by Fiona Palmer
Billy wiggled his nose. ‘Dad, you smell.’ He pushed his head into his pillow.
‘Okay, I get it. I’ll have a quick shower.’
‘Is Miss Wright still here?’
Drew blinked as he studied the hopeful face of his son. ‘Oh, I don’t know, mate.’ He went back out to the kitchen but there was no sign of her – only the clean stack of dishes she’d washed, the dishcloth neatly folded over the tap just the way his mum used to leave it. ‘Huh.’
With a shake of his head he searched for the thermometer and went to check Billy’s temperature. Thankfully it wasn’t extreme so he decided to have a quick shower. There would be no more work today. Everything could wait. At least he’d have time to get some housework done.
Drew caught sight of himself in the mirror and grimaced. No wonder the teacher had looked aghast. He was in a right mess, with blood on his face where he must have wiped his brow after sewing up that cut sheep. The blasted ewe had kicked out, making the handpiece slip. He hated cutting them; it was the main reason he shore his own sheep instead of getting in a shearing team. That, and it also saved him a heap of money. While he was scrubbing the soap over his skin he thought back to the look on the teacher’s face. She was pretty even when her face was red with anger. He had to give her points, bucketloads, for watching out for Billy. It wasn’t in her job description to care for him after hours. Drew chuckled to himself. She may be a city girl but she’d done a very country thing, settling Billy in at home and tidying up. She’d got involved, sticking her nose in where it probably didn’t belong. And for that, he’d always be grateful. Maybe they’d make a country girl out of her yet.
Billy wasn’t at school the next day or the one after, which Nat had expected. But by Thursday she was getting worried.
‘Kath, have you heard how Billy’s going?’ she asked at recess.
‘Oh, he’s fine. Should be back at school tomorrow.’
‘Did you call them?’
‘Oh, no, I heard it through the grapevine.’ Kath raised her eyebrows. ‘But that’s not all I heard. Your name was getting mentioned.’
Nat was about to take a sip but put her cup down. ‘Me?’ Had she upset the town by going to Billy’s place? Was Drew saying bad things about her? Had she overstepped the mark?
‘Yes, you. Young Drew was overheard spruiking how you went above and beyond to look after Billy. He said Billy thought the world of you and I know that’s true. Drew’s been singing your praises.’
Nat frowned. ‘That’s weird, considering he was pretty angry when he found me in his house.’
‘Yes, dear, but he probably didn’t have time to think things through. Billy always comes first. That’s why the town catch is still single.’
Nat almost laughed. How could Drew be single? Even with a kid he’d still be highly sought after. Those eyes, that face . . . that body. Nat could feel a slow burn of appreciation just from picturing him.
‘I know what you’re thinking,’ said Kath. ‘But it’s true. The women around here aren’t blind. It’s more that he’s blind. Maybe it has something to do with Billy’s mother. I’m just guessing, but Drew’s been through a lot and Billy’s all he’s got. I doubt Drew’s done much for himself since that boy was born.’
Nat nodded and sipped her tea. Gary wanted children soon. He’d once told her he wanted four, and she’d agreed wholeheartedly. They would often lie together in bed thinking up names and deciding if they would have boys or girls. They were on the same page when it came to how they wanted to raise children, and Nat knew that they would make a wonderful family together, that Gary would be a great father. She just wasn’t quite ready for that yet.
‘Well, anyway,’ she said to Kath, ‘I’m glad Billy’s okay. I was getting more and more worried.’
‘Get used to it. These are mostly farm kids. They stay home from school if shearing is on or if they’re needed in the yards. Between you and me, I think a little bit of it is good for them. They learn life skills.’
Kath got up to rinse her cup out and headed back to the office. The jury was still out for Nat, who’d been taught that school was the most important thing. Her parents had spent thousands on top schools. But, really, was she any better off than teachers who’d gone through government schools? It all depended on the child.
Nat wondered what hopes and dreams Drew had for Billy. Or was he destined to be a farmer?
When Friday morning came, she was relieved to see Billy walk into the classroom with a smile on his perky face.
‘Good morning, Miss Wright,’ he said clearly. ‘Thank you for taking care of me when I was sick.’
He had such lovely manners. ‘Thank you, Billy, you’re welcome. Are you feeling better?’
He nodded, still smiling and fidgeting on the spot. His eyes danced as if filled with fireflies. He held out a small envelope.
‘Dad said to give you this. It’s an invitation to lunch.’
Nat took the envelope, unsure of whether she wanted to open it.
‘Please, you have to come so I can show you my pet yabbies, Frank and Ben.’ Billy tilted his head and pulled a face. ‘But Ben is having babies.’
‘So Ben could be a Benita?’
Billy giggled and nodded.
Nat opened the envelope. Was this normal out in the country? Did people invite teachers for lunch?
To Natalie,
At least he knew her name. His handwriting was a sloped print.
I owe you an apology and a thank you. Please let me make it up to you with lunch on Saturday. If you’re free. Regards, Drew and Billy.
A smile tugged on her lips at the way he’d signed the note. He’d left his home and mobile numbers at the bottom.
‘Please come?’ asked Billy. He stood expectantly, with his hands clasped behind his back.
‘I’ll think about it. I might be going back to Perth this weekend,’ she improvised. She needed time to think this through.
At recess, she waited until Ross left before asking Grace, Kath and the aide, Emily, for their opinions.
‘Do you think I should mention I’m engaged?’
Grace shook her head. ‘He already knows. Everyone knows,’ she said with a laugh. ‘That went through town the moment you returned from Perth with that sparkly rock. It’s actually quite common for new teachers to be invited out to lunch or dinner. It’s just what we do.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes, I’m actually surprised Lauren hasn’t had you over yet. I’m sure she’s working up to it. Being on the P & C board, she makes it her business to look after the new teachers. And you don’t have to worry about Drew overstepping the boundaries. You couldn’t find a more perfect gentleman. Alice raised him well.’
Nat remembered their second meeting and was going to debate this, but then recalled how kind he was at their first encounter. ‘So you think it would be okay to accept?’
‘It’s totally up to you,’ said Emily. ‘But engaged, married or not – I’d be there like a shot. Not many get to see Drew in his home environment, except for Lauren and Kim.’
Kath reached over and patted her hand. ‘Go and enjoy yourself. Billy would love it. It’s been pretty hard on them both with Alice gone. I bet they’re both craving some female company.’
Nat sighed. ‘I wouldn’t mind seeing a yabby. Then the kids might not look at me as if I have two heads.’ That caused the ladies to laugh. Nat smiled at her new friends as she thought of lunch with Drew. ‘You know, I miss male company myself. Not having Gary here, or my brother around. And I did idolise Jason, growing up. Guys have a different take on things.’
Kath chuckled. ‘Well, be prepared to hear all about farming,’ she teased. ‘Actually, with Drew you won’t get the normal farmer routine. Being so devoted to his son makes him a little bit different. In a good way.’
‘I think I could handle that.’
Nat excused herself from the staffroom and went back to class to get her mobile. She keyed in Drew’s number.
‘Hello, Drew speaking.’ There were sheep baaing in the background and Drew sounded slightly out of breath.
‘Hi, Drew, it’s Natalie. The teacher,’ she said awkwardly.
‘Hey, hi, how are you?’ The background noise grew quiet, as if he’d found another spot to talk. ‘I guess Billy gave you the invite.’
‘Yes, he did.’
‘Great. Please say you’ll come out tomorrow. Let me show you that I’m not a barbaric farmer, ’cos we are actually quite normal.’ He laughed. ‘And I really do want to thank you.’
‘Sure, why not? Billy wants to show me his yabbies and I really would like to see what all the fuss is about,’ she said. ‘What time?’
‘How’s eleven sound?’
‘That will be fine. Thanks, Drew.’ They said goodbye and ended the call. Her hands were shaking.
She wondered what Gary would think. His last girlfriend had left him for a friend of his, and it had really torn him up. She got the feeling that he didn’t like her spending time with other guys. Perhaps she needn’t tell him. It was harmless, after all.
Chapter 10
DREW shoved the vacuum cleaner back in the cupboard and turned to survey his work. The washing had been put away, the kitchen was tidy and the floors were clean. It was the best the house had looked in a while. Sure, it could still use his mother’s touch with stuff like the dusting and washing the windows, but he’d done the best he could in the time he had. Billy had helped too, in his excitement. He’d made his bed and cleaned his room. After school on Friday they’d put the yabby nets in, ready for today’s lunch.
‘I hear a car,’ yelled Billy as he ran through the house and out the sliding door.
‘Shut the . . . door,’ he said, but it was too late. Billy was long gone.
Drew went outside and closed the door, slipped on his boots and followed the sound of his son’s voice.
‘Do you wanna see my yabbies first?’
Drew came to the end of the path, the trees clearing, to find Natalie standing by her fancy car. He stopped and smiled. ‘Just settle down, kiddo, she’s not rushing off straight away.’ At least he hoped not. She’d run away pretty quickly last time. He held out his hand. ‘Let me start this off properly. Hi, I’m Andrew, but everyone calls me Drew.’
The woman smiled. She was a breath of sweet air, literally, with an exotic splash that delighted his nose. Like a frangipani flower floating through the smelly shearing shed. She was dressed in fitted jeans, high black wedges and a pure white top, soft and light as spun sugar. Her hair fell down her shoulders in a shiny cascade as if she’d just stepped out of the hairdresser’s. Suddenly Drew wondered if he should have worn something other than his blue shorts and matching King Gee shirt. At least they were clean, and he’d used plenty of deodorant.
Her hand slipped into his, cool and supple, but she shook firmly.
‘Natalie, nice to meet you. Most people call me Nat.’
There was tranquillity in her eyes, which were a darker shade of teal today. Maybe they were reflecting the overcast day. It was nearly autumn; you could feel the change in the air, and the sky was filled with dark, plump clouds.
‘They forecast a chance of rain for today,’ he said, pointing skywards.
Natalie tilted her head up, her neck sleek, her chin shaped beautifully. He studied her as if she were a prized ram, unobtainable yet clearly worthy of praise and admiration.
She glanced back at him, catching his gaze. ‘Am I dressed okay?’
Drew scratched at his stubble. ‘Um . . . sort of.’
‘This is Jo. She’s old,’ said Billy as he pushed the dog’s nose away from Natalie. ‘She won’t bite, but if she does it won’t hurt ’cos she doesn’t have any teeth left.’ Billy knelt down in the dirt and pulled Jo’s lips back to show her small white nubs. ‘See? She liked chasing golf balls and rocks.’
‘Oh, I see,’ said Nat as she waved away a fly.
‘Come inside and we’ll sort out your shoes,’ said Drew. He saw the funny expression on her face but ignored it. She’d soon realise that heels didn’t work on sloped dam banks – not that he’d actually tried, but he was quite certain she’d do an ankle.
‘What’s wrong with my shoes?’ Drew heard her whisper to Billy as they got to the back door.
‘Well, they are a bit impractical,’ he whispered back.
‘Really?’ she said with a laugh.
Inside, Drew yanked out a chair on his way to the kitchen. ‘Grab a seat. Would you like a drink? Cool drink, beer or water? I don’t have any wine, sorry.’ She looked like someone who’d probably prefer a bright-coloured cocktail with an olive or one of those umbrella things in it.
‘A beer would be lovely, thanks.’
Drew stood hanging on to the fridge handle for a moment, processing her words. A beer? Right. Did he put hers in a glass? He took out two beers, slid them into stubby holders and cracked them open. ‘Here, hope you like Carlton Dry.’
‘We do get beer in the city, you know,’ she said teasingly.
Drew felt his cheeks burn and hoped his stubble would cover it.
‘But I must admit to preferring Coronas and the Crown Ambassador.’
She was letting him off the hook and he’d never even heard of that last beer. It sounded fancy.
‘Place looks nice,’ she added as she glanced around.
‘We’ve been cleaning all morning,’ said Billy, who sat right next to Natalie at the table. ‘Do you want to see my yabbies now?’ He put his head close to her face as he asked.
Drew noticed Natalie didn’t move away from his invasion of her space. ‘Sure, lead the way.’
While Billy dragged Nat into the lounge, Drew headed off to his mum’s room to find some socks for Natalie. Alice’s clothes were still in there. ‘Just chuck everything out, give them to Good Sammy’s or use them for shed rags, I don’t care,’ she’d said. She’d sorted through her valuables, giving jewellery away to her friends, so all that was left now were her bed and clothes. Her memory lived in everything around the house: the photos, the knick-knacks she’d bought, her collection of teaspoons.
It was still hard to wake up expecting to see her in the kitchen, making them eggs for breakfast. It still gutted him when he realised she’d never be there again, waving her spatula and telling them to hurry up before it gets cold. Or seeing her curled up on the couch with Billy in her lap as she read him poems from Banjo Paterson or his favourite Paul Jennings stories, the ones that had belonged to Drew. It was like living his childhood again, through Billy. Correction: it had been.
With a deep breath, Drew walked into the plain yellow room and opened a drawer, relieved to find it full of socks. He pulled out a thick black pair. His sister had told him to leave it all, that she would clear out their mum’s clothes. ‘No son should have to go through his mum’s undies,’ were her exact words. So here he was, still waiting for the day Amy would come back to the farm for a visit and clear out this room. Maybe she’d come back for the anniversary of Alice’s death.
When Drew went back to the lounge, Nat had her face pressed up to the glass tank, clearly fascinated.
‘Oh, they’re so green. I thought they’d be a different colour.’
‘They go red when ya cook’em,’ said Billy. ‘But we don’t cook my Ben and Frank. We never eat our pets,’ he said matter-of-factly. ‘Nan said. Not even our chooks or pet sheep.’
‘I should hope not.’
‘Heads up.’ Nat looked up and Drew threw her the socks. She caught them with ease. ‘Nice catch.’
She smiled. ‘Basketball. Leading goal scorer for three years straight.’
Drew raised his eyebrows. He hadn’t seen that one coming either. ‘Really? Wow. Don’t let the locals know or you might just find yourself recruited for one of the teams at the end of the year.’
‘That wouldn’t be so bad. So . . . um . . . what’s with the socks?’
Drew beckoned her to follow as he headed to the laundry room that was just
off from the sliding door. He picked up his mum’s Redback boots and held them out to her. ‘These should fit,’ he said. He’d already sized up her feet. It would be a shame to cover those cute toes painted a pretty pink, but safety first. ‘You’ll need them for the dam.’
He could tell she wanted to ask more questions but instead she sat down and changed her shoes. ‘I feel like a clown.’
‘You look great,’ said Drew. ‘I’ll have you in farm clothes pushing up sheep before you know it.’
She shot him a dirty look and he laughed.
‘Right, Billy, ready to go?’
‘Yep, Dad. Come on, Miss Wright.’
‘Where are we going now?’ asked Natalie, taking her beer.
Drew walked to his LandCruiser ute, an old yellow one that still had more life in it than a bucking bronco. Billy had run off in front but kept stopping to check that Natalie was following.
Drew smiled. He couldn’t help it; Nat was walking strangely, as if she had cement blocks on her feet. Surely they couldn’t be worse than those massive wedges she’d worn here?
‘Jump in.’ Drew started the ute while Nat opened the door and eyed off the inside. He leant over and banged on the seat before brushing off some grain and stray dog hair. ‘Sorry, it’s the work ute.’ He wasn’t sure why he’d said that – it wasn’t like he had a new ute for special occasions. This was as good as it got. She climbed in anyway and reached for her seatbelt. ‘Nah, I wouldn’t, unless you want a dirty mark across your top. We’re not going off the farm,’ he said as he drove towards the paddock after checking Billy was hanging on. Maybe inviting her back had been a bad idea. She’d go home covered in dirt and probably cursing him even more. At least she hadn’t complained yet. His citified brother-in-law complained all the time. About the flies, the dust, the heat, the internet, the mobile reception, the distance, the lack of water . . . on and on he went. Drew was glad Amy preferred to travel back alone.
‘Is Billy all right?’