Journey to Her Dreams

by Iris Blobel

  Chapter Forty-Four

  “Hi, Davo. I was in the neighbourhood. I thought I’d call. Can I come in?”

  He stepped aside to let Hollie in. “Of course you can. Want a beer?”

  Hollie smiled awkwardly. “No thanks.”

  She followed him into the lounge room and sat on his old couch, trying hard not to gaze over at him.

  “Have you got your photos sorted, yet?”

  Hollie grimaced, her guilty conscience getting the better of her. “Sorry, not yet.”

  “Get your bum into gear. I thought we wanted to do the slide show next weekend.” He grinned and handed her a can of cola.

  She took the can. “Thanks. I’ll get it done. I promise!”

  Sitting down, he studied her. “Are you all right?”

  Hollie tried to smile. “Yes. Why?”

  “Not sure. It’s…” He hesitated and suddenly his face lit up with a thought. “Hey, have you been over to see Jez, yet, to nurse his legs?”

  Momentarily speechless, she raised her brows in surprise. “Nurse his legs?”

  “You didn’t know?”

  She shook her head. “No, I haven’t talked to Jeremy, yet.”

  Davo pinched the bridge of his nose, but knew better than to comment. “He did his ankle while having a kick with the footy.”

  Hollie slouched back into the couch and sighed.

  Davo moved closer to her and placed his arm over her shoulders. “Hollie, from the bottom of my heart I am more than sorry about what happened in Ireland. We need to get this sorted.”

  Hollie leaned into his arms. “I know.”

  “Sam’s coming next week,” Davo said matter-of-factly.

  She moved out of his embrace and met his eyes. “I know! I can’t wait to see her again. And I think it’s a good idea she’s staying here, right in the middle of town.”

  Turning his smile up a notch, he replied, “Me too.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I meant it more that she’s more flexible getting around. I can’t take much time off. This way she can come and go as she wants to and isn’t stuck on the farm. You’d better behave. She’s still married!”

  “Don’t remind me!”

  “Davo?” She tilted her head to give him a sideways glance. “What did happen back in Ireland?”

  “Sugar, nothing happened. We kind of got into a tricky situation but backed off. And I’ll be a good boy this time as well.”

  Hollie brushed her hand through her hair. “She said her marriage is over. Please don’t hurt her, okay?”

  He nodded absentmindedly. “I think I’m having something good with Sam. I know she needs to figure out what’s right for her. Whether that’s me or not, we will have to find out.”

  She stared down at her fingers, toying with them for a moment before she looked up again. “The thing is…I mean…you know what happened back in Dublin—”

  “Hey, we’re good, remember? BFFs and that girly crap. Situation is you and Jez are a great couple, and I mean a great couple. I was an idiot, and I don’t think this would work anyway. We’ve been friends and sometimes friendship is more important than any feelings beyond that.”

  “Wow, is everybody quoting Dr. Phil now?” Hollie got up and placed the can on the coffee table.

  Davo laughed and got up, too. He held her by her arms. “Hollie, I honestly, truly like you. You’re one of my best friends.”

  “One of?” Hollie grinned.

  “My best female friend.” He grinned back. “Now go and get things sorted with Jez. Otherwise, I’m getting angry!”

  She took a deep breath. “Well, I’d better go off and check on the leg then. What exactly happened?” she asked as they walked to the front door.

  “He took Mary to the footy last week and wanted to show off in front of her, slipped and snap—”

  “Broken?” Hollie asked anxiously.

  “No, but nicely strained or something to that effect!”

  “How is Mary? Is she still with Jeremy?”

  He leaned against the doorframe with his arms across his chest. “Jez’s mum and dad came on Sunday to pick her up. The initial plan was for Jez to go to Hobart, but he wanted to stay so he could go to the office here and there. You know him.”

  Hollie smiled. “Yes, I think I have an idea.”

  She gave Davo a kiss on his cheek, took the can of cola—“May I?”—and left. As Hollie went out the door, she stopped and turned around. “Life moves in mysterious ways, doesn’t it?”

  ****

  Hollie’s stomach was doing tumble turns as she walked up to the door, not sure what to expect. Hesitantly, she knocked, and when she heard Jeremy’s voice she went inside. She heard him cursing from the lounge room and headed that way.

  “Hi,” she said shyly.

  Struggling with crutches, he said with a hint of a smile, “Hi.”

  He wore some old ripped jeans and a creamy jumper. His hair had grown and was curling around his ears and down his neck—she had missed him so much.

  “You shouldn’t leave the door open when you’re in a vulnerable state like that.”

  He just stared at her.

  Hollie’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry.”

  Nothing.

  Jeremy remained silent and just stared.

  “Okay, I said I’m sorry. You could at least say something, kick me out or—”

  Jeremy cupped her face and kissed her so passionately she almost lost her footing.

  The heat of his breath touched her skin when he whispered, “Why would I kick you out? I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Her cheeks burned, and as she tried to wrap her arms around his neck, he did lose his footing and fell back on the couch.

  “Are you all right?” she asked, concerned.

  “Everything’s fine.” His smile was boyishly affectionate as he pulled her down next to him and placed his arm around her. “I love you, Hollie,” he said softly and kissed her on her forehead.

  A rush of happiness and contentment overcame her as she cradled herself in his arms. “There are no more other secrets. Are there?”

  “There never have been any secrets. You knew I was a bad boy before I met you, but I swear you’re the one!” He gently rubbed her arm.

  “I’m sorry I hung up on you when I was in Dublin.”

  He entwined his fingers into hers. “I deserved it. I had no idea I could miss someone so badly, but unfortunately I just thought of myself and not you.”

  She slightly moved away from him. “Did you talk to Dad by any chance?”

  “Why? Yeah, I think he’s great. We talked a lot the last few weeks.”

  “Not sure. All of you men are so over…I don’t know…over-sensitive.”

  Jeremy laughed and pulled her close again.

  “What about Sydney?” she asked.

  “What about it?”

  “Didn’t you say they’d like you to come over?”

  “They would, but not for another twelve months. When the situation arises I’ll talk it over with you. You might like Sydney. My apartment is right next to the beach.”

  Hollie thought of her dad, but didn’t mention him. Then, she suddenly moved away. “I think I should get you organised and have you taken care of on the farm.”

  His eyebrows slashed upwards. “Excuse me?”

  “No discussion. I’ll take you on the farm. I’ll look after you over the weekend and Dad can check on you while I’m at work.” Hollie’s mouth twitched into a grin. “As punishment for telling him literally everything!”

  He frowned. “I did not tell him—”

  Hollie pressed her finger onto his chest. “You did so.”

  “I only—”

  “Spare me these words. You did.”

  He spoilt her with another of his smiles and slowly pulled her face closer. “What does the looking after on the weekends entail?” Then he kissed her and fell back onto the couch with Hollie in his arms. Even though most uncomfortable, Hollie didn’t want
this kiss to end. Jeremy’s warm lips on hers, his caressing hand on her back.

  “Ouch!”

  Hollie sat up. “Sorry. Sorry,” she said. “Are you all right?”

  He smiled and moved that stubborn strand out of her face. “Got you here with me. Of course I’m all right.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Sam was hardly able to control her excitement. Like seemingly everybody else in the plane, she had made a quick dash to the toilets to freshen up. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and liked the slightly longer hair—it suited her, even the stubborn curl that she constantly fought with to keep out of her face.

  She was looking forward to a change of clothes, so sick of the sight of her casual khaki pants and the cream top, but Dave wouldn’t care, she thought. Though she was tired and strained from the long flight, she felt the buzz inside her, which could make her run mountains. She’d loved the landing into Sydney with the view over the Opera House—just like her mother had described it to her earlier in the week.

  “You have to try and get a flight that arrives in Sydney during daylight. Seeing the Opera House is worth the long and tedious flight,” her mother had said.

  She stared out of the tiny window and was in awe about the scenery that unfolded in front of her. So this is Australia!

  After she had landed, she quickly rushed through the airport to catch her connecting flight to Launceston. She had studied the map and read up on Australia, especially Tasmania, the small island just south of this big continent—the Apple Isle as it was called. Her mother had told her a few things about Tasmania, and she had learned the small state was not at all what people would imagine it to be. Unlike the centre of Australia, Tasmania’s climate was similar to Ireland’s, with four distinct seasons. Because of the inactive volcanoes, Tasmania had quite a few mountainous regions, but at the same time, some stunning beaches all around. She looked forward to going to this small place on the other side of the world, but deep down inside she looked forward to seeing her Teddy Bear again. They had talked almost on a daily basis since Hollie and he had left about a month ago, and Sam just had to come and see him again.

  Sam entered the so-much-smaller plane and made herself comfortable—or at least as comfortable as one could be after having been on flights for the last twenty-four hours.

  She gazed out the window. More water! She ordered a small sandwich and noticed how her excitement grew and grew. The plane was already descending.

  Twenty more minutes.

  Again, her eyes were glued to the window. It’s just as green as Ireland. The beaches are a lot nicer, though.

  Sam buckled up again and prepared herself for the last landing of this journey. So this is Launceston. A smile trembled over her lips, and her palms were wet and clammy from the apprehension.

  When the plane finally touched the ground, Sam held on to the chair as though her life were depending on it when the pilot put the brakes on. Then she unbuckled and got up.

  I hope he’s here. If not? I hope I packed Hollie’s details.

  Sam went down the stairs and along the tarmac into the terminal. This was so like a small country, so like…so like nothing she had expected. She stepped inside the terminal and initially was pleased by the warm air greeting her inside. She took a deep sigh as her gaze wandered around the terminal in search for…Dave! She smiled and walked straight into his arms.

  “Hey, there! Welcome to Tassie.” His whole face broke into a smile when he handed her a rose.

  “Thanks,” she said, meeting his eyes.

  He took her hand, and she noticed his stare at her hand without her wedding ring. “I missed you,” he said as he gently kissed her forehead.

  “I’m so glad I’m here,” she said quietly.

  “Let’s get your bags.”

  Dave held her hand, leading her to the baggage area.

  In spite of herself, she laughed. “You’re kidding me. This is your luggage claim?” Sam stared at the airport vehicle with about three or four little trailers behind it, which carried the entire luggage.

  “Why? It does the trick and is much faster than those conveyer belts,” Dave explained.

  “This is funny. If I knew where my camera was, I’d take a photo.”

  He shook his head. “Tourists!” They shared a laugh. “So what does your stuff look like?”

  “It’s the big red one over there.”

  Dave went over, grabbed the red suitcase, took Sam’s hand, and walked over to his car.

  “So this is Tasmania.”

  His eyebrow rose a fraction. “This is the airport, Sammy,” he corrected her. “I’ll get you home for a nice shower, nice dinner, and show you Launceston over the next few days. By the way, Hollie can’t wait to see you. She’s already decided you will stay with her on weekends and any days off she can get.”

  “I can’t wait to see her, either,” she said, still taking in the scenery.

  The drive from the airport to Dave’s house was short, and even though Sam was talking and listening, most of the time she gazed outside and took everything in. This was beautiful! Though incredibly cold, indeed.

  Sam had imagined a typical bachelor’s place, but when she stepped into Dave’s house, she was pleasantly surprised. The house was bigger than she had expected, with four bedrooms, a massive lounge room and a rather nice kitchen. And a beautiful garden. The furniture was randomly put together, yet it radiated a cosiness she instantly fancied. Sam saw some photos of Dave’s Ireland trip on the table.

  “May I?” she said as she picked up some of the photos.

  “Go ahead.”

  Sam browsed through the photos of her familiar homeland. A few pretty good shots of Hollie and…herself. Heaps! She turned to meet his eyes.

  He winked. “Didn’t know I would have you here in the flesh so quickly, did I?”

  She stepped towards him and smiled as she placed her hands on his chest. She touched his lips teasingly and a tingle rushed through her body when his hand on her back pulled her closer to him. How much she had missed him.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  “Welcome to the Anderson farm,” Dave said.

  “So this is where Hollie grew up?”

  Davo nodded. “Yep.”

  “The house is lovely,” Sam said with her heart racing and her mind spinning in excitement.

  She saw Hollie in front of the house, and her anticipation grew. Dave hadn’t even stopped completely when she unbuckled and opened the door. Sam went with quick steps to Hollie. They both hesitated, but when Sam saw Hollie’s smile, she stepped even closer and gave Hollie a big hug.

  “Welcome to Tasmania,” Hollie said.

  “Thanks for having me,” Sam replied.

  Dave joined the two and gave Hollie a kiss on the cheek. “How’s the man?”

  “Which one? Anyway, both doing well.” But Hollie rolled her eyes, and Dave’s face showed he knew Jeremy hadn’t been the best patient.

  “How about you show Sam the farm, and I catch up with the men?”

  Hollie’s face broke into a smile. “Good idea.” She quickly slipped into her old gumboots and wandered off with Sam. She proudly showed Sam around the farm, including the tree with the old cubby house within its branches, and the tree with the initials of her first boyfriend and Jackson. Hollie blushed.

  “I used to have the best tea parties up there with Alex.”

  “Is Alex your friend?” Sam asked.

  “Yes. I’m sure I told you about Alex. She’s my best friend. My sister and partner in crime,” Hollie said proudly.

  Sam exhaled deeply.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. Still a bit jet-lagged. And there’s a lot to take in.”

  Hollie nodded. “Yes, I can quite see Davo taking you to all these unusual and unreal places around here.”

  “I’m glad you’re saying that.” Sam smiled. “I was a bit worried about the haunted places and such.”

  “Don’t you worry about a th
ing. Alex and I will give you a real sightseeing treat next week if you’d like!”

  Sam’s eyebrows shot up with excitement. “I’d like that!”

  Hollie hooked her arm under Sam’s. “C’mon, I’ll introduce you to Dad!”

  The women walked back to the house, while Hollie told Sam a bit more about life on the farm, her little apartment, the neighbours, and everything that came to her mind in such a short time.

  “Nice to meet you, Sam,” Murray said as he shook her hand.

  Sam smiled. “Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Anderson. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  Murray waved his arm. “Don’t believe anything. I hope you’re enjoying your stay here.”

  “Yes, it’s nice. And so different, but so similar at the same time.”

  Murray’s mouth curved into a smile. He turned to Davo and said, “Why don’t you put some more wood on the fire in the lounge room? Hollie will make us a nice cup of tea. I’ve got a story to tell, which might interest you all.”

  ****

  They stared at each other quite puzzled, but Hollie went into the kitchen to turn the kettle on and all the others followed Murray into the lounge room.

  “Dad? Just introduce Sam to Jeremy when you get there,” Hollie shouted after them.

  By the time Hollie joined the group, the fire was going nicely and a comfortable warm air embraced her. She placed the tea on the coffee table and handed out the cups of tea, before joining Jeremy on the couch. With only the noise of fire crackling and the soft glow, an unsettling quietness hung in the air.

  Then Murray exhaled and gazed over at Sam. “My partner in crime over here,” he pointed at Jeremy. “Gave me your parents’ phone number and I got to talk to them last night.”

  Everyone was taken aback for a moment. While Hollie shot Jeremy a confused glare.

  “I wanted to get their approval before telling you this story.” He placed his cup of tea on the table and took a little photo out of his pocket.

  It showed his late wife, Hollie’s mother. He let out a soft sigh. “I loved, well, I still do—” He smiled, though the slight tightening at the corners of his eyes was an indication of pain, still, after all these years. “I love Hollie’s mother very much. She was my soul mate, the person I shared everything with, and when she told me that day she was expecting, I, well we were over the moon. It was the thing that would make the family and—with that—my life complete.”