“We’ve got to do something to reverse the damage to your reputation.”
“Still not throwing Rick under the bus.” I cross my arms and face Nigel. “In the scheme of things, a warning for cannabis possession shouldn’t be the end of my career. In my circles, it’s almost a given. Yeah, I fucked up the trust and weakened the warnings about staying away from drugs, but what’s done is done. Listen, Nige, I’ll double down on doing everything I can for positive publicity, but I don’t want this to overshadow the music.”
Music iseverything. All I’ve ever wanted to do is write and play my songs.
Nigel nods slowly. “Okay, work your magic and focus on showcasing your talent. You’ll shine up there on stage. I’ll see what I can do about the rest of the stuff.”
My nerves spike at the mention of performing. Hundreds of adoring fans, all vying for my attention. Their shrill screams echoing in my head…
But at least I’m getting back to what matters—the music.
Chapter Two
Kyle
Inevergetsickof the sight of the vineyard, row after row of vines stretching out before me with the mountains in the distance. This time of year the leaves of the once lush green vines are turning shades of orange and brown, the fruit picked and the frantic pace of harvest behind us. I dig the toe of my boot into the rich soil and inhale the scent of damp earth.
“Hey, little brother!” John calls out, his voice booming across the vineyard.
I turn to see him striding towards me, a grin plastered on his face, the farm dogs trailing behind.
“Hey, John,” I reply, taking off my Akubra and pushing my hair back off my face. “Did you get finished slashing the back paddock?”
“Sure did,” he says, coming to a stop beside me. The sweat glistens on his face, his eyes shielded by the hat pulled low over his brow. He’s always been the more robust one, with arms thick and muscled from years of hard work on the family vineyard.
“You get everything done you needed to do out here?”
“Nearly.” I lean against one of the wooden posts that separate each row of vines, and gesture to my left. “Only a couple more rows to go. I’ll get it done tomorrow.”
“So you’re ready to call it a day?”
“Absolutely. It’s been a long day.”
“Tell me about it.” He chuckles, ruffling my hair affectionately.
It’s a gesture he’s done since we were kids, and it makes me smile even as I duck then jam my hat back on my head. “But you know what they say—no rest for the wicked. Thank God it’s a labour of love.”
He laughs. It was an expression our dad used to say all the time. Working a vineyard isn’t for the faint of heart—up at the crack of dawn through all seasons and all weather.
“Truer words have never been spoken,” he says, looking around at the vines surrounding us. “But all the hard work pays off. This year’s harvest was a good one. You’ve worked hard and did an awesome job, Kyle. You’ve really stepped up these past few years.”
“Thanks,” I mumble, feeling my cheeks heat at the compliment. “But I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Of course not,” he teases, giving me a playful nudge with his elbow. “We’re in it together.”
We share a laugh as we head back to the homestead. It’s moments like these that remind me of how lucky I am to have John by my side—not just as a brother, but as a friend and confidant as well. He’s always been my rock—both protective and supportive in everything I do. Our bond is something special, and I couldn’t have asked for a better brother.
The sun sinks low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the vineyard as John and I make our way up the long driveway. I’ve always loved this time of day, when the sun throws long shadows, and everything is bathed in the soft light. It’s almost as if the sun is blessing the vineyard and the sunset is like a reward for the hard day’s work.
“Kyle, have you ever thought about getting out more?” John asks suddenly, his voice breaking through my thoughts.
“Getting out? What do you mean?”
“You know, doing something different,” he continues. “It worries me that you’ve devoted your life to this vineyard and I don’t want to be holding you back.”
“I go out.”
“I don’t mean a casual beer with your mates, or watching the footy. Maybe going to a party or hanging out with some new people?”
