Love or Money?

by Carrie Stone

  Stacey straddled Dan and held up her left hand to admire the small glittering diamond.

  “I love it so much. All the girls at work are jealous; Dion said her fella isn’t one for marriage but I told her not to get down about it. I said look how anti-marriage Dan was, and now” she waved her hand in front of Dan’s face. “I’m the one wearing the engagement ring!”

  If it wasn’t for Stacey being naked and in a prime position, Dan would have put an immediate end to the ring admiration. As it was, Stacey had only just climbed on top of him. He hadn’t spent more than he cared to on an imitation diamond for no reason. Stacey hadn’t been able to keep her hands off him in the last seventy-two hours. It was worth every penny. Not to mention every annoying squeal each time she looked at her hand.

  “Babe, concentrate; I need you to show me what a good wife you’re going to make. Show me how the future Mrs Matthews is going to treat her husband…” Dan whispered in a low voice, leaning forward to take Stacey’s nipple in his mouth.

  It did the trick. Within no time she was doing to him all the things he loved her for.

  “You enjoyed that.” Stacey said smugly, lying next to Dan with a dreamy look in her eyes.

  “Yeah, babe. You did good. I’ve got to shoot off to work now. Got the Patterson’s garden to do, followed by Mrs Hendrix. Don’t wait about for me. I said I’d grab a beer with Andy after.”

  Dan got up quickly before she had a chance to protest and padded towards the bathroom. He was looking forward to buying Andy a beer later. The man was a genius. Stacey’s engagement bombshell had been quite the shocker, he’d been ready to pack his bags and sleep under a bridge if he had to. The idea of marriage had been the furthest thing from his mind - especially with Stacey. Had it been someone like Fee he might have felt a bit different. Yet Stacey. It was like being awarded a shitty lifelong consolation prize.

  Andy had convinced him otherwise. Thanks to his mate, his mind had been opened to the advantages of the situation. And the deal breaker; engagement didn’t mean marriage, Andy had told him - wizened and knowing. It meant investing in a cheap ring and an open door to sex on tap. He hadn’t been wrong. Stacey had opened her legs more in the last four days than in their entire two years together. She was treating him like a prince that could do no wrong. The only gutting part was that he’d missed out on two years of it.

  Yet Andy had warned him it wasn’t a long term thing. He was the experienced one, having been engaged three times. So he knew how it worked. He’d told Dan he had no more than nine months before the novelty would begin to wear off and Stacey would start wanting to discuss venues and flowers. Nine months to use it for all it was worth and then get the hell out of there. Dan smiled to himself. Nine months was more than enough.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Can you put twenty dollars onto this please” Felicity said, handing over her Smartpass travel card to the kiosk vendor. Waiting impatiently for the small Asian lady to deal with her request, she spotted a stash of chocolate Cherry Ripe bars and picked up three, placing them on the counter. The news of Maurice’s condition had most certainly unbalanced her. She had been craving all sorts of sugary and refined foods since the discovery. It was most unlike her.

  “That’s twenty-three dollars and thirty cents” the Asian lady said, passing Felicity back her travel card.

  Hastily paying and picking up her chocolate bars, Felicity rushed down the three flights of stairs in time for the incoming train bound for Auchenflower. She made it to the platform just as the last of the commuters disembarked. Taking a seat at the far end of the carriage, she put her Coles shopping bag by her feet and considered her options.

  Eight days in Brisbane and she felt as uncertain about the city as the day she’d arrived. It was a city more relaxed than Sydney, with a better climate and yet it felt small and unexciting in some senses. If it hadn’t been for Darlene’s eccentric nature and evening chats with the other residents at the house, Felicity was certain she’d have already left in search of newer territory. The few day trips she’d been advised to take had left her breathless at their beauty and wonder. Moreton Island had been a magical experience, especially being able to feed the dolphins that ventured to the water of the islands shore at dusk. The only downside had been not having anyone to share the experience. She had looked longingly at the couples sand tobogganing and swimming out to the Tangalooma shipwrecked ruins together. It hadn’t been the same doing it alone. Simple things like where to leave her belongings whilst she swam or enjoyed the activities had restricted her.

  It had however, been a vast improvement moving into the nicely decorated room which Owen had vacated the day after her arrival at Chasely Fields. She had been disappointed not to have been given a chance to say goodbye to him. But it made her smile that he’d left a handpicked rose for her on the dresser with a small note to enjoy her stay.

  Her main concern was what to do next. In the past forty-eight hours she’d struggled with deciding whether to move on to Melbourne or to leave Australia altogether. It seemed entirely appropriate, especially given that Maurice needed her now, more than ever.

  Her mind drifted to her boss. It had been a shock finally succumbing to the overwhelming urge to read her work emails and discovering that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

  The email from his wife Eva had been short, distressing and very much to the point. Maurice had once again been treated for his long running gout problem - undoubtedly caused by his love of fine dining and excessive consumption of red wine. However, further blood tests had picked up an anomaly within PSA levels, which upon biopsy had resulted in the discovery of the cancerous cells in his prostate.

  Felicity had felt her breath leave her as she’d read the last line of the email. Eva had commented that Maurice had taken the news in his stride and was refusing to make any lifestyle changes before a prognosis was made.

  It irked Felicity that Maurice could be so pig-headed about the situation. She had been tempted to immediately call him and advise him that he had to cut down his workload, but she knew it would be a futile attempt. Maurice cared about success and money. He didn’t appear to have anything else in his life to motivate him. Without those drivers, he would be lost.

  Her heart went out to Eva. She was a quiet woman with hardly any friends and she certainly held no influence or control over her husband. She was simply his ‘wife’ in the functional and practical term of the word. Maurice had once joked that she was simply his tax loss. Felicity didn’t disbelieve him. She’d always had her suspicions that he was gay. It seemed odd that he never flirted with the many women who threw themselves at him; and even odder that his marriage was mostly lived separately. Still, he was more than her boss. He was her ally and her friend, even if she didn’t always agree with his views. He was the last person she’d ever expected to associate with the ‘C’ word.

  She had hoped that calling her mother would help her to make a decision. As much as she had always strived to be independent and self-assured, she felt confused about how to react. She’d never been one to know how to deal with death or illness, especially after losing her own father so young. She was relying upon her mother’s wise and experienced advice in the matter. But Glenda hadn’t exactly been much help; she’d sounded preoccupied. Even her emails of late hadn’t had her usual anxious edge. She was a lot more relaxed and carefree, which was odd. Very odd.

  The train pulled into Auchenflower platform and she gathered her belongings, disembarking. She’d prepared a carefully typed email to Maurice mentioning her awareness of his illness and lightly suggesting she was more than happy to return to the office sooner than her agreed sabbatical. But knowing his nature, it was likely to anger him that she’d deemed him indirectly ‘incapable’. Still, it wasn’t about pleasing him, it was about ensuring his health wasn’t affected further and, moreover, that the business and her career were secured.

  Walking the short distance to Chasely Fields, she thought about her midday plans
to visit the local Koala Sanctuary. Her mother had sent her the link and although it was something that she wouldn’t have usually given a second thought to exploring further, it had seemed a good option for distracting her mind from the current circumstances. Besides, she’d always been an animal lover and yet she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had physical contact with one.

  She let herself into the house via the side entrance and was greeted by Darlene sweeping the hallway floor.

  “Morning, luvvie. It’s a warm one out there today, isn’t it” she said bending down to pick up a gold button in her pile of swept dirt.

  Felicity nodded. “It sure is; but we Brits love the sunshine so I’m making the most of it.” Hoping not to get caught up in further conversation, she stepped carefully around Darlene’s handiwork and continued immediately to the kitchen to put away her goods. It was surprising how she’d quickly grown accustomed to the less than hygienic area. Taking Owen’s tip, she tied her shopping bag of dried supplies and set them in an empty cupboard. Her standards had certainly lowered since visiting Brisbane. Strangely, she felt quite liberated by it.

  Glancing at her expensive wrist watch, she gasped – she hadn’t realised how late it was. Her taxi would be arriving in less than ten minutes. She had barely enough time to gather her camera and belongings. Her mind whirled with thoughts as she rushed into her room.

  Why was her mother acting so peculiar; she’d barely mentioned that she missed Felicity. She was coping far better than she’d expected her to. Also why hadn’t Zara replied her last email? And was it appropriate to be taking day trips to a Koala sanctuary when the man most influential in her life had just been told he had cancer? Shouldn’t she be there to support him? After all, who else aside from herself and Eva, did he really have?

  *

  The taxi pulled slowly into the wooded car park area in front of an arched entrance and a large billboard of a Koala. Paying the driver, Felicity picked up her casual day bag and walked through the wooden turnstile barrier, to be immediately greeted by a member of staff sporting a green polo shirt with a eucalyptus tree logo.

  “Welcome to the Pine Koala Sanctuary. Will it just be yourself wanting an entrance ticket today?”

  “Yes please” Felicity said, taking thirty dollars from her purse and handing it to the less than enthusiastic vendor.

  Taking the money, the man picked up two papers and handed them over to her. “Ok, here’s your ticket and today’s programme of events. Just follow the roped bridge across to the sanctuary area. Have a pleasant day.”

  Studying the pamphlet she’d been given, she was surprised to learn that there was also up close and personal experiences with Kangaroos, Emus and an opportunity to hug a Koala if she wished. Is this how people spent their days?

  Setting out towards the main attraction area, her eyes widened as she noticed a chameleon like creature blocking her path. She shuddered and carefully tried to avoid it scurrying towards her. She failed. The chameleon moved quickly in the direction of her sandaled feet.

  “Go away, you disgusting thing” she whispered loudly, stepping back in fear from the creature and making shooing motions with her hands.

  “That’s not a nice way to address a lizard” a familiar voice said from behind her.

  Jumping in shock, Felicity span around and, losing her balance as her left foot caught against something, collided into Owen.

  “Whoa, go easy, you’ll get us both killed if you’re not careful” Owen joked, catching Felicity’s shoulder with his hand.

  Shrugging him off in embarrassment and taking a step back, Felicity looked at him in confusion. “What are you doing here?”

  Owen smiled at the bluntness of the question. “I suppose I could ask the same of you. I didn’t have you down as a Koala lover.”

  Felicity smiled, suddenly feeling very self-conscious. How long had Owen been observing her? And why was he here anyway? Hadn’t he gone to Northern Australia?

  “I love all things furry, I’ll have you know” she said raising one eyebrow challengingly. “Anyhow, I thought you left Brisbane last week? I remember you mentioning that you were heading to Cairns?”

  Owen reached out and put his hand on Felicity’s arm, pushing her aside to allow a family to pass by them. Felicity felt strangely excited at his firm but gentle grasp.

  He turned his attention back to her. “Yes, I was supposed to be starting a project there but then this sanctuary called me unexpectedly and said there was a placement helping with the Joey’s if I wanted it. One of the guys here that I know from Melbourne offered me to stay at his. Otherwise I would have headed back to Darlene’s and kicked you out of my room.”

  Felicity giggled. “You’re working here then. That’s amazing; you get to cuddle Koala’s all day. But what’s the Joey’s?” she asked confused.

  Owen’s face lit up and Felicity noted how his unusual coloured eyes sparkled with excitement. “Follow me” he instructed, moving quickly along the roped bridge.

  Once again Felicity found herself following Owen with intrigue. She wasn’t usually a woman who could be told what to do, especially by a man wearing cut-off jeans and a grubby blue T-shirt; but she did as she was told, telling herself it was only because of his friendly, light-hearted nature. She also couldn’t quite get her head around the shock of seeing him so unexpectedly.

  As they reached the main enclosures she stopped in awe at the sight of the many different sized Koala’s, displayed in various habitats around her. They looked adorable.

  Owen turned around and smiled at her expression of adoration. “Special, aren’t they. They are such clever little dudes; you’d be amazed how much they seem to understand. But you haven’t got to the best part yet. Keep up, we’re nearly there.”

  Felicity continued following closely behind him, weaving through the throng of visitors and carefully avoiding the water dragons scurrying freely through the walkways.

  “Ok we’re here.” Owen stopped beside a large green metal structure obscured by dark shroud and leaves.

  Felicity felt a little uneasy. What on earth had he brought her to observe?

  Taking a key from his pocket, he opened the enclosure door. “Be quiet as you step in and you won’t be able to touch them but you’ll get a closer look.”

  Stepping through the door, Felicity felt her skin crawl. She hoped to high heavens, she hadn’t just stepped into a reptile haven. Yet her intuition assured her that Owen wasn’t the type of person to do that to her.

  “Look over there, can you see him?” Owen asked crouching down slightly, before grabbing Felicity’s hand and pulling her closer. He pointed to a tiny bundle of fluff curled up asleep amongst branches. “That’s Timothy. He’s three months old. That’s what you call a Joey. A baby Koala.”

  Felicity cooed quietly at the sight of the small furry creature. It wasn’t often she was lost for words, but she watched mesmerised as Timothy, as if sensing they were watching him, opened his eyes and looked directly at them.

  “There’s Martha over there.” Owen said walking deeper into the enclosure and pointing higher up into branches where another smaller baby was sleeping.

  Felicity listened in fascination as Owen began explaining his work with the Joey’s and in particular the orphaned ones they were now amongst. He was so passionate and knowledgeable about them that it was hard to believe he’d only been working at the sanctuary for one week. She’d never met anyone so diverse. On one hard he seemed so at one with nature and yet from a few of the things he’d mentioned about the sanctuary funding, she sensed he also had a very astute business mind.

  Owen locked the enclosure and they continued chatting, walking back towards the Kangaroo feeding field.

  He stopped walking as they approached the field. “I have to go now. I have a meeting with the Sanctuary board later this afternoon that I need to prepare for. Just some promotional and sponsorship ideas I’ve come up with that they’re interested in hearing” he said, running his han
ds through his wavy golden blonde hair.

  “Good luck with that.” Felicity answered, hoping he didn’t pick up on her dismay. She looked awkwardly towards the masses of Kangaroos roaming amongst visitors in the distance. She had assumed that Owen was going to accompany her for the remainder of the afternoon.

  “I just can’t believe we stumbled across one another again. It must be fate” he joked, grinning. “Do you want to go for dinner later?” he said casually, looking directly into her eyes.

  Felicity felt herself blush and her heart pound. She hadn’t expected him to ask her for dinner.

  “Yes that would be nice” she replied, keeping her tone very neutral and holding his gaze. Her stomach flipped. His rough and ready appearance, which usually wasn’t something she found attractive, was making her feel flushed. He was so confident in himself that it was sexy.

  “Ok, I’ll borrow a car and pick you up at eight. I know a great place I can take you to.” A fuzzy static sound interrupted their conversation. “Just a minute” Owen said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a walkie-talkie. A stilted voice called out his name through the small transmitter.

  “I must be needed. I’m going to have to get back to the main office.” He ran his hand through his hair once again.

  “Well, I’ll see you at eight o’clock then.” Felicity said readjusting her hand bag strap on her shoulder as a distraction.

  Owen nodded and said goodbye before turning and jogging quickly off towards where he was needed. Felicity stood rooted to the spot, bewildered by the day’s events.

  Had she really just spent an hour of her time with Owen, the man who was supposed to be in Cairns? And did he really just say he would borrow a car to take her to dinner?

  Part of her wanted to laugh at the absurdity. She’d never been to dinner with a man who didn’t own a car. In fact, she’d never been to dinner with a man who dressed like a vagabond either. Why then, was she getting butterflies at the prospect of seeing him later? And why was she feeling so relieved that he hadn’t left Brisbane?