Birds of a Feather, page 31
“Goliath,” the guy said proudly.
“He should grow into it,” Eve chuckled. “May I pat him?”
“Of course.”
Lucy smiled as Eve made a fuss of the puppy and soon had it eating out of her hand, literally.
“Have you thought about getting another dog?” Lucy asked as the couple walked away.
“I can’t bear the thought of going through the puppy stage again.”
“What about a rescue dog?”
“I loved my dear Merc but I don’t want another dog,” Eve said firmly. “I enjoy other people’s though. It’s a bit like what they say about grandchildren. They’re fun to play with and then you can give them back.”
“And do you keep those treats in your pocket all the time?”
Eve grinned. “You never know what might happen when you’re out and about. You might meet a dog who needs a treat.”
Lucy shook her head as they set off for the car. At least the puppy had improved Eve’s mood.
“Hello, Eve.”
They both stopped as a smartly dressed woman approached.
“Hello, Verity. Have you met Lucy?”
“No, but I feel as if I know you.” Verity smiled.
“Verity is Julia’s sister-in-law.”
“Oh, yes, the bikes,” Lucy said. “Thanks so much for your help with that. Poppy loves the three-wheeler.”
“That was all Julia and my son Oliver’s doing. I just found a bit of ribbon. I’m glad someone’s using the old bike again. And I’m glad I’ve run into you, Eve. I was going to ring you later. I’ve just come from the museum. They’ve asked me to chair the next meeting to get a workable plan for the additions and upgrades. They have to move forward with it or they’ll lose their grant money. The local council rep’s going to be there. I know you’ve just had your surgery but I was hoping you’d come along. I feel a bit like a fish out of water and I’d value your input. Especially since you’ve offered a considerable donation towards it yourself.”
Lucy glanced at Eve and wondered if her head was spinning too. Verity spoke so fast she barely took a breath between sentences.
Eve’s frown returned. “Will Audrey be there?”
“The meeting is open to anyone.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Oh, that’s good, Eve. I’m so glad, thank you.”
“I didn’t say yes.”
“But I’m sure you will. The museum needs input from sensible people with local knowledge like you.” Verity waved at someone else walking past then turned her beaming smile back to Eve and Lucy. “I must go. I’ve a million jobs to do before I finish in town. Nice to have met you, Lucy.”
“She’s running for council at the next election,” Eve said as they watched Verity stride away. “I’ve no doubt she’ll get in.”
“Will you go to the meeting?” Lucy asked.
“Like I said. I’ll think about it.”
Lucy found them a park not too far from the school gate. The clouds had cleared and the sun warmed them nicely inside the car.
“You were right about Jock Campbell.” Eve spoke quietly, staring at the view from the window. “So much for bedside manners. He didn’t mince his words.”
“It’s not long since your surgery.”
“Still, I have to do better.”
“I know it doesn’t seem like it now, Eve, but the pain will ease and eventually disappear. You will recover.”
“That’s what Jock said but he didn’t phrase it as nicely.” Eve grinned. “Perhaps I should have offered him one of my doggy treats. Might have improved his manners.”
Julia’s heartbeat sped up a little as a man stopped in the bar entrance and scanned the room. She didn’t move, taking a moment to study him. He was tall, and his thick dark hair was tousled back from his forehead. It needed a cut. He was dressed in a business suit, smart but not too fancy, the jacket hanging open over a rounded stomach, his tie not quite straight. His gaze rested on her and he broke into a wide grin, striding towards her.
Julia braced herself as he approached.
“Julia.” He bent down and hugged her, planting a warm kiss on her lips that made them tingle. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Aren’t you a surprise?” Julia said. She’d answered Glen’s call only to find out he’d been in Adelaide all day for meetings. “I haven’t ordered anything yet.”
“When I knew you were going to be in Adelaide today I decided to fly in for my meetings instead of doing them online.” He put his wallet and phone on the table and sat down.
She breathed in the spicy scent of his favourite cologne. It was perplexing to realise she’d missed him.
“I haven’t got too long before I have to get back to the airport,” he said. “A drink would be good but let’s talk first.”
That was a surprise. Since their cruise, he’d become a drink first, talk later guy.
He adjusted his tie, a slightly worried look creasing his face. The splash of pleasure she’d felt at seeing him ebbed away.
“What do you want to talk about?” she asked.
“Us.”
Unease wormed its way into her stomach. Julia had kept Glen at arm’s length for so long he was probably fed up, had found someone else in her absence who was better company.
She gasped as he lurched forward and grabbed her hands. She felt the roughness of his palm on her skin and wondered how the cut was healing.
“I’ve missed you, Julia.”
“I’ve only been gone a couple of weeks. Sometimes we don’t see each other for that long even when we’re both in Melbourne.”
He grimaced.
It wasn’t overly warm in their nook in the bar but small beads of perspiration broke out on his forehead and his skin felt clammy against hers.
She eased her hands from his grip. “Have you got a fever?”
“What?”
“You’re warm. Do you feel unwell.”
“I’m fine. Julia, what I’m trying to say, very badly, is I’d like us to be more permanent.”
She frowned. That wasn’t what she’d been expecting. “By permanent you mean …?”
“Live together.”
“Oh.”
He was obviously encouraged by her surprised response because he reached into his pocket and drew out a small red velvet box. “Julia, will you marry me?”
The pounding in her head nearly drowned out his words.
He opened the box to reveal a thin silver band, inlaid with diamonds. “I chose something plain and simple because you’re already beautiful and smart.”
“That’s a bit corny for an advertising guru.” She grinned to hide her shock.
“But it’s come from my heart.”
The smile dropped from her face when she saw the solemn look on his.
“You’re serious?”
“Trust me, Julia, I wouldn’t be exposing myself to a possible bout of your derision if I wasn’t.”
She felt bad then and took the little box from him. The ring caught the light from the table lamp and glittered up at her.
“I know you’re quite particular,” he said.
“Is that another word for fussy?”
“No. I respect that you know your own mind and aren’t afraid to speak out. Do you like it?”
“It’s beautiful but … you always said you didn’t like the married state.”
“I liked being married, just not to my wife.”
Julia’s head was spinning. This was the last thing she’d expected from Glen. They’d always kept things casual. Hadn’t even talked of moving in together. Maybe he did once, not long into their relationship, but she’d canned the idea quickly and he’d never mentioned it again.
He cleared his throat. “This isn’t very romantic, I know, but … I was going to ask you on the cruise and then that all went to shit.”
“You’d planned it even back then?”
“Of course. That’s why I wanted to take you on a holiday. Get away from our work commitments and take it easy and …”
“So much for that.”
“Exactly. It wasn’t what we expected, was it? I didn’t want our engagement to remind us of that so I thought I’d leave it for a while. Since then, well, I let life get in the way.”
“People like us don’t marry, Glen.”
“What are we like?”
“You’ve been married before. You’ve got an ex and kids.”
“I’m legally divorced and the kids are grown up.”
“We’re both committed to our work.”
“We can balance it better.”
“You’ve got your own private life, I’ve got mine.”
“But we like the same things. Our private lives would blend if we let them.”
“Your boozy mates?” She raised her eyebrows.
“I was thinking football, movies and Mexican food.” He looked down at his hands. “I got into bad habits while we were on the cruise and I’ve continued to drink too much. I’ve cut right back since you left.”
“You’ll feel much better for it, I’m sure.” They’d both overdone it on the cruise but she’d cleaned up her act as soon as she was home and back at work. Glen hadn’t.
“I was going to break my no drinks on a week day rule and order us champagne but—”
“This has come as a surprise, Glen. I never expected you to be talking marriage when we arranged to meet.”
“Does that mean you don’t want to marry me?”
“I … marriage is not something I’ve thought about.” She had once, with Tim. She’d thought it a natural progression of their relationship. How wrong she’d been. She drew in a deep breath. “Things have changed for me work-wise. The job offer wasn’t in Queensland, as I’d expected. It’s based in Adelaide.”
“I see.” He looked even more crestfallen. “I did tell you when you were talking Queensland I could be flexible … but Adelaide …”
“What’s wrong with Adelaide?” She felt suddenly defensive of the city she’d abandoned twenty-three years ago.
“Nothing. It’s just that I thought you were going to Brisbane and I’d been planning how to make that work.” He sat up straighter. “Actually, Adelaide could work out better. It gives me easier access to Melbourne.”
His phone began to vibrate across the table. He glanced at it. “Sorry, work. I’ve got to take this.” He answered and strode away.
Julia sat the little box on the table. She stared at the ring, imagined it on her finger, tried to imagine life full-time with Glen. She closed the lid and sat back in the soft leather chair. Through the windows, she could see Glen, pacing back and forth along the footpath, his phone pressed to his ear. He enjoyed his work and she enjoyed hearing about it. He made her laugh. Or he used to. She didn’t feel as if there’d been much to laugh about for a long time.
His marriage proposal staggered her. She’d assumed he never wanted to go down that path again. She sure as hell didn’t. Not that she’d ever actually been married but almost. She cringed, remembering Tim’s phone call ten years ago. She’d been back in Wallaby Bay helping Heath sort out their mum’s financials and personal effects. She’d thought Tim had been ringing to see how she was and instead he was breaking up with her. When she’d been at her lowest point, the man she’d devoted herself to had broken her heart and her spirit. It had taken her a long time to date again. Glen had walked into her life just at the right moment. So different to Tim, he’d oozed confidence without being pushy. He’d shown genuine interest in her work, also unlike Tim who’d been threatened by her successes. Glen was funny and kind and he hadn’t wanted too much from her, hadn’t wanted strings. She looked back at the little box. That had obviously changed.
“Sorry, Julia. Time’s got away.” He rushed towards her and grabbed his wallet. “I’ve got an Uber coming. I’ve stuffed this up, I’m sorry. I should have waited until you were back in Melbourne.” He pulled her into his warm embrace, kissed her cheek. She wanted to rest her head on his shoulder but he was already stepping away. “I’ll ring you.” And then he was gone.
Julia sank to the seat and realised the red velvet box was still sitting on the table. She stared at it a moment then picked it up and slipped it into her bag.
“Would you like to order a drink?”
She looked up at the waiter. First a job offer then a marriage offer. “Yes, please. A scotch … on the rocks.”
thirty-five
It was Friday night and they’d all just enjoyed a pub meal. Eve hadn’t wanted to go out. She was tired and sore, but had tackled her exercises several times with more determination after Jock had given her a telling off the previous day. The blasted man had the nerve to say his skills as a surgeon had given her shoulder a perfect makeover. Any difficulty she was having now was due to her own lack of effort and she had to try harder.
Julia had been doing something outside most of the day. She’d been very secretive about it. And she’d said little about her trip to Adelaide, only that she had a lot to think about, and Eve hadn’t pressed her. She’d joined them briefly for a cuppa when Jess had called in after lunch.
Eve had been pleased to see the young woman again, and happy that she and Lucy seemed to hit it off once they’d both got over a reticent start. Jess had been very interested in the house and they’d walked from room to room with Eve explaining the changes they’d made to the original.
By the time Jess left and Lucy had set off to get the children, Eve was weary. She’d wanted a quiet night in but Julia had said she wasn’t in the mood to cook and they couldn’t ask Lucy to cook for them every night. Eve had felt selfish then and agreed to go out, and they’d asked Gert to join them.
The four adults were sitting back now, relaxing with a final drink. The children were settled at the end of the table watching something on the iPad Lucy had brought with them. There were several other tables of diners spread around the large room and sometimes Eve’s group had to lean in to hear each other over the noise.
Gert was leading the current conversation. She’d made up her mind to move to Adelaide and had been telling them all about her plans.
“When will you shift?” Julia asked.
“Not for a while yet. I’ve got a house to pack up and sell. Nearly forty years I’ve lived there.” Gert’s resolute look wavered.
Eve tried to imagine packing up her own place. She was momentarily overwhelmed by the thought.
“Since I started nursing, I’ve never lived in one place longer than a couple of years,” Lucy said.
“Apart from the farm, I’ve never had all that long in one place either,” Julia said.
“My sons want to hire me a skip,” Gert went on. “But I’ll be inviting the women from the op shop in before that.”
“Good idea,” Julia said. “You’ll need to downsize big time if you’re moving into a two-bedroom place.”
“You know, Eve, I’d really like to see the museum upgrade started before I leave,” Gert said. “Tom would have wanted it done. Are you going to the meeting next week?”
Raucous laughter echoed from the table behind them.
“About the museum?” Eve asked.
“Of course the museum. Most of the committee are sensible people. It’s just that Audrey’s loud and persuasive and she sways people to her way of thinking. In the past you always stood up to her when necessary.”
“I’m fed up with being treated like a pariah,” Eve muttered.
“A higher what?” Gert shook her head. “Sometimes you really don’t make sense.”
Eve noticed a look pass between Julia and Lucy.
“You used to be such a hard worker for this town,” Gert went on. “And now that you’ve sold your business you’ve dropped your bundle.”
“I didn’t drop my bundle. People cut me off.”
“Oh, that’s old news.” Gert batted the air with her hand. “There’d be plenty who’d support any decent proposal you put forward.”
“What’s so bad about Audrey’s proposal?” Julia asked.
“You haven’t heard?” Gert’s eyebrows shot up.
“Bloody Audrey and her cohorts want to use the money to build a big prawn,” Eve snapped.
Julia laughed. Then her eyes widened. “You’re serious.”
Eve nodded. “That’s what they came up with.”
“But isn’t there already one of those in New South Wales?” Julia said.
“And another in Western Australia. And it’s not just me who doesn’t like the idea. None of the other fishermen I’ve spoken to want a big prawn as the only commemoration of the industry.”
“Surely you’ve thought of alternatives,” Julia said.
“Of course, but I haven’t been to a meeting since … for quite a while.”
“Mummy, I need to go to the toilet.”
Lucy stood and took Poppy’s hand.
“I’ll come with you.” Julia followed them across the room.
“Audrey’s a funny woman,” Gert said once they were gone.
“Hmm. That’s one way to describe her.”
“You know, sometimes people act the way they do because it makes them feel better about their own choices.” Gert lifted her chin, her gaze locked on Eve. “Or they’re covering something.”
Eve glanced down the table. Noah was still enthralled by the screen.
It was the old straightforward Gert staring at Eve now with a knowing look in her eye. But she couldn’t know. The only person Eve had ever told about Rex’s second deceit had been Pam.
Gert leaned in. “Pam told me about Audrey. I was sorry you hadn’t felt you could share it with me but I understood how awful it must have been for you. To find out about Rex on the day he was killed.”
For once Gert was speaking in a low voice but Eve glanced at Noah again. Even though Lucy had asked the children to keep the sound down, the noise of whatever was playing could still be heard from where Eve sat.
“I shouldn’t have told Pam,” Eve said. “It was one night when we were at my place, just the two of us. We had a few too many drinks. I got maudlin and before I knew it I was telling her. I swore her to secrecy.”
“Pam told me after Audrey had made a fuss that time about the cakes at the local show. Said you’d influenced the judges against her. Everyone got hot under the collar about it.”
“He should grow into it,” Eve chuckled. “May I pat him?”
“Of course.”
Lucy smiled as Eve made a fuss of the puppy and soon had it eating out of her hand, literally.
“Have you thought about getting another dog?” Lucy asked as the couple walked away.
“I can’t bear the thought of going through the puppy stage again.”
“What about a rescue dog?”
“I loved my dear Merc but I don’t want another dog,” Eve said firmly. “I enjoy other people’s though. It’s a bit like what they say about grandchildren. They’re fun to play with and then you can give them back.”
“And do you keep those treats in your pocket all the time?”
Eve grinned. “You never know what might happen when you’re out and about. You might meet a dog who needs a treat.”
Lucy shook her head as they set off for the car. At least the puppy had improved Eve’s mood.
“Hello, Eve.”
They both stopped as a smartly dressed woman approached.
“Hello, Verity. Have you met Lucy?”
“No, but I feel as if I know you.” Verity smiled.
“Verity is Julia’s sister-in-law.”
“Oh, yes, the bikes,” Lucy said. “Thanks so much for your help with that. Poppy loves the three-wheeler.”
“That was all Julia and my son Oliver’s doing. I just found a bit of ribbon. I’m glad someone’s using the old bike again. And I’m glad I’ve run into you, Eve. I was going to ring you later. I’ve just come from the museum. They’ve asked me to chair the next meeting to get a workable plan for the additions and upgrades. They have to move forward with it or they’ll lose their grant money. The local council rep’s going to be there. I know you’ve just had your surgery but I was hoping you’d come along. I feel a bit like a fish out of water and I’d value your input. Especially since you’ve offered a considerable donation towards it yourself.”
Lucy glanced at Eve and wondered if her head was spinning too. Verity spoke so fast she barely took a breath between sentences.
Eve’s frown returned. “Will Audrey be there?”
“The meeting is open to anyone.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Oh, that’s good, Eve. I’m so glad, thank you.”
“I didn’t say yes.”
“But I’m sure you will. The museum needs input from sensible people with local knowledge like you.” Verity waved at someone else walking past then turned her beaming smile back to Eve and Lucy. “I must go. I’ve a million jobs to do before I finish in town. Nice to have met you, Lucy.”
“She’s running for council at the next election,” Eve said as they watched Verity stride away. “I’ve no doubt she’ll get in.”
“Will you go to the meeting?” Lucy asked.
“Like I said. I’ll think about it.”
Lucy found them a park not too far from the school gate. The clouds had cleared and the sun warmed them nicely inside the car.
“You were right about Jock Campbell.” Eve spoke quietly, staring at the view from the window. “So much for bedside manners. He didn’t mince his words.”
“It’s not long since your surgery.”
“Still, I have to do better.”
“I know it doesn’t seem like it now, Eve, but the pain will ease and eventually disappear. You will recover.”
“That’s what Jock said but he didn’t phrase it as nicely.” Eve grinned. “Perhaps I should have offered him one of my doggy treats. Might have improved his manners.”
Julia’s heartbeat sped up a little as a man stopped in the bar entrance and scanned the room. She didn’t move, taking a moment to study him. He was tall, and his thick dark hair was tousled back from his forehead. It needed a cut. He was dressed in a business suit, smart but not too fancy, the jacket hanging open over a rounded stomach, his tie not quite straight. His gaze rested on her and he broke into a wide grin, striding towards her.
Julia braced herself as he approached.
“Julia.” He bent down and hugged her, planting a warm kiss on her lips that made them tingle. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Aren’t you a surprise?” Julia said. She’d answered Glen’s call only to find out he’d been in Adelaide all day for meetings. “I haven’t ordered anything yet.”
“When I knew you were going to be in Adelaide today I decided to fly in for my meetings instead of doing them online.” He put his wallet and phone on the table and sat down.
She breathed in the spicy scent of his favourite cologne. It was perplexing to realise she’d missed him.
“I haven’t got too long before I have to get back to the airport,” he said. “A drink would be good but let’s talk first.”
That was a surprise. Since their cruise, he’d become a drink first, talk later guy.
He adjusted his tie, a slightly worried look creasing his face. The splash of pleasure she’d felt at seeing him ebbed away.
“What do you want to talk about?” she asked.
“Us.”
Unease wormed its way into her stomach. Julia had kept Glen at arm’s length for so long he was probably fed up, had found someone else in her absence who was better company.
She gasped as he lurched forward and grabbed her hands. She felt the roughness of his palm on her skin and wondered how the cut was healing.
“I’ve missed you, Julia.”
“I’ve only been gone a couple of weeks. Sometimes we don’t see each other for that long even when we’re both in Melbourne.”
He grimaced.
It wasn’t overly warm in their nook in the bar but small beads of perspiration broke out on his forehead and his skin felt clammy against hers.
She eased her hands from his grip. “Have you got a fever?”
“What?”
“You’re warm. Do you feel unwell.”
“I’m fine. Julia, what I’m trying to say, very badly, is I’d like us to be more permanent.”
She frowned. That wasn’t what she’d been expecting. “By permanent you mean …?”
“Live together.”
“Oh.”
He was obviously encouraged by her surprised response because he reached into his pocket and drew out a small red velvet box. “Julia, will you marry me?”
The pounding in her head nearly drowned out his words.
He opened the box to reveal a thin silver band, inlaid with diamonds. “I chose something plain and simple because you’re already beautiful and smart.”
“That’s a bit corny for an advertising guru.” She grinned to hide her shock.
“But it’s come from my heart.”
The smile dropped from her face when she saw the solemn look on his.
“You’re serious?”
“Trust me, Julia, I wouldn’t be exposing myself to a possible bout of your derision if I wasn’t.”
She felt bad then and took the little box from him. The ring caught the light from the table lamp and glittered up at her.
“I know you’re quite particular,” he said.
“Is that another word for fussy?”
“No. I respect that you know your own mind and aren’t afraid to speak out. Do you like it?”
“It’s beautiful but … you always said you didn’t like the married state.”
“I liked being married, just not to my wife.”
Julia’s head was spinning. This was the last thing she’d expected from Glen. They’d always kept things casual. Hadn’t even talked of moving in together. Maybe he did once, not long into their relationship, but she’d canned the idea quickly and he’d never mentioned it again.
He cleared his throat. “This isn’t very romantic, I know, but … I was going to ask you on the cruise and then that all went to shit.”
“You’d planned it even back then?”
“Of course. That’s why I wanted to take you on a holiday. Get away from our work commitments and take it easy and …”
“So much for that.”
“Exactly. It wasn’t what we expected, was it? I didn’t want our engagement to remind us of that so I thought I’d leave it for a while. Since then, well, I let life get in the way.”
“People like us don’t marry, Glen.”
“What are we like?”
“You’ve been married before. You’ve got an ex and kids.”
“I’m legally divorced and the kids are grown up.”
“We’re both committed to our work.”
“We can balance it better.”
“You’ve got your own private life, I’ve got mine.”
“But we like the same things. Our private lives would blend if we let them.”
“Your boozy mates?” She raised her eyebrows.
“I was thinking football, movies and Mexican food.” He looked down at his hands. “I got into bad habits while we were on the cruise and I’ve continued to drink too much. I’ve cut right back since you left.”
“You’ll feel much better for it, I’m sure.” They’d both overdone it on the cruise but she’d cleaned up her act as soon as she was home and back at work. Glen hadn’t.
“I was going to break my no drinks on a week day rule and order us champagne but—”
“This has come as a surprise, Glen. I never expected you to be talking marriage when we arranged to meet.”
“Does that mean you don’t want to marry me?”
“I … marriage is not something I’ve thought about.” She had once, with Tim. She’d thought it a natural progression of their relationship. How wrong she’d been. She drew in a deep breath. “Things have changed for me work-wise. The job offer wasn’t in Queensland, as I’d expected. It’s based in Adelaide.”
“I see.” He looked even more crestfallen. “I did tell you when you were talking Queensland I could be flexible … but Adelaide …”
“What’s wrong with Adelaide?” She felt suddenly defensive of the city she’d abandoned twenty-three years ago.
“Nothing. It’s just that I thought you were going to Brisbane and I’d been planning how to make that work.” He sat up straighter. “Actually, Adelaide could work out better. It gives me easier access to Melbourne.”
His phone began to vibrate across the table. He glanced at it. “Sorry, work. I’ve got to take this.” He answered and strode away.
Julia sat the little box on the table. She stared at the ring, imagined it on her finger, tried to imagine life full-time with Glen. She closed the lid and sat back in the soft leather chair. Through the windows, she could see Glen, pacing back and forth along the footpath, his phone pressed to his ear. He enjoyed his work and she enjoyed hearing about it. He made her laugh. Or he used to. She didn’t feel as if there’d been much to laugh about for a long time.
His marriage proposal staggered her. She’d assumed he never wanted to go down that path again. She sure as hell didn’t. Not that she’d ever actually been married but almost. She cringed, remembering Tim’s phone call ten years ago. She’d been back in Wallaby Bay helping Heath sort out their mum’s financials and personal effects. She’d thought Tim had been ringing to see how she was and instead he was breaking up with her. When she’d been at her lowest point, the man she’d devoted herself to had broken her heart and her spirit. It had taken her a long time to date again. Glen had walked into her life just at the right moment. So different to Tim, he’d oozed confidence without being pushy. He’d shown genuine interest in her work, also unlike Tim who’d been threatened by her successes. Glen was funny and kind and he hadn’t wanted too much from her, hadn’t wanted strings. She looked back at the little box. That had obviously changed.
“Sorry, Julia. Time’s got away.” He rushed towards her and grabbed his wallet. “I’ve got an Uber coming. I’ve stuffed this up, I’m sorry. I should have waited until you were back in Melbourne.” He pulled her into his warm embrace, kissed her cheek. She wanted to rest her head on his shoulder but he was already stepping away. “I’ll ring you.” And then he was gone.
Julia sank to the seat and realised the red velvet box was still sitting on the table. She stared at it a moment then picked it up and slipped it into her bag.
“Would you like to order a drink?”
She looked up at the waiter. First a job offer then a marriage offer. “Yes, please. A scotch … on the rocks.”
thirty-five
It was Friday night and they’d all just enjoyed a pub meal. Eve hadn’t wanted to go out. She was tired and sore, but had tackled her exercises several times with more determination after Jock had given her a telling off the previous day. The blasted man had the nerve to say his skills as a surgeon had given her shoulder a perfect makeover. Any difficulty she was having now was due to her own lack of effort and she had to try harder.
Julia had been doing something outside most of the day. She’d been very secretive about it. And she’d said little about her trip to Adelaide, only that she had a lot to think about, and Eve hadn’t pressed her. She’d joined them briefly for a cuppa when Jess had called in after lunch.
Eve had been pleased to see the young woman again, and happy that she and Lucy seemed to hit it off once they’d both got over a reticent start. Jess had been very interested in the house and they’d walked from room to room with Eve explaining the changes they’d made to the original.
By the time Jess left and Lucy had set off to get the children, Eve was weary. She’d wanted a quiet night in but Julia had said she wasn’t in the mood to cook and they couldn’t ask Lucy to cook for them every night. Eve had felt selfish then and agreed to go out, and they’d asked Gert to join them.
The four adults were sitting back now, relaxing with a final drink. The children were settled at the end of the table watching something on the iPad Lucy had brought with them. There were several other tables of diners spread around the large room and sometimes Eve’s group had to lean in to hear each other over the noise.
Gert was leading the current conversation. She’d made up her mind to move to Adelaide and had been telling them all about her plans.
“When will you shift?” Julia asked.
“Not for a while yet. I’ve got a house to pack up and sell. Nearly forty years I’ve lived there.” Gert’s resolute look wavered.
Eve tried to imagine packing up her own place. She was momentarily overwhelmed by the thought.
“Since I started nursing, I’ve never lived in one place longer than a couple of years,” Lucy said.
“Apart from the farm, I’ve never had all that long in one place either,” Julia said.
“My sons want to hire me a skip,” Gert went on. “But I’ll be inviting the women from the op shop in before that.”
“Good idea,” Julia said. “You’ll need to downsize big time if you’re moving into a two-bedroom place.”
“You know, Eve, I’d really like to see the museum upgrade started before I leave,” Gert said. “Tom would have wanted it done. Are you going to the meeting next week?”
Raucous laughter echoed from the table behind them.
“About the museum?” Eve asked.
“Of course the museum. Most of the committee are sensible people. It’s just that Audrey’s loud and persuasive and she sways people to her way of thinking. In the past you always stood up to her when necessary.”
“I’m fed up with being treated like a pariah,” Eve muttered.
“A higher what?” Gert shook her head. “Sometimes you really don’t make sense.”
Eve noticed a look pass between Julia and Lucy.
“You used to be such a hard worker for this town,” Gert went on. “And now that you’ve sold your business you’ve dropped your bundle.”
“I didn’t drop my bundle. People cut me off.”
“Oh, that’s old news.” Gert batted the air with her hand. “There’d be plenty who’d support any decent proposal you put forward.”
“What’s so bad about Audrey’s proposal?” Julia asked.
“You haven’t heard?” Gert’s eyebrows shot up.
“Bloody Audrey and her cohorts want to use the money to build a big prawn,” Eve snapped.
Julia laughed. Then her eyes widened. “You’re serious.”
Eve nodded. “That’s what they came up with.”
“But isn’t there already one of those in New South Wales?” Julia said.
“And another in Western Australia. And it’s not just me who doesn’t like the idea. None of the other fishermen I’ve spoken to want a big prawn as the only commemoration of the industry.”
“Surely you’ve thought of alternatives,” Julia said.
“Of course, but I haven’t been to a meeting since … for quite a while.”
“Mummy, I need to go to the toilet.”
Lucy stood and took Poppy’s hand.
“I’ll come with you.” Julia followed them across the room.
“Audrey’s a funny woman,” Gert said once they were gone.
“Hmm. That’s one way to describe her.”
“You know, sometimes people act the way they do because it makes them feel better about their own choices.” Gert lifted her chin, her gaze locked on Eve. “Or they’re covering something.”
Eve glanced down the table. Noah was still enthralled by the screen.
It was the old straightforward Gert staring at Eve now with a knowing look in her eye. But she couldn’t know. The only person Eve had ever told about Rex’s second deceit had been Pam.
Gert leaned in. “Pam told me about Audrey. I was sorry you hadn’t felt you could share it with me but I understood how awful it must have been for you. To find out about Rex on the day he was killed.”
For once Gert was speaking in a low voice but Eve glanced at Noah again. Even though Lucy had asked the children to keep the sound down, the noise of whatever was playing could still be heard from where Eve sat.
“I shouldn’t have told Pam,” Eve said. “It was one night when we were at my place, just the two of us. We had a few too many drinks. I got maudlin and before I knew it I was telling her. I swore her to secrecy.”
“Pam told me after Audrey had made a fuss that time about the cakes at the local show. Said you’d influenced the judges against her. Everyone got hot under the collar about it.”
