Head for the Hills, page 20
“The more the merrier.”
Margot eyeballed her sister. She was still being very exuberant. So not like her.
Roslyn gave a quick clap of her hands. “I was speaking to Jerome earlier and he sends his love to you all.”
Margot was distracted by a squeal from Isabella as she joined her cousins in the pool. The water looked inviting and the children were having so much fun. She watched them a moment, casting the odd look in the direction of the cottage. Only the roof was visible beyond the garden that ran along the back of the pool but she hadn’t noticed a car there when they’d crossed the driveway. She hoped that meant Amber was at work or out somewhere, but she couldn’t help moving a little further across the yard to get a better look.
“Amber’s not coming, if that’s what you’re jittery about.” Roslyn’s voice came from behind her.
Margot brushed a hand across the low hedge of lavender that edged the lawn. “Just looking at your garden.”
“Of course you are.” Roslyn quirked an eyebrow. “Amber’s at work but if she’s still staying in the cottage at Christmas—”
“She’ll be here that long!”
“She could be. It’s only a week-and-a-half away. I thought I’d ask her to join our family for lunch.”
Margot forgot about the knot in her stomach and pictured the sullen-faced girl Roslyn had taken in. “I don’t mind being hospitable but that girl is most unpleasant.”
“I don’t think life’s been easy for her.”
“Please don’t play the ‘I’ve had a tough life so I can behave badly’ card. She spilled food in my lap at the hotel and carried on as if it was my fault. She almost threw the remains at Dennis.”
“Did she?”
Margot pursed her lips. Roslyn’s tone was patronising, as if Margot couldn’t be believed.
“She might not want to join us,” Roslyn went on. “But I’d like to offer the invitation.”
“Sounds like you’re going to whether I agree or not.”
Roslyn’s face softened. “What’s going on, Margot? You’re jumpy and it’s not like you to be uncharitable.”
Margot drew in a deep breath. The knot was still there, tight in her stomach. “I may as well get this over and done with.”
“What?”
Margot didn’t answer her sister but headed back towards the rest of the family, who were chatting animatedly. She stopped at the end of the table and called for their attention as Roslyn joined her.
“Sorry to interrupt but I’ve an announcement to make.”
“That sounds very official, Mum,” Emily said. She lifted Henry from the edge of the pool, where she’d been dipping his feet in the water.
“It’ll be about food,” Dennis chuckled. “You’ve made more than you admitted, haven’t you, Margot? I saw all sorts in the fridge before we left.”
She gritted her teeth. Everything Dennis said lately annoyed her.
“You look so serious.” Geraldine’s eyes were wide with alarm. “You’ve got some nasty illness!”
“No, no.” Margot waved a hand at Geraldine. “This is about me and council.”
“You’re not going to stand against me, are you?” Cam grimaced.
“Of course not.” Margot managed a smile. “I think you’ll make a great councillor.” She took another deep breath as the knot threatened to twist her in half. “I am plan—”
“I know.” Dennis put up a hand. “You’re running for mayor.” He laughed at his joke and there were several other chuckles and titters.
The knot in Margot’s stomach unravelled and erupted in a fount of anger. She cleared her throat loudly. “You’re right, Dennis, I am.”
He laughed again but this time no-one else did. He sat up straight. “You can’t be serious.”
Margot swallowed, the barb of his words stabbing all the way down. “I am.”
Everyone spoke at once then, asking why, when and how. “Give Mum a chance.” Nick’s voice was the loudest.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, actually.” She’d decided to find out more and had got up the courage to ring Esther.
“But you’re the least political person I know.”
Dennis’s astonishment undermined Margot. “It’s not about politics,” she stuttered.
The silence around her was only punctuated by the splashing and laughing in the pool.
“Quite right, Margot.” Cam was the one to come to her defence. “The mayor’s role is more about being an adviser and a figurehead – running the meetings, liaising with the CEO, performing ceremonial and civic duties and a whole lot of other stuff.”
“You really want to do that, Mum?” Nick’s question had a worried edge to it. “I know I suggested it the other day but I was only jok…” His voice trailed off as Margot pinned him with a glare.
“It’s certainly something different,” Geraldine said.
Roslyn looked down her nose at Margot. “It would be a challenging undertaking.” Margot hated it when she put on the wiser-big-sister hat.
“You’d have to chair meetings, know the protocol,” Dennis said.
“I have been on council before,” Margot snapped.
“And she did lead the local Red Cross group very capably for years.” Geraldine nodded sagely at him.
“And organised local businesses to donate leftover food to the Hills Community Hub’s meals and cooking programs as well as running the odd cooking class.”
Margot was relieved Kayla was on her side. She opened her mouth but Dennis cut her off.
“You hate the limelight, Margot. You avoid public speaking.”
“I managed it at the town meeting.”
“Asking a question isn’t much of a big deal,” Dennis scoffed. “Even Thelma asked a question.”
The tight knot in Margot’s stomach that had surged with anger sank back in a queasy slosh of unease. She looked at each of them, either worried or surprised expressions on their faces except for Dennis. He simply looked smug. The bravado she’d been building all week as she’d read through the requirements, explored the role, imagined what she could bring to it, deserted her now. “I thought at least my family would support me.”
“Remember how relieved you were when your term was up last time?” Dennis said, more subdued now. “It’s not that you’re not capable, Margot, you’re just not suited to it.”
She stared at the bottom of her empty glass. Dennis was right. She couldn’t even convince her own family of her potential – how could she convince the voters of the region? A wave of embarrassment swept her.
“Is there more wine?” She turned to her sister. “I’d like another glass.”
Roslyn frowned. “That bottle’s empty but there’s plenty more inside.”
Margot spun on her heel and strode off. Behind her, Dennis called her in a cajoling tone, other voices murmured. Roslyn spoke over them all. “I think it’s time to get the meat on please, Dennis.”
“Kids! Too much splashing,” Nick called over squeals of excitement. “Keep the water in the pool.”
Margot let herself into the house and shut the door on the lot of them.
Roslyn stared after her sister. They were close but there were still times Margot surprised her. It had never crossed Roslyn’s mind that her little sister would be interested enough in the role of mayor to actually stand. Roslyn felt she should have handled it better. After all, she was the eldest.
“Oh dear. Margot’s upset now,” Geraldine said as she took a large handful of potato chips.
“Poor Mum.” Emily pouted.
“She’ll calm down,” Dennis said. “You know how she hates confrontation.” He waved a hand in the direction Margot had gone. “Case in point.”
He’d been Margot’s harshest critic and his placating tone annoyed Roslyn. She pinned him with a stern look. “We focused on the negatives rather than the positives.”
“She did do a good job of rallying everyone over the hotel business.” Bits of chip flew from Geraldine’s mouth and she put a hand up to cover it. “Sorry.”
Emily groaned. “We shouldn’t have turned on her like that.”
“Don’t include me in your sweeping statement,” Cam said. “I think she’d do a great job.”
“We weren’t very supportive, were we?” Nick pulled the ring top from his beer. “Should someone…” He cast a worried look towards the house.
“Let her cool down a minute then I’ll go in,” Dennis said.
“I’ll go,” Roslyn said. “If you get the barbecue started, I’ll get the meat for you.” She set off before Dennis could stop her.
Roslyn stepped inside to find Margot with her back to the door staring at the ducks on the wall in the sitting room, a full glass of wine in her hand.
“Are these new?” Margot said over her shoulder.
“Gunter gave them to me.”
“I thought they were familiar.”
“You found the wine.”
“Yes, something I’m capable of, at least.” Margot turned, her jaw jutting out just like it had when she was a child and didn’t get her own way, which hadn’t been often.
“It’s not that I don’t think you’re capable, it’s just not something I thought you’d…” Roslyn screwed up her nose. “Be interested in.”
“Sometimes you can be wrong, you know.”
Roslyn ignored the sarcasm. “If you’re elected mayor, you won’t be able to run off when people have different views to yours.”
“I didn’t run off. I walked away to get a glass of wine. I needed time to rethink. I had imagined my own family would be full of support instead of shooting me down in flames.”
“We didn’t all—”
“Too challenging for me, you said.”
“I didn’t—”
“Dennis I’ll deal with later but you’re my sister, Roslyn. I thought you’d be supportive in this.”
“I am.” Roslyn huffed. “You can’t have a hissy fit over a disagreement. There’ll be plenty of those with council.”
“I know that.”
“And if you think by being mayor you’ll be able to have some influence on the hotel project, I think you’ll be mistaken.”
“Of course you would.”
“You can’t be prejudicial if you’re mayor.”
“That’s you to a tee, isn’t it, Roslyn. Assuming I’m not up to the job. Why don’t you run for mayor? After all, you know everything, don’t you.”
Roslyn sighed and shook her head. “It’s this kind of emotional outburst that won’t do you any good. And you hate conflict.”
Margot drew herself up, her wine threatening to slop over the rim of the overfilled glass. “I do but I’ve been working on that. I’ve sure been getting plenty of chances to practise.” She glared at Roslyn. “And that doesn’t mean I can’t have a level head and engage in a sensible discussion.”
“I never said you couldn’t.”
Margot snorted and took a slug from her glass.
Roslyn ignored her and lifted the trays of meat from the fridge. When she turned back, Margot was staring at her resolutely from the other end of the bench.
“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” Roslyn asked.
“I am.”
“Then of course you have my support.”
“Thank you.” Margot picked up the trays of meat, juggling her glass of wine as she set off for the door. “You might want to check your garlic bread. Smells like it’s burning to me.”
Roslyn detected the strong scent of well-cooked bread as the back door shut with a thud. She flung open her oven and flapped at the cloud of smoke that swirled towards her.
“Damn and blast,” she muttered as she pulled the tray from the oven.
twenty-two
Margot took another sip of the chardonnay Roslyn had produced from her cellar. The fruity flavour rolled smoothly over her tongue and left a toasty oak finish. She nestled back in the sagging director’s chair and surveyed her family still gathered around the outdoor table.
When she’d returned after thumbing her nose at them for their lack of support they’d all been apologetic and offered in various ways to throw themselves behind her mayoral campaign. Dennis’s apology had still held a hint of condescension but they could talk later. Margot hadn’t wanted to interrupt the evening again since everyone had relaxed and moved on to chatting about other things.
The night had turned balmy and there’d been no need to go inside. When the meat was cooked they’d topped up their glasses and stayed put. After their swim, some food and a vigorous game of hide-and-seek in the garden, the three older children were sprawled on a rug on the lawn watching a movie on Roslyn’s tablet. Henry had fallen asleep in his mother’s arms and the adults were at various stages of relaxation.
“That was a delicious meal, thank you, Roslyn,” Geraldine said.
“I must say I did enjoy those rissoles.” Dennis smacked his lips. “You’ll have to give Margot the recipe.”
“You’ll need to ask Kev if he’ll part with it,” Roslyn said. “I bought them from his butcher shop.”
“The cheesecake was good, Mum,” Emily said.
“So tasty,” Kayla agreed, which was the most enthusiasm Margot had received from her all evening.
“I found the recipe online,” Margot said. “I’ll send you the link.”
“I hate to break up the party but we should get these kids home to bed,” Emily said and called Isabella, who wailed her annoyance at missing the end of the movie.
“It’s great you’re running for mayor, Mum.”
Emily’s words and hug warmed Margot, building her fragile confidence a little.
“Let’s catch up one night and talk campaign strategies,” Cam said as he brushed a kiss over her cheek.
Geraldine said her goodbyes. “I’m not sure I can make the meeting about the hotel this week. I’ll let you know.” She glanced at Dennis. “My car’s not reliable.”
“We’ll be sorting that very soon,” he said with a pat on her shoulder.
“Is the meeting something I should know about?” Roslyn asked.
“I wish you were on Facebook – you’d get all the messages then,” Margot said.
“Or you could just tell me.”
Margot sighed. “There’s a meeting Tuesday night in the small dining room at the pub so that I can explain what I found out from my visit to council and to plan next steps.”
“Busy time of year to be calling meetings,” Roslyn said.
Margot hadn’t thought of that. There was a lot on.
“I think we should head home too, Margot.” Dennis picked up the esky. “I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”
“All right.” Margot glanced at Nick and Kayla, who hadn’t moved. “I guess it is getting late.”
“There’s only fifteen minutes left on the movie,” Nick said. “No school tomorrow.”
“Of course.” Margot tousled the damp hair on her grandsons’ heads. “I’d forgotten the school holidays have started.”
The boys gave her quick bleary-eyed smiles before locking their gazes back on the screen. Nick and Kayla both offered cheeks for her to kiss.
She squeezed Nick’s shoulder. “Talk soon.”
Dennis said a general goodnight and turned for home. “Come on, Margot.”
“Thanks for a lovely night, Roslyn.” Margot hugged her sister and set off after her husband. She was determined they’d be having a good talk tonight before anyone’s head hit the pillow.
Roslyn sat back in her chair. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Kayla smiled but Nick shook his head with a frown.
“It’s as if we never discussed them helping us out with finance for the business.”
“They’re not going to talk about it while everyone’s here. Anyway, we’ve sorted that out between us. The paperwork’s signed – I’ll transfer the money on Monday.”
Nick sighed. “Thanks, Roslyn.”
“We really appreciate it.” Kayla nodded. “It means I can go back to uni part time.”
“I’m glad I was able to help.” Roslyn batted a hand at them. She still felt guilty she was going behind Margot’s back but what good was money if she couldn’t help family? And the wider community, which was what she needed to investigate further. “Can you stay a little longer? I’d really like to finish the conversation we started before your parents arrived.”
Nick looked to Kayla.
“The boys will be fine,” she said. “They can sleep in tomorrow.”
“Great.” Roslyn leaned in. “I was hoping you could fill me in a bit more on the running of the Hills Community Hub.”
“I only volunteer there.”
“Which means you’ll know far more than me about it. As I said, I’ve been investigating possible solutions for Amber. I’m not sure what will become of her once she can’t work. She’ll have a new baby to look after and she doesn’t have a lot of basic cooking and home skills.”
“She might like the young mums group. It’s a morning tea and a chat session. It’s run by volunteers. I’m one of them. We try to keep it informal but we discuss all sorts from caring for kids to basic healthy cooking and budgeting. There’s also a community cafe. They run hospo training sessions from time to time: barista courses, table service, operating a till, that sort of thing.”
“She’s obviously got some skills if she’s working for Fred,” Nick said. “He runs a tight ship.”
“I think she’s a hard worker for sure,” Roslyn agreed. “But I’m not sure how well she eats and parenting on her own won’t be easy.”
“We offer support with those things.” Kayla took out her phone. “I’ll send you a link to our website.”
“Do you have many people come along?”
“Sometimes it feels like the need far outweighs our capacity.”
“Who funds it?”
“Donations mostly. Some people are very generous. And we attract some government funding.”
“Sounds like it’s a bit precarious to maintain.”
“It is. And the demand for our services grows each week, but we do our best.”
“And who’s actually in charge?”
