Finding Love Down Under

by Jay, Donna

  “Gasp.” Claire clutched her chest. “You mean you two didn’t exchange numbers? I’m shocked.” Sarcasm turned Claire’s gorgeous face into something far less attractive.

  Even though it never came easy for Zoe to stand up for herself, she refused to feel bad when she’d done nothing wrong.

  “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?” Zoe confronted Claire. “You practically shoved me out the door with your brother, and now you’re acting all hostile. If you’re pissed about something, just come out with it.”

  The room fell silent. Claire sat back in the recliner, placed her right ankle on her left knee, and stared into space.

  For a minute, Zoe wondered if she’d pushed her luck, and would be tossed out. Despite not understanding Claire’s hot and cold moods, she didn’t want to go. She had nowhere to go. And, even though they were miles from town, she felt safe.

  “Sorry,” they chirped in unison.

  Claire chuckled, dispelling some of the tension in the room. “I was just teasing.” She headed to the kitchen and put the kettle on.

  The look of reproach Claire had given her negated any sense of the words said in jest. As much as Zoe wanted to defend her case, she accepted the apology, pleased to be back on even footing.

  Claire held up the jar of Milo, a chocolaty drink Zoe had come to love. “Want one?”

  “Mmm, yes please.”

  After placing two mugs on the kitchen bench, Claire looked at Zoe over the top of the breakfast bar, the cold expression from moments earlier completely gone. “I don’t have Facebook, so I don’t get it.” She shrugged. “People post pictures saying they’re private, and then a friend, of a friend, of a friend, shows another friend. And well really, nothing’s private.”

  Anyone listening in would think Claire was closer to sixty than thirty, and didn’t want to get up with the times. Maybe she didn’t and it was a reason she liked living in such an isolated spot. All of a sudden, Tyler’s pleas when Claire didn’t want to accompany them to the game slammed into Zoe like a freight train. “How long are you going to let it rule your life?”

  It would appear Zoe wasn’t the only one happy to keep a low profile, but why?

  Chapter 7

  July 2015

  Since confronting Zoe about posting pictures online without the other person’s knowledge, Claire headed outdoors as often as possible. But for some reason, sooner or later Zoe joined her. Two months after arriving at the cottage, she didn’t appear to be in any hurry to move on. Zoe didn’t pry into Claire’s past so Claire afforded her the same courtesy.

  A chilly breeze blew Claire’s hair across her face. She cursed herself for not putting a beanie on before heading outside to prune a row of vines. The remains of an early morning frost lingered on the ground and Claire’s breath came out in white puffs, even though the weather was still relatively mild for July. No doubt, temperatures would plummet during August.

  The fact Zoe stood hunched over, trembling like a dog left out in the cold, worried and confused Claire. “I thought the temperature would seem mild to you. Doesn’t it snow where you come from?”

  Zoe crouched as if she thought the almost barren grapevines would offer her shelter. “Sure, but you wouldn’t find me pruning vines in the middle of winter either. And, if by some small chance you did, I’d be better prepared for the weather. From memory, Google said the Hawke’s Bay region had almost tropical weather.”

  True enough; summers were often long and hot. However, during winter it wasn’t uncommon for temperatures to drop to zero degrees. Not overly cold for someone more accustomed to freezing temperatures, surely. “Did you bring thermals with you?”

  “No.” Zoe gave her a shy smile. “I didn’t think I’d need them.”

  The pale tinge to Zoe’s lips freaked Claire out. She held out her hand, palm up. “Give me the secateurs and get inside before you freeze your backside off.”

  “But, I want to help.” Zoe’s tone was soft, not challenging. “Please.”

  She wasn’t going to be of much help to Claire if she ended up catching a chill. “Okay, but I don’t need you dying of cold.” An idea struck Claire. She could do with a day off and it would be a good opportunity to show this little lady more of the region. “Let’s go shopping.”

  “We don’t have to do that.” Zoe crossed her arms and rubbed her hands up and down her biceps as if the action would help warm her. “I have some tights I could wear under my jeans. I could put an extra shirt on, too.”

  Why couldn’t Zoe accept the offer, just this once, without a counteractive comment? Fighting back her frustration, Claire took a deep breath. “I know we don’t have to. I want to. Let me show you the sights. Have you been to Napier, the Art Deco centre of New Zealand?”

  Finally, Zoe’s mood lifted. “I’ve only seen what’s posted online. It looks beautiful.”

  “It’s a date then, let’s go.” Claire looped her arm through Zoe’s and dragged her toward the cottage, giggling like schoolgirls. It’d be an honour to share the history of the region with Zoe and see the place anew through the eyes of another.

  An hour later, driving through the streets of Napier, Claire pointed out numerous Art Deco buildings, typically characterized by decorative motifs such as sunbursts, fountains, and plants. Glancing at the magnificent structures, she felt proud to be able to call the place home.

  “This area was rebuilt in the early 30’s after a massive Earthquake flattened it.” Claire informed Zoe, her eyes full of wonder as she snapped picture after picture.

  “It’s beautiful. Sam would…” She trailed off. “Never mind. I don’t want to ruin the day. Please, continue.” Zoe lowered her gaze and fiddled with her camera in her lap.

  Not giving Zoe a chance to get all melancholy, Claire quickly continued. “Fires broke out after the quake, destroying most of the commercial heart of the city.”

  Empathy flashed in Zoe’s eyes. “Oh no.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “That’s dreadful.”

  Claire nodded. “Agreed, any disaster is tragic. But, by the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe. The beauty remains today. There’s nowhere else in New Zealand you can see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s.” God, now she sounded like a tour guide. At least her sole charge had a beaming smile on her adorable face.

  After locating a parking spot, Claire grabbed her handbag out from between the front seats and slung the strap over her shoulder. “Come on. Let’s find somewhere to get a bite to eat.” She rounded the car and stepped up onto the pavement.

  Zoe huddled into her jacket, bouncing on her feet. Temperatures on the Marine Parade were cooler with the breeze blowing in off the ocean. It would be slightly warmer once they had the shops as a barrier between them.

  “Here?” Claire hip bumped Zoe to get her attention, then handed her a $2 coin. “Feed the meter. Two hours should be more than enough time to shop and eat.”

  Zoe’s chilly fingers brushed Claire’s as she took the money. “You know; we do have these in Canada?”

  Not wanting to admit she thought the old grey meters on a pole with a coin slot were unique to the region, Claire covered her ignorance with a joke. “I just wanted to make you feel useful.”

  Zoe grinned and Claire laughed

  ***

  After ordering a coffee and a mince and cheese pie, Claire’s treat, they took a seat in a booth at the back of the downtown café. Claire sat with her back to the door so Zoe could people watch. Claire was content with watching Zoe, something she didn’t think she’d ever tire off. Hell, the sparkle in her hazel eyes, her long hair and sexy accent, had made their way into Claire’s dreams.

  The look of bliss on Zoe’s face when she bit into flaky pastry, ooey-gooey mince, gravy, and cheese, was priceless. A small string of melted cheese dangled from the corner of her mouth.

  A fleeting image of leaning over the table and licking it off her lips flashed through Claire’s mind. There one second, gone the next. />
  Zoe dabbed at her chin with a paper napkin. “Oh, my, goodness. This pie is delicious.”

  Claire nodded her agreement before taking a sip of her latte. “Best in town.”

  Like the atmosphere, conversation was light and companionable. The day seemed almost too perfect, which it was until someone went and spoiled it.

  The look of dread in Zoe’s eyes made Claire freeze, fork midair. Before she had a chance to ask what had spooked her, someone spoke from behind.

  The accent left no room for doubt the person was Canadian.

  “Well hello, kitty.”

  A thick-set woman stood at the table, eyeing Claire up and down, distain written all over her face.

  Fear radiated off Zoe in thick waves. “What are you doing here?”

  The woman slid into the seat next to Zoe and leaned in close. Zoe scooted sideways until the wall prevented her from moving farther away.

  “That’s not a very nice way to greet your girlfriend. Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend ?” The woman’s menacing gaze locked on Claire.

  Zoe looked close to tears. “You’re not my girlfriend.”

  Having no clue what was going on, although on full alert and ready to jump to Zoe’s defense, Claire plastered on a fake smile and extended a hand. “I’m Claire. And you?”

  The very butch woman shook her hand, squeezing her fingers with way more force than necessary. Claire didn’t rise to the challenge.

  The woman released her grip and scrubbed her hand on her checkered shirt, as though it was covered in slime. “The name’s Sam.”

  Ah, so this was the ex. Not a him, a her. And a very hostile her at that.

  Sam’s cold hard gaze shot daggers at Claire. “Zoe and I need to talk. Excuse us.”

  The fact it came out like an order and not a request made Claire fume. She chewed the inside of her cheek, bit back an angry retort and directed a question at Zoe. “Do you want me to step outside?”

  The look of anguish on Zoe’s face gave Claire the answer before her softly spoken reply. “No. We came in together. We’ll leave together.” Zoe straightened her spine as if gathering up some courage.

  Claire gave her a barely perceptible nod, trying to convey the words, I’ve got your back, be strong .

  Sam tugged on Zoe’s arm. “Well, then we’ll go outside and talk. Let’s go.”

  Zoe yanked her arm away with such force her elbow smacked into the back of the seat.

  A couple dining at the table in front of them glanced over their shoulders then went back to their meal.

  Sam tried again. “I’m not leaving here without you. We planned this trip together. You can’t just throw it all away because of a silly misunderstanding.”

  An are you kidding me expression flashed across Zoe’s face before Sam tugged on her arm so forcefully Zoe toppled sideways.

  “Come on, the least you can do is hear me out.” Sam insisted.

  Unable to remain passive, Claire slammed her mug down. Coffee splashed over the rim and landed on the white tabletop. “Get your hands off her.” She gritted the words out one at a time, slow and controlled. “Touch her again,” she paused letting the tension build. “I’ll break your fingers.”

  A surge of adrenaline shot through Claire. Her heart pounded in her chest. She didn’t want to follow through with the threat, she wasn’t a violent person, but she also refused to cower.

  Zoe’s expression flickered between gratitude and looking like she wanted to flee. Claire hoped she’d read Sam right. The woman was a bully who got off on fear and intimidation. Confronted, she’d tuck tail and run.

  Sam’s face turned an angry shade of red. “Fine. You can have her.” An evil smirk twisted her lips as she stood. “She needs someone like you. An older woman to mother her.”

  Zoe hung her head. “Sam, please, just go.” The words were barely above a whisper.

  “You heard her.” Claire glared at Sam, not bothering to point out they weren’t a couple. She didn’t even want to think about what Sam had been hinting at. Never again would Claire play the part of a mummy to a grown woman. The thought brought back unpleasant memories. The bitter taste of betrayal made her feel sick. And unbeknown to Sam, she’d totally ruined Claire’s day.

  Silence settled over the table. The chatter of other diners became as unnerving as a thunderstorm.

  Zoe looked like she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. She pushed the remains of her pie aside.

  No longer hungry, Claire did the same. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  They gathered up two plastic shopping bags from under the table. Tension coiled in Claire’s belly as she preceded Zoe out of the café. No way was she letting Zoe go first in case Sam was lingering out the front, waiting to pounce. Thankfully, she wasn’t.

  The drive through town was deathly quiet. Who knew what inner demons were plaguing Zoe? Claire was still trying to come to terms with the fact her housemate, her very attractive housemate, batted for the same team she did.

  As soon as they hit the city limits, Claire couldn’t hold back any longer. “So, that was your ex, Sam?” She kept her voice neutral, eyes on the road. As much as she wanted to look Zoe in the eye, she didn’t want to make her feel any more uncomfortable than necessary. Zoe had already had a hell of a day. Shit, they both had. Claire hadn’t realized how much she’d come to care about Zoe in such a short time. She still couldn’t believe she’d threatened to break the woman’s fingers. Out of the corner of her eye, Claire saw Zoe turn to look at her.

  “Yep, that was hurricane Samantha.” She cleared her throat. “Now you know I’m gay. Is that going to be a problem?”

  The challenging tone of her voice irritated Claire, as did Zoe’s stiff posture when Claire glanced in her direction. “Don’t flatter yourself. Besides, I’m not conceited enough to think you’d even be attracted to me.”

  No longer looking so defensive, Zoe slumped back against the plush blue car seat cover. “Exactly. So we’re good then?”

  Trying to be the bigger person and not wanting to admit how much the dismissal of attraction stung, Claire offered an ear. “Want to talk about what happened? Why you broke up?”

  “No, thank you.”

  “It might help. I’m a good listener. And sympathetic.” Having worked for a number of years at an aged care facility, Claire had mastered the art of both.

  The heavens chose that moment to open. Fat drops of rain bounced off the windscreen. The screech of the wipers was like some kind of divine intervention, or untimely inconvenience. Claire couldn’t decide which. Either way the noise put an end to the conversation.

  ***

  The next few weeks were strained to say the least. Zoe stuck to inside chores; the house gleamed like never before. Claire spent her days outside, cutting row after row of vines, returning to the cottage late in the day to the mouthwatering aroma of home-cooked food.

  She caught the odd glimpse of Zoe, hand outstretched, trying to entice Molly. The cat now ventured to within a few feet of the cottage but was yet to come inside. Not to Claire’s knowledge anyway. After the day in town, the ease of tossing her arm over Zoe’s shoulder no longer seemed so innocent, so she had stopped doing so.

  Why Zoe stayed, she had no clue. Other than the fact it was a good place to hide out. Claire wanted to ask, but was too chicken-shit. As much as she hated to admit it, Zoe had worked her way under her skin. Claire liked having her around.

  Chapter 8

  August 2015

  Claire disconnected the call and placed the portable phone in the charging dock on the chair side table. “My friend Janie is throwing a girls’ night in and we’re invited.”

  Zoe dragged her eyes off whatever she’d been browsing on her iPad and looked at Claire, all ears. For a moment, Claire considered telling Zoe what kind of party Janie was throwing, then thought better of it. Zoe tended to be shy and she didn’t want to give her an excuse to turn down the invitation.

  Once there s
he’d be fine, Claire was sure of it. “She lives in Taupo so it’ll be a good chance for you to see some more of the country, if you’d like to tag along.” Claire kept her expression neutral so Zoe wouldn’t feel pressured. All the while her brain screamed please say yes . The fact Zoe was afraid of the dark, and presumably didn’t like staying home alone, pretty much guaranteed she would want to tag along. Claire hoped the road trip would get them back to the friendly camaraderie they’d shared before the ill-fated encounter with Sam.

  A beaming smile lit up Zoe’s eyes. “I’d love to.” Her smile fell. “What about Molly? Who will feed her?”

  The cat had survived for months on its own while the place was vacant, a weekend wouldn’t hurt. She didn’t enlighten her animal-loving houseguest that Molly was adept at catching critters and therefore would never starve. “We’ll top up the food bowl with cat biscuits before we go. There are plenty of places she can find water. She’ll be fine.”

  Zoe slumped back against the sofa. “True, she’s a survivor. I’m the scaredy-cat.”

  The next words tumbled out of Claire’s mouth without conscious thought. “Is that why Sam called you kitten?” She mentally cursed herself when Zoe stiffened.

  “No, it’s not. And it’s not because I like pussy either.” Sarcasm dripped from the words. “Sorry.” Zoe’s hand flew to her mouth as if she could take the words back. “I can’t believe I said that.”

  Not proud of herself for hitting a sore spot, even though it’d been unintentional, Claire shrugged it off. “Don’t sweat it. It was none of my business.” And it wasn’t, despite her curiosity about how she earned the moniker.

  Looking contrite, Zoe did an about face. “What will I need to pack?”

  Claire ducked into the hall, pulled an overnight bag out of a storage cupboard, then tossed it across the room to Zoe. “It’s only one night so just whatever you sleep in. Oh, and pack your togs. We’ll go to the hot pools. If you’re brave enough we can go down the hydro-slide.”