by Annie Seaton
‘Good boy.’
Otis was still in the large backyard and as far as he could see there was no collateral damage, nor any sign of hi-jinks with visiting wombats. The silver weimaraner stood on his back legs, lifted his head and howled with delight when Dave headed for the gate.
‘A very good boy.’ Dave reached out and rubbed the soft silky fur before he unlatched the high gate. As he crossed the yard, his eyes widened.
‘What the f—’ He stood at the back porch and observed the post. Or more correctly the post that once held up the southern corner of the small roof. The bottom of the post was about a third of the size it had been two days ago. It was pitted and the teeth marks were very familiar.
‘Jeez, Otis.’ Dave sighed and shook his head and turned around, but Otis had slunk back to the gate with his tail between his legs.
Another thing to fix before Sol and Sally moved in. At lease it wouldn’t cost, there was enough timber and paint in the shed to renovate the whole house. His father—may he rest in peace—had obviously had good intentions.
‘I suppose I can’t be cross. I left you home alone, didn’t I, mate?’
The dog bounded back and barked happily as Dave unlocked the back door. He put his bag on the kitchen table and pulled out the phone.
‘You bloody beauty.’ The grin on his face was wide as he read Sonia’s message.
It had been hard leaving the house this morning, and he’d hung around, had a second cup of coffee and waited for her to surface. By the time eight o’clock rolled around, he had no reason to stay any longer, so he’d left reluctantly.
Last night had been really interesting. The more time he sent in Sonia’s company, the more she fascinated him. When she’d spoken of her childhood, and the death of her parents, his heart had gone out to her, and he’d wanted to reach over and hug her in the bar, but he’d held back.
When he’d finally kissed her outside the front door, it had rocked him to the core. He’d reeled from the feeling that had hit him right in the chest. Who knows what would have happened if Taj hadn’t opened the door, and the damn kitten hadn’t escaped?
Awesome news. Will call later, he texted back.
He crossed to the sink and filled the kettle. It was a shame that the timing was off. He had no time to start up a relationship now.
Not that he wanted to, of course.
Even if he had money behind him, he wasn’t ready to settle down for a long time yet.
If ever.
And that reminded him. He needed to find a job. He pulled out his phone again, and dialled.
It picked up almost immediately. ‘You’re home. That dog stay in okay?’ Uncle Mac’s voice boomed down the phone.
‘Yeah. He was here.’ Dave switched off the kettle as it boiled. ‘I need a favour, Mac. You know of any jobs going up here?’
‘Who for?’
‘Ah, me. I just need something to tide me over until my . . . er . . . my next cheque arrives.’
Technically true.
‘I could use you. Bloomin’ Ted’s gone on a bender again and I could do with a second pair of hands in the workshop.’
‘You’re on.’
‘No mechanical stuff, mind you. I know what you’re like.’ His laugh boomed out again. ‘Unless it’s a sewing machine, I know what you’re like with motors.’
‘So there’s a job?’
‘Yeah, keeping the workshop tidy, operating the hoist when I yell, answering the phone, pumping fuel, and doing some deliveries. Ya reckon you can handle that?’
‘No problem. I can handle that.’ Dave let the sewing machine comment go. He knew that his uncle thought he had a sissy job.
‘And it’s only till Ted gets his act together. Couple of weeks at most,’ Mac said.
‘You’re on. See you in the morning bright and early.’
Excitement rushed though Dave as he pulled out the business card that Taj had given him. Knowing he had two week’s work with Mac was enough for him to pre-book a flight to Honolulu. He’d call—he glanced down at the card—Mark— and check if two weeks away would suit for an interview.
‘Whenever it suits you, buddy. Anytime in the next month suits me.’ The conversation with Mark was brief and positive, and as soon as he disconnected, Dave went online and booked a flight for three weekends away.
Things were looking up.
He made himself a coffee and opened the front door, and settled in the chair on the porch. He didn’t need Otis distracting him right now. He saved Sonia as a new contact and pressed the call button.
‘Hello?’ The voice at the other end was tentative. A totally different person to the Sonia he’d first met a couple of weeks ago.
‘Hi, it’s Dave. Thanks for the text. You are one awesome organiser. Tell me all.’ He settled back in the chair and put his feet up on the low wall of the porch. There was no breeze up here like there was down at the beach, and he still hadn’t got around to adding an air conditioning unit to the house. No point when he was away so much.
‘Well, have you thought about a date?’
‘Yep. The sooner the better. How about just over two weeks away? Can you get the venue that soon?’
‘Yes, it’s free right through the holidays. TAFE has broken up till the end of January. So what day of the week is best?’
‘Probably a Wednesday night. As soon as you check you can get it done then, I’ll send you a spreadsheet with the buyers from the DDS and the—’
‘DDS?’ she interrupted. ‘Where is that?’
‘Sorry discount department stores. I’ll send you them and about forty boutiques in the city.’ He took a breath. ‘Sonia, I can’t begin to tell you what a favour you’re doing for me.’
‘Don’t worry. It’s going to fill in some time for me. It’s pretty quiet here at the moment.’
‘I’ll pay you back somehow. There’s only one problem. I’ve picked up a job up here for the next couple of weeks so I won’t be able to come down until next weekend. So any questions you’ll have to ring me.’
‘Okay. I’ve got your number now.’ Her husky voice sent a shiver down his spine. He closed his eyes and conjured up an image of Sonia.
‘And can you text me your email too? Just in case I need to send any big files. I’ve got six models, and the hospitality school are going to do the catering. For no cost.’
Dave shook his head. ‘Like I said you are awesome.’ There was silence at the other end and for a second he wondered if he was being foolish trusting the show to someone he barely knew.
Not a wise move on recent past history.
But he remembered the feel of Sonia’s soft lips under his last night and the little soft moan that she’d let out just before Taj had opened the door.
‘Sonia?’ He lowered his voice. ‘I really enjoyed last night. I was disappointed when I had to leave without seeing you this morning.’
Again silence and then she spoke so softly, he could barely hear her. ‘I enjoyed myself too.’
‘Maybe we can do it again next weekend.’
‘Maybe.’
‘Okay, I’d better let you go. Give me a call if there’s anything you need, and I’ll come down on Saturday. Have you got anything planned?’
‘Not really.’
‘Good, consider yourself busy.’
As he walked through the living room after he disconnected, he caught sight of himself in the mirror above the fireplace, and was surprised by the goofy smile on his face.
Chapter 15
The first week he worked at the garage flew by, and Dave was pleased when Mac closed up on Friday afternoon. He caught the pay packet that his uncle threw his way and smiled when Mac said gruffly, ‘You did okay. Maybe I’ll keep you on instead of that useless Ted. Better for you too, than prancing round the world selling women’s clothes. Your father would roll in his grave, I tell you.’
‘No, but thanks, Mac. I appreciate the work. You’ve got me out of a tight spot, but I’m heading to Hawaii in a coupl
e of weeks.’
‘Oh la de da. Alright for some!’
‘See you Monday.’ Dave pocketed the pay packet, stretched and rubbed his back as he headed for his car. His muscles were sore from lugging heavy equipment all week. He smelled like petrol, and there was diesel ingrained in the skin of his hands. Not the sort of job he’d like for more than a couple of weeks. At least he had enough to pay for a one way ticket to Honolulu now. With a bit of luck he could stay at Taj and Rosie’s place. If not, he could find a cheap backpackers’ hostel. As he started the car, he thought of the change in his circumstances. In a way, he’d enjoyed the week. He’d talked to a lot of the old timers who often came into the garage for a yarn, and he’d rediscovered the beauty of a small community. The lights and lure of the big city fashion world had quickly receded into the past.
He shook his head and laughed.
God, what am I doing? Thinking about coming home and being a farmer?
He hadn’t heard from Sonia all week so he assumed that everything was going to plan, Dave was looking forward to seeing her tomorrow. He was thoughtful as he drove home, and pulled out his phone and called Sol as soon as he turned into the drive.
‘Hey mate. I was wondering if I came down tonight, if I could cadge a bed?’
‘Sure. I’ll check with Sally, but I can’t see why not. It’s just the two of us.’
Dave frowned. ‘The two of you?’
‘Yeah, Taj and Rosie and the kids flew home yesterday, and Sonia went to Byron Bay.’
‘Oh.’ All of a sudden Dave felt flat. ‘When’s Sonia come home? Ah, I wanted to talk to her about the parade.’
‘I’m not sure. Hang on.’
Dave waited for a few minutes until Sol came back. ‘All good to stay. We might not be here when you get here. Sally said Sonia’s coming home tonight and we’re picking her up from Central Station about eight.’
‘Listen, I’ll be coming through that way. To save you a run into town, I’m happy to pick Sonia up.’
‘Great. Sounds like a plan. We’ll have dinner ready for you when you get here. Thanks, mate. Look forward to catching up.’
AS THE TRAIN HIT THE outer suburbs of northern Sydney, Sonia relaxed. If she’d known how long the trip up to the north coast had been going to take, she doubted if she even would have set out. But in her usual way, she decided on a whim, booked a train ticket to Casino, and then caught the bus to Byron Bay. It had all stemmed from going over to Ultimo on Monday.
Now that she had Dave’s go ahead, and a date, the organisation of the event was flying.
‘Give me the rest of this week,’ Brigitte had said. ‘Once I get the logistics sorted and the function locked in, you can start the invites early next week. A short lead time is good. Enough to garner interest—and trust me there will be huge interest. It’s a long time since Dave Walker has had a show in his own town.’
Sonia had frowned, wondering why Dave had thought his career was over. Or dead in the water, he’d said after a few drinks last Friday night.
But it had been time to think of her life ahead. A move, a change of scenery would do her good.
Restlessness had set her heading north. Checking out the work situation at Byron Bay had been depressing. Everywhere she’d turned; there had been wellness centres, psychic healing, clairvoyants and spiritual offerings of one sort or another.
It had taken all day Wednesday to get there, and then she’d spent Thursday wandering around, and then travelled home on Friday. Half disillusioned, and half thoughtful.
Byron Bay hadn’t been the right choice for moving her business, but she’d been meant to come there. The events of the day had shown her that.
The universe had been looking after her.
No one knew her up there so she’d ditched the tents, and worn jeans and a T-shirt up on the train and a loose cream cheesecloth dress as she’d wandered around town. A few times, she’d noticed people looking at her and commenting as she’d walked the main street.
As she stood outside a small alternative shop near the beach, enjoying the fragrance of the incense and the small bells of a wind chime tinkling in the breeze, the wind lifted her hair. She’d left it loose and the humidity had coiled her curls into a tangle to her waist.
As she stood staring at the surf, a pretty teenage girl had come up to her and spoken shyly.
‘Excuse me?’
Sonia had turned with a smile. ‘Yes?’
‘Can I –I mean, may I—have your autograph?’ The girl’s cheeks blushed pink.
‘Me?’ Sonia looked around, embarrassed, and thinking she had been talking to someone else, but there was no one else nearby. Across the road a couple—obviously her parents— smiled as they watched the young girl.
‘Yes.’ The young girl dropped her gaze and her voice was soft.
‘Why me?’ Sonia was bemused.
‘Aren’t you the star of “House at the Beach?” It’s my favourite show.’
Sonia laughed gently. ‘Sorry, sweetie, it’s not me, but you’ve made my day. Fancy thinking I was a TV star!’
‘You should be,’ the young girl said. ‘You’re beautiful.’
Sonia’s mouth dropped open and she touched the girl’s shoulder lightly. ‘Thank you. You don’t know what you’ve done for me. I’m going to have to watch that show now.’
‘It’s on Netflix. You could be Emily’s double.’ She smiled again as she turned to cross the road. ‘Sorry I bothered you. Have a good holiday!’
The smile had stayed on Sonia’s face for a few hours. After looking through the shops, and buying a couple of dresses—her confidence buoyed by the mistaken identity conversation— she’d wandered into a café and ordered tea automatically. As she was sitting there, she noticed the sign pointing to a small curtained alcove.
Tea Leaf Reading-book at the counter.
When the waitress brought her tea over, she pointed to the sign. ‘Do you know if there are any appointments today?’
‘You’re in luck, sweet. Willow was about to go home because her last appointment cancelled. Are you interested? A hundred dollars for a half hour reading.’
She nodded.
Why not!
Chapter 16
As the train chugged into Central Station, Sonia stood and straightened her dress. She’d fallen in love with the floral sprigged cheesecloth as soon as she’d seen it. It had reminded her of the pattern on Aunt Aggie’s swim dress, and had fitted her perfectly, although a little bit more fitted than she usually wore. Below the sweetheart neckline the fabric clung to her breasts before falling into a gentle drop to her ankles. The air conditioning on the train was cool so she left her hair loose. Despite the long train trip home, she felt calm and had thought a lot about her future on the way home. The reading of her leaves had been worth every cent of the hundred dollars spent.
She’d obviously been undercharging her clients, but maybe being a tourist destination made it okay. Then she chuckled at the direction of her thoughts.
You live at Bondi Beach, you goose. What was more of a tourist icon that that?
But it wasn’t going to matter from now on. Sonia had come to a decision, and thanks to Willow, the tea leaf reader, she had big plans for her future.
The train eased to a stop, and she glanced at her phone before she picked up her bag.
Right on time.
The platform was crowded as the train disgorged its passengers, and she had to stand behind a large group of Asian tourists for a couple of minutes while they consulted their maps. Sally had said they would wait for her in Eddy Street near the coach terminal so she set off in that direction.
‘Sonia!’
She looked ahead, and a shaky rush of feeling warmed her chest as she spotted Dave walking towards her.
‘Dave. Hello.’ She frowned and looked past him. ‘No Sally? Is everything okay?’
‘Yes. All good.’ He reached out and took her small bag. ‘I was coming through town so I offered to collect you. I’m staying
at the beach house tonight.’
As soon as he mentioned the house, the memory of last Friday night rushed back in and her cheeks heated. But it was okay, here they were walking along together, acting naturally, and he hadn’t greeted her with a kiss.
‘Thank you. That was kind.’
He glanced at her and held out his arm, and she only hesitated a second before she slipped her hand though the crook of his elbow. ‘So how’s your week been?’ he asked.
She nodded. ‘Really, really good.’
‘Sally said you’re thinking about moving north once the house is sold.’
‘I was, but I’ve got a better plan now. I had my tea leaves read.’
The look on Dave’s face was sceptical. ‘And that’s enough to affect a big decision about where you’re going to live?’
Sonia refused to be cross. She was feeling too calm and serene to let a comment like that upset her, but before she could reply he apologised. ‘I’m sorry, that was rude. Closed minded.’
‘It’s okay. I’m feeling good about my decision.’
His voice was low as he murmured a reply, and Sonia had to lean closer to hear what he said.
‘You look good too.’ He lifted his arm from hers and put it around her shoulders pulling her closer.
Sonia moved with him. His skin was warm against her bare arm.
‘Drop dead gorgeous actually. I love the dress and it matches the pink sneakers perfectly.’
‘It was a good find.’ She grinned up at him. ‘Doesn’t need a fruit basket?’
‘You’re never going to let me forget that comment, are you?’
‘Nope.’ She grinned back, but before she realised what he was going to do, Dave leaned over and dropped a quick kiss on her lips.
‘Come out for dinner with me? To a real restaurant? We can’t waste that dress on fish and chips.
‘Why not? I have some news that needs celebrating.’
SONIA CALLED SALLY and told her that they would be late, while Dave rang his mate to see if they could get a table at short notice.