by Eva Scott
If I did anything, it was purely by accident.
GardenerGuy94 MON @ 9:32 AM
Oh, you did something alright. You set a chain reaction in motion. Just wait and see. xxx
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Annalisa had the workshop roller door all the way up to let in fresh air as she carefully glued tiny pieces of furniture together. Ed had been gone for a few days now and a part of her wondered if he intended coming back like he said he would.
She inspected her miniature production line of beds, tables and chairs—all sturdy and able to withstand heavy play. No spindly legs or snappable bits here. Satisfied, she wiped her hands on her work apron and pondered what to do next. She could start work on another tiny caravan she wanted to put up on her social media pages. The last one had sent everyone into a frenzy over its cuteness.
As she searched for the caravan template in her design drawers a car horn sounded outside.
Frowning, she stepped away from her workbench and out into the courtyard. ‘I haven’t got an order coming,’ she said as a ute backed towards her. It took her a moment to recognise Ed’s truck as the tray was filled with garden furniture.
‘Hey.’ Ed swung out of the ute with fluid grace, slamming the door behind him. He wore a green T-shirt that had seen better days and a pair of equally worn jeans. Something had changed. His whole demeanour had a relaxed quality she was not familiar with.
‘What’s up with you?’
‘Well, hello back.’ He smiled, sparking little pinpricks all across her skin. Still as dangerous as ever. Maybe he shouldn’t have come back at all.
Ed dropped the tray on the ute, loosening the tie-downs as he spoke.
‘I’ve brought you presents.’
‘Me, whatever for? You don’t still feel guilty, do you? There’s no need. You’ve done more than enough painting out the store.’ The words sounded like a standard script to her own ears when her curiosity demanded to know what lay underneath that tarp.
‘It is not a guilt present,’ he said, frowning a little at the suggestion. ‘I thought you could do with some proper furniture for the old guys. There were some seconds going at the warehouse so I nabbed them for you.’
Once the ropes were released, Ed began lifting down the pieces of a plastic outdoor dining setting, brand new except for a scrape along one table leg that had gouged the green plastic.
‘We can get some seat cushions for comfort. The plastic will feel hard after a while.’
‘Might encourage them to go home,’ Annalisa laughed, ‘otherwise they’ll stay all day.’
She picked up the stackable chairs and moved them to the area she’d cleared especially for Joe and his friends. They’d visited once or twice, complaining things weren’t the same as the old days. Maybe this table setting would cheer them up.
‘They are going to love this, and you.’
‘Grab the other end.’ Ed nodded towards the end of the table and Annalisa dutifully obliged, helping him carry it to its new home.
‘What do you think?’ Ed stood back, surveying the setting. ‘It’s not flash but it is functional.’
‘I think it’s a wonderful present, thank you.’ Should she hug him? Shake his hand? Annalisa didn’t know what to do. A normal, safe friend would get a hug for their troubles; however, Ed was neither normal nor safe.
‘I’ve got something especially for you.’ His eyes shone with delight. ‘Bet you can’t guess what it is.’
Her mind drew a blank. ‘I have no idea,’ she said.
‘Come on and I’ll show you.’ His enthusiasm caught hold of her caution and shoved it aside.
She followed him, keen for the big reveal. He moved to the cabin of the ute and opened the back door, rummaging around for the surprise.
‘Okay, you ready?’ He paused like a magician about to reveal the rabbit under his hat. ‘Ta da!’
He stood back from the car to reveal a proper coffee machine, the likes of which she could never afford, or knew how to use.
‘But that’s a real coffee machine.’ Her hand moved to her heart which was threatening to beat right out of her chest. ‘I can’t accept that from you.’
‘Why not?’ Ed didn’t look the least bit bothered.
‘But I don’t know how to use something like this.’ The size of the thing intimidated her, let alone the workings of it with all the steam and dials to operate.
‘Don’t worry about that. I can teach you. I used to pull coffee on commercial machines for a living. This one is designed for a fancy kitchen and it’s not that hard to use once you get the hang of it. Think how the old guys are going to love it. Real coffee at last.’ He waggled his eyebrows at her, forcing her to laugh.
‘It’s still too much, Ed.’ The enormous box showed a shiny chrome beast with levers and prongs, like something out of a sci-fi movie.
He turned to stand before her, close enough that the male scent of him reached her. Stubble lined his jaw, something she’d never seen on him before. It lent him a rugged edge, making him even more appealing if that was possible. If she leaned in a little closer …
Why was he giving her gifts? The question finally registered in her brain, having had to wrestle through an enormous number of hormones to get there.
‘Are you nearly finished … you know?’ She didn’t really want the answer to the question, certain she wouldn’t like it.
‘Almost.’ His eyes sparkled, as if he knew his effect on her and enjoyed her discomfort immensely. ‘Soon I won’t be needed at the warehouse anymore.’
‘Oh.’ She watched the pulse jump at the base of his throat, mesmerised. ‘Um … how’s the warehouse going?’
He laughed, a warm throaty chuckle. ‘Like you care. Come on’—he took her arm—’let’s go and find a suitable spot for the coffee machine.’
Annalisa let Ed lead her back to the workshop. He asked questions and she believed she gave answers, all the time processing his many gifts and the reason for them. If he left, then her dilemma was over. On the other hand, if he left, she’d never see him again. Why did that feel like a dilemma of its own?
‘If we move this table back a bit and put this one over here, we can set up the machine no worries.’ He had his back to her as he talked through the plan. She watched his broad shoulders move beneath the fabric of his T-shirt, thinking back to that one time she’d seen him half naked. What a day that had been.
‘So, what do you think?’
‘Sorry? Oh, yes. Fine. Great idea.’ She struggled to surface.
‘Annalisa, are you okay?’ Ed stepped closer, a look of concern on his face.
She wrapped her arms across her chest for self-protection. ‘I’m grand.’ She offered a wan smile. ‘Just tired.’
‘Right.’ He watched her face for so long she felt the stirrings of a blush beginning to form.
‘Shall we do what you said?’ For the life of her, she couldn’t remember what his plan had been.
‘Sure, and then I’ll teach you how to use the machine. You look like you could use a coffee.’
‘I don’t have any coffee that would be suitable.’ Her resistance to using the coffee machine bubbled up inside her. She found the thing intimidating. ‘Only the stuff in the jar. Joe calls it bogan dust.’
Ed laughed. ‘Not to worry. I brought some with me.’ If he sensed her reluctance, he wasn’t letting on.
Fifteen minutes later, they’d cleared one of the workbenches and rearranged furniture until Ed was satisfied. He’d relocated the bar fridge to be closer to the coffee machine. Workflow he called it.
Annalisa still had heavy doubts. What if she couldn’t master the machine and the old guys derided her for the quality of her coffee? Not so hard to take when the stuff came out of a jar but with a machine like this? No excuses.
‘I reckon we are good to go.’ Ed dusted off his hands and inspected the machine before turning his megawatt grin on Annalisa. ‘I’ll show you how to make a coffee and then you make the next one, okay?’
>
‘Yeah, great.’ She nodded with enthusiasm she didn’t feel.
He saw straight through her.
‘I know how intimidating these machines can appear. My first attempt at making coffee was an unmitigated disaster. You’ll soon get the hang of it.’
She wasn’t so sure.
‘Do you have some milk we can steam? I’m assuming you’d like milk in your coffee.’
‘Yes to both your question and your assumption. I do have some in the house. I’ll go get it.’ She had so much to process that a little time to herself, even if it was just a moment, was a blessing.
Annalisa hustled into the house, the kitchen window giving her a good view of Ed as he pottered about the machine. She pulled open the fridge and took out the milk container.
Ed Carpenter looked so fine it hurt. As he double-checked the coffee machine, she imagined mornings where she might wake up to this scene. They’d have coffee together and then work on their various projects. She had no idea what his would be, figuring he’d probably have to travel for Carpenter’s Warehouse. The very thought blew her fantasy to pieces and her phone vibrated as if with the force of the blow.
GardenerGuy94 TUES @ 10:11 AM
Good morning, gorgeous. I am feeling mighty fine and free this morning. How are you?
A familiar softening reached Annalisa’s heart as she read the message. GardenerGuy94 had this calming effect on her every time and managed to turn up just when she needed him the most. She sighed and placed the milk on the counter.
GoldfieldsGirl TUES @ 10:12 AM
I’m okay. Working hard. You wouldn’t believe it but I just got a brand new coffee machine as a gift. I have no idea how to use it and I’m about to learn.
GardenerGuy94 TUES @ 10:13 AM
Like one of those super shiny, super expensive things that look like the offspring of the ones in the cafés?
GoldfieldsGirl TUES @ 10:14 AM
You’ve got it in one.
GardenerGuy94 TUES @ 10:14 AM
Who on earth gave you that? Not the old boys or your nonna?
GoldfieldsGirl TUES @ 10:15 AM
I don’t think they could afford one! It’s so expensive I’m almost afraid to touch it. My nemesis gave it to me.
GardenerGuy94 TUES @ 10:16 AM
What? You mean the devil himself?
GoldfieldsGirl TUES @ 10:16 AM
Yep. He’s here now and he’s going to give me a lesson.
GardenerGuy94 TUES @ 10:17 AM
You have got to be kidding me. Tell me he isn’t moving in on my girl.
GoldfieldsGirl TUES @ 10:18 AM
LOL. No way. It’s a parting gift. He’s getting ready to leave for good.
GardenerGuy94 TUES @ 10:18 AM
Man, that’s a lot of guilt right there.
GoldfieldsGirl TUES @ 10:19 AM
Are you still keen to meet? I’m still wondering if we should exchange photos or real names or something.
‘Annalisa? Are you coming back or what? Bring cups when you come.’
The sound of Ed’s voice jolted her out of her messages. Milk. He was waiting on the milk. And cups. Grabbing the things, she hightailed back out to the work shed.
‘Here I am,’ she said. ‘Got distracted for a moment. Sorry.’
‘No worries,’ said Ed, who didn’t appear the least bit bothered by her absence. ‘Gave me time to set up the grinder and get the coffee beans.’
On the table beside the coffee machine sat a shiny, resplendent new grinder and a jumbo bag of coffee beans.
‘Let’s start with the grinder,’ he said. ‘That’s the fun bit.’
Ed showed her how to fill the grinder and turn it on. He explained the process of getting the beans to the right grade of fineness.
‘We call it milling and it’s important to get the fineness of the grind right for the method of brewing you’re using. The longer the coffee grounds are exposed to heated water, the coarser the grind. Ours is a pretty fast method so …’
‘We need a finer grind.’ She wanted to show him how much she appreciated his gesture with her determination to learn how to make a proper coffee.
‘Right.’ He grinned at her and she lit up inside. ‘You’re a quick study.’
The lesson continued with how to pack the portafilter, the little scoopy thing that fit into the machine and held the coffee grounds. Steam wand and nozzle—check. Drip tray—obvious check. Espresso spout—ditto.
‘I think I’ve got it,’ she said. ‘Show me how the magic works.’
‘One coffee coming up.’ Ed deftly manipulated all the moving parts until the rich smell of espresso filled the work shed. He steamed the milk with expert finesse and presented Annalisa with a perfect cup of coffee.
As she sat inhaling the divine scent, Ed quickly made a cup for himself.
‘What do you think?’ He slid into a chair opposite her as she took her first sip.
Closing her eyes, she let the liquid gold travel the length of her tongue. ‘This is sheer heaven. Wait until Joe gets a load of this.’
‘I’m happy you like it.’ He sat back, a look of contentment on his handsome face as he sipped his own brew.
They sat like two old friends, a comfortable silence wrapping around them. Annalisa felt more at ease with Ed than she had for weeks. Maybe since she met him.
‘Tell me about the catfish guy you’re dating online.’
The question took her by surprise. ‘He’s not a catfish,’ she said automatically.
‘I know that. I also knew I’d get a bite. What’s his name so I can refer to him properly?’
‘I still don’t know it.’ She hated to admit the fact.
‘Seriously?’ He raised his eyebrows in surprise. ‘What’s his username?’
‘GardenerGuy94.’
‘Why would he choose that name? Maybe he’s an old guy who likes gardening.’
‘I don’t think so.’ While they’d connected on an emotional level, it pained her to have to admit to knowing so little about GardenerGuy94 as a physical person.
‘So, no photo and no name?’ He asked it like a question but they both knew it was more like a statement. She didn’t bother answering. ‘You’ve got a regular Man of Mystery on your hands.’
‘I think it adds to the romance. All will be revealed when we meet.’ Okay, she didn’t think it added to the romance. These were the things that bothered her the most and made her hesitate—especially when you added the lack of information with GardenerGuy94’s recent no-show.
Ed pulled a face. ‘Maybe,’ he said. ‘Or maybe he’s hiding something, like he’s ninety-four years old.’
Annalisa laughed, confident he was wrong.
‘Or that he has a harem of ninety-four women he keeps in a shed in his garden.’
‘Now you’re being ridiculous.’
‘You two should meet.’
‘We are.’ She stretched her legs out, propping them up on a spare chair. A certain ease had settled in between them and she found she didn’t mind talking to him about GardenerGuy94.
‘Let’s assume he’s into gardening with a handle like that. How about the number ninety-four stands for the number of weeds he pulls each day?’
‘Or the number of cups of coffee he drinks.’ She raised her cup, getting into the spirit of things.
‘Nice one. I have to say I’m concerned you’re going off to meet up with a guy you met on the net and you know next to nothing about him.’
‘You sound like Nonna and Mel and Joe.’ She sighed. ‘I know plenty about him, the stuff that matters.’
‘Like what? I’m genuinely curious and you know I only want the best for you.’
She searched his face, checking the authenticity of his words.
‘I know how he feels about things like his family, his job, and his dog. I know all sorts of stuff about his life. We share our days with each other. He quit his family business yesterday. You two might have more in common than you think.’
Ed sh
rugged. ‘I doubt it. I’m not into the internet dating thing. I prefer real life.’
‘Just because we haven’t met yet doesn’t mean that what we share isn’t real.’
He looked at her with a sceptical frown. ‘As real as you and me?’
She ducked her head before he could see her blush. ‘You know what I mean,’ she muttered. ‘He’s the one who encouraged me to start this doll-house business. He’s always been there when I needed him.’
‘Hey, what if he’s married and that’s why he stood you up?’
‘He’s not married.’
‘Have you asked him?’
‘Um … no.’ God, that hurt to admit.
‘Do it now,’ Ed encouraged her. ‘Better to know now than later, right? I’ve got to go to the bathroom so I’ll give you some privacy to message him.’ He scraped his chair back and stood up. ‘Good luck.’
Left alone, Annalisa reluctantly took out her phone and punched in the message, dreading the response. Whoever said ignorance was bliss knew what they were talking about.
GoldfieldsGirl TUES @ 11:45 AM
Awkward question. Are you married?
GardenerGuy94 TUES @ 11:47 AM
What kind of question is that? Don’t tell me—your friends put you up to this. Your nonna wants to know, right?
Nausea swirled in the pit of her stomach. She’d gone and offended GardenerGuy94. Breathe in, breathe out. She needed to think clearly about her reply.
‘How did you go?’ Ed slammed through the back door without a care in the world.
‘He’s not happy I asked,’ she said, morosely.
‘Bet he didn’t answer the question either.’ Ed resumed his seat. ‘Maybe he’s got a wife and six kids.’
‘I sincerely doubt it.’
‘Then get him to set a date and time for you to meet. He owes you that much.’
Annalisa sighed. She’d already pissed GardenerGuy94 off. She did not want to make things worse, although Ed did have a point. GardenerGuy94 owed her that at the very least.
‘Okay.’ She tapped a message into her phone and pressed send.
GoldfieldsGirl TUES @ 11:34 AM
Put me out of my misery and let’s set a date to meet.