by Jane Frances
Shit. Lisa silently cursed as she stole a glance to the gear shift while she helped Cathy hop in. It was a manual. Oh well, at least the car’s reversed into the bay, Lisa talked herself up as she rounded the car to the driver’s side, I can just drive straight out.
A few minutes later Lisa was in the driver’s seat, the engine was on, seat and mirrors were adjusted and she was doing a trial of the clutch, brakes and gears. Oh shit, she thought as the gear stick slipped into an unexpected area. I’ve broken it.
“It’s okay,” Cathy smiled with Lisa’s look of horror. “It’s got six gears.”
Oh great. Lisa inwardly cringed. Six gears. Wasn’t the usual five enough?
Here goes nothing. She switched into first gear and eased her foot off the clutch.
“Sorry.” Embarrassed, she gave Cathy a little lopsided smile. It helped to take the handbrake off. She turned the key in the ignition again. Take two.
This time she managed to get a few meters before losing second gear. Again she gave Cathy an embarrassed smile. Cathy’s foot must have been hurting as the expression Lisa received in return was wan. Cathy said, “It’s good to know at least some things never change.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Lisa relaxed slightly as take three proved far more successful. She even managed to coordinate herself enough to follow Cathy’s instructions to pull down the windscreen visor and press the appropriate button from the three remotes that were revealed. She also managed to stop the car before it hit the still opening garage door, then successfully drive out of the building without stalling.
By the time Lisa was on The Boulevard heading toward the ocean she had decided anyone who chose an auto BMW was missing out on a real driving experience. Cathy’s car drove like a dream, handling turns like it was glued to the road. Even the slightest increase in pressure on the accelerator made the car surge forward with power.
Cathy noticed Lisa’s building confidence, and she leaned forward to turn on the stereo. She fiddled with the CD changer. “Tell me when you hear something you like.”
Now that Lisa’s entire concentration was not focused on driving, she was hoping to engage a bit of conversation. She chose the easy listening sounds of Moby, glad Cathy held the volume at a point where talk was still possible. Not that her chosen topic was going to be easy, but at least she wouldn’t have to yell her questions.
“How long have you known Toni?”
“Since she started working for me. Around four years now.”
Lisa’s heart was in her throat. There was not point beating around the bush. She may as well just come straight out and ask. “Are you two . . . ?” She couldn’t bring herself to say it.
“You mean are we more than colleagues?” Cathy responded.
Lisa kept her eyes on the road. Her bit of bitumen was ending, as they quickly came to the T intersection of West Coast Highway. She eased her foot off the throttle. “Yes.”
“Yes Lisa. We are.”
Lisa’s heart fell from her throat down to the pit of her stomach, and it had nothing to do with the rapid deceleration of the vehicle as she braked to turn into the slip lane leading onto the highway. “Oh. Have you been together long?”
From the corner of her eye Lisa could see Cathy was watching her. “No, not really. Around two weeks.”
Shit. Lisa felt like crying. That would have been around the time they had met up at the cinema. If only she’d listened to Steph’s advice and phoned, maybe . . . But maybe not. They’d no doubt been leading up to a relationship for ages. Lingering looks over the ledgers, stolen kisses behind the stationery cupboard. Lisa swallowed hard. The thought and resultant imagery was just too awful to contemplate.
“Two weeks—really.” Lisa turned to meet Cathy’s eyes for a nanosecond before she looked back to the road and lied, “Toni seems nice. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.” Cathy turned her attention to whatever lay outside the passenger window.
They continued in silence until Cathy indicated the need to change lanes to make the right turn off the highway. The street had houses on one side and dunes on the other. The dunes commanded the residences be at least two stories high if they were to make the most of the ocean view.
Cathy nodded to the windscreen visor again. “If you press the left button on the middle remote,” she paused a moment, and added, “Now. The gate will be open by the time you reach it.”
True to Cathy’s word, when Lisa turned into the driveway an electric gate was just disappearing behind a rendered brick wall. Lisa hardly had time to take in the residence, which was dominated by great expanses of glass and two enormous balconies, before she was given another instruction, this time to a button on the third remote, the one that opened the garage door.
The garage was large enough to hold three cars, but it was devoid of any other vehicles, so Lisa aimed for the space closest to the interior door, figuring it was an alternative to the formal front entrance. She hurried to the passenger side and helped Cathy out of the car, feeling quite depressed as Cathy’s arm again circled her shoulders.
“There’s a remote on the key ring. Press the larger button.”
Lisa did as instructed and two short electronic blips came from inside the house.
“Disarmed the alarm,” Cathy said in explanation.
“Jeez Cathy,” Lisa had to laugh. “Is your home an annex to Fort Knox or something?”
“The house came with it all.” Cathy shrugged, and said, “I may as well use it. It keeps out the unwanted.”
“Aren’t you going to close everything?” Lisa asked as they reached the door leading into the house. The front gate and the garage door were still open.
“What’s the point? Joel should be here soon enough. He can just drive straight in.”
“Okay.” Lisa knew that was logical, but a little voice told her it was actually so Cathy could get the unwanted out of her house that bit quicker. The unwanted being her. She pushed open the door. “Let’s get you inside.”
She stopped short when confronted with a staircase on the other side.
“All this level is just the garage,” Cathy explained. “The living areas are up there.”
“Oh.” Lisa looked uncertainly at the stairs. “Are you going to be able to manage?”
“Of course.”
Three steps into their climb it was obvious Cathy was not managing very well, even though Lisa was taking most of her weight. Lisa quickly weighed her options. The last time she had carried Cathy it was across a flat floor and not up a set of stairs, but she was now a lot stronger than she had been all those years ago. Although not really sure she could pull off a warrior princess impersonation, Lisa scooped Cathy into her arms. Immediately, memories of holding Cathy flooded back. It had been their first anniversary and they were headed for the bed. Lisa quickly blocked the thought from her mind, concentrating instead on finding a firm foothold with each upward step.
“Will this do?” Once they’d made it to the first landing, Lisa let Cathy slide from her arms. Despite her strength, and although Cathy was still as trim as during her student days, Lisa’s thigh muscles burned in protest. If Cathy wanted to get up to the next floor she’d have to do it by herself.
“This is good.” Cathy had initially protested at being unceremoniously picked up, but soon halted when Lisa told her to stop complaining as every second she wasted was one second closer to being dropped. “I’ll just settle on the couch.”
Later, Cathy accepted a glass of water. “Thank you Lisa.”
“Is there anything else I can get you?” Lisa squatted next to Cathy, who sat with her foot resting on the chaise section of the large modular couch. A makeshift icepack comprised of ice cubes wrapped in a tea towel was on Cathy’s ankle and the bandage sat rolled up next to her thigh, ready for reapplication once the ice treatment was completed. Remote controls for the stereo, television and DVD player sat within reach on the coffee table, as did the receiver of a cordless phone.
�
�Actually there is.” Cathy shifted slightly. “Can you get my briefcase? It’s in the office upstairs. First door on the right after you get to the top.”
Lisa bounded up the stairs. She was initially tempted to check out the other rooms, this obviously being the bedroom level of the house, but she didn’t, having no real desire to see where Cathy and Toni . . . slept. She scanned the office, finding the briefcase on the floor underneath the large desk that faced the window. Briefcase in hand, Lisa bounded back down the stairs.
“Thank you.”
Lisa admired the view from the expanse of floor to ceiling windows as Cathy snapped open the clips. From this elevation the dunes were visible, but did not obscure a panorama of ocean and sky. She turned from the seascape when Cathy said, “This is for you.”
“What’s this?” Lisa accepted the proffered envelope. It certainly shouldn’t be another part payment, Cathy already handing over the first installment the day prior. No further payments were now due until completion.
“Open it and find out.”
Lisa slid a finger under the flap and removed a birthday card. There were no flowery sentiments on either the cover or inside, just a short message wishing Lisa all the best for the day, but still she swelled, more pleased than she cared to admit that Cathy had, after all this time, remembered. Once again Lisa changed her mind about Cathy hating her. Obviously she didn’t. Such a gesture was not likely from someone who harbored ill-feeling.
“Thanks Cathy.” It was tempting to bend over and give a thank-you kiss, but Lisa resisted. She also knew it was not likely she would be able to stop at a peck on the cheek.
Cathy indicated to her ankle. “I was going to wait until the actual day to give it to you, but I figured I may not make it into the offices tomorrow.”
Lisa made a split-second decision. Since Cathy was obviously willing to extend the olive branch then she could do the same. “Cathy, Joel’s arranged a barbeque for tomorrow night. It’ll just be a few people and, since we have to work the next day, it won’t go late. If you’re feeling better it would be great if you’d come along. Toni too of course,” she added, somewhat halfheartedly.
Cathy must have sensed Toni’s half of the invitation was more of an afterthought than genuine. She gave Lisa a sidelong look, but recovered quickly, flashing what appeared to be a genuine smile. “Thank you Lisa. I’ll check with Toni, I’m not sure if she has any plans for tomorrow night yet.”
Lisa nodded. Of course Cathy had to check with Toni. That’s what couples did. She swallowed her jealousy, instead concentrating on passing on the needed details. She told how Joel had appointed himself chief cook and bottle washer so there was no need to bring anything except what they wanted to drink, and to roll up anytime between seven and eight.
Cathy shook her head when Lisa began reciting her address. “I don’t need it.”
“Why not?” Lisa realized Cathy just had to aim for the house immediately behind Toni’s, but she continued with her thought anyway. She giggled, “Are you going to drop in over the back fence?”
She wasn’t expecting the glare she received. Obviously it was a sore point.
Sore point. That thought made her laugh out loud.
Lisa stopped short, Cathy folding her arms and giving the look, the one that told her she was pushing her luck. Cathy’s look may not have changed in all the years, but obviously her sense of humor had. Shame, in the past they had both shared the same sense of the ridiculous, often ending up with tears running down their cheeks they had laughed so hard. “Sorry.”
Cathy nodded, but Lisa got the sinking feeling she had just sealed the fact Cathy would be a no-show the following evening. She felt like an insensitive clod. However, there was little time to undo any damage she had caused, Joel’s horn sounding from outside. Jeez, he was a clod too. He could have at least knocked on the front door. What did he think he was, some jock come to pick up his chickie-babe for a date?
“Are you sure I can’t get you anything before I go?” Lisa felt bad she had to leave Cathy to look after herself when she could hardly walk.
“I’m fine,” Cathy assured. “The ice is already helping, so I’ll be up and around soon enough. Although, if you could make sure the garage door and gate are closed, that would be good.”
“Sure.” Lisa made a note of the locations of the controls for both, laid her hand on Cathy’s shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze, “Take care Cathy.”
Once outside, Lisa slid into the Ute beside Joel. He had his arms resting on the steering wheel, attention focused on Cathy’s house. “Nice place.”
“Hum.” Lisa snapped her seatbelt on, not particularly interested in the architecture. Her interest lay inside the structure. “What took you so long? Did you drive here backward?”
“Nope. I thought I’d give you two time to get settled so I had my morning tea overlooking the ocean.” He dangled a brown bakery bag. “I saved you some of my bun.”
The bag was placed on the dashboard when Lisa shook her head at the offer. Joel slid his Ute into gear. “How’s hop-a-long?”
“She’s okay.” Lisa pointed out the bollard that sat a few meters inside the property perimeter and the weatherproof button Joel needed to press to make the electric gate slide closed. “I invited her to the barbeque tomorrow night.”
Joel gave Lisa a sideways grin. “I guess I’d better buy another sausage then.”
“Better make that two,” Lisa said glumly. “Her girlfriend is coming along too.”
“I thought you weren’t sure anymore about Cathy and Toni.”
“I am now. I asked Cathy today.” Lisa slouched down in her seat and propped her elbow on the window frame so she could rest her chin on her fist. “Anyhow, I don’t think they’ll come.”
“Why not?”
“I think I kind of upset Cathy when I laughed about her falling into my garden.”
“Oh Leese. I’m sure you’re just overreacting again. From what I’ve seen of Cathy she doesn’t seem the type to get all shitty over something like that.”
“Hmm.” Lisa turned her attention to the dunes. “Whatever you reckon.”
Joel picked up on the message that conversation was not wanted. He turned on the stereo, keeping the volume low and humming along to the music.
They were only minutes from Cathy’s South Perth offices when Lisa spoke again. “Joel—” she ventured.
Joel stopped his quiet humming. “Yes?”
“I think I love her.”
Joel applied the brakes as he neared the traffic lights. Once at a complete stop he turned his attention to Lisa, patting her consolingly on the knee. “I know honey.”
That revelation made Lisa sit up straighter. How had Joel already come to that conclusion? She’d been very careful not to say anything to him.
“Come on Leese,” Joel rolled his eyes skyward when asked how he had guessed. “How long have we known each other now?”
“Too long,” Lisa quipped.
“Far too long,” Joel agreed. “Long enough to know I’ve never seen you in such a tizz over a woman before.”
“I am not in a tizz,” Lisa said defensively.
“Oh, no?” The lights changed to green and Joel accelerated quickly, beating the next set of traffic lights, located only a short distance ahead. “So the fact you’re Little Miss Sunshine when Cathy calls and Little Miss Misery most of the time in between is just a coincidence?”
“Yes, it is.” Lisa folded her arms, fully aware Joel had read her correctly. “It’s pure coincidence.”
“Whatever.” Joel grabbed the remote from the dashboard and aimed it in the general direction of the garage door. “Just as well you’re through with women. Things could get messy otherwise.”
“Shut up Joel.” Lisa scowled, not in the mood for his humor. “You know I won’t go there.”
“Go where Leese?”
Okay, so Joel was going to make her say it. “I won’t make a move on another woman’s woman.”
&nbs
p; “That’s my Leese, beyond corruption.” Joel laughed, then sobered as he caught the steely glare coming from the other side of the cab. “So, I guess you and Cathy are just going to be friends then?”
“That’s the plan.” The moment the Ute was at a standstill, Lisa slid out of the cab, slammed the door, and stalked toward the lift.
Chapter Eleven
Lisa held her empty stubbie in the air. “Anyone need a refill?”
“Shit, I wish I’d never asked.” She headed inside to the kitchen, armed with requests from five of the twelve people already clustered around her thankfully very large patio table. The kitchen table and chairs had also been temporarily moved outside, so there was still space for a few more guests. Which was just as well, Rebecca and Dee had not yet arrived, neither had Cathy and Toni. But they still might. After all it was only twenty past seven.
Steph jumped from Van’s knee. “I’ll give you a hand.”
Lisa smiled as Steph followed her into the kitchen. Joel was playing doorman when Van and Steph arrived, so Steph had stepped outside to find Lisa and Emma sitting next to each other at one end of the long table. She knew Steph had been bursting to speak to her alone from the moment she spied the two of them together.
Lisa rummaged in the fridge. Steph stood behind her.
“You’ve obviously been busy since we last spoke,” Steph said as she accepted the two bottles of wine Lisa passed.
“Uh-huh.” Lisa juggled a bottle of vodka and lemon, a stubbie of beer, and a can of bourbon and coke. She closed the fridge door with her knee. “But it’s not what you think.”
Lisa twisted the cap off the stubbie and took a long draught. “We’re friends, that’s all.” The mouth of the stubbie was pointed accusingly in Steph’s direction. “Although it’s no thanks to you. You’re lucky you didn’t bring your handbag with you Steph, ’cause I’d happily use it to hit you over the head.”
Steph placed the bottles of wine onto the kitchen bench, eyes opened wide in the innocent manner she was so good at. “Why, what have I done?”