside to sort through the rubbish and check on the vineyard. Then there was Harper, Brookes and Lisa. It was only when Brookes announced he was leaving that Lisa decided to go, too. Harper couldn’t help but wonder whether they were going to meet up afterwards. That pang of jealousy loomed and she didn’t like it.
She walked both of them to the door, but Brookes was in a hurry, and he grabbed Rover and jumped into his car before Harper could say anything at all. Lisa just shrugged and gave Harper a hug.
‘Sorry if I intruded. I feel as if I interrupted something.’
‘It’s nothing, really. It was good to see you.’
‘Yeah, you too.’
Harper waited on the veranda until Lisa was in her car, driving away. She stood there staring at the vineyards and the moonless sky as a chill came over her.