They sat on the deck. The day had warmed up, the conversation was general, Ethan felt relaxed. Savannah had to leave to deal with the houseboat. He invited her back for lunch.
“You’ll stay too, won’t you?” He looked at Barb and Blake. “There’s plenty of fish.”
“But that was going to be your dinner,” Barb said.
“Doesn’t matter. I’ll find something else.”
“I’ll bring a tossed salad back with me,” Savannah said.
“And my phone please.”
She gave him a smile and left.
“We have to head off straight after,” Blake said. “I’m going back to my place this arvo.”
“You’re looking a lot better,” Ethan said.
“I am. I’ve worked out how to do just about everything with one arm and it’s not giving me much pain now. It’s the burn on my leg that still gives me grief. Jenny’s coming back in a few days. Just a quick visit.”
Ethan had wanted to ask about her but didn’t want to broach the subject with Barb there.
“It’s good she’s coming back so soon,” he said.
“Can’t live without me.”
Barb gave a soft snort.
“Savannah’s a nice girl,” she said.
“You two look pretty cosy.” Blake grinned.
“We’re getting on all right,” Ethan said. He gathered the cups. “Want to see the rest of my place, Barb?”
By the time he was waving them off Ethan was totally relaxed. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so easy in his mother’s company. It took him back to happier times.
They went inside and Savannah started cleaning up in the kitchen. He took her hand and led her to the couch.
“Come and sit for a while.”
“I have to get back and start cleaning,” she groaned.
He sat down and drew her onto his lap.
“I’ll come with you. Let’s just sit a minute.”
She snuggled into him.
“Just for a minute,” she sighed.
It was quiet. Ethan’s eyes closed.
“I like your mum.”
He flicked them open again. “That’s good.”
Savannah tipped her head to look at him.
“You don’t see much of your parents, do you?”
“No.”
“They don’t live that far away.”
“We don’t see eye to eye on things.”
“I didn’t notice that today. Lunch was good fun. Blake’s a funny guy.”
“Mal wasn’t there.”
Savannah rested her head against his chest again. She traced her fingers up and down his arm.
“Can I ask why you don’t get on?”
“It’s old news.”
She looked up at him again. Her gaze locked on his.
“Do you want to tell me about it?”
Ethan adjusted her weight on his legs. Did he?
“Sorry,” she said. “I’m being nosy.”
“It’s simple really. I’m the black sheep of the family. Blake’s been the compliant farm boy, happy to stay on the land.”
“And your parents?”
“Can’t believe they had a son who would take up arms. They marched against the Vietnam War in their younger days.”
“And that’s it?”
“That’s enough. Mum and Dad have never forgiven me for joining the army. Being sent to Afghanistan was the last straw.”
“Why did you?”
“I was posted. When the army says go, you go.”
“No.” She reached up and ran a finger around his jaw. “I meant what made you join the army?”
“I knew I wasn’t going to be a farmer. I liked working with my hands but with machines. I wasn’t much of an academic. The army trained me to be a mechanic and I was of use to my country as well.”
“And your parents couldn’t accept that?”
“They thought I’d done it to spite them.” Ethan thought about that a moment. “Maybe some small part of me did. Anyway, they couldn’t cope with a son who joined the army and, even worse, went off to a war they didn’t believe in – twice. They wiped their hands of me.”
“Your mum came to see you today.”
Savannah’s eyes were round with concern. A little frown wrinkled her brow.
“Barb’s been different since I returned from Afghanistan the second time.”
“There’s been a lot of publicity about war – Gallipoli, remembering the sacrifice. So many have lost their lives. Maybe she’s realised she’s lucky to still have you. She doesn’t want to lose her son.”
Ethan thought about that. Perhaps Savannah was right. There was something in the way she spoke that made him think she wasn’t just thinking about him and his parents.
“You said you’d been in an accident,” he said. “Did you lose someone close to you?”
She lowered her head and rested it against his chest. Perhaps he’d pushed too far but he’d just told his family story. He knew little of hers except Jaxon was her brother.
He rubbed his hand in a circle over hers and waited.
“My parents,” she murmured.
He stopped circling and gripped her hand. “I’m sorry. That’s terrible for you.” It explained a few things though – her determination, her strength and her willingness to help Jaxon out. He imagined for her it would have been sink or swim. He was glad she’d chosen to swim. “Jaxon hasn’t ever said anything. You must find it very hard.”
“I miss them but it won’t bring them back. I just wish I knew what Jaxon was up to. He can be a pain but he’s my only family now.” She sat up. “I’d better get stuck into the cleaning. I know we had the fish for lunch but you still owe me dinner.”
“I’ll think of something,” he said.
She climbed off his lap.
“The hens’ group were sad you weren’t there to see them off,” she said. A twitch played at the corner of her mouth. “They said to say thank you for looking after them so well.”
“It was your good business sense.”
“Rubbish.” She grinned. “They were all perving over your body.” She bent and kissed him. “Save that body for me,” she said. “That will be my dessert.”
Ethan stayed where he was, listening to her footsteps recede down the stairs. He’d opened up to her but not about everything. Now he was torn between his promise to Jaxon and his desire to be honest with Savannah. He picked up his phone. Jaxon had tried to ring and probably hung up when Savannah answered. Ethan selected his number. They really needed to talk.
CHAPTER
40
Savannah paced up and down listening to Mandy’s message bank.
“Hi, it’s Savannah,” she said as soon as she heard the beep. “I’m hoping you might be free to help me clean the houseboats today. Can you return my call? Thanks.”
She should have called Mandy yesterday. Ethan had helped her with Our Destiny and she’d forgotten about ringing Mandy. He’d cooked burgers for dinner at her place and they’d had an early night. Goosebumps tingled down her arms. They’d gone to bed early but it had been quite a while before they’d slept.
Reality had hit early this morning. Ethan took a call from the garage in Burra. They had a big job on and needed his help. He’d set off almost immediately. At least he couldn’t take her fishing again like he’d suggested the night before. Although he’d also offered to teach her how to operate the tinnie and she liked the idea of that. Taking a short run to Riverboat Point was appealing.
Savannah stopped pacing and looked at her phone, willing it to ring. She’d been sure she’d be able to get Mandy to help her. She’d tried to catch her a couple of times with no luck. The other three boats were due any moment. She’d have to tackle them on her own and hope Ethan would be back early enough to help with the fuel and septic.
She hung out a load of washing while she waited. Jasper lay, head resting on his paws, watching her through the fence.
“Pity
you can’t help me with the cleaning,” she said.
He lifted his head, tipped it to one side, then lowered it back again.
She went back inside. Through the sliding door she caught a glimpse of River Magic gliding towards the bank.
“Now it starts,” she muttered. She felt tired and she hadn’t even begun.
Sam and his group were full of excitement. They’d had a wonderful time and wanted to book another trip as soon as they could all agree on a date. They were still unloading when Tawarri berthed beside them. The air was full of the voices of happy campers. All Savannah could think of was the work she needed to do.
Her phone rang. Her heart lifted at the sight of Mandy’s name on the screen.
“I can help,” Mandy said. “Would you like me to come out now?”
“Yes please.”
Savannah tucked her phone back in her jeans pocket. She walked with more of a spring in her step now that she knew help was on its way. Just after the last car turned out of the drive, Mandy turned in.
“Am I glad to see you,” Savannah said.
Mandy moved briskly. She wore a navy polo top and trackpants this time and her runners. Once more her wayward curls were held back from her face by a brightly coloured scarf. She looked like a woman on a mission.
“Where do you want me to start?”
“Can you strip the beds and start cleaning River Magic? I’ll carry down the clean linen and fill the trolley with the toiletries.”
“The quad bike makes it easier.”
“Quad bike?”
“Jaxon used to have one.”
“Is that the thing in the shed?”
“Maybe. Do you want me to take a look?”
“Sure.”
They walked up to the shed. Mandy chatted happily, full of enthusiasm for the next fitness session. Savannah opened the shed.
“That’s it,” Mandy said pointing to the four-wheeled machine beside Jaxon’s ute. “You can put small things in the tray on the front.” She looked around. “There should be a trailer somewhere.”
She poked around behind Jaxon’s ute.
“Here it is.”
She started the bike and hooked the little trailer on the back. Then she slid the front door of the shed partly open.
“We just load up and take it all down in one go.” Mandy raised her voice above the sound of the motor reverberating inside the shed.
Savannah was gobsmacked. She’d made many trips back and forth with things for the boats. This would make it much easier.
“I don’t know how to drive it,” she said.
“Hop on the back,” Mandy said.
Savannah hesitated. Mandy patted a piece of wood perched on top of the guards above the back wheels.
“Put your butt on there and watch over my shoulder,” she called.
Mandy took them for a drive around the yard then made Savannah get in the driver’s seat. They went around the clothes line in a kangaroo-hopping fashion in fits of laughter. Jasper barked. Savannah was sure they were yelps of encouragement. Finally, she managed to go a distance without jerking.
“You’ve got it,” Mandy said. “I’ll get started on the boats.”
Savannah wasn’t sure she’d mastered the controls but she managed to make it back to the shed without too many jerks. She loaded up everything she needed and drove carefully down the slope, stopping as close to the path as she could.
She looked up and down the river. There were a couple of speedboats going in opposite directions and a huge houseboat passing by but no sign of Riverboat. After her episode with Fred she’d learned to lay down the rules firmly with the customers. The group on board Riverboat were mainly young blokes. She’d made it perfectly clear the return time was ten o’clock and it was nearly midday. She hoped she wasn’t going to have a repeat of the Fred experience. Riverboat was booked to go out again tomorrow afternoon. She didn’t want any delays.
The sound of a car drew her back up the drive. Belinda waved as she got out.
“Hello,” she called.
Savannah gritted her teeth behind her smile. She had so much to do.
“Fancy a drink this afternoon?” Belinda asked.
“Not sure I’ll have time.”
Belinda pouted. “Ash is going back to the city overnight. I’ll be all alone but someone has to stay because of the horse.”
Savannah relented. “Come over about four. I’ll take a short break when you get here.”
Belinda gave her a tight smile. “That’s perfect. Ash won’t leave till then anyway.”
“How is the horse?”
“Still hanging in there, poor thing. One of us has to stay on the property. We can’t leave it on its own but the vet doesn’t think it will last much longer.”
Savannah recalled the bobcat. She shrugged her shoulders to hide her shudder.
“I’d better get back to it.”
“It’s a big job all this houseboat business, isn’t it,” Belinda said looking towards the river.
“I’m lucky Mandy’s come out to help me today and Ethan’s been fantastic.”
“Yes, considering.” Belinda patted her arm and winked. “It must be your charm that’s got him helping.”
“Considering what?”
“He doesn’t like houseboats.”
Savannah frowned.
“He was telling me that first night we met,” Belinda prattled on. “He doesn’t like the idea of the houseboats being here. Says it spoils the peace and tranquillity of the river.”
“He prefers to fish,” Savannah said but Belinda’s words rang true. They sounded like something Ethan would say.
“Look, we should exchange phone numbers,” Belinda said. “That way we can just call each other to make arrangements. I meant to ask you the other night.”
“Good idea.”
They swapped numbers and Belinda was getting in her car as Mandy came up the path.
“Hello, Mandy,” Belinda gushed.
“You two know each other?” Savannah said.
“We’ve met in town,” Mandy said.
“You clean the pub, don’t you?” Belinda said.
Mandy nodded. There was no sign of her usual bright smile.
Belinda shut the car door. Mandy stared at her.
“I’m so grateful Mandy’s come out to help me with the boats,” Savannah rushed to fill the silence.
“The mop head’s had it,” Mandy said turning her back on Belinda. “I’m hoping Jaxon’s still got some replacements in the shed.”
She went on past them.
“You know I’d be happy to help out when you’re stuck,” Belinda said. “You don’t have to call in others when I’m right next door.”
“Thanks.” Savannah tried to imagine her well-heeled neighbour cleaning up the mess left behind on Fred’s boat. She just couldn’t see it.
“See you later.” Belinda waved a hand, flashing bright nail polish, as she backed out.
Mandy came to stand beside Savannah, a new mop head in her hand.
“You two seem chummy,” she said.
“Belinda’s been very kind.”
Mandy was staring after the retreating vehicle. Lines creased her brow.
“Don’t you like her?” Savannah asked.
“Just something about her. She and that brother of hers come into town and flash money around but they keep to themselves. I don’t trust them.” Mandy shrugged her shoulders. “Not my type, I guess.”
Savannah looked along the empty driveway to the gate. She frowned. Belinda was a bit of a square peg in a round hole in a town like Riverboat Point. She could be gushy at times. It probably came over a bit strong for some of the locals.
“Your sheet and towel supplies are getting low,” Mandy said.
Belinda was forgotten in an instant. “I took a pile into town …” Savannah pursed her lips trying to remember. “That was last Tuesday.” Where had the time gone?
“They pick up and drop off Tuesdays and Friday
s. They’re pretty quick with their turnaround. Could be some waiting for you already. If not it should be there tomorrow. And this is the last mop head. You’ll go through them pretty quickly.”
“I’d better start a list.”
“Jaxon kept a book and noted things like that down so he could keep ahead. He would leave it out for me if he wasn’t here so I could jot down anything I noticed.”
“He has a few notebooks in his desk drawer. I’ll go and get one of those.”
“He’s left you in the lurch a bit, hasn’t he?”
“I’ve surprised myself how quickly I’ve picked it up.”
“Funny he didn’t stay and show you the ropes before he left.”
Savannah knew why he hadn’t done that. She was sure he knew she would never have agreed to stay had he been here and told her he was going away.
“How’s his holiday going anyway?” Mandy asked as they headed back to the boats.
“Fine.”
“Do you have a date you’re expecting him back?”
“Not yet.”
“It’s just that he offered to do some work on the community hall. A few of the locals are pitching in but it’s come to a bit of a standstill now till he does his bit. It will be a better space for our fitness group. We’ll even have somewhere to store equipment once it’s finished.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know how much longer he’ll be away.”
“There’s a fundraiser coming up for Red Cross. We were hoping to use the hall. Still, as I told them, when people volunteer their time you have to accept when they give it.”
The phone rang as they passed the house.
“I’ll be back with you in a minute,” Savannah said and ducked inside to answer it. She could start a list while she was there.
As she picked up she noticed the message light flashing. She peered at it surprised to see there’d been three missed calls.
“Hello, J&S House –”
“At last,” a young male voice cut in before she could finish. “It’s Tim. I’m on your houseboat. We’ve broken down.”
CHAPTER
41
Savannah’s heart skipped a beat. A million thoughts went through her head. How was she going to get help? What kind of help did they need? The boat had to be ready to go again tomorrow. Perhaps someone was hurt. She took a deep calming breath. First things first.
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