Eliza's eyes sparkled. "A brother. Nice, how old is he?"
"A bit too young for you I would have thought, only seventeen."
"Oh well, I'm not much older really, only recently turned eighteen so it's not like I would be cradle snatching or anything. Who knows, I might meet someone I don't know tomorrow. You never know your luck. It will be good to see you there though and meet your brother. There is a lack of young people in this area, at least unattached young people."
"Um, Mason." Sami took another look at the back view and decided she loved the look. "He's unattached isn't he?"
"Kind of but he's not in my league if you know what I mean and he's too old for me anyway. He's more your age."
"Sure as hell isn't in my league either, just quietly." She smiled. "Thanks for your help, I'll take everything."
"Cool, I'll ring it all up."
When Sami walked out of the shop it was with the promise of catching up the next day with her new friend so she could be introduced to more of the locals. She headed to the chemist where she purchased red nail polish to match her pants before going back home. There was work to do and she had spent enough time in town.
On the drive back, Sami had time to savour the landscape. They now lived in a beautiful part of Australia and the difference to their old home town was striking. Already leaves were blowing on the rich green grass so foreign to the red dust she was used to.
Signs for the vineyard trails were posted out of town and she counted how many wineries there were between the township and the farm. It was a wonder they made any money if there were so many of them in such a small place. Maybe she would ask Mason how it all worked, not that she would put herself out to do it only if it came up in conversation and for her own interest.
Garth was in the kitchen when she got home, pouring over some cookbooks he had found somewhere.
"What are you doing?" She dumped her bags on the table and rested her arm over his shoulder.
"Thinking about how to cook this side of pork for dinner. This book was in the hallway bookcase. Pretty nice," he pointed at a recipe, "What do you think?"
"Sure. Whatever your heart desires."
He grinned at her, and Sami knew she would eat whatever he put in front of her. "You could show some interest in what you eat you know."
"Why, food is fuel. It's all I care about, you know that. And I know you won't feed me rubbish so why should I worry?"
"Because there is more to life than work. Did you buy anything nice for tomorrow?" He nodded his head at her purchases.
"Yes I did and I met one of the locals who as it just so happens, will be there tomorrow too. Eliza lives down the road from us and can't wait to meet you." She grabbed her bags from the table and smiled at the pink tinge rushing up to her brother’s cheeks. Sami laughed out loud and headed down to her room.
* * *
Mason woke with a tinge of anticipation when Saturday dawned bright and sunny. He loved this annual occasion but this year his mind was on more than showing off his wines. This year he had invited someone different. Someone who knew nothing about him and wasn't part of the usual crowd.
Today he could show off his pride and joy to Sami. When what she thought had become so important to him he couldn't say. It just was, and that was okay with him. He enjoyed her spirit and fight. She wasn't flamboyant or jaded. Fresh as a daisy, Sami had swept into the Hunter Valley and here she was planning to stay regardless of how much his father pushed her.
Mason thought it would be great if they could get on a bit better and it was more than possible if she could stop and breathe instead of snapping at him so much. He threw his blanket off and strode naked into the sandstone bathroom. The view from the long glass window overlooking the valley never ceased to take his breath away.
Flicking on the mixer in the shower, Mason stepped under the hot spray and sighed with pleasure. It was incredible to stand under the water and overlook his vines. Almost as good as having an outdoor bathroom, only warmer in the winter.
When he had finished dressing, he leaned on the kitchen counter going over his list one final time making sure he had forgotten nothing. The caterers were due any time to set up the spit roast and he had to prepare the wines that needed chilling. The bottles of red were all in place thanks to James being so organised yesterday.
The temporary stage was set up under the huge oak tree by the cellar ready for the band. Lawns were clipped and gardens tidied to within an inch of their lives. Seating had been placed casually through the garden with small tables spread around. The children's activities were all under control and he was happy. Everything was planned as he liked it.
All of the people who counted were invited and had responded—the wine club members, his neighbours and the townsfolk. It should be a good party. One of his favourite days of the season and getting more popular as the years passed.
Opening the back door he headed out to the stable to take off Caesar's blanket and let him out into the paddocks. His stallion nuzzled his neck nipping the skin before Mason pushed him away with a laugh.
"Away with you, you sneak. I know what you want and you can wait until later for your apples. Go on, outside in the sunshine, go." He slapped the horse’s rump and watched him
