‘Yeah, I guess,’ said Izzy, deep in thought.
The fact that Izzy didn’t appear shocked by his revelation set him at ease, given that he’d just blurted it out without thinking. He’d never seriously contemplated sharing his secret before. Not out here where blokes were blokes. It’d be lambs to the slaughter for sure. ‘I hope you’re planning to hang around a while, Izzy.’
‘Well, I hope I can. I’m looking for a job at the moment.’ Izzy thought for a second, reflecting on what Mac’s life must be like. ‘How do you handle it, really?’ she asked.
Mac leaned back into the hard wooden seat and stretched out his long legs. He was a few inches taller than Izzy.
‘I have my bad days, for sure. But I go to Perth a lot and I stay in touch with people through the Internet. It’s just enough to keep me sane. I have thought about leaving once or twice, but I love the farm life and this town. I keep trying to pluck up the courage to tell my folks, but that’s a scary thought. In the city homosexuality is okay, but out here I’d be looked at like I had mad cow disease or something.’
‘They’d have to get used to it eventually, and those that don’t aren’t worth caring about,’ Izzy said matter-of-factly.
‘I wish everyone would be as accepting as you.’ Mac leaned forward and pulled out his mobile phone from his back pocket. ‘Hey, give me your number so we can keep in touch.’
Rolling her eyes, Izzy laughed. ‘I’d love to, but I left my mobile at home. I kinda left in a whirlwind. But in a way it was good – I think I need some space from my family for the moment. Maybe later, when I’m happy and settled somewhere, I might give them a call, but until then, Dad can stew.’
‘Well, you can always use my phone.’
Mac handed her his phone and she realised a part of her was itching to call Will. Her eyes sought out the numbers on his phone that made up Will’s number. Had she not slept with him she would’ve called in a second, but now it felt too bizarre. She didn’t know where she stood and it’s not like she could go back to him with her father right next door. Maybe she should just try to forget him, her brain thought, but her heart leapt in disagreement. She closed the phone and handed it back to Mac. ‘I can’t do it. If I call or text Mum, then she’ll probably hound you with calls so I best leave it. Maybe I’ll send her a letter when I get settled.’ She watched, conflicted, as Mac pocketed his mobile.
It was getting dark when Simone came out of the pub looking for her. The sun had begun to set and a vivid orange streak spread across the horizon like the stroke from a paintbrush.
‘You finished already, Simone?’ Izzy exclaimed. ‘Crikey, time has flown,’ she said to Mac.
‘I didn’t know if you’d still be here,’ Simone said as she stopped before them. ‘I see my brother has taken good care of you. At least, I hope he has!’
Izzy looked at them confused. ‘Your brother? Isn’t he called Blake?’
Simone nodded and Mac held out his hand. ‘Blake MacDougall at your service. Sorry I didn’t properly introduce myself. Didn’t realise you knew my sister that well.’
‘I’m taking her home. Is it all right if I travel with you?’ Simone asked Izzy. ‘Blake can take my car home – he got a lift into town with Jacko. Is that all right, bro?’ Blake nodded in agreement.
‘Okay. Well, my ute is the blue one just over there.’ Izzy pointed it out.
Simone gave her a wink. ‘Lucky you paced your beers, hey? I take note of all my drinkers in the pub – I’m a responsible bartender.’ She brushed her hair with her fingers and smiled. ‘Well, I just gotta get my wallet out of my car and then we can hit the road. All right. Be back in a tick.’ Simone headed off around the corner to the staff parking area, while Izzy looked back at Blake.
‘So, after all that, you’re the one I need to suck up to for a job,’ she said.
He scrunched his eyebrows up in confusion. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Simone said your dad was looking for a worker and I’m hoping it will be me. She’s taking me home to meet him. I asked her for some info about the farm, but she didn’t seem to know too much.’
‘That’s Simo for you,’ laughed Blake. They were still chuckling when Simone returned.
‘You ready? See ya at home, bro.’
‘Yeah, thanks, Mac, or should I call you Blake? Hope to see you around,’ Izzy said.
Blake leaned over and gave her a hug. ‘Either one’s fine, and don’t worry, I’ll put in a good word with Dad. Can’t have my new friend leaving town now, can I? You know too many of my secrets,’ he said, winking at her.
26
‘CHUCK a left here,’ said Simone, pointing to yet another narrow gravel road. ‘So, you and Blake seemed to be getting on well.’ Simone turned in her seat to face Izzy.
‘Yeah. Maybe it’s because we’re both nuts,’ Izzy joked. ‘Either way, I think he’s a great bloke. I still can’t believe he’s your brother, though.’ Simone smiled warmly. She looked strikingly beautiful in the golden glow of the sun as it began to sink below the horizon. The love in her eyes for Blake brought out a serious expression, and showed Izzy another side of Simone.
‘Seriously, you didn’t think I would leave you alone with all those unruly footy heads, did you? I’m not that cruel. I knew Blake would look after you. He’s good like that. He gets on well with all my friends.’
Izzy took her eyes off the road for a moment. ‘I really appreciate all of this, Simone. I can’t thank you enough.’
‘It’s nothing. I just hope you get the job. It would be so nice to have someone new around town.’ Simone sat up straight and pointed out the window towards a house and a collection of sheds in a far paddock. It was only just visible in the fading light. ‘That’s Mickey’s place over there. He and Blake have been best mates since they were kids. Our farm’s just five k’s further up the road.’ Simone stared in the direction of his farm until it disappeared from view. ‘But don’t go left because that’s old Mr Smith’s place and he doesn’t take kindly to new people. He’s the old dotty sort that comes running out of his house firing the shot gun over your head, telling you to “piss orf”.’
Izzy laughed at Simone’s description as she began to slow down. A small road appeared and a farm sign stood next to the cattle grid. The paddock to her right had sheep in it; the lights from her ute picked up their eerie eyes in the dark.
‘A. J. and D. L. MacDougall, Erindale, Prime SAMM stud.’ Simone read it aloud. ‘That’s us.’
‘The sign looks fairly new,’ Izzy commented.
‘It was made up a couple of years ago when Dad and Blake set up the SAMM stud. They hold a sale day each year,’ she said proudly.
‘Sounds great. I’d love to see how it all works.’
Simone pulled a face at Izzy. ‘Please tell me you’re kidding. Jesus, I can’t believe you’re actually interested in that stuff. It’s just sheep.’
Izzy shrugged. ‘What things do you do, then? What do you enjoy?’ She was curious. What else could be better than farming, especially when you lived in a farming community?
‘Well, when I’m not working at the pub, I’m at the primary school as an aide for three days a week. I love working with the kids. We have the pre-primary to year three kids all in the same room so it keeps us busy. Then I just hang out with a few friends or find a party and the odd B&S. Don’t you worry. I manage to fill in my days.’
‘So, a party girl, hey? Have any plans?’ Izzy asked, as she saw a large homestead coming into view.
‘For sure. I’d like to find a nice fella and get married. I’m twenty-three now, so soon I’d like to get off this farm and have a few kids. Don’t you want that?’
‘Yeah, but I’d just like to get on a farm first, then think about the rest later. Where’s the best place to park?’ she asked as she followed the gravel road. It was a big house – transportable, Izzy guessed, as it was raised on blocks a fraction, and had cream cladding on the outside. A warm glow showed through the windows and three sensor
lights switched on when Izzy drove closer. There was no fence around the house, just a row of shrubs acting as a hedge.
Simone pointed to an empty spot in the large open shed next to the house. ‘Just park in there, next to Dad’s ute.’
Izzy looked to Simone after turning off the engine. ‘So, is there anything I need to know about your dad before I meet him? What’s he like?’
The sweet sound of Simone’s laugh wasn’t reassuring. ‘He’s usually pretty good. But like a lot of farmers, he loses his head with uncooperative sheep. His snarl is worse than his bite. Don’t let him fool you. He’s a softie really. He turns to mush just thinking about grandkids.’
‘Great,’ said Izzy, hoping he didn’t mind women workers. Both girls climbed out and headed for the back verandah, past the shrubs and along a concrete slab path.
‘Let’s go get this over with. I still have to get back into town for tea and bed.’
‘No, you don’t. Either way you can stay with me.’
‘What? Here?’
‘No, I live in our old house with Blake. It’s just up the back by the sheds. We both like our space. It beats having to answer to Mum and Dad, and they leave us alone most of the time.’
‘I must admit it sounds better than another night in the back of the ute. I like sleeping under the stars as much as the next person, but it gets bloody cold at night. A nice hot shower and a bed sound great. Cheers, Simone.’
Clasping her hands together tightly, Izzy followed Simone into the house. She was trying hard not to get her hopes up, but this would be a great place to work, and she’d love to get to know Blake and Simone better. They both seemed like such lovely people and she could sense the beginnings of a special friendship between them all. It looked like a decent-sized farm, which grew similar crops to back home, and the stud was just the icing on the cake. She’d love the chance to learn more about the South African Merino Mutton.
Simone stopped by the pale brick wall and took off her shoes. A large kelpie came bounding along the paved verandah and nearly knocked Izzy from her feet.
‘Down, Suzie. Sit,’ growled Simone. ‘Sorry, Izzy. She gets a bit excited.’
Izzy gave Suzie a pat and glanced around at the large patio. It had a big built-in barbecue up the end next to a huge wooden outdoor setting. She couldn’t make out much of the garden in the dark but from the patio lights she could see lawn and garden beds edging it. ‘It’s a beautiful home your folks have.’
‘Yeah. Dad finally gave in a few years back and built Mum a new house. She thought it was about time the farm did something for her, plus we got to move into the old one.’ Simone opened the door. ‘Come on in.’
She led Izzy through a large open lounge room to the kitchen and dining room at the other end. The timber-look vinyl flooring gave the house a feeling of space, and an ivory colour throughout was accented by different colours in each room. Izzy particularly liked the kitchen with its jarrah cupboards and cream benchtops. The furniture looked newish and well looked-after. The eight-seater timber dining setting was stunning. Izzy could see a woman in the kitchen stirring a pot on the stove and a large man leaning against the wall next to the fridge.
Simone started with the introductions. ‘Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad. I’ve brought someone home to meet you. Izzy, this is my dad, Alan, and my mum, Di. This is my new friend, Izzy.’ Alan was half a foot taller than Izzy and his shoulders were wide and strong. This was a man who liked to work his farm and not sit back and let his son take over, Izzy thought. His expression was gruff, helped by his rather bushy eyebrows and leathery skin.
‘Hi. Isabelle Simpson. It’s nice to meet you.’ Izzy took hold of Alan’s hand and gave it a firm shake and nodded to Di. She was short and petite and must have felt it, with her children and husband towering over her, but Izzy could tell by the strength in her blue eyes that she could handle them all easily.
‘Hi, Isabelle.’ She felt Alan’s eyes looking over her. ‘Friend of Simone’s, hey? How do you two know each other?’
‘Met at the pub, Dad.’ Simone rolled her eyes, expecting an interrogation to follow.
She opened the fridge, helped herself to a couple of cans of beer, and then held one out for Izzy. ‘So, Dad, have you found a worker yet?’
Izzy said thanks as she took the beer Simone offered and cracked it, while observing Alan. Izzy could see Blake was the spitting image of his father with the same height, eyes and strong body shape. But Alan’s jaw was more firm and his brow looked as if it was set in a permanent scowl. When he spoke, it was in a low rumble, like the sound of distant thunder rolling through the sky.
‘Not yet, love. I think I’ll ring the agency again. I might be able to get a rent-a-Pom or a stray Kiwi, hopefully before we’ve started getting the tractors ready to rip up.’
Simone smiled and her eyes flashed brightly at Izzy. ‘Well, look no more, Dad. Izzy here has been looking for some farm work, so I told her you might be interested.’
Alan’s eyes almost squinted as he checked her out again. She could see him trying to think of a way to say no. She’d encountered that look many times before. The best way to combat it was to get in first.
‘Look, I know I’m a girl, but I’m a hard worker. I’ve got plenty of experience both here and over east. Worked sheep most of my life and I’d love to pick your brain about your stud.’ She could tell he still wasn’t convinced. ‘How about a week’s trial? I can start straightaway, and if by the end of the week you don’t think I’m good enough, we’ll call it quits. What do you have to lose? It’ll probably take a week or two before they can get you a lackey out here, anyway.’
She could see he was starting to come around.
‘I don’t know. I’ll have to check with my son.’
‘Check what with me?’ said Blake, surprising everyone with his quiet entry.
Simone piped up. ‘Whether or not to give Izzy a job.’
‘Yep. I say it’s a great idea. Welcome aboard.’ Blake clapped Izzy on her shoulder and gave her a smile.
‘But …’ Alan looked at his son with unease.
Blake laughed. ‘It’s okay, Dad. Izzy and I are already like old friends, and from what I can see, I’m sure she’ll be great.’
‘What do you say, Mr MacDougall? Do we have a deal – please?’ Izzy stood strong but her heart was in her throat. It had been a while since she’d been this nervous.
Alan scratched his stubbly chin. ‘Please call me Alan, and yes, we have a deal. Welcome to Erindale.’ Alan knew when he was beaten, and he really didn’t have anything to lose. He took another glance at Izzy. Her work clothes, tanned skin and rough hands all indicated that she was definitely a different breed from his daughter. And he liked her determination.
They shook hands and Di asked, ‘Would you all like to stay for tea?’
Simone gave Di a hug. ‘No, thanks, Mum. We’ll whip something up at home. We’ll get Izzy settled in first.’
A wave of sadness slapped Izzy as she watched them embrace. She saw a kindness in Di’s eyes that made her miss her own mum even more. ‘Thanks, anyway. It was nice of you to offer. I can’t believe how generous you’ve all been. Thank you so much, once again.’ Izzy added.
Alan motioned to the dining table and Izzy pulled out a chair. ‘I’ll pay you what I was going to pay the rent-a-workers, and you can stay with the kids at their place. That’ll be included in your wage.’ Izzy listened as Alan rattled off the terms. ‘I’ll ask Di to get together the paperwork and pass it on to you some time this week. See you tomorrow at seven.’
‘No worries.’
‘Come on. We’ll show you our place,’ said Blake after Alan had finished his spiel.
‘Nice to meet you, Izzy. We’ll see you tomorrow,’ said Di with a smile.
‘You too. Bye.’
Two minutes later, Blake was carrying her bag as they followed Simone towards their house. It was too dark for her to see much but she could feel the closeness of trees and smell the native bushes nearby.
A couple of sensor lights came on and lit up the pathway and backyard. ‘I take it you don’t get much time to garden,’ said Izzy, as she walked past weeds that came to her knees and a lawn that was nearly a foot in height. They either didn’t spend much time at home or weren’t into gardening.
‘No, but you must admit we’re bloody great at growing weeds. Blake manages to mow the lawn every now and then, so that’s a plus,’ Simone said as she opened the flywire door.
‘Simo does have the time. But she doesn’t want to break a nail,’ jeered Blake.
‘That’s not true! It’s just that there’s so much there and it would take forever. Ignore him, Izzy. Come on, I’ll show you to your room.’ They walked into the kitchen with its mint-coloured walls. The stove looked older than Izzy, and grease was splattered up the tiles that covered the wall behind it. The country-style kitchen also had a round dining table in the centre. Blake gave Izzy her bag as Simone took her arm and led her past the lounge room, with its worn brown carpet and old vinyl rocking chairs, down a narrow passageway with mission-brown doorways and architraves.
‘This one’s mine, that one’s Blake’s, and this can be yours. It used to be Blake’s, but he’s moved into Mum and Dad’s old room now ’cos it’s bigger. Anyway, I’ll leave you to unpack. I’ll just go grab you some bed sheets and a towel.’
‘Thanks, Simone.’ Izzy walked into a cream-coloured room. It was bare except for a double bed and a chest of drawers. She sank down onto the mattress and looked out a small window above the bed.
‘I know it’s not home, but I’m glad you’re here, anyway,’ said Blake from the doorway. ‘Go on, get unpacked and we’ll start dinner. I’m not a bad cook, if I may say so myself.’ He sauntered off and left her to it.
Izzy unzipped her bag and placed her remaining clean clothes in the top drawer, leaving the rest in her bag. Thank God she’d found a place – she really needed to do some washing. With the unpacking done, she laid back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She could see a few star stickers stuck up there and smiled as she remembered the ones that had adorned Claire’s old room. Tonight she’d enjoy seeing them glow. Izzy closed her eyes and began to relax. She wondered what her parents were doing. Her mum would be worrying, probably trying to find Izzy or waiting for her to call. But her dad? Well, somehow she couldn’t imagine him being too upset. He was probably still fuming. Then she thought of Will. His image came to mind easily. She pictured him shirtless, his track pants hanging low off his waist, as he shuffled around his house. Would he be eating or watching TV? Or maybe he’d be lying in bed trying to picture her too? She could only hope.
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