“Sorry.” Falk shook his head. “Go on.”
“Well, the thing is, the business is bigger than it used to be. It’s outgrowing the setup I’ve got, so I’m having to start to think ahead. I’ve got Shane, obviously, and the casuals and seasonal teams, but I need someone else year-round. Steady pair of hands to help me and Shane—”
“With what, though?”
“God, all of it.” Charlie laughed. “If you can find your way around a spreadsheet and a tractor, we’d keep you busy, don’t worry about that. It doesn’t have to be a boss-employee thing, either, if that’s what you’re worried about. We could do a contractor arrangement if you want. That’s what Shane has. I could pull together some numbers, see if it’s even in the ballpark for you.”
“Charlie, mate, I know nothing about wine.”
“I can tell that.” But he was smiling. “It’s agricultural at this end, anyway, but to be honest, it’s better to have people who aren’t too fond of the finished product.” Charlie looked at Falk and shrugged. “I dunno, mate, I realize it’s a bit out of the blue. But from what Greg’s told me over the years, you’d be good. There’s nothing in this business you couldn’t learn if you wanted to.”
“What about Shane? What would he think?” Falk wondered why he was even asking.
“Shane’s the one who suggested it. I know how he seems, but he’s a lot more switched on than he comes across sometimes. Can spot an opportunity when he sees it.”
Falk considered that.
“I’m not an accountant, you know,” Falk said. “Seriously. It’s one thing helping Shane out with a couple of invoices, but I’m not trained or qualified. That’s not what I do.”
“Understood,” Charlie said. “I bet you’re good at dealing with them, though.”
Falk had to smile at that. He said nothing for a minute, instead looking down the shady street at the town beyond. At the junction, a woman greeted a couple with delight as they spotted each other crossing the road. Beyond, three old men sitting outside the pub were arguing good-naturedly, cold beers in front of them. The afternoon sky was a dazzling blue above and on the far-off horizon, the rolling hills sat lazy and lush.
“No offense if you’re not keen,” Charlie said, and Falk could tell he meant it.
“It’s not that. It’s—” Falk stopped. What was it? So many things. He shrugged. “I mean, when did you last consider uprooting your life?”
“Well, never.” Charlie grinned and waved toward the town, the clear sky, the green hills, the flourishing vineyards invisible beyond. “But I already get to live here.”
Falk smiled. “I suppose that’s true.”
“Anyway—” Charlie pulled the truck door open now. “No pressure. Just wanted to flag it. Just in case.”
“Okay. Thank you,” Falk said. “Really. The vineyard’s great. And I appreciate the offer.”
“You don’t need to thank me, you’d be helping me out, too.” Charlie started the engine and raised a hand out of the window. “Take some time. Mull it over.”
Falk watched him pull away, and then stood for a while on the peaceful shady street. He didn’t need any time, because he didn’t need to consider it. But as he walked to his own car and drove to Gemma’s house, Falk wasn’t entirely surprised to find he could think about nothing else.
31
Joel answered the door. Falk had pulled up outside Gemma’s cottage, parking in the shade of the eucalyptus trees, and sat there for a while, listening to the soft sounds of the leaves rustling around him. Eventually, he’d gotten out and rung the bell.
“Hey. Gemma’s on her way.” Joel stepped back to let Falk into the hall. He had his thumb wedged between the pages of a novel. “She texted to say you might get here first. You want a drink or something?”
“No, you’re all right. Thanks, mate.”
Falk followed him through to the kitchen, where Joel filled a glass of water from the tap. He drank deeply, downing half of it in one go, then swallowed. “You and Gemma heading out somewhere?”
“Yeah.” Falk hesitated. “What are you up to?”
“I’m covering a first-aid shift at the festival, so don’t worry.” Joel gulped the rest of his water and flashed a grin. “You don’t have to invite me along.”
Falk smiled back. “Our loss.” He was glad, though. It wouldn’t have been the end of the world, but he hadn’t really planned for a three-person event.
“Even if I wasn’t working, I should probably be studying, anyway.”Joel sighed and tossed the book he’d been reading faceup on the counter. On the cover was a pale watercolor picture of a girl in a long dress and a bonnet.
“When do exams start?”
