Head for the Hills, page 34
“Some people are getting quite worked up about it. I had two women nearly throw the coffees I’d just made them at each other this morning. They came in all friendly and both left in a huff and went their separate ways. I’m afraid it’s going to be difficult to sit on the fence. People are either all for the hotel or all against it.”
Margot nibbled at her fingernail. “But they don’t have to fight about it, surely?”
Kath shrugged. “Anyway, I assume you wanted to chat about the business? I hope you’ve had time to think things over. We were very busy while you were away.”
“Are you saying that’s because I wasn’t here?” Margot was still thinking about the hotel and the people who were supposedly boycotting places because of their owner’s stance.
“Of course not – don’t be so sensitive. We were busy, that’s all. The weather’s been great. There were lots of extra people about. Being open more hours has worked well.”
“I wonder if the new supermarket will make any difference.”
They both looked to their window and the huge sign adorning the front of the supermarket declaring a grand opening party for the next day.
“It’s one of the things I need to talk to you about,” Kath said. “The head honcho guy came to see me last week. He’s wondering if we’re interested in making a few salads and ready-to-eat meals they can put in their deli section. They’ll stock a few of the things that are popular in their other shops but they’re keen to have some local food as well. Meals people can take home and eat or heat and serve.”
“Another thing.” Margot groaned. “Who’s going to do this extra work?”
“I knew you’d take a negative stance,” Kath snapped.
“Don’t get cross, Kath,” Margot said placatingly. “Surely we can talk about this.”
“We did. I told you what the supermarket guy told me and you immediately canned it. Good discussion, Margot.” She snatched up the money bag and pushed past to the kitchen.
Margot followed. “Give me a break, Kath. It’s the first I’ve heard about the extra cooking.”
“You had a break,” Kath snapped. “And I really had hoped it might have made a difference, that you’d come back smiling, refreshed and enthusiastic, but instead you’ve dragged yourself around the last three days as if you were about to have your head chopped off.”
“I have not,” Margot huffed.
“Lani asked me if you were unwell.”
Margot opened her mouth then closed it again. She’d had lots on her mind and perhaps she hadn’t been paying as close attention to the others as she should.
“We had such a good week here last week.” Kath’s eyes shone as she threw out an arm to take in the kitchen. “The new casuals are doing a great job – have you said more than a few words to them? And the others plus our permanent staff have really stepped up. It’s as if the longer hours have given everyone some continuity, some incentive or something, I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Like it’s been a new start as well as the new year.”
“It’s early days. With Christmas and New Year you haven’t even had a full week yet.”
“We have, you know. We’ve been open every day since taking the two days off over Christmas. Lani has really stepped up in the kitchen. She loves the cooking and she’s good at it. Thank goodness, ’cause it’s my least favourite thing.”
Margot felt a little stab of something, hurt, jealousy maybe – the kitchen was generally her domain. Right from the start Margot had done most of the cooking while Kath had run front of house unless it was the weekend, of course, but then they always had Lani and one or two casuals to help. “I’m glad she’s taking an interest,” Margot said with just a touch of snippiness.
“She’ll need some more training, of course.”
“Well, I suppose I—”
“I was thinking TAFE part time.”
“Oh.”
“If the hotel goes ahead, the supermarket guy seemed to think they’d want to have a small menu of ready-made meals guests could access. The hotel won’t have a restaurant so if people want to eat in they could order some kind of picnic hamper perhaps.”
“From us?”
“I’ve no idea how it’ll work yet. It all depends if the hotel goes ahead and then what they’ll want exactly.”
“Good grief, it just gets worse. You’ll have us opening at night soon.”
Kath pursed her lips.
“Don’t tell me that’s on your list of new things,” Margot snapped.
“Of course it’s not. We’ll keep the earlier opening but we’ll still be closing at the usual time.”
“We!”
“I really had hoped you’d be with me on this.”
“How can I be? It’s too much!” Margot slapped a hand against her thigh.
Kath’s shoulders drooped. “I don’t think your heart’s here any more, Margot.”
“What are you saying?”
Kath pulled her shoulders back and looked Margot squarely in the eye. “Maybe it’s time for you to let it go altogether.”
Margot gaped at her friend, her head a whorl of thoughts, none of them kind. “That’s what you’ve wanted all along, isn’t it? You wanted my money and my help to get the Providore going and now that it’s humming along you want me gone so you can build Kath’s empire.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“That’s a nice thing to say. You’re the one being ridiculous, overextending us.”
“If you’re worried, I’ll buy you out.”
“With what!”
Kath shook her head. “I know I was on the bones of my bum after my divorce but I am capable of saving, investing, working hard.”
“I work hard too,” Margot shouted.
“When it suits you,” Kath shouted back.
“You can be a real…bitch, Kath.” Margot spat the words and a wave of rage, fuelled by the unfairness of Kath’s claims, shuddered through her. She tossed off her apron and snatched up her bag. “Well, you’ve got your wish. I hope it doesn’t choke you.” She strode out of the back door, pulling it hard behind her. It had warped last winter and she had to tug it a second time to shut it. Over the thud she thought she heard Kath call but she didn’t stop.
She made it to her car before tears began to roll down her cheeks. She managed to wrestle the door open, slide into the seat and rest her head against the steering wheel. How had she and Kath got to this? She wiped the tears from her cheeks with her hand then searched for a tissue to blow her nose. She needed a friend and she’d just walked out on one. Dennis wouldn’t be home and she wouldn’t darken Roslyn’s door under any circumstance. She took a deep breath and pressed her fingers to her eyes. Geraldine had been going to the doctor earlier today but she’d no doubt be home now. Margot would go there for some TLC.
“Thanks for the tea, Geraldine.” Roslyn sat the partly drunk cup back on Geraldine’s coffee table. The tea had been too weak with too much milk but she’d sipped some of it to be polite. “It’s time for me to be off home.”
“Thank you for coming with me today. I found that locum doctor quite difficult to understand.”
“He did have a strong accent but he was on the ball. I agree totally with his leaning towards coeliac disease, but the blood tests and the biopsy will give a better indication.”
“I did try to tell him I’ve avoided gluten for years.”
Roslyn gritted her teeth. “You’re not strict with that, Geraldine.”
“I let my hair down sometimes. It was worrying when the symptoms accelerated.”
“As he said, you may have been a bit intolerant to gluten but something may have triggered this more serious condition.”
“Serious?”
Roslyn held up her hands. “I mean, you’ll have to be strict in avoiding gluten in your diet. No letting your hair down sometimes.”
Geraldine’s breath puffed over her lips and she sagged to her chair like a deflating balloon.
“As the doctor said, go on eating as normal for now and try not to worry.”
“Will you come with me when I have the surgery?”
“It’s not surgery, just a simple biopsy and yes, I can accompany you.”
“Thank you.” Geraldine managed a wan smile. “You’ve been so kind.”
“Hello, Geraldine, are you home?”
They both sat up at the sound of Margot’s voice and the rattle of the screen door as she came in.
“I’m glad to see you,” Margot said as she burst into the kitchen then stopped in her tracks as she saw Roslyn.
“I assume your enthusiasm is for Geraldine, not me.” Roslyn stood. “I’ll leave you to it.”
“It’s not cancer, Margot. Isn’t that a relief? I’ve got coeliac disease.”
“You’ve still got to have that confirmed,” Roslyn said with a sigh.
“Which isn’t all that wonderful,” Geraldine continued as if Roslyn hadn’t spoken. “But I suspected and Roslyn says if I stick to the right diet I’ll be fine.”
“Well,” Margot said. “That’s good, isn’t it?”
Her face was blotchy as if she’d been crying but Roslyn knew it would only cause trouble if she asked.
“I’ll put the kettle on.” Geraldine bustled to the bench. “Will you stay for another cup, Roslyn? It’s lovely to have you both here. Have you seen the new supermarket’s opening over the weekend? Won’t that be great.” Geraldine prattled on, oblivious to the wall of tension that was building in her kitchen.
Margot glanced towards the door.
“No!” Roslyn barked.
Margot winced and looked as if she were about to cry.
That had come out a bit sharper than Roslyn had intended. She cleared her throat. “Thank you, Geraldine, for the offer, but I really do need to get going.”
Geraldine turned back from the sink and smiled. “All right then. I’ll see you bright and early Tuesday morning. Roslyn’s going to come with me when I have my operation.”
“What operation?” Margot squeaked.
Roslyn let herself out with a sigh. Goodness knows what embellishments Geraldine would add to her story but Roslyn wasn’t going to hang around and correct her.
thirty-eight
Amber pulled up in the street outside the Hills Community Hub. Instead of turning off the motor she left it running to keep the aircon on and took a moment to gather her thoughts. The Renault had been hers for a week now and the largest amount of money she’d ever seen had been deposited in her bank account. She still found it hard to believe.
A warm sensation enveloped her that had nothing to do with the heat of the January day or that she’d just finished a tiring lunch shift at the pub. As she’d been doing for days, she searched for the source of the almost carefree feeling that accompanied the warmth and finally, sitting here in her new car on this hot summer’s day, it came to her. The money gave her some security, a state she’d rarely been in.
Even though she’d said goodbye to the Holden and she still didn’t have a permanent place to live, she was buoyed by a sense of safety for her and her baby. Amber grinned in the rear-view mirror, poked out her tongue at her reflection then glanced around in case someone had seen her acting weird. The often busy street was empty at this late hour of the afternoon.
She looked along the road towards the Hub. She’d been attending weekly basic cooking sessions in the community kitchen and had found herself enjoying it. Roslyn had encouraged her to pick any vegetables she wanted from her garden. There were things she didn’t recognise and others she had no idea what to do with but, between Roslyn and the woman at the Hub who made the most delicious stuff, Amber was expanding her usual two-minute noodles and canned meals to include more fresh food. Fred still encouraged her to have a meal at the pub but she was quite amazed when she made something tasty that Roslyn assured her was much better for her. She’d never thought of cooking as fun before.
Amber wasn’t here for the cooking this time. Kayla had asked her to call in for a chat about how she might be able to help some of the other attendees start learning some bar skills. Amber wasn’t sure what help she’d be. She’d never done any formal training but had learned on the job. No-one at the Hub had been judgey though, and Amber had been surprised at how quickly she’d felt comfortable there. The people she’d originally thought of as do-gooders might well be, but they seemed legit.
Amber took out her new phone and checked her bank balance as she’d been doing regularly ever since the money dropped into her account. The baby made a small jab-jab-jab inside her and her earlier buoyancy ebbed a little. No matter how much she pushed it to the back of her mind the niggle of regret returned every so often, sapping her contentment with its insistence. It was her other reason for coming to the Hub today and something she hoped Kayla might be able to help her with.
Helen from book club drew Roslyn aside at the end of the Hub meeting. “This project will be an amazing boost for our community,” she said. Helen was one of the members of the Hub committee and she’d been particularly supportive of Roslyn’s presentation.
“All thanks to Gunter,” Roslyn said. She was extremely happy with the response she’d just had from her meeting with the committee who ran the Hub and the staff who worked there. Gunter’s Legacy truly did appear to be taking shape and becoming a reality. The committee had agreed in principle to their part, which would involve an expansion of their already established program assisting people to learn new work skills.
“God bless him,” Helen said. “I wish more people were as generous in life and in death as he was.”
“He was a good friend to many.”
“And well done for bringing a few more local businesses on board to add to our work-skills program. Hillvale Winery was a special coup. How did you convince the old tightwad that owns that place to be involved?”
“He likes the very delectable and very expensive pinot noir and chardonnay he makes from Gunter’s hand-tended grapes. I reminded him of that long partnership, of how Gunter upskilled many people over the years who’ve ended up working in local vineyards and how happy Gunter would have been to see Hillvale involved. And if all goes to plan, Meyer and Brightman want to contract his winery to continue to manage and harvest Gunter’s grapes.” Another thing Gunter would have been happy about and Roslyn herself was pleased the vines weren’t going to be ripped out.
“Well done you, I say, and I especially like the idea of the preemployment program for mothers.”
Roslyn nodded. “And even better we’ll be able to offer them a place to live while they do the program now that the Threadgolds have agreed to sell their big place on the Sheffield road.”
“And at such a reasonable price.”
“I think Martin liked the idea of being seen as a bit of a philanthropist.”
“Whatever it takes.” Helen chuckled. “That program will fill a gap we’ve had. Our shelter is only a temporary solution but the house—”
“Goldie’s Place, we’re calling it.” Roslyn quirked her eyebrows. “It was Martin’s request.”
Helen laughed again.
“The one sticking point is my granny flat idea. I can’t get many on board with that.” Roslyn had done her best to convince people that they could be on a roster system, offering a week to a month’s accommodation to someone in need. To her disappointment only a few owners had shown any interest.
“It could still happen,” Helen said. “It’s been marvellous the way you’ve put the plan for it all together. No doubt Margot would have been a big help to you with that.”
Roslyn wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed that Helen thought she couldn’t manage on her own or sad – she’d have loved Margot’s help once Elvin had given the go-ahead, but since Christmas she’d only had glimpses of her sister. Roslyn had forged on alone. “She’s very busy with her campaign for mayor.”
“I bet she is. I hope she doesn’t push the ‘stop the hotel’ barrow too hard though. She’s got some stiff opposition and it might cost her some votes.” Helen flapped a hand as if she was brushing away a fly. “Anyway, it’s wonderful to see Gunter’s Legacy coming to fruition under your steerage. It will be a bit to maintain but I’m sure you’re more than capable.”
“Oh, no.” Roslyn pulled a face. “Once it’s all set up I won’t be involved any longer.”
“But someone will have to represent your program on the committee.”
“I’m not—”
“Hello, Roslyn, Helen.” Kayla came from the kitchen followed by Amber.
“Nice to see you,” Helen said. “I’d better get going. The pizzeria is busy tonight and we’re short-staffed again. We love skilling people up but the last few have got jobs in the city and moved away. Good for them, but it means our list of casuals has dwindled.”
“Helen looks happy,” Kayla said. “Did the meeting go well?”
“It did.”
“Why are you frowning then?” Kayla asked.
Roslyn lifted her chin. “I was just thinking on something else Helen said. Nothing bad though. The committee were all in favour so I can report back to Elvin and we can get things started.”
“Fantastic,” Kayla said.
“What are you two up to?” Roslyn smiled at Amber, who’d been so happy lately but was looking now as if she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Amber opened her mouth then looked down at her feet.
“Amber’s offered to give some tips to anyone looking for bar work,” Kayla said quickly. “She’s feeling a bit nervous about it so we’re just going to map out a few suggestions on how to go about it.”
“Great idea.”
Amber looked up and nodded.
“You’re quite capable, you know,” Roslyn said.
Amber nodded again but the ready smile and the sparkle she’d had in her eyes since getting her new car had disappeared.
“I’ll leave you to it.” Roslyn set off for her car, sure that Kayla would be able to help Amber with whatever was bothering her.
Margot settled back in the passenger seat of Dennis’s Audi and blew out a sigh as he manoeuvred the car out of the residential care centre car park.
Margot nibbled at her fingernail. “But they don’t have to fight about it, surely?”
Kath shrugged. “Anyway, I assume you wanted to chat about the business? I hope you’ve had time to think things over. We were very busy while you were away.”
“Are you saying that’s because I wasn’t here?” Margot was still thinking about the hotel and the people who were supposedly boycotting places because of their owner’s stance.
“Of course not – don’t be so sensitive. We were busy, that’s all. The weather’s been great. There were lots of extra people about. Being open more hours has worked well.”
“I wonder if the new supermarket will make any difference.”
They both looked to their window and the huge sign adorning the front of the supermarket declaring a grand opening party for the next day.
“It’s one of the things I need to talk to you about,” Kath said. “The head honcho guy came to see me last week. He’s wondering if we’re interested in making a few salads and ready-to-eat meals they can put in their deli section. They’ll stock a few of the things that are popular in their other shops but they’re keen to have some local food as well. Meals people can take home and eat or heat and serve.”
“Another thing.” Margot groaned. “Who’s going to do this extra work?”
“I knew you’d take a negative stance,” Kath snapped.
“Don’t get cross, Kath,” Margot said placatingly. “Surely we can talk about this.”
“We did. I told you what the supermarket guy told me and you immediately canned it. Good discussion, Margot.” She snatched up the money bag and pushed past to the kitchen.
Margot followed. “Give me a break, Kath. It’s the first I’ve heard about the extra cooking.”
“You had a break,” Kath snapped. “And I really had hoped it might have made a difference, that you’d come back smiling, refreshed and enthusiastic, but instead you’ve dragged yourself around the last three days as if you were about to have your head chopped off.”
“I have not,” Margot huffed.
“Lani asked me if you were unwell.”
Margot opened her mouth then closed it again. She’d had lots on her mind and perhaps she hadn’t been paying as close attention to the others as she should.
“We had such a good week here last week.” Kath’s eyes shone as she threw out an arm to take in the kitchen. “The new casuals are doing a great job – have you said more than a few words to them? And the others plus our permanent staff have really stepped up. It’s as if the longer hours have given everyone some continuity, some incentive or something, I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Like it’s been a new start as well as the new year.”
“It’s early days. With Christmas and New Year you haven’t even had a full week yet.”
“We have, you know. We’ve been open every day since taking the two days off over Christmas. Lani has really stepped up in the kitchen. She loves the cooking and she’s good at it. Thank goodness, ’cause it’s my least favourite thing.”
Margot felt a little stab of something, hurt, jealousy maybe – the kitchen was generally her domain. Right from the start Margot had done most of the cooking while Kath had run front of house unless it was the weekend, of course, but then they always had Lani and one or two casuals to help. “I’m glad she’s taking an interest,” Margot said with just a touch of snippiness.
“She’ll need some more training, of course.”
“Well, I suppose I—”
“I was thinking TAFE part time.”
“Oh.”
“If the hotel goes ahead, the supermarket guy seemed to think they’d want to have a small menu of ready-made meals guests could access. The hotel won’t have a restaurant so if people want to eat in they could order some kind of picnic hamper perhaps.”
“From us?”
“I’ve no idea how it’ll work yet. It all depends if the hotel goes ahead and then what they’ll want exactly.”
“Good grief, it just gets worse. You’ll have us opening at night soon.”
Kath pursed her lips.
“Don’t tell me that’s on your list of new things,” Margot snapped.
“Of course it’s not. We’ll keep the earlier opening but we’ll still be closing at the usual time.”
“We!”
“I really had hoped you’d be with me on this.”
“How can I be? It’s too much!” Margot slapped a hand against her thigh.
Kath’s shoulders drooped. “I don’t think your heart’s here any more, Margot.”
“What are you saying?”
Kath pulled her shoulders back and looked Margot squarely in the eye. “Maybe it’s time for you to let it go altogether.”
Margot gaped at her friend, her head a whorl of thoughts, none of them kind. “That’s what you’ve wanted all along, isn’t it? You wanted my money and my help to get the Providore going and now that it’s humming along you want me gone so you can build Kath’s empire.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“That’s a nice thing to say. You’re the one being ridiculous, overextending us.”
“If you’re worried, I’ll buy you out.”
“With what!”
Kath shook her head. “I know I was on the bones of my bum after my divorce but I am capable of saving, investing, working hard.”
“I work hard too,” Margot shouted.
“When it suits you,” Kath shouted back.
“You can be a real…bitch, Kath.” Margot spat the words and a wave of rage, fuelled by the unfairness of Kath’s claims, shuddered through her. She tossed off her apron and snatched up her bag. “Well, you’ve got your wish. I hope it doesn’t choke you.” She strode out of the back door, pulling it hard behind her. It had warped last winter and she had to tug it a second time to shut it. Over the thud she thought she heard Kath call but she didn’t stop.
She made it to her car before tears began to roll down her cheeks. She managed to wrestle the door open, slide into the seat and rest her head against the steering wheel. How had she and Kath got to this? She wiped the tears from her cheeks with her hand then searched for a tissue to blow her nose. She needed a friend and she’d just walked out on one. Dennis wouldn’t be home and she wouldn’t darken Roslyn’s door under any circumstance. She took a deep breath and pressed her fingers to her eyes. Geraldine had been going to the doctor earlier today but she’d no doubt be home now. Margot would go there for some TLC.
“Thanks for the tea, Geraldine.” Roslyn sat the partly drunk cup back on Geraldine’s coffee table. The tea had been too weak with too much milk but she’d sipped some of it to be polite. “It’s time for me to be off home.”
“Thank you for coming with me today. I found that locum doctor quite difficult to understand.”
“He did have a strong accent but he was on the ball. I agree totally with his leaning towards coeliac disease, but the blood tests and the biopsy will give a better indication.”
“I did try to tell him I’ve avoided gluten for years.”
Roslyn gritted her teeth. “You’re not strict with that, Geraldine.”
“I let my hair down sometimes. It was worrying when the symptoms accelerated.”
“As he said, you may have been a bit intolerant to gluten but something may have triggered this more serious condition.”
“Serious?”
Roslyn held up her hands. “I mean, you’ll have to be strict in avoiding gluten in your diet. No letting your hair down sometimes.”
Geraldine’s breath puffed over her lips and she sagged to her chair like a deflating balloon.
“As the doctor said, go on eating as normal for now and try not to worry.”
“Will you come with me when I have the surgery?”
“It’s not surgery, just a simple biopsy and yes, I can accompany you.”
“Thank you.” Geraldine managed a wan smile. “You’ve been so kind.”
“Hello, Geraldine, are you home?”
They both sat up at the sound of Margot’s voice and the rattle of the screen door as she came in.
“I’m glad to see you,” Margot said as she burst into the kitchen then stopped in her tracks as she saw Roslyn.
“I assume your enthusiasm is for Geraldine, not me.” Roslyn stood. “I’ll leave you to it.”
“It’s not cancer, Margot. Isn’t that a relief? I’ve got coeliac disease.”
“You’ve still got to have that confirmed,” Roslyn said with a sigh.
“Which isn’t all that wonderful,” Geraldine continued as if Roslyn hadn’t spoken. “But I suspected and Roslyn says if I stick to the right diet I’ll be fine.”
“Well,” Margot said. “That’s good, isn’t it?”
Her face was blotchy as if she’d been crying but Roslyn knew it would only cause trouble if she asked.
“I’ll put the kettle on.” Geraldine bustled to the bench. “Will you stay for another cup, Roslyn? It’s lovely to have you both here. Have you seen the new supermarket’s opening over the weekend? Won’t that be great.” Geraldine prattled on, oblivious to the wall of tension that was building in her kitchen.
Margot glanced towards the door.
“No!” Roslyn barked.
Margot winced and looked as if she were about to cry.
That had come out a bit sharper than Roslyn had intended. She cleared her throat. “Thank you, Geraldine, for the offer, but I really do need to get going.”
Geraldine turned back from the sink and smiled. “All right then. I’ll see you bright and early Tuesday morning. Roslyn’s going to come with me when I have my operation.”
“What operation?” Margot squeaked.
Roslyn let herself out with a sigh. Goodness knows what embellishments Geraldine would add to her story but Roslyn wasn’t going to hang around and correct her.
thirty-eight
Amber pulled up in the street outside the Hills Community Hub. Instead of turning off the motor she left it running to keep the aircon on and took a moment to gather her thoughts. The Renault had been hers for a week now and the largest amount of money she’d ever seen had been deposited in her bank account. She still found it hard to believe.
A warm sensation enveloped her that had nothing to do with the heat of the January day or that she’d just finished a tiring lunch shift at the pub. As she’d been doing for days, she searched for the source of the almost carefree feeling that accompanied the warmth and finally, sitting here in her new car on this hot summer’s day, it came to her. The money gave her some security, a state she’d rarely been in.
Even though she’d said goodbye to the Holden and she still didn’t have a permanent place to live, she was buoyed by a sense of safety for her and her baby. Amber grinned in the rear-view mirror, poked out her tongue at her reflection then glanced around in case someone had seen her acting weird. The often busy street was empty at this late hour of the afternoon.
She looked along the road towards the Hub. She’d been attending weekly basic cooking sessions in the community kitchen and had found herself enjoying it. Roslyn had encouraged her to pick any vegetables she wanted from her garden. There were things she didn’t recognise and others she had no idea what to do with but, between Roslyn and the woman at the Hub who made the most delicious stuff, Amber was expanding her usual two-minute noodles and canned meals to include more fresh food. Fred still encouraged her to have a meal at the pub but she was quite amazed when she made something tasty that Roslyn assured her was much better for her. She’d never thought of cooking as fun before.
Amber wasn’t here for the cooking this time. Kayla had asked her to call in for a chat about how she might be able to help some of the other attendees start learning some bar skills. Amber wasn’t sure what help she’d be. She’d never done any formal training but had learned on the job. No-one at the Hub had been judgey though, and Amber had been surprised at how quickly she’d felt comfortable there. The people she’d originally thought of as do-gooders might well be, but they seemed legit.
Amber took out her new phone and checked her bank balance as she’d been doing regularly ever since the money dropped into her account. The baby made a small jab-jab-jab inside her and her earlier buoyancy ebbed a little. No matter how much she pushed it to the back of her mind the niggle of regret returned every so often, sapping her contentment with its insistence. It was her other reason for coming to the Hub today and something she hoped Kayla might be able to help her with.
Helen from book club drew Roslyn aside at the end of the Hub meeting. “This project will be an amazing boost for our community,” she said. Helen was one of the members of the Hub committee and she’d been particularly supportive of Roslyn’s presentation.
“All thanks to Gunter,” Roslyn said. She was extremely happy with the response she’d just had from her meeting with the committee who ran the Hub and the staff who worked there. Gunter’s Legacy truly did appear to be taking shape and becoming a reality. The committee had agreed in principle to their part, which would involve an expansion of their already established program assisting people to learn new work skills.
“God bless him,” Helen said. “I wish more people were as generous in life and in death as he was.”
“He was a good friend to many.”
“And well done for bringing a few more local businesses on board to add to our work-skills program. Hillvale Winery was a special coup. How did you convince the old tightwad that owns that place to be involved?”
“He likes the very delectable and very expensive pinot noir and chardonnay he makes from Gunter’s hand-tended grapes. I reminded him of that long partnership, of how Gunter upskilled many people over the years who’ve ended up working in local vineyards and how happy Gunter would have been to see Hillvale involved. And if all goes to plan, Meyer and Brightman want to contract his winery to continue to manage and harvest Gunter’s grapes.” Another thing Gunter would have been happy about and Roslyn herself was pleased the vines weren’t going to be ripped out.
“Well done you, I say, and I especially like the idea of the preemployment program for mothers.”
Roslyn nodded. “And even better we’ll be able to offer them a place to live while they do the program now that the Threadgolds have agreed to sell their big place on the Sheffield road.”
“And at such a reasonable price.”
“I think Martin liked the idea of being seen as a bit of a philanthropist.”
“Whatever it takes.” Helen chuckled. “That program will fill a gap we’ve had. Our shelter is only a temporary solution but the house—”
“Goldie’s Place, we’re calling it.” Roslyn quirked her eyebrows. “It was Martin’s request.”
Helen laughed again.
“The one sticking point is my granny flat idea. I can’t get many on board with that.” Roslyn had done her best to convince people that they could be on a roster system, offering a week to a month’s accommodation to someone in need. To her disappointment only a few owners had shown any interest.
“It could still happen,” Helen said. “It’s been marvellous the way you’ve put the plan for it all together. No doubt Margot would have been a big help to you with that.”
Roslyn wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed that Helen thought she couldn’t manage on her own or sad – she’d have loved Margot’s help once Elvin had given the go-ahead, but since Christmas she’d only had glimpses of her sister. Roslyn had forged on alone. “She’s very busy with her campaign for mayor.”
“I bet she is. I hope she doesn’t push the ‘stop the hotel’ barrow too hard though. She’s got some stiff opposition and it might cost her some votes.” Helen flapped a hand as if she was brushing away a fly. “Anyway, it’s wonderful to see Gunter’s Legacy coming to fruition under your steerage. It will be a bit to maintain but I’m sure you’re more than capable.”
“Oh, no.” Roslyn pulled a face. “Once it’s all set up I won’t be involved any longer.”
“But someone will have to represent your program on the committee.”
“I’m not—”
“Hello, Roslyn, Helen.” Kayla came from the kitchen followed by Amber.
“Nice to see you,” Helen said. “I’d better get going. The pizzeria is busy tonight and we’re short-staffed again. We love skilling people up but the last few have got jobs in the city and moved away. Good for them, but it means our list of casuals has dwindled.”
“Helen looks happy,” Kayla said. “Did the meeting go well?”
“It did.”
“Why are you frowning then?” Kayla asked.
Roslyn lifted her chin. “I was just thinking on something else Helen said. Nothing bad though. The committee were all in favour so I can report back to Elvin and we can get things started.”
“Fantastic,” Kayla said.
“What are you two up to?” Roslyn smiled at Amber, who’d been so happy lately but was looking now as if she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Amber opened her mouth then looked down at her feet.
“Amber’s offered to give some tips to anyone looking for bar work,” Kayla said quickly. “She’s feeling a bit nervous about it so we’re just going to map out a few suggestions on how to go about it.”
“Great idea.”
Amber looked up and nodded.
“You’re quite capable, you know,” Roslyn said.
Amber nodded again but the ready smile and the sparkle she’d had in her eyes since getting her new car had disappeared.
“I’ll leave you to it.” Roslyn set off for her car, sure that Kayla would be able to help Amber with whatever was bothering her.
Margot settled back in the passenger seat of Dennis’s Audi and blew out a sigh as he manoeuvred the car out of the residential care centre car park.
