5 Peppermint Grove

by Jackson, Michelle

  “How about here for our picnic?” he asked.

  It was a beautiful spot and the sky was now tinged with pink wispy clouds that floated across the bay like torn candyfloss.

  Brian shook out the tartan blanket and placed it on the grass outside the gazebo.

  Ruth set about cutting the chicken and putting the salads onto the plastic plates.

  “Will I open this?” he asked, lifting the bottle of bubbles from the Esky.

  “Yes, please,” Ruth nodded.

  It wasn’t that the food was extra-delicious but eating alfresco in this way made it taste sweeter.

  The setting sun was shining on Brian. His tanned skin and sparkling blue eyes were so attractive to Ruth that she found it difficult to concentrate on what he was saying.

  “I have to tell you something that you probably know already,” he suddenly said. “Just to come clean.”

  Ruth’s heart pounded. What bombshell was he about to drop?

  “I did fool around with Julia that night when we went back to your house after the Lucky Shag and . . .” he half-smiled, “let’s just say it wasn’t a lucky shag – more of a complete disaster!”

  Ruth giggled. She admired him for telling her. She didn’t want to paint a dreadful picture of Julia either by telling that she already knew, so she just smiled. “That’s okay. For a moment there I thought you were going to say that you were married and I was about to get up and go!”

  Brian laughed anxiously.

  Ruth was taken aback by his reaction. “Don’t laugh – you aren’t married – are you? Because I’ve been there in the past and now I wouldn’t contemplate a relationship with a married man – period!”

  Brian paused. “Of course I’m not . . . Do you believe in love at first sight?”

  “Eh – I think first impressions matter but sometimes it takes a while to get the timing right.”

  Brian nodded. “Timing is important. I’m glad Julia is gone back to Ireland too. You see, I fancied you from the first time I saw you in Peppy Grove.”

  Ruth was startled. She’d had no idea.

  He continued. “When I saw Julia on Rotto I was keen to see if you were there too but then good old Marty butted in – like he does!”

  “I’m flattered. It doesn’t matter what happened before – Julia won’t mind either.”

  “Good!” Brian said. “Because I’d really like to spend more time with you, Ruth, and get to know you better. I feel you see things the same way as I do.”

  Ruth was blushing. Brian took her plate and placed it down beside the rug. Then he took Ruth’s chin gently in his hand. Neither spoke – they just stared into each other’s eyes. The setting was perfect for the prelude to their first kiss.

  When their lips touched, gently at first, neither wanted to close their eyes but it happened naturally and they sank onto the rug in a close embrace.

  Ruth felt her arm crunch the Anzac biscuits into crumbs but couldn’t care less – she never wanted the kiss to end.

  The birds sang in the trees and the balmy warmth of summer enveloped them. Ruth pulled back first and for several moments they starred into each other’s eyes. The silence between them was heavy with desire and passion and they kissed some more before they returned to eating – but this time fed each other grapes and other titbits.

  The sun was gone from the sky before they packed up and strolled back to his car. They almost walked over a couple who were entwined in rapture next to an empty pizza box and four empty bottles of beer. Ruth turned to Brian and smiled. It was good to see others feeling the love on this special night.

  The first stars of evening were shining in the sky. Brian took the picnic basket and Esky out of the boot and didn’t wait to be asked inside. It was a given that he was going to spend the night there. Flushed with anticipation and desire for each other they went into the kitchen and Ruth took a bottle of sparkling wine out of the fridge.

  “Shall I open?”

  “Looks good.”

  She fumbled with the wire and foil at the top of the bottle and he came over and helped her. The cork went pop and flew out, hitting the ceiling.

  “Oh, I hope we haven’t marked it!” she giggled.

  “No worries, I’ve a team of painters that can fix that!”

  They clinked their glasses together and went out into the back garden where a couple of crickets and small birds croaked and tweeted.

  It occurred to Ruth that Brian had never mentioned who he lived with. She didn’t want to pry but if she was going to get into a relationship with him she would like to know more.

  “Do you live on your own?”

  He paused and she saw a hesitation in his eyes.

  “Nah – I’m sharing! But not for long. I’m looking for somewhere else.”

  “So you rent?”

  “Eh – no, I’m looking for somewhere new to buy – houses prices keep jumping – that’s what’s taking me so long to find a new place.”

  But Ruth didn’t want to talk about house prices and neither did Brian. He put his glass down on the table and walked over to her. He kissed her more forcefully now and put his hands under her soft strawberry hair until he cupped her head perfectly.

  She was out of control. Melting inside and longing to feel his tongue in her mouth again. This was how she wanted to be kissed. It was passion so different to what she had felt with Ian. He picked her up in his strong arms and carried her through the kitchen and into the hallway.

  “First on the right,” she said.

  Inside, he gently placed her down onto the bed and started kissing her again.

  Ruth arched her back – she was in agony and ecstasy, longing for more. Brian didn’t disappoint. He lifted her top, revealing the lacy lingerie that she had specially picked out for the evening, hoping that this would be the night. He peeled the straps down from her shoulders and kissed her breasts. She was aching for him now and urgently kicked off her jeans as he undid his shirt.

  He slipped out of his trousers and fell onto the bed beside her where they kissed with such desire that Ruth thought she would pass out. His breathing was becoming heavier as she reached inside his underwear – longing for what was coming next.

  She groaned in ecstasy as he entered her. He was a slow and passionate lover – moving in a rhythm that suited her needs perfectly. She wanted to come several times but didn’t want the moment to end. They released together amid a torrent of pleasurable sighs.

  Ruth was speechless. Brian continued kissing and hugging her gently, stroking the side of her cheek and telling her how beautiful she was. She had never felt so loved – ever!

  Ruth was walking on air the next morning and couldn’t conceal the grin on her face as she entered the office. Kai and Helenka stood at the water cooler trying to draw information from her about what had her in a buoyant mood. But she was keen to keep her private life separate from work and instead told them that her mother was coming to visit and that was why she was in such good form. But she knew that they didn’t believe her!

  Later at lunchtime she slipped out to meet Brian who had come into the CBD to enjoy a sandwich with her at the Dome Café.

  She told him that her mother was coming over to visit in a couple of weeks and was startled by his response.

  “Oh, that’s great – I’d love to meet your mum – is she as beautiful as her daughter?”

  Ruth blushed and rolled her eyes.

  “Hey, why don’t you ask her about the house in Peppermint Grove then? We haven’t got any more leads or info and I’m sure there’s a story.”

  “Wouldn’t it be funny if there was no big story and it was just some sort of courtesy or business letter about the rent?” Ruth said.

  “Well, I think it was fate that we met and we have Number 5 to thank for that.”

  Ruth smiled and let him hold her hand gently. They were getting closer as each day passed and she was loving every moment that they spent together.

  “Fancy coming for a sleepover i
n Subiaco tonight?”

  “Yes, please – and I have a treat planned for tomorrow night if you’re free.”

  “Oh, what is it?”

  “Just going to bring you somewhere nice so you can dress up and let me spoil you.”

  Ruth beamed. She had been so used to going only to places where Ian wouldn’t be spotted by his wife or her friends and now she was with a man who clearly wanted to show her off and, to top it all, he even wanted to meet her mother. Was she actually sitting with the love of her life?

  Chapter Forty-five

  Coco’s restaurant had without comparison the best vantage point of the CBD and city skyscrapers at night. Brian had arranged a taxi to pick them up at Ruth’s and they took the last ferry crossing over from Barrack Street Jetty to the south side of the river. The sun was still in the sky but only just. It was the most romantic form of transport for a date.

  Brian held out his hand and helped her onto the jetty when they arrived on the southside. The Bellhouse restaurant at the quayside was filling up and picnickers were lining the promenade along the river.

  He didn’t let go of her hand for the short walk across the road and up the steps to Coco’s restaurant. It was a huge glass-fronted building with an alfresco veranda accommodating large round tables and some smaller more intimate ones. Each had a square parasol overhead.

  Ruth looked back at where they had come from – the skyscrapers formed a beautifully symmetric pattern on the pond-still water. Twinkling lights added to the magic that surrounded them.

  The maitre d’ was friendly and took them to their table which had a perfect view.

  Brian was wearing a pale blue shirt and cream jeans. Ruth was pleased that she had an opportunity to wear her special white embroidered cocktail dress that she had only worn once before. It had been at Dromoland Castle on the only weekend away that she’d had with Ian over the last three years. She felt confident that she would have plenty more opportunities to wear the dress, now that she was with Brian.

  They scanned the menu and Brian ordered a bottle of champagne.

  Ruth’s heart danced as he held her hand and kissed her fingertips. This was possibly going to be the best night of her life.

  They started the meal with some Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters and Ruth managed to keep any juice from splashing on her dress.

  Brian recommended the Angus scotch beef and Ruth ordered it also.

  “That was delicious!” she said when they’d finished. “Is this the best restaurant in Perth?”

  “Maybe – but it certainly has one of the nicest settings.”

  “I’m so happy to be here. Selfish of me, maybe, considering what Julia is going through right now.”

  “So how are things in Dublin – how are they all after the terrible tragedy?”

  “Oh, I don’t know what it must be like over there. Horrific, I would imagine. I do miss Julia though – we did so much together.”

  “I’d say. But Julia’s loss is my gain. When is your mum coming over?”

  “I’m expecting her next weekend.”

  Brian sat upright. “Must be on my best behaviour then. What does she like to do?”

  Ruth shrugged. “What a great question! I’m ashamed to say I don’t know. Now Julia’s mother likes to play bridge and go shopping – but my mum – that’s difficult. She does keep a diary and I’ve often told her that she should write.”

  “Maybe she’ll be inspired when she comes here.”

  Ruth wasn’t so sure. “If you knew how she felt about Perth in the seventies you certainly wouldn’t say that but then again you never know. I think there is something about telling your story and all Irish families have plenty of emigration stories.”

  “My mum told me that I had Irish ancestors but I never looked up my family tree – I guess I should.”

  “There are websites now apparently that can make it easy for you. Especially if you have English ancestors.”

  “I must look into that. You can help me.” He clinked his glass against hers.

  The way that he spoke, making plans and including her in his, made her heart dance.

  “Does your mum live in Perth?”

  Brian lowered his head put his glass down solemnly. “My mum passed away a couple of years back.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Thanks,” Brian said with sad nod. “I miss her so much. You see, I never met my father.”

  “Is he still alive?”

  “No, he passed away when I was six – he was . . . let’s just say he was no good for my mother. She was relieved when she heard that he had died because he used to bash her around. She was always afraid that he would come looking for me when I was little.”

  “Oh, that’s so sad. I’m sorry. Have you any brothers or sisters?”

  “No – my mum and I lived with my granny and grandpa when I was a kid. I’m an only child!”

  Ruth felt her heart fill with emotion. She wanted to wrap her arms around Brian and love him forever.

  Brian paid the bill and left a handsome tip. Ruth was utterly satisfied and feeling slightly merry after sharing a bottle of champagne and some beautiful Australian white wine.

  “Would you like to go for a walk along the esplanade?”

  “Sounds divine,” Ruth smiled. She felt a thrill as he took her hand in his and squeezed it tightly.

  They ran across the road but settled into a stroll on reaching the esplanade.

  “That was a fabulous meal!” she said.

  “Come here early on a Friday and you’ll see all the local TV and media people having a long lunch.”

  “There’s a restaurant in Dublin like that – it’s called the Unicorn.”

  “I’d like to go to Dublin some day.”

  “Well, why don’t you come with me when I go home? I don’t have any plans to go at the moment but maybe next year?”

  “Great idea!”

  Ruth was thrilled that he didn’t seem to flinch when she mentioned ‘next year’.

  How different it was being with a man that you could make plans with – someone who regarded you as important! She didn’t think of Ian but she did think about all the time that she had wasted being second fiddle and she would never play that role again.

  Brian wrapped his arm around her gently and they kissed now and then as they meandered along the water’s edge.

  “I must come up to Karrinyup sometime and see your house. Are you near the beach?”

  Brian stopped walking. “Eh, that’s kinda awkward at the moment.”

  Ruth was puzzled – it had never occurred that it would be an issue. Surely if he was willing to meet her mother he could bring her to his home?

  “Why is it awkward?”

  Brian sighed deeply and turned to face Ruth, the lights from the CBD the only source helping her to see his expression and it was pained.

  “Ruth, I’ve been putting off telling you this because I wanted to see where we were going and then you said something in King’s Park that worried me . . .”

  Horror struck at Ruth’s core – what could he possibly be hiding from her? She felt numb but said nothing as she waited to hear.

  “I share the house like I told you before but it’s a complicated house-share – you see, the person I’m sharing with is my wife.”

  Ruth heard the word wife in slow motion – his lips moved and she heard the word like it was bellowed from a loudspeaker. Her head started to spin and she felt her flesh turn to jelly.

  “But you told me that you weren’t married – I asked you!”

  “Look, I know it sounds bad but we don’t get on – it’s been a terrible relationship for years . . .”

  But Ruth was jogging away from him. He stood there stunned and then set off in pursuit. She was almost back at Coco’s before he caught up with her but this prompted her to run faster and she darted on to Mends Street barely able to see through her tear-filled eyes. A taxi almost ran her over but she hardly noticed. She pulled at
its door frantically and jumped in.

  “Where to, sweetheart?”

  “Subiaco – as quickly as you can.”

  Brian was left standing at the side of the road watching in despair as Ruth was driven away. He dialled her number frantically – he had to explain the situation.

  Ruth sat in the back of the cab, utterly deflated. Brian’s call came through but she fumbled with the buttons and switched her phone off. Her tears were choking her. The concerned taxi driver offered her a handkerchief which she took gratefully.

  Brian had been too good to be true – and she had to ask herself why did she always attract married men? But Brian was worse than Ian or Steve because he had lied – she felt like the most gullible stupid woman on earth.

  Chapter Forty-six

  Julia was almost sorry that she hadn’t agreed to go out with Gillian that Saturday evening. She had been on more familiar terms with her since she’d given her more responsibility in the company and Gillian had risen to the challenges that came with them. But Julia felt her employee was overstepping her boundaries. Her obsession with Dylan was more than irritating and Julia did not feel right discussing her sister’s brother-in-law with a woman that wasn’t part of her family.

  When Gillian had suggested earlier that week that they go out on Saturday night, Julia was quick to respond.

  “I’m not in form for socialising yet – it’s been too soon since Craig passed away.” Julia felt that she was being generous but Gillian found it difficult to conceal her disappointment.

  “Has Dylan got a girlfriend, do you know?” Gillian had pried further.

  “It really is none of my business what he does with his private life,” Julia snapped, “but at the moment I think he’s in too much grief to be thinking of such things – much the same way as myself!”

  Then she felt terrible as Gillian winced and skulked out of the office.

  Julia was too emotional right now to deal with such stress and couldn’t understand her own emotions either. She was confused and all around her had changed dramatically since Christmas which – it was hard to believe – was only two short months ago!