Back on Track, page 20
“But for now we have this wonderful journey to experience, for which I’m most grateful to you for including me.”
“It was your idea and your generous gift of the voucher that convinced me to book.”
“And always so magnanimous. You’re one of a kind, Ketty.”
His fine words and slight accent still had the ability to make her feel special, as they always had. She looked down and flicked an imaginary speck from her trousers.
“How’s that other chap getting on?” Carlos asked. “Judith’s neighbour?”
“Dean? He’s fine, I assume.”
“He was the life of the party at Christmas. Do you know him well?”
“Not very. He lives in the apartment below Judith and she’s kind of adopted him when it comes to social events. I always enjoy his company.” Ketty tapped a finger to her chin. “He and Lacey started dating after that Christmas luncheon. I was pleased. They seemed so well suited but something’s happened and they’re not seeing each other any more. Such a shame.”
This time Carlos tutted as well as raising his eyebrows. “You can’t help yourself, can you?”
“I’ve no idea what you mean.”
He simply shook his head and she laughed.
“This is fun. It is good to have you here, Carlos.”
A call came over the intercom announcing the tours were ready to start.
“Our coach awaits,” he said.
Judith had been one of the first to get off the train. She put her head down and strode along the concourse, making for the line of buses. When she’d found hers, she’d waited close to the front door hoping Ketty hadn’t chosen this tour.
“You’re keen,” the smiling driver had said and let her aboard, where she’d made her way towards the back of the bus, slumped low onto a seat and kept her head down. She was still there, tucked away as people slowly filled up the bus, but thankfully so far no-one had asked to sit next to her. She was happy to keep to herself.
Through the window she could see people boarding the next bus. None of them were familiar. She was looking forward to taking a tour by herself. She pulled out her phone and turned it on in case she wanted to take photos. To her surprise a text message appeared on the screen. It was from Dean.
Hey Jude, she read then smiled. The text was brief. Hope train good. No luck yet with new digs. And that was it. Not even the smiley face that he usually added to his texts.
He’d lost his spark lately, no doubt worrying about accommodation or perhaps his break-up with Lacey. Judith tried not to think about that. She’d been secretly happy it hadn’t worked out – Dean could do better. But she felt for him. Lacey had been the first girl he’d been a bit serious about in a long time. It was just another reason for Judith to dislike Lacey, who was far too fickle to see how important the relationship had been to Dean.
The lack of new accommodation was of bigger concern. She thought about the letter she carried in her handbag. Silly to have brought it. It was like a smouldering fire needing only a little bit of oxygen to ignite it. She recalled the evening she’d received it, just a few short weeks ago. She’d read it in the fading light at the front entrance to her apartment block and her first impulse had been to screw it into a ball and toss it in the bin. Then she’d read it again, convincing herself it wasn’t as bad as she’d first thought and that her landlord only wanted her out temporarily while renovations were done. She’d even thought perhaps she’d be able to stay with Ketty for a while.
Despite its dilapidated state, Judith loved her apartment. It was in Randwick and as the crow flies it was straight across Centennial Park from Ketty’s place. Most days she walked to work. The forty minutes it took was good exercise and she caught the bus home in the afternoon, but that particular Friday night she’d had some errands to run along Oxford Street. She’d eaten a quick meal at the RSL and caught a taxi home. She’d been about to head upstairs to her apartment when she’d run into Dean.
twenty-six
The previous March – Randwick, Sydney
Dean’s apartment door opened and he rolled forward in his wheelchair.
“Hello, Jude. You’re late home. Been on a hot date?” He winked.
Judith ignored his teasing. “Where are you going at this time of night?”
“I’m heading out with some mates. Party’s just getting started.”
“At this hour you shouldn’t…” Her voice dwindled at his raised eyebrow. Who was she to tell him what to do?
“I can take care of myself, Jude.”
“I know I…” Judith flinched. “I didn’t mean you weren’t capable.”
“I know, you just worry about me.”
Dean smiled, but his eyes lacked their usual sparkle. His thick curls were unbrushed and he wore the same shirt and trousers she’d seen him in the day before. If only he’d tidy himself up he’d be positively handsome. It was only then she realised this was the first time in a long time she’d noticed him lacking in personal grooming.
“You often have dinner with Lacey on a Friday night, don’t you?”
His smile dissolved. “Not always.” He nodded at the envelope in her hand. “Hey, did you get one of those eviction notices too?”
Judith frowned. “Yes, but not renewing a lease isn’t quite the same as evicting.”
“I can’t see the difference.” He waved a hand at the door behind him. “Took me ages to find this place. It suits me fine and it’s close to work and transport. Don’t know what I’ll do for new digs.”
“I was hoping we’d only have to move out temporarily. There’d be a refurbishment and then an offer of renewal.”
“Nope. Grumble-guts asked the owners. Evidently they’re knocking the place down, building a bigger, fancier, new apartment block. We’re being evicted. And even if I had somewhere else to go in between I sure as hell wouldn’t be able to afford whatever they’re building to replace this. I’ve started looking for another place already.”
“My lease isn’t up for three months.”
“They’ll be pressuring you to get out before that. Evidently they’ve got a builder ready to go.”
Judith glanced around the foyer of the building that had been her home for more than twenty years – since she’d left her husband. Ketty had helped her find it, supported her emotionally and even financially in the early days. Judith had long since paid her back but the apartment was the only home she’d ever felt truly at peace in.
The building only housed five residences, three down and two up. Other tenants had come and gone over the years – the place opposite hers was currently empty. The dear lady who’d lived there had taken ill two months ago and gone into residential care. Judith had often shopped for her in the last year, helped get her to appointments, had regular cuppas and chats.
Judith drew herself up. Until she’d got that notice she’d assumed a new tenant hadn’t been found but when she read the letter she realised there would never be one.
“Maybe we could find a place together, Jude.” Dean’s grin was back.
It was something Judith might consider but she knew he was joking. He was very protective of his personal space and independence. Judith was too, but sharing with the right person in the right apartment or even a small house could work.
“We should keep in touch with any possibilities we see at least,” he said.
“Good idea.”
A taxi pulled up and he wheeled towards it.
“Night, Jude – don’t wait up,” he called.
She watched him manoeuvre out of his chair and fold it so it could fit easily in the back of the taxi. She wanted to tell him not to drink too much tonight. The last time he’d gone out with his mates he’d been so drunk he’d fallen out of his chair. That had been before Christmas, before he met Lacey. Once more Judith swallowed her thoughts and her words. She knew she’d be wasting her breath.
twenty-seven
Day Two – Alice Springs
The driver began to explain about the trip ahead, bringing Judith back to the present. She only half listened, recalling she’d run into Dean looking very much worse for wear late the next afternoon and over a shared coffee she’d found out he wasn’t going out with Lacey any more. He’d been the saddest she’d seen him and Lacey was to blame.
The bus moved off and she typed a quick reply to Dean and made sure her phone was on silent. She didn’t expect any calls or texts but she didn’t want to be one of those people. Ning’s phone was going every five minutes. It was so annoying.
The ride out took about twenty minutes with the driver commentating on the sights and what to expect once they got there. Judith relaxed and by the time the bus came to a stop she was looking forward to the hike ahead. The brochure had said it was a moderate walk and Judith enjoyed walking.
People at the front of the bus moved off and those closer to Judith stood to gather their things. One of them was very familiar. Judith slouched back in her seat. Lacey had been sitting a few seats in front of her and she hadn’t realised. Judith hung back, urging the couple beside her to go ahead. She just hoped there’d be several different groups and she wouldn’t be put with Lacey. That would really spoil her day.
Ketty stepped out from the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum into the bright sunlight of the courtyard garden. Carlos was having a good look inside the aircraft on display. Ketty had peered in but as his large frame almost filled the small space already crammed with medical paraphernalia, she’d left him to it. Ning was still wandering through the souvenir shop where Ketty had purchased a teaspoon and a tea towel. Both items would be useful and it was some small way of showing support to such a marvellous organisation. She’d had no idea how big the service was and the work it did.
She squinted and slipped on her sunglasses. The woman with the stick hadn’t been on their bus but she was sitting across the other side of the garden, her back to Ketty and on her own. It was too good an opportunity to miss.
Ketty had only taken two steps when Tien called to her. She was beckoning from her seat under a market umbrella, a hedge of plants with brilliant purple flowers behind her.
“Do come and sit, Miss Clift.”
Ketty gave a quick glance towards the woman with the stick, still sitting alone, then crossed the outdoor cafe area to join Tien.
“You should stay in the shade,” Tien said as Ketty sat. “Your skin gets thinner as you get older, you know, and you burn more easily.”
“I’ve applied sunscreen,” Ketty said, surprised to hear the curtness in her own voice. Why was it that conversations with Tien often left her feeling as if she’d suddenly lost the ability to take care of herself?
“Although on the other hand you do need some sunshine to make sure you have enough Vitamin D—”
“Aren’t the flowers pretty?” Ketty waved a hand at the wall of green and purple beside them. She was quite sure if Tien kept on down this path she’d have her wrapped in a blanket and using a wheeled walker.
“Yes. And the tour has been very interesting. I didn’t know about the School of the Air. And the Flying Doctor museum was so interesting. The hologram was amazing but a little creepy. That founder man seemed almost real.”
“John Flynn? It was clever, wasn’t it?”
“It was like he was really there talking to us.”
“A great way to share the history.”
“Yes.” Tien took a swig from her water bottle then took her time placing it back in the pocket of her bag.
“You’re enjoying the train so far?”
“I am. I’m sorry about the fuss I made about the cabin.”
“It’s all settled now.”
Tien lowered her voice. “But you have to share…with a…a man.”
“Carlos is not just any man. He’s a very old friend…almost like a brother.” Ketty fought the urge to laugh.
“I would not share one of those cabins with my brother.”
“It’s all right, Tien, truly. We’ve hardly spent any time in the jolly cabin.”
“Are you on the top bunk?”
Ketty nodded.
“Oh, please be careful. Lacey has taken our top bunk but I tested the stairs and—”
“The ladder is quite solid.”
“But so steep for the elderly.”
Ketty bristled. She was older than Tien, of course, but the way she said “elderly” made it sound like some kind of disease. Tien, like her neighbour Maurice, was pushing her too far. She’d been able to redirect Rory’s poor choice of name the previous night but she still wasn’t sure how to tackle Tien’s ageist remarks without hurting her feelings. She decided to change the subject.
“Tien, I’ve heard a little rumour among the staff.”
“Really?” Tien leaned closer.
“There seems to be a story that I’m going to retire.”
“Yes.” Tien nodded.
“It’s not true.”
Tien nodded again. “But you’ve been cutting back so…” She shrugged.
“No, I haven’t.”
Tien shrugged again.
“If you hear it mentioned please say it’s not true. It’s unsettling for everyone.”
“But at your age—”
“My age has nothing to do with it.” Ketty smiled but her voice was stern.
“You had that fall.”
“If you remember it was more of a trip.” That was Ketty’s recollection. She’d picked up one of the mannequins to put it in the dressing area for the mother of the bride who’d had an appointment early the next morning. It had been one of Ketty’s old dummies and much heavier than the newer versions. She’d been surprised by a gasp from Tien and her sudden grab at the mannequin. It had seesawed between them until Tien finally had the firmer hold, snatching away the weight and off-centring Ketty. She shoved out her arm to steady herself but the wall was further away than she thought and she’d hit it at an angle with a thud. “It was an accident. Something that could have happened to anyone.”
“But elderly bones break more easily. My grandmother—”
“Really, Tien, I could have managed shifting the mannequin on my own and all would have been perfectly fine if you hadn’t interfered.” Ketty paused. That had come out more forcefully than she’d intended.
Tien gaped at her. “You’re saying your broken wrist was my fault.”
“Not at all. I’m saying it was an accident. They happen, no matter your age.”
“But if it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t have broken your wrist.” Tien pressed her fingers to her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m not blaming you. I’m just trying to explain—”
Tien shot to her feet. “Excuse me, Miss Clift. I need to find the bathroom.”
Before Ketty could stop her, Tien strode away. Ketty tapped her fingers on the table. How had the conversation gone from her refuting her retirement to Tien thinking she was being accused of breaking Ketty’s wrist? Ketty would have to smooth those waters quickly. When Tien became fixated on something it was hard to budge her. Hopefully Ketty could seek her out again in a while when she’d calmed a little. Ketty turned to search the other side of the courtyard. The woman with the stick was gone. “Bother.”
“Is something wrong?” Ning sat on the seat Tien had just vacated.
“No.” Ketty took out her water bottle. “The heat here makes me extra thirsty. Did you enjoy the museum?”
“Yes, so very interesting, and look.” Ning pulled a small fluffy toy from her bag. “It’s a pilot koala.”
Ketty smiled. “For the baby?”
Ning nodded and tucked it away.
“You’re not leaving work because you’re unhappy, are you, Ning?” If there were issues between Judith and Lacey she hadn’t known about maybe there were others.
“Of course not.” Ning looked startled. “I told you it’s to help with the baby.”
“So things at work are okay?”
Ning nodded, a perplexed look on her face.
“You’ve been with me a long time, a part of Ketty Clift Couture – you don’t think I’m…well, that I’m losing my touch, do you?”
“Oh, Ketty, no, no, no!” Ning shook her head fiercely then paused, her head to one side. “Are you worried about those two customers we lost?”
“Not specifically. People are free to choose.”
“They’d both been with us a long time.”
“Hmm.”
“Have you seen Judith today?”
“No.” Ketty shook her head and if the truth be told she was glad. Apart from Tien’s upset she’d been enjoying herself. Sadly, being with Judith would put a cloud over everything.
Ning leaned in. “I think she’s embarrassed and doesn’t know how to fix things between you.”
“Fix things?”
“She told me she’d said some things about Carlos.”
Just at that moment Carlos appeared from the museum exit.
Ketty snapped up straight. “I really don’t think Carlos nor I need to be the subject of gossip.” Carlos saw her and began to walk in her direction.
“Of course, I only said she—”
“I’m sorry, Ning, but I’d rather we didn’t discuss this any further.”
Ning pursed her lips and her shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry, I—”
“Here you are.” Carlos arrived at the table. “Those RFDS planes are maravilloso.”
“You were certainly taken with them.”
“So amazing. They’re like flying hospitals. Better than what we had on cruise ships.”
“There’s Tien.” Ning jumped up. “Please take my seat, Carlos. I’ll go and show her my purchase.”
Carlos lowered himself to the chair. “Sorry, did I interrupt something?”
“I’m losing my touch.” Ketty pressed a hand to her cheek. “Perhaps they’re right, I’m getting older.”
“My dear Ketty, every one of us is getting older.”
“Maybe too old then.”
“Too old for what?”
“Managing my business, my staff.”
Carlos pushed back against his seat, a frown creasing his handsome face. “Who told you such nonsense?”
