by Annie Seaton
Anger began a slow burn in her stomach. She should have known he’d make that assumption.
Assumptions.
Even if Dad hadn’t died and she’d stayed at medical school in Sydney, they wouldn’t have lasted. The punters would have lost their ‘Em and Jem’ bet. Emma Porter from Kakadu just didn’t measure up to the requirements of the Langford family.
‘Emma?’
She realised she was staring at him and she pulled her hands out of his.
‘Yes. It is. Five years.’ Memories crowded into her head and she made a conscious effort to keep the conversation light. Tilting her head back, Emma held his blue-eyed gaze, ignoring the sharp little frissons jumping around in her stomach like fireworks. ‘How are you, Jeremy? You look very well.’ She forced a nonchalant grin to cross her face. ‘And as pretty as ever. Still modelling on the side?’
A light flush stained his high cheekbones but he smiled at her. ‘I’m very well, thank you.’ The smile widened, showing his perfect white teeth. ‘And no, I gave away the modelling. The fan mail was clogging my letterbox.’ Jeremy shook his head as he looked down at her almost as though she was a figment of his imagination. He had always looked older than the other students and when they’d first met he’d seemed mature beyond his eighteen years. As they’d become friends, Emma had learned that the arrogance he wore like a cloak actually covered a lack of confidence, though there was no way he would ever admit it. In the five years before she’d left, she’d watched his confidence grow. Slowly their friendship had blossomed into love and within two years he was her boyfriend.
And her first lover.
‘And what about you?’ he asked. ‘Do you live up here or are you travelling through?’ He obviously hadn’t heard her conversation with Rod; the noise from the other end of the bar would have drowned out their words.
She tightened her lips as he waited for her to answer. His expression was curious. A little older, and if she looked closely a little thinner; small lines were etched beside his eyes and his full lips.
She stared back at him as he took in the hippie clothes she wore. His eyes finally rested on the peace sign that nestled on the cheesecloth top between her breasts.
Dropped out. His words left a bitter taste; the two-word assumption confirmed that she would never have been good enough for his family—and, if the truth be known, not good enough for him in the long term. Well, he was in for a surprise tomorrow. She would play this to the hilt.
‘Yes, I do. Live here, that is. I’ve a small piece of land in a little village just north of here. Daintree Village. Just enough to try to keep myself self-sufficient. I’ve been here for a few years now. Beautiful place to “drop out”. I’ve got a cute little dog, chooks, frogs and a fabulous veggie garden.’
‘I thought you’d gone back to the Northern Territory. I was . . . surprised when you left.’
Emma shook her head. ‘I did go home for a while. Long story.’
Jeremy turned and gestured towards the table. ‘Join me? We can catch up. I’d love to hear all about what you’ve been doing since you disappeared from Sydney.’
‘I didn’t “disappear”. You know why I had to leave.’
‘What? How?’ A frown creased his perfect brow.
‘I told you. In the letter I sent you. Look, I have to run. I’m meeting my friends out the back. Maybe later.’
She made to leave, grateful that someone had turned on the old jukebox at the other end of the room. The room had filled with more mill workers and it was getting noisy.
‘Where can I find you in town?’ Again he was staring at her clothes.
Emma flicked her braid over her shoulder and lifted her chin high. ‘I have a little alternative therapy clinic across the road. Alternative Alchemy. Anyway, it was great to see you again.’ She held up two fingers to him in a peace sign. Jeremy had never been able to understand her interest in alternative therapies when they had been studying. ‘Peace, man.’
The look on his face was comical. ‘Catch you around town, for sure.’
Emma walked through the archway that led to the outside beer garden and laughter bubbled up in her chest. She didn’t look back. The tables were almost full and she joined the group from the hospital at the table across from the outside bar. A good crowd had turned up and most were in theme. All of the regular Young Professionals were there—she looked around—with the exception of Craig and Troy, it appeared.
Emma stood beside Jenny Lennox, one of the doctors from the hospital. ‘Hey Jenny. Love your dress.’
‘Wow, look at you, Emma. You could have stepped straight from the seventies. Great skirt.’ She moved her chair across so Emma could get to the chair on her other side. ‘Unfortunately I can’t stay long. I’m taking over in emergency at nine.’
‘You drew the short straw.’
By the time Emma had caught up on the hospital news from the weekend her irritation at Jeremy had eased a bit. She was glad she came out to socialise. She was relieved that Craig wasn’t there and hopeful that Troy might still show up. She took a deep breath; one thing she had learned since Dad had gone was how to control her feelings. She’d had to be strong for her mother. Death soon put life into perspective. And the sadness and occasional tragedy that were a constant part of a doctor’s working life had taught her to cope.
Okay, so Jeremy’s sudden appearance had thrown her into a temporary spin, but she would deal with it. She had to. They’d be working side by side at the hospital.
Her close friends, Jeff and Cissy Gray, arrived and the beer garden became a hubbub of noise. Jeff was the local vet and Cissy worked part-time in the office at the hospital.
‘Hey guys, love the costumes.’ Jeff was wearing a pair of bright orange flared trousers with a yellow paisley shirt tucked into the high waistband. Cissy was wearing a pair of white satin culottes and a long blonde wig.
‘Channelling Abba, Cis?’ Emma smiled as she looked down at the platform shoes peeking beneath the culottes.
‘Yep, sure am.’
As she greeted them, Emma wondered if Jeremy had lasted in the bar as music blared from the jukebox in the front of the pub.
‘Why did we have to dress up anyway?’ Jeff grumbled. ‘It’s bloody hot out here.’
‘Your Afro is slipping.’ Cissy pointed to her husband’s wig and Emma giggled as Jeff frowned and pulled the wig off.
‘Good crowd here for a Sunday night. I nearly didn’t come,’ Emma said.
‘Just as well you did,’ Cissy said.
‘I know, Rainbow Day is coming up fast and we’ve still got some organising to do.’
‘Is the meeting still on Wednesday night?’ Cissy put the wig on the floor beside her bag. Rainbow Day was an annual fundraiser in the town for the preservation of the Dalrymple Gorge.
‘It is.’ Emma fanned herself. Knowing Jeremy was in the hotel was wreaking havoc with her mood and the heat was getting to her. Perhaps she wasn’t as good at controlling her emotions as she thought. ‘I need to let everyone know.’ Emma picked up her glass and a spoon to get everyone’s attention but Jeff shook his head.
‘Wait a while,’ he suggested. ‘There’s still a few to come. And the more we get to the meeting, the more help we’ll have on the day.’
‘And the more money we’ll raise,’ Cissy chimed in.
‘Hold that thought,’ Emma said with a smile. ‘I’ll wander around and see who’s remembered.’
The bistro staff kept the food coming and Emma moved around the group, garnering support for Wednesday night’s meeting. She looked up when Cissy clapped her hands.
‘We need a judge for the costumes.’ Cissy stood at the end of the table and beckoned over to Rod. It appeared that the crowd had lessened in the front bar. He was collecting glasses in the beer garden.
Rod put his hands on his hips and surveyed the group. ‘First up. All of you slackers not in costume. Five-dollar fine.’
Cissy picked up an empty glass and walked around collecting the fin
es from the few not in costume.
‘Clear cut winner.’ Rod rubbed his hands together. ‘Jeff, did you really wear those flares in the seventies?’
Jeff stood and posed. ‘I did, but not this pair. I’ve gained a lot of muscle since then.’ He rubbed his hand on his paunch to good-natured heckling. ‘So what’s my prize?’
‘A dinner voucher at the club.’ Emma grinned at Jeff as she sat back at the table, pleased that she’d made the effort to come. Her mood had lifted in the company of her friends.
Eventually everyone began to drift home, citing the working week ahead. It was almost closing time and there was still no sign of Troy.
‘Well, I’m going to pull the pin too.’ Emma reached for her bag and slipped on the sandals she’d kicked off beneath the table.
Cissy stood. ‘Us too. Come on, Jeffrey boy, we’ve both got an early start tomorrow.’
Emma was reaching for her bag when the door opened and Troy walked in. He waved across the room and mimed getting a drink. Maybe she’d stay just a little bit longer. She put her bag back on the floor with a smile.
Cissy leaned over and gave her a quick hug goodbye. ‘He’s a good looker that Troy. You going to stay a while now?’
‘Yes. I want to talk to him about my frogs.’
‘Sure you do.’ Cissy winked and nudged her with her elbow. ‘See you at work.’
‘You will.’ Emma put a hand to her mouth. ‘Gosh, I’m not with it tonight. We haven’t decided on a venue for the meeting yet.’
‘I’m pretty sure everyone will know it’s either here or at the sports club. Let’s say the club and I’ll send an email around.’
‘Thanks, Cis. You’re a sweetheart.’
As she watched Jeff open the door for his wife, a pair of warm hands rested on her shoulders and she turned around with a wide smile.
‘Hello, sweetheart.’
Ugh. Craig.
His voice was slurred and she reached up and pushed his hands away as he leaned forward to brush his lips over her cheek. But before Emma could dodge him, she saw Troy emerge from the bar with a drink in each hand. His cold stare was fixed on Craig as he walked across to the table.
Chapter 5
Sunday evening
Federal Hotel, Dalrymple
Emma leaned back away from Craig’s hands, and hit him with a glacial stare. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ she whispered.
‘Just saying hello to my lady.’ Craig’s words were slurred and his breath was beery. His eyes narrowed as he looked up and saw Troy approaching. ‘That’d be bloody right,’ he muttered as he stepped back. ‘I need another drink.’
‘Hi Emma.’ Troy put a soft drink in front of her, looking from her across to Craig who was lurching towards the bar, and raised his eyebrows. ‘I asked Rod what you were drinking.’
‘Thanks.’ Emma looked down at her drink. A slight headache was niggling at her forehead.
‘Craig’s not a happy camper. Looks like he’s got a few on board.’ Troy acknowledged the glare that Craig was directing their way. Craig frowned at him before turning his attention to Kylie, the local vet nurse, who was leaning on the bar beside him.
Just great. Could the night get any worse? Emma rubbed at her temples and the tight band eased.
‘I’m pleased you’re still here. I got held up at work. Thought I might have missed you.’
‘I was about to leave. I’ve got an early start tomorrow. So they dressed like that in the seventies in National Parks?’
Troy looked down at his work clothes with a rueful grin. ‘We did. And still the same logo too. Would you believe I had a great costume all picked out? Afro wig and all.’
Emma laughed. ‘The costume comp has already been judged. Jeff took the prize.’
Troy lowered his voice and leaned closer, his breath brushing her cheek. ‘You look gorgeous tonight.’
‘Thank you. I love dressing up.’
As Emma picked up her drink, Craig caught her eye again. He winked at her and made an obscene gesture with his hands, obviously meant to refer to her and Troy.
Troy moved his chair closer to hers and lowered his voice. ‘Be careful with Craig. I’ve heard he’s got a real nasty streak.’
‘It’s fine. I can handle myself.’ Barely, she thought as she turned her back to the bar where Craig was standing.
‘How are the frogs doing?’ Troy put his glass down and smiled at her.
‘Really good. All hatched and thriving.’
‘I’ll have to come over and look at your set-up.’
‘It’s nothing scientific,’ Emma said with a smile. ‘One of my neighbours built the stand for the terrarium.’
‘I was going to suggest another hike. Further up Thornton Peak if you have time.’
‘I’d love to.’
Troy reached over and squeezed her hand and didn’t let it go. ‘Next weekend? I’ll double-check the schedule. I don’t think we’ve got any functions on at the centre. We could take a picnic.’
‘I’d love that.’
Troy smiled and his brown eyes crinkled at the edges. His face was tanned and his sandy hair brushed his collar.
Just after nine-thirty, Rod called from the bar. ‘Fifteen minutes, folks. Last drinks.’ The announcement was met with a few groans. The crowd from the front bar had spilled into the beer garden and it was getting rowdy where Craig was propping up the bar. Kylie had gone home and he had joined a group of mill workers. His voice was argumentative and Emma saw Rod flick a warning glance at him.
‘It was good to finally catch up. I’m going to head off now.’ Emma leaned over to Troy when there was a lull in the noise.
‘You’re not going all the way back out to the village tonight, are you?’
Emma shook her head. ‘No, I’m bunking at the clinic. I brought my work clothes with me.’
‘I’ll walk you across the road.’
‘It’s not that far.’
‘In that case, I insist.’
Troy stood and waited while Emma reached down for her bag. ‘All right then. Thank you. I’d like that.’
She looked up as Rod called out from behind the bar. ‘Phone call for you, Troy, it’s the security guard at the rainforest centre.’ He pointed to the phone on the wall.
‘Too noisy in here.’ Troy shook his head with a grimace. ‘My mobile’s in the car out the back. I’ll go and call them. Won’t be long.’
Emma shook her head. ‘No, it’s okay. You go. I’ll see you soon.’
‘That would be good. I’ll call you this week.’ A lazy smile lifted his lips and he reached for her hand and lifted it to his lips before he headed out to the back car park.
Emma stood and cursed beneath her breath as she tripped over the long skirt that tangled around her sandals.
‘Damn.’ As she righted herself, a hand grasped her arm above her elbow.
‘Looks like your new boyfriend’s dumped you. Let me walk you out.’ A pair of bloodshot eyes held hers as Craig held her arm in a firm grip. She’d noticed how quickly he’d been knocking back his beer. Self-disgust curled in her stomach. The sooner she got over that mistake the better.
‘Thank you.’ She forced a pleasant smile onto her face; he looked like he was going to insist. ‘But I’m fine. I’m parked just out the front.’ There was no way she was going to tell him she was staying in town tonight.
‘I said I’ll walk you to your car.’ His voice was loud and Emma pulled away. Everyone was immersed in conversation, but she wasn’t going to let him push her around.
‘I said, I’m fine. Leave me be.’ Emma lowered her voice and then turned her back on Craig, grabbed the front of her skirt with one hand and stepped quickly towards the front bar.
She looked around, not really expecting Jeremy to still be there. He wasn’t sitting at the table where he’d been when she’d arrived. Rod was stacking glasses behind the bar as she hurried to the front door.
‘Emma!’ Craig was right behind her and grabbed at her arm.
She turned and spoke quietly. ‘Piss off, Craig. Go back to your drinking mates.’
He didn’t reply but gripped her arm so tightly her skin burned.
‘Did you hear me?’ This time she raised her voice a little and Rod glanced over to them. He put the glasses down and watched with a frown. ‘Let me go!’
Craig ignored her and began pulling her towards the door. He was the same height as she was, but his grip was strong. She narrowed her eyes defiantly as his beery breath brushed her face.
‘No need to be jealous, sweets. Kylie’s got nothing on you. No decent boobs there.’ He let go of one hand and tried to grope her breast.
‘Take your hands off me, Craig. Now.’ Emma gritted her teeth and tried to pull away but he held firm.
‘Or what? You’ll call the cops?’ His laugh boomed around the empty room. Emma looked over his shoulder. Rod had lifted the flap at the end of the bar and was heading towards them. Before he could reach them, a familiar voice came from behind Emma.
‘I believe the lady asked you to let her go.’
Craig’s head flew up as Jeremy stepped towards them, took Craig’s arm and pulled him away from Emma.
‘Mind your own business, mate,’ Craig slurred. He swayed unsteadily. ‘This is between me and my lady.’
‘Wait outside, Emma. I’ll deal with this.’ Jeremy’s voice was quiet.
Rod stepped up beside him and took Craig’s other arm. ‘And I’ll help him. I don’t care if you are the local cop, Craig. I’m in charge of this hotel and you’re being a dickhead. I’ll get someone to drive you home. You’re in no fit state to drive.’ He turned back to Emma. ‘Are you going to be okay?’
Emma felt her cheeks redden. She was mortified. ‘I’m fine. Thank you. I’ll just go.’
Craig’s slurred voice followed her as she turned away.
‘Yeah. Fuck off, then. You weren’t much of a screw anyway.’ His loud voice followed her as she hurried along the footpath.
*
The guy wrenched away from their hold and wove an unsteady path back to the bar.
‘You fuck off too, mister.’
‘I’ll sort him. You go and check Emma’s okay,’ Rod said. He followed the guy and Jeremy stepped to the door. A glimpse of Emma’s bright green skirt caught his eye as she disappeared around the corner across the road. He looked to the left and right but it appeared the cane trains didn’t run this late at night. He’d listened to them come and go all afternoon as he’d settled into his room.