Riverboat Point

by Tricia Stringer

  “They’ve never done that before,” Jaxon said. “Always used cheques.”

  Savannah glanced at the letter again. “Basically she’s apologising. Said Fred had overdone things on the last night.”

  “Got pie-eyed,” Jaxon said.

  “He’d told her he’d cleaned up the mess he’d made in the bathroom but he’d recently admitted to her that he hadn’t and that perhaps he hadn’t left enough money for fuel either.” Savannah looked up. “I sent him a bill. He obviously didn’t show that to his wife.”

  “Sounds like Fred was a bit naughty,” Jaxon said.

  Savannah blew out a breath. “You reckon. Anyway, the wall still has to be fixed. I patched it with some cardboard but you’ll need to get it fixed properly. I wondered if Gnasher might do it. He’s quite handy by the look of things.”

  “Who do you think did most of the renovations on this shack?” Jaxon said.

  She picked up the other letter and Ethan watched her face light up in a smile. She looked across at him. “This is a thankyou card from Emily and the girls.”

  “Who’s Emily?” Jaxon asked.

  “The bride-to-be,” Savannah said and laughed. “That was such a good weekend.”

  “What do they say?” Ethan got up and crossed to look over her shoulder.

  “Your body gets a mention.” She smiled up at him.

  “So it should.”

  “I think they thought I’d hired you specially for the occasion.”

  Ethan put a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t shift away.

  “I knew it!”

  They both looked up as Jaxon leapt to his feet.

  “You two are being so cool but you can’t fool me,” he said. “You hooked up, didn’t you?”

  Savannah stood up, knocking Ethan’s hand away. She turned to face him, the steel back in her eyes.

  “Just a holiday fling,” she said.

  He stood his ground and kept his eyes on hers. “Not for me.”

  She frowned.

  He took her hands. They were warm and soft, just like the rest of her.

  “You were right about all the stuff with the Palmers but not about me. What you see is what you get. I’m not pretending. I love you, Sav.”

  Ethan put his hands to her face and placed his lips on hers.

  “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Jaxon jumped around, pumping the air.

  They both turned to him. “Shut up, Jaxon,” they said in unison.

  “But my plan worked.”

  “Your plan?” Savannah said.

  “I knew if I could get you to stay here for a while you’d love the river, Sav. And you do, I can tell.”

  “That was why you went away?” Savannah said. “Just to get me here?”

  “Yes.” Jaxon hopped from foot to foot. “But I also knew you’d have to work with Ethan. You two have so much in common. You’ve both had tough times in the past. You’re both bits of loners. I knew you were meant for each other.”

  “So this whole holiday and having me help Savannah was your attempt at matchmaking?” Ethan said.

  “Pretty much.” He grinned at them. “It worked, didn’t it?”

  Ethan looked at Savannah. “My place?”

  “I think so.”

  He took her hand and led her to the door.

  “Hey, where are you going?” Jaxon called. “We should celebrate.”

  “You celebrate, Jaxon,” Ethan said and pulled Savannah closer. “Sav and I have some catching up to do.”

  “Hey,” Jaxon called. “I wouldn’t walk away from my business and community commitments for anyone else, you know.”

  “Talk to the hand, Jaxon,” Savannah said.

  CHAPTER

  50

  Savannah sat on the deck while Ethan cooked her breakfast. They’d spent three nights together since they’d left Jaxon to his own devices. He’d asked to come over a couple of times but they’d shut him out. Ethan had even redirected Gnasher to use Jaxon’s shower and laundry. They’d devoted their time totally to each other, keeping the rest of the world at bay. Except Jasper, of course. He lay at Savannah’s feet waiting for the titbit of bacon she would slip him later.

  Savannah knew she couldn’t stay at Ethan’s forever. Reality had hit when the police had returned her car first thing this morning. Her phone was in the glove box. Now that Jaxon was back she had no reason to stay, apart from Ethan. While it was wonderful living like a pair of castaways in this tree house of his, they had to face reality. He had to work, she had to work, the rest of life had to go on.

  A plate of bacon and eggs appeared in front of her.

  “Thank you.” She smiled up at him. How was she going to leave him? She forked up a mouthful of egg.

  “Mmm,” she murmured. “This is good.”

  She gazed out over the river. This morning the clear sky made the water look blue. The light breeze sent small ripples across the surface. Birds swooped and paddled. It was so calming to watch. Jaxon had been right about that too. She had fallen in love with it.

  “Best view in the world, isn’t it?’

  She looked back at Ethan. “It’s lovely.”

  “But?”

  “I didn’t say but.”

  “I heard it.”

  “Jaxon’s back now.” She gave him a fake smile. “I have to go home, Ethan.”

  He reached across and took her hand.

  “Stay here, Sav … with me.”

  “What would I do?”

  “Help Jaxon with the houseboats, take fitness classes … eat fish.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t go. I can support us both.”

  “As much as I love fish …”

  “I’ve got a new job.”

  “When did this happen?”

  “I spoke to the new guy in the garage at Riverboat Point. He’s got more work than he can handle. He wants me to join him and see how it goes.”

  “Congratulations.” She squeezed his hand.

  “I start tomorrow.”

  “That’s great.” She meant it. She was pleased he’d found something local that he enjoyed but taking two fitness classes a week wasn’t enough for her.

  “Please stay, Sav.”

  Jasper lifted his head and gave a small bark.

  “Jasper wants you to stay.”

  “Hello.” Jaxon’s voice carried out to the deck.

  “That was an announcement bark,” she said.

  “Should we let him in?”

  The sound of a door sliding drifted out to the deck.

  “I think he is already,” Savannah said.

  Jaxon’s face appeared around the doorframe. “Still eating breakfast?”

  “Come on out,” Ethan said. “Would you like coffee?”

  “That’d be good, thanks.”

  “What about you, Gnasher?” Ethan said.

  Savannah laughed as the old man poked his head out after Jaxon.

  She stood up to make room for the chairs Jaxon was dragging over.

  “You two have been hermits for long enough,” he said.

  “Young fella’s a bit lonely,” Gnasher chipped in.

  “I do feel sorry for him,” Savannah said.

  “Sarcasm, dear sister.” Jaxon put his hand to his chest. “It hurts.”

  “What can we do for you blokes?” Ethan asked as he put cups of coffee in front of them.

  “Nothing for me,” Gnasher said. “I’m fine now the hullabaloo’s died down in the road.”

  Savannah focused on Jaxon. He was all hyperactive again.

  “What’s been happening?” she asked.

  “I’ve got a lot of electrical work coming up. I need help with the houseboats.”

  “And you thought that someone would be me?” Savannah said.

  “You said you liked being here. My electrical work is getting busier. I need someone to look after the houseboats.”

  Savannah could feel Ethan willing her to say yes.

  “Actually, what are you two doing for the rest of the day?” Ja
xon said. “I’ve got two boats going out this afternoon. They’re refuelled but they need to be cleaned. I have to go in to Riverboat Point.”

  Savannah opened her mouth to tell him where he could put his houseboats but Ethan spoke first.

  “Sorry, mate. Can’t help you. We’re busy.”

  “You can’t stay up here forever,” Jaxon said.

  “Not going to,” Ethan replied. “We’ve got plans for today.”

  Savannah frowned as Ethan stood up. It was news to her but she followed him anyway.

  “You’re not leaving me again?” Jaxon yelped. “I’ve only just got here.”

  “Sorry,” Ethan called over his shoulder. “Keep an eye on Jasper.”

  Gnasher’s laugh followed them down the steps.

  “Where are we going?” Savannah asked.

  “To the farm. Would you rather we went in your car?”

  The thought of riding on a bike was distressing but as she stared into his deep brown eyes what she saw gave her strength.

  “No,” she said. “Let’s take your bike.”

  She did up the helmet he placed on her head and pulled on the jacket and gloves he offered before she climbed on the bike. He started the engine and the huge bike vibrated underneath her. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight.

  The ride was terrifying and yet exhilarating. Savannah loved being cuddled up behind Ethan but for the first part of the journey she couldn’t open her eyes she was so frightened. Towards the end of it she began taking in the scenery in small doses. By the time they turned off the main road onto Mal and Barb’s property she was keeping her eyes wide open.

  Ethan didn’t turn towards the house as she’d expected but continued on past and along a track towards the hills that were the backdrop of the property. The ride got rougher. Her stomach did somersaults and she gripped him tighter until finally they came to a stop near the top of a hill.

  Savannah felt numb despite the gloves and jacket. Her body felt as if it was still vibrating.

  “Hi!”

  She turned to see Jenny waving at her from the top of the rise. Then Blake appeared.

  “What’s going on?” Savannah asked as they climbed off the bike.

  “Family picnic,” Ethan said. “Hope you don’t mind. I was going to tell you about it then Jaxon and Gnasher showed up.”

  “It’s fine, Ethan.” She squatted up and down to get her legs moving again. “I like Blake and Jenny.”

  They walked over the rise. A picnic table and chairs were set out. The view in front was magnificent.

  “Welcome to the border,” Blake said and wrapped her in a hug.

  “Border?” Savannah said.

  “Everything this side of the hill belongs to Mal and Barb. Everything that side is mine.”

  “The whole world divided in two,” Jenny teased.

  “Why the extra chairs?”

  Savannah looked at the picnic setting. Ethan was right. There were six chairs.

  “Barb and Mal are coming,” Blake said.

  “You didn’t mention it when you rang,” Ethan said.

  Savannah took his hand. “It’ll be fine.”

  “Everyone want a beer?” Blake asked. He plucked some bottles from the esky beside the picnic table and they all sat down.

  “Ethan didn’t tell me,” Savannah said. “I haven’t brought anything.”

  “Bit hard on a bike,” Blake chuckled. “Anyway, don’t worry. Between Jenny and Barb nothing else will be needed.”

  “Good to see you back here, Jenny,” Ethan said.

  “I love it here,” she replied. “I also love your brother.”

  The sound of a vehicle turned their attention back to the crest of the hill. The top of a ute appeared and stopped.

  Barb waved to them.

  “Hello,” she called. Mal appeared beside her carrying an esky and some containers.

  There were welcomes all round, stilted between Ethan and Mal but welcomes all the same.

  They sat down to lunch with the land stretching away as far as the eye could see. Savannah was drawn to the breathtaking vastness of the scene before her. The more she looked at it the more she noticed the subtle differences in colour and texture.

  “It’s good country.”

  She turned to see Mal studying her.

  “It’s looks so vast,” she said.

  “Good sheep country,” Mal said. “Gets in your blood. How are you liking rural living?”

  “The river’s quite different from the city.” Savannah glanced at Ethan. He was looking out across the view. “But it has its attractions.”

  Ethan turned to her. His gaze locked with hers.

  “Jenny’s going to work part-time,” Blake cut in. “Means she can spend more time here.”

  “How will that work?” Barb asked.

  “I’m going to do midweek in Adelaide,” Jenny said. “I’ll have a four-day weekend to spend up here with Blake. We’ll see how that goes.” She leaned into him.

  “I’m glad,” Ethan said and shook Blake’s hand.

  “What about you two?” Blake said. “You’ve had some serious stuff going down.”

  “Are you okay, Savannah?” Jenny asked. “Blake’s been telling me about what happened. I saw it on the news but didn’t connect it with you. It must have been terrible.”

  “A few bumps and scratches,” Savannah said. “I’ve had worse.”

  “Those rotten people,” Barb said, “and they were right next door to you.”

  “They’ll get what they deserve,” Savannah said. “It’s Li and Hung I’m worried about. How terrible coming to Australia has been for them.”

  “Not the Australia we think of, is it?” Blake said. “Police, army, they’re all doing their best to keep our values. It’s a huge task.”

  Mal snorted.

  “What does that mean?” Ethan said.

  “People in uniforms,” Mal said. “They always think they know what’s best for the rest of us.”

  Ethan pushed back his chair and stood up. “I think it’s time we left, Sav.”

  His face had become a rigid mask. Once more she felt so sad. His family was alive and here with him but they couldn’t get on.

  Suddenly Barb stood up.

  “Don’t go, Ethan,” she said.

  “Sit down, woman,” Mal grumbled.

  “I won’t,” she said. “This shadow has hung over us for long enough. You two have to sort this out so the rest of us can have some peace.”

  “You feel the same way as I do about our son taking up arms.”

  “I did.” Barb stared at Mal. “Things have changed, Mal. Don’t make me choose between my husband and my son again.”

  The breeze ruffled the cloth Jenny had put on the table and a bird called overhead but otherwise there was silence. Savannah’s heart went out to this poor broken family. What she wouldn’t give to have her parents beside her right now.

  “Get up, Mal,” Barb said. “Go off the two of you and talk. We’ll give you fifteen minutes.” She spoke like they were children being sent to the naughty corner. “You’re both grown men with different world views but that’s okay. Isn’t that what you both fought for in your own ways?” She raised her hand in the air making all her beads rattle. “Vive la difference!”

  Savannah had to smother an urge to giggle.

  Ethan hovered at her elbow.

  “I mean it, Mal,” Barb said. “I know you want this.”

  There was a collective holding of breaths. Mal shoved back from the table.

  “Let’s go,” he said to Ethan and stomped away.

  Ethan watched him go.

  “He wants to make amends, son,” Barb said. “Open your heart.”

  Savannah bit her lip. She could read his inner struggle in the expression on his face. He looked at his mother then strode after Mal.

  The whisper of the breeze through the grass and the crunching of retreating footsteps was all that could be heard.

  �
�What made you take the fitness instructor path, Savannah?” Barb asked, turning her back on her husband and son as if nothing had happened.

  “Oh … I …” Savannah stumbled over her words, confused by the sudden change in conversation. “I was very overweight as a teenager.”

  “Really!” Barb said. “Probably just puppy fat, you’ve got such a trim figure now.”

  Mothers, Savannah thought. Her own mother had said the same thing.

  “I left school determined to change my life,” she said. “I started to lose weight and I was looking for a job as a receptionist. I didn’t know a place called Totally You was a gym. From the outside it looked like a clinic, albeit an upmarket one with lots of plants, mood lighting and relaxing music. Anyway, they gave me a job. Maybe I made the clients feel better. Whatever it was, I was taken in by the fitness thing. It hooks you.”

  “And you don’t do that now?” Jenny asked.

  “I was in a car accident. Exercise was my rehab. They weren’t sure I’d walk properly again.”

  “That would have been a long journey,” Jenny said. Savannah saw the understanding in her eyes.

  “It was. Anyway I didn’t go back to running gym classes. I’ve led a couple of fitness sessions at Riverboat Point. That’s been fun.”

  They prattled on making small talk but it was stilted, the two empty chairs keeping them aware of the important conversation taking place below them. The two men were gone much longer than Barb had suggested.

  Blake was trying to lighten the mood with a joke when Savannah saw movement from the corner of her eye. Ethan and Mal were walking slowly back towards them, deep in conversation.

  “At last,” Barb murmured. “Get the cake out, Blake.”

  “Sorry, we can’t stay,” Ethan said as he came to a stop beside Savannah’s chair.

  She stood up, guessing the talk hadn’t gone well.

  Barb tried to get him to stay.

  “Let them go, Barb,” Mal said. “They’ve got things to do.”

  Jenny stood up and gave Savannah a quick hug.

  “Let’s catch up again soon,” she said.

  There were hasty goodbyes and then Ethan took her hand and walked her back to the bike.

  “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “Home,” he said. “To the river.”

  CHAPTER

  51

  The journey back to the river was different from the journey they’d made earlier. This time Savannah kept her eyes open all the way. The wide sprawling country gradually gave way to land scattered with straggly trees and then finally the thicker bush that hid the river.