Finding Love Down Under

by Jay, Donna

  After hanging the wet tea towel on the oven door rail, Zoe ambled around the breakfast bar and into the living room. The glow of the fire and the flicker of the television emanated a homely atmosphere.

  A pang of homesickness hit Zoe, she missed her family more than she’d expected to. She’d lived alone for a year, but living in an apartment a few blocks away from her parents was vastly different to residing halfway around the world. “Is it okay if I Skype my parents?”

  A frown creased the middle of Claire’s forehead. “That’s fine. Just don’t expect me to appear on camera.”

  The somewhat curt comment baffled Zoe, but it also spared her the trouble of having to politely ask Claire to stay in the background until she had a chance to tell her parents about her change in accommodation. “Thanks. I’ll be in my room.”

  After a quick chat to her fifteen-year-old brother, Zoe updated her parents on life in New Zealand and reassured them she was safe. Not long before she ended the call, Claire wandered into the hallway, disappeared into her room for a few minutes, then headed back to the living room.

  Two minutes later, Zoe reclined on the sofa. One glance at Claire and her happy mood fled. The woman looked like she was about to blow a gasket. Her expression was tight, normally warm eyes dark and foreboding. Zoe felt like she’d committed a cardinal sin. “Sorry.” She apologised even though she had no clue what for.

  A spark crackled in the fire and Zoe jumped as though a gun had gone off.

  Claire took a swig of red wine, scrutinizing Zoe over the top of the goblet. “It’s your parents you need to apologize to, not me.”

  Who needed alcohol when Zoe’s host could scramble her brain with a single sentence. The comment shocked her. “Why?”

  “You lied to them.” Claire stated as though she was judge, jury, and executioner.

  The accusation stung. Being called a liar was one thing Zoe wouldn’t tolerate. “I did not.” She folded her arms under her breasts and held Claire’s accusing gaze.

  “I heard you talking as if everything was peachy with you and Sam. Someone asked where Sam was, and you said at work.” Claire shot back.

  A part of Zoe wanted to tell Claire it was none of her business and she shouldn’t listen in on other people’s conversations. Nothing good ever came out of eavesdropping. However, given Claire had been kind enough to offer Zoe a place to stay, she decided a simple explanation couldn’t hurt. “I didn’t lie. Sam works in hospitality so probably is working right now.”

  “So you bent the truth?” At least this time, a smirk accompanied Claire’s accusation.

  “You could say that. Look I’m going to level with you.” Zoe took a deep breath, feeling every bit as stupid as she should for not listening to sound advice. “I’d only known Sam for a few months before we came to New Zealand. I guess one could say it was a whirlwind romance.”

  In truth, the sex had been a bigger draw. She’d been drawn to Sam’s dominance. Submitting had come easy; the bite of the crop like a drug she craved and Sam was her dealer.

  Zoe continued. “My parents only met Sam a couple of times. Needless to say, they worried about me tripping around the globe with a person they barely knew. In fact, Mom pulled me aside one day and told me straight up, she didn’t trust Sam. She didn’t know why, just called it mother’s intuition. Considering myself all grown-up at the age of twenty-two, I told her she was being silly, and I’d be fine.” Thank goodness her mother wasn’t the type of person to say told you so.

  “Regardless of her concerns, she took comfort in the fact Sam’s built like a line-backer and would hopefully protect me from harm. Anyway, turns out her concerns weren’t unfounded. If I’d told her we broke up, and I’m now living with a woman in the outback with no neighbours within a country mile, she’d think I’d lost my ever loving mind and have me on the first flight home.” Zoe wasn’t ready to go home, despite her predicament. “Sorry, for dumping all of that on you.” Even though she apologized, it surprised Zoe how good it felt to come clean about her current situation.

  For a moment Claire said nothing, just looked at Zoe, her expression unreadable. After what felt like an eternity, Claire’s expression softened. “Thank you, for sharing that with me.”

  “You’re welcome.” Zoe replied automatically.

  A look of incredulity slid across Claire’s face. “Seriously? I just questioned your integrity and you say you’re welcome. You really are something else, doll.” She shook her head and chuckled. “What a day. Come on, let’s watch a movie.”

  Chapter 5

  June 2015

  Over the next few weeks they fell into a comfortable routine. Claire loved the solitude of the long hours in the vineyard. Some days she was content to listen to the bleat of lambs in neighbouring paddocks, the whistle of the wind and the birds in the trees. Birds she’d eventually have to keep away from grapes waiting to be harvested. Other days, she listened to her iPod or an audio book.

  Zoe seemed to be in her element scrubbing the interior of the house until it positively shined. Her culinary skills were to die for, many of the ingredients came directly from the vegetable garden they’d planted in the backyard. The aroma of freshly baked goods and homemade dinners often greeted Claire when she stepped inside.

  At times, Claire worried it might seem as though she was taking advantage of Zoe. Yet time and time again Zoe assured her she couldn’t be happier just hanging out.

  Tyler, Claire’s younger brother, had stopped by a few times to check on her. Although often overprotective of his sister, he’d given his nod of approval toward Zoe almost instantly. He’d had a quiet word in Claire’s ear, telling her it was good to see she was no longer living like a hermit. Even though he’d made light of the situation, she knew he worried about her every bit as much as their parents.

  Claire glanced at the bedside clock, surprised it was after ten already. She’d woken at the usual hour of six, but instead of jumping up at the arse-crack of dawn, she’d burrowed down into the warm cocoon of her blankets and dozed back off.

  Feeling extremely lazy, she dragged herself out of bed, showered, and dressed in jeans, a long sleeved shirt, and a woollen jersey.

  “Morning,” Zoe greeted as soon as Claire stepped foot in the living room.

  The fireplace glowed a warm orange in the corner. Outside, dark grey clouds hovered high in the sky. The forecast was for a cool overcast day but rain was unlikely.

  Zoe jumped up off the sofa and padded to the kitchen, dressed in stonewashed jeans and a pink sweater. “I hope I didn’t wake you. What would you like for breakfast?” Zoe glanced at the digital clock on the oven. “Or should I say brunch?”

  Intent on making the only meal of the day she could, without disastrous results, Claire headed to the kitchen. “It’s the weekend, take it easy. I can get something myself.”

  “I don’t mind,” Zoe insisted, her wavy brown hair bouncing around her shoulders.

  Rather than argue, or continue to fantasise about grabbing a fistful of her long strands and ordering her to her knees, Claire made a show of opening and closing cupboard doors. Zoe had no other option than to move out of the way or confront her. She’d come to discover Zoe avoided confrontation like the plague.

  “I’m perfectly capable of making toast and a cuppa.” Claire lifted the magnet on the fridge and handed a shopping list to Zoe. “Here, you can make a list of all the secret ingredients you’ll need to get us through the week.” Claire knew the basics, however herbs and spices that really brought a meal to life were beyond her. “We’ll head to the supermarket as soon as I’ve eaten.”

  The kettle whistled and the toaster popped up at the same time. Zoe glanced between both. For a minute, Claire thought Zoe was going to argue. They locked eyes and Claire shook her head slowly from side to side, letting her know she needn’t bother. Zoe lowered her gaze and held her hand out for the notepad.

  “Good girl,” Claire praised, the words rolling off her tongue without conscious though
t.

  Zoe’s face lit up like a child applauded for a job well done. Not for the first time, Claire wondered what had gone wrong between Zoe and Sam. Most blokes would cherish a woman who appeared to be eager to please and happy in the kitchen.

  Thirty minutes later they sat in a car that whined but refused to fire to life. Claire smacked the steering wheel. “Damn, I think the battery’s dead.”

  Zoe quirked an eyebrow. “Oh, is it old?”

  If Claire’s memory served her right, it’d been replaced around six months ago. “No, not really. I guess one of the doors must have been left ajar.” Claire pulled out her phone and hit speed dial.

  Tyler answered on the second ring. “Hey sis, what’s up?”

  Good old caller ID. “My car won’t start. I’m stuck at home. Do you have any jumper leads?”

  “Yep, Paul and I are playing rugby in Waipawa so we can stop in on the way. Can you wait an hour?”

  Unless she wanted to walk to town, Claire didn’t have a choice in the matter. Although, she knew if she told Tyler it was urgent he’d make a special trip. “Sounds perfect. See you then.”

  Zoe turned in the passenger seat, looking expectantly at Claire. “He’ll be here in an hour. Come on, we might as well wait inside where it’s warm.”

  As promised, an hour later, Tyler and Paul barrelled up the drive. A honk of the car horn announced their arrival. “Zoe.” Claire called up the hallway. “I’m ducking outside for a minute. The boys are here.”

  Zoe poked her head out of the bedroom door. “Okay.”

  Claire bounded down the porch steps and gave her brother a hug. At six-foot, a few inches taller than her, she fitted comfortably under his chin.

  Tyler raked his knuckles over the top of her head, mussing up her hair. “Hey, sis.”

  She shoved him away, rubbing her head.

  He limped backward holding a hand up. “Hey, hey, careful.”

  Paul emerged from the rear of the car, jumper leads in hand. He thumped Tyler on the back. “Poor boy strained his calf muscle at practice.” A brilliant smile showed off white teeth surrounded by a brassy coloured goatee, the same colour as Paul’s thick mane of hair. He nodded at Claire’s car. “Is the battery old?”

  “Is there an echo around here?” Claire scuffed the toe of her boot through gravel.

  “Huh?” Tyler and Paul chimed in unison, looking at her as if she’d spoken a foreign language.

  “Never mind.” She didn’t want to explain Zoe had asked the same question. “I had a new battery fitted a few months ago. I think one of the doors might have been ajar, or maybe I left the radio on.”

  Neither made sense though, she hadn’t noticed the interior light on, and the radio wouldn’t work without the key in the ignition. “Maybe it’s a dud. I’ll pop the bonnet so you can take a look.”

  “No need.” Tyler pointed. “The catch is broken.” Both boys scanned under the bonnet. They looked to each other, frowned, played with a few wires, touched the engine cover, looked up then down again, then back to each other, speaking a silent language.

  “What?” Claire snapped, feeling frustrated. Cars were not her thing, other than where the oil and water went, she knew little else about the mechanics.

  Paul held up a thick red cable. “This lead connects to the positive battery terminal.”

  Claire put her hand on her hip, reigning in her impatience. “And?”

  The front door opened and Zoe stepped onto the porch. She waved, took one look at Claire’s stiff posture and, rather than approach, sat in the old wooden rocking chair beside the door. Claire turned back to Paul.

  He continued to explain. “Somehow, this lead had come loose. Your battery’s probably fine. Get in.” Ever the gentleman, Paul held the car door open as Claire climbed in.

  Less than a minute later, the little red Toyota fired to life. Claire fist-pumped the air and patted the dashboard. ‘I should’ve known you’d never let me down.’

  Even though she had enough money for repairs or to upgrade if necessary, she loved her car. It was the first thing she’d bought with her half of the settlement from the split with Amy. She shut off the engine and climbed out.

  “Come on. Come say hi to Zoe. You can use the bathroom to wash the grime off your hands.” She made a fist and shook her hand in the air. “God help you if you leave a mess.” Tyler and Paul smirked, neither of them taking the threat of bodily harm seriously.

  Bypassing Zoe with a quick hello, Paul took first dibs on the bathroom, which made sense given he was the only one who’d got his hands dirty. Tyler leaned against the counter, exchanging pleasantries with Zoe, supporting his weight on his uninjured leg.

  When Paul came back into the room, Claire held a mug out to Tyler. “Here you go.”

  He scowled at the cup as if it contained poison. “I don’t drink coffee. You should know that by now.”

  Three sets of eyes locked on Claire. She smiled sweetly. “But, it’s just what the doctor ordered for your sore leg.” Unable to contain herself, she burst out laughing. “It’s cement.”

  Paul punched Tyler in the shoulder. “Told you mate. Drink a cup of concrete and harden the hell up.”

  An uncertain Zoe looked between them all like she wasn’t sure if she should laugh or not. Or perhaps she didn’t get the joke.

  Anytime a friend complained about their aching body was a good excuse to tell them to drink a cup of cement and harden up.

  Tyler flung his arm around her shoulders, dwarfing her tiny frame. “See what I had to deal with as a kid?” He clutched his chest. “My pride, constantly wounded.”

  You could’ve knocked Claire over with a feather when Zoe took the empty mug out of her hand, thrust it under Tyler’s nose, and stated ‘drink up.’

  Zoe locked eyes with Claire, covered her mouth and let out a giggle.

  The sweet sound was so infectious, all four burst out laughing.

  “Why don’t you come to the game?” Tyler asked once he regained his composure.

  “That’s a great idea.” Claire plucked up the shopping list and waved it in the air like a flag. “Off you go, Zoe. I can do the grocery shopping.”

  “I meant both of you, sis.” Tyler pleaded, trying to catch her eye. “Come on. It’ll be fun.”

  Claire hadn’t been to a game all season. It still freaked her out when anyone eyed her up and down, appraising her with a familiarity that made her want to run and hide. The first thought that came to mind was always the same. They’ve seen me online . It was an irrational fear she fought with every day, because really so what if they had? Yet no matter how many times she gave herself that exact speech, she couldn’t get past it. “Like I said, I’ve got plenty to do around here.”

  The look of despair in her brother’s eyes made her feel like a coward.

  “How long are you going to let it rule your life?” There was no malice in the words, only genuine concern.

  Sometimes life would be easier if he didn’t care so much. “Now’s not the time.”

  Zoe stood chewing the skin on the side of her fingernail, looking totally ill at ease.

  Claire attempted to lighten the mood. “Maybe another day you’ll be able to convince me it’s fun to watch grown men chase a leather ball around a field.”

  An indignant looking Paul puffed out his broad chest. “I’ll have you know it takes skill to get that oval ball, with a mind of its own, over the try line.”

  Tyler grinned, standing by the door with his arm draped across Zoe’s shoulders. Claire shot them a sly wink then turned back to Paul. “Remind me again what position you play? Is it open-side wanker or blindside wanker?”

  Paul rolled his eyes. “It’s flanker, smarty pants.” He turned to Zoe and Tyler. “Let’s get out of here before I bust a nut laughing.” With a huge grin on his face, Paul strolled out the door.

  “Go on kids, have fun.” Claire ushered the others outside.

  “Yes, mum.” Tyler saluted.

  Zoe’s eyes went
wide as if she expected Claire to go bat-shit crazy because he’d called her mum. Which made Claire feel like crap.

  She forced herself to smile. “You can tell me all about the great rugby experience when you get back.” She smirked at her brother. “If Tyler doesn’t ruin it by complaining about his sore leg.”

  The way Zoe looked at Tyler, all dreamy-eyed, didn’t go unnoticed by Claire. All of her friends had lusted after her brother at some time or another. She’d come to accept it and expect it. Normally it rolled off her like water off a duck’s back. Not today though. Today, a foreign and unwelcome feeling settled low in her belly – jealousy. She wanted the adoring look in Zoe’s gaze directed at her.

  Chapter 6

  The rugby game was a blast. Zoe had watched the sport on TV, but it couldn’t compare to the exhilaration of having a front row seat, the raw brutality of thick set men slamming into each other and tackled to the ground. When Tyler’s team had won the game, he’d hollered a yeah baby , picked Zoe up in his arms and spun her in a circle, wincing when he remembered his strained muscle. He was one of the most charismatic men she’d ever met. He would make an excellent brother-in-law. Wow, where did that thought come from?

  When they arrived back at the vineyard, Claire was full of smiles, glad you had a great time, until later in the evening when Zoe uploaded a couple of pictures taken of her with Tyler and some of his teammates.

  Claire nodded at the iPad in Zoe’s lap. “Does Tyler know you’re posting those pictures?”

  The question confused Zoe. “Um, I’m not sure. Why, is there a problem?” The derisive snort Claire huffed out frustrated and pissed Zoe off.

  “Not everyone wants their life posted all over Facebook,” Claire retorted.

  Zoe’s fingers froze on the keypad. What the hell was that about? Everyone posted on Facebook. A few keystrokes and her entire family and friends could see how much fun she was having.

  Irritation prickled under Zoe’s skin. “Sorry, I should have asked for his permission first. Do you have his phone number? I’ll give him a call.” She knew she sounded bitchy but honestly couldn’t see the problem. Come to think of it, the Hawke’s Bay Rangers probably had a club team page.