At nine-thirty, Emily filled a large box with scones – fresh from the oven – plus pots of jam and cream and a variety of other sweet and savoury condiments. She added a Tupperware container of sandwiches, thermoses of tea and coffee, and all the requisite paraphernalia.
‘Come on, Gracie, let’s go feed the hungry workers,’ she said, and left the house to carry it all down to the far end of the large rubble area flanked by corrugated-iron sheds. The men seemed to be making great headway. In just a couple of hours they had already done half the roof. Below, the steel uprights remained naked.
‘Smoko time!’ she called uselessly above the two idling tractors. She was relieved to see Jake driving one rather than involved in heavy labour. There was no sign of Des. He must have decided not to come after all.
Clutching the box that was growing heavier by the second, she looked around for a place to lay everything out. Grace stood beside her, her tail wagging gently.
Suddenly the tractors were turned off and silence reigned.
‘Here, I’ll take that,’ David said, taking the box as Jake stepped down from his tractor and rolled a forty-four gallon drum towards them. Emily would have loved a show of affection from her man, but he was clearly in work-site mode. He looked happy and in his element, though a little tired and drawn.
‘Thanks so much for doing this, you guys,’ she said to Steve, Grant and Bob, as they brought three smaller drums over.
‘You’re very welcome,’ said Bob, the older, slightly shorter and more thickset of the three, with a wave. Emily nodded back. She’d seen it plenty of times; when men had been working and their hands were dirty, instead of offering a hand to shake, they lifted one in greeting.
‘No worries,’ Grant added, scraping at the dirt with the toe of his boot. ‘Good to see a few things going your way. Steve and I are really sorry about snubbing you after, you know…’
‘All water under the bridge,’ Emily said to the pair of tall, lean agronomists. Steve and Grant might have been difficult to tell apart except for Grant’s mop of light-brown hair and Steve’s short black spiky haircut. ‘I just can’t believe you’d do this for me during your time off. It’s amazing. Thank you.’
‘It’s just a couple of days. And we do far too much sitting behind a desk or driving around these days. So it makes a good change, eh, Grant?’ Steve said.
‘Yup, sure does.’
‘Well, it means the world to me. So, again, thank you,’ Emily said, feeling a sudden rush of emotion grip her.
‘So, is it going to be for hay?’ Grant asked.
‘Up to David – he’s running the place. I’m not sure if he’s planning to cut hay down here this year. He might use it for storing equipment. But, don’t worry, it’ll be put to good use one way or another.’
‘Well, at least it’s in a much better spot now. I don’t know what John was thinking,’ Bob said.
The men passed around a small bottle of hand sanitiser, and David laid the first of two small checked tablecloths on one of the tall drums. ‘Who’s for tea and coffee?’ he asked.
‘There’s Milo too,’ Emily said.
‘Or Milo,’ David added.
‘Tea, thanks,’ Steve and Grant said together.
‘Coffee for me, thanks,’ Bob said.
‘Milo, thanks,’ Jake said as he brought another couple of smaller drums over and put them in the centre of the semicircle.
‘This all looks great. Are you staying, Em?’ David asked, raising a mug and wiggling it at her.
Emily had packed extra food and a mug, but until that moment, she hadn’t been sure whether to join them or not. She actually didn’t feel as out of place as she thought she might.
‘Sure, why not? Tea, thanks. White with one.’ She sat down on a drum.
‘I’ll let you do the doctoring,’ David said, leaning over and putting the jars of milk, sugar and teaspoons onto the cloth Jake had just draped across two of the smaller drums. He passed out plates and serviettes then put the basket of scones and condiments and knives on one drum and the box of egg sandwiches on the other. Emily accepted the hot mug and took a scone. She liked having the men waiting on her.
Just then they all turned at the sound of an approaching vehicle. Des Oliphant got out and made his way over.
‘Ah good, not too late I see,’ he said, grinning and rubbing his hands together.
He gave Emily a quick hug and shook hands with each of the men, greeting them by name.
‘Don’t worry fellas, I’m not here to check up on your work. I’m quality control for the catering,’ he added jovially, and took a seat on the last remaining empty drum.
Cheeky bugger, Emily thought with a smirk as she sipped her tea. It was good to see him looking cheerful. Hopefully that meant Enid hadn’t given him too much of a tongue-lashing.
There was a collective chuckle and hum of voices as the small group settled down to the food, murmuring with relish about how good it was.
As Emily walked back to the house with Grace trotting along beside her, she wondered what Steve, Grant and Bob must think about her being shacked up with another bloke so soon after the death of her husband. But she shook the thought aside; like Barbara had said often enough, she couldn’t control what people thought, or what they said behind her back. Anyway, she had done nothing, and wasn’t doing anything, wrong.
Jake had been staying with her for just over three weeks and still hadn’t been with her to collect the mail or groceries in Wattle Creek. She wasn’t consciously hiding him, but she was pleased she’d been spared a little while from becoming the focus of gossip all over again. Though, Enid was bound to have told someone by now – if only to utter her disapproval. Anyway, Emily was sure someone from Wattle Creek would have seen them together in Hope Springs the day before. So word was definitely already making its way around the district. And now that Steve, Grant and Bob had been here… Oh, well, maybe the sooner the tongues started wagging, the sooner they would stop.
Chapter Twelve
Emily was just finishing re-packing the box after afternoon tea – unsure if it would be needed again or not – when her mobile began to ring. She dragged it off the bench and stared at the screen: Cousin Liz. She sighed and sat down.
She wasn’t sure why, but for some reason she didn’t feel like talking to Liz. Emily had always got on well with her cousin. At Gran’s funeral they’d had a great heart to heart and Liz had encouraged her to leave John, even offering a haven in Melbourne, if necessary. But she hadn’t liked the way Liz had behaved towards Jake when they had visited. And she really didn’t fancy being quizzed about their relationship, and why he was back there again. Jake had assured her there had been nothing between him and Liz, but they both knew she had feelings for him.
It was naïve to think that Liz hadn’t been in touch with her mother and that Peggy hadn’t been in touch with Enid, and that they didn’t all know the latest details of Emily’s life. Oh, Liz would know everything all right. How would she feel about her plain, unsophisticated country cousin ending up with the man she’d wanted? Liz was competitive through and through; it was no doubt how she had done so well in her career as a business analyst – whatever that entailed.
Emily toyed with not taking the call, but just as she’d decided she’d let it go to voicemail she found her finger scooting across the screen and answering.
‘Hi Liz,’ she said, more brightly than she felt. ‘How’s things?’
‘What’s this I hear about Jake being over there?’
Emily was taken aback at her cousin’s abrupt manner. Uh-oh. ‘Yes, he’s here. He’s having a country break.’
‘Are you two an item now?’
‘Yes, we are, actually.’
‘Oh. Right. And what’s this I hear about you being in Melbourne and not even calling me?’
‘I wanted to, but Jake said you were overseas at a conference or something.’
‘It was then you were here?’ Elizabeth said, a little subdued.
> ‘It was a spur-of-the-moment thing.’
‘It’s not like you to be so spontaneous.’ Emily could picture the sneer on her cousin’s face. And, God, she sounded like Enid.
‘Oh, well, maybe I’m changing.’
‘So why the rushed trip?’
‘Jake was going to a funeral. I went along for moral support.’
‘I could have done that, saved you the bother.’
‘It wasn’t any bother, Liz. And you were away, remember?’
Liz didn’t seem to have a response to that. ‘So, who died?’
‘A business acquaintance. Nobody you know, I should imagine.’ Emily hoped she was saying all the right things. Really, this was a conversation Liz should be having with Jake. ‘How was the conference?’ she asked.
‘Bit boring, but not the worst I’ve been to. At least the hotel was five-star. So, I hear you’ve moved back to the farm. Mum told me about John’s accident. And I hear you’re rich. Quite the turnaround.’
‘Not exactly rich, but if I’m careful I should be okay.’
‘I know plenty of money men and women if you want some financial advice. I can do some introductions if you like,’ Liz said.
‘Thanks, but I’m fine,’ Emily said.
‘And what would you know about investing wisely?’
‘Jeez, don’t hold back, Liz,’ Emily said.
‘Sorry. I’m just trying to look out for you.’
‘I’m fine. The bank here is helping me. And I have Jake for advice if I need it.’
‘That does sound serious,’ Liz said with a tight laugh.
We are, Emily thought, but didn’t say it.
‘Remember, he’s an architect and builder, Emily, not an expert in money matters,’ Liz said.
‘Was there something particular you wanted, or did you just call to give me a hard time?’
‘I heard about the cottage,’ Liz said, hesitating.
Uh-huh. So she’s been instructed to talk me out of it.
‘Why don’t you just put up a cute little wooden hut if you want extra accommodation? It’d be a lot cheaper.’
‘And what business is it of yours?’
‘Well, it’s not really. I just don’t want you blowing your money on something silly.’ The words could have come straight out of Enid’s mouth. And the tone was pretty spot on as well.
Emily fumed. ‘What, you’d rather I blew it on some get-rich-quick scheme instead?’
‘You at least need to get your money working for you. And you don’t want to over-capitalise. You’ll never get your money back if you sell.’
‘I’m not going to sell,’ Emily said.
‘What, you’re going to stay out there in the sticks and play at being a farmer?’
‘Is that what my mother told Peggy to tell you to say? Surely you’ve got enough going on in your own life without wasting time being messenger for our mothers. You need to grow up, Liz, and stop playing this silly game of theirs.’
‘Gosh, we are a little touchy, aren’t we?’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘Things not working out so well with Jake?’
‘Everything is working out perfectly well between Jake and myself, actually,’ Emily said. ‘In fact, he’s thinking of staying permanently, perhaps even setting up an agency here. Not that it’s any of your business.’
Damn. She knew she’d said too much. It wasn’t her story to tell. Liz would now go back to Aunt Peggy with her news, and Peggy would spread it back to Enid. God only knew what information would get changed along the way. Chinese whispers, indeed!
‘Clearly I’ve caught you at a bad time,’ Liz said cautiously.
‘No, not at all. But I don’t see why you’re wasting your money and both of our time by phoning to quiz me about my life, only to then put it down.’
‘I’m not.’
‘Oh, really? Not once have you said, “Em, I’m sorry the other house didn’t work out” or “Em, I’m really pleased your financial situation has eased” or “Em, I’m happy that you’ve hit it off with Jake” or “Em, isn’t it great that life is finally starting to treat you better”. Not once have you ever called just to say hi or be supportive. You only ever call when you want something – whether it’s to stay so you can try and impress Jake, or whether it’s to appease your mother or mine, or to somehow make yourself feel better by hearing all about my poor, sad life.’ She was ranting, but she couldn’t stop.
‘Well I’ve had enough, Liz. You use people. You can deny your feelings for Jake all you like – hint that he’s gay and all the other crap you pulled when you stayed – but the truth is, you’re jealous. You’re jealous because he’s chosen me over you, and you’re jealous of the fact that I have a more meaningful life than you because I’m not obsessed with money and impressing people who don’t really matter.’ She was becoming a little breathless, but she blundered on.
‘Well, Liz, you can’t compete with me or lord it over me, or whatever you’re trying to do, because that game takes two to play and I’m not interested in playing it. I don’t care about flash cars, posh restaurants, five-star hotels, designer clothes, or being seen in the hippest Melbourne café sipping on a latte. If that makes me the poor country hick cousin, then fine, that’s what I am. But that’s my choice and it’s none of your business, or your mother’s, or even my mother’s, for that matter!’ Suddenly Emily stopped. She was struggling for air.
There was silence on the other end of the line.
‘I’ve got to go,’ Emily said after a moment. ‘I don’t need this. I’ve grinned and put up with all this crap for long enough!’ And with that she hung up. Her face was flaming. She felt exhilarated, a little light-headed, and a wee bit guilty. It was the closest she’d ever got to hanging up on someone.
She ran her hands through her hair.
‘God, what’s happened? Are you okay?’ Jake asked, full of concern.
Shit. He must have come in mid-rant because she hadn’t heard the sliding door. ‘No, I’m bloody wild!’
‘What’s happened?’ He sat down.
‘Bloody Liz! I wish I didn’t let her get to me, but she pushes my buttons every time! I guess this time I cracked,’ she said, smiling weakly.
‘Well, she can be pretty full-on,’ Jake said, choosing his words carefully.
Emily held her hands up. ‘I know she’s a good friend of yours, but she’s a back-stabbing, smarmy, manipulative bitch who only thinks about herself.’
‘Yep, she’s all of that, and more,’ Jake said thoughtfully. He shuffled his chair closer and put his arm around her. ‘What did she say to upset you?’
‘I don’t know,’ Emily said, exasperated. ‘She was going on about how the cottage is over-capitalising, or something.’
‘Like she’d know,’ Jake said.
‘Can’t she just be pleased that I’m doing something that makes me happy?’
‘She’s jealous of us too, right?’ Jake asked.
‘I think so.’
‘Emily, she’s jealous of you. You’re naturally beautiful…’
‘Yeah, right.’
‘Let me finish,’ he said, holding up a hand to her. ‘You’re naturally beautiful; you don’t go in for all the make-up, fancy clothes…’
‘Because I can’t afford to,’ she started, but was halted by Jake’s steely, warning gaze.
‘You know who you are and you’re content. You don’t feel the need to impress people. You’re like, “Right, here I am, if you don’t like it then bugger off.”’
Actually, that’s pretty recent. He was right that she no longer felt the need to impress people, but she had spent years desperately seeking her mother’s approval and had always wanted to make John happy.
‘You’re you, Em. You’re real. What you see is what you get. That’s what I love most about you. I think deep down Liz envies you. She tries to distract everyone with flash window dressing, but I think underneath it all is a pretty insecure, unhappy person.’
‘So why are you friends with her? Not that it really matters.’
‘I suppose I feel a bit sorry for her. For a long time I didn’t see her for what she really is. Actually, it’s spending time with you that’s done it. In fact, the very first time I met you I saw how comfortable you were in your own skin – despite everything you were going through.’
‘Come on, I was a complete bloody basket case!’ Emily said with a laugh. But it was lovely to have someone saying such nice things about her.
‘No you weren’t. You were the perfect host: warm, friendly, welcoming. To a complete stranger at that.’
‘Well, you were a friend of Liz’s.’
‘And even though she was a complete cow most of the time, pretending to flirt with me or making me out to be gay, you kept your cool. Don’t think I didn’t notice what was going on.’
Emily’s eyes were wide. ‘And you just smiled and put up with it. I’ve done that a lot in my life.’
‘And it’s part of your charm. But you don’t need to pretend with me. Now you’re getting your life sorted out, you need to concentrate on standing up for yourself.’
‘God, I was a bit rude,’ Emily said, a little sheepishly.
‘And she probably deserved it.’
‘Why can’t they just say, “You know what, whatever makes you happy. If you’re happy, we’re happy”?’ Emily was annoyed to find her eyes filling with tears. She swiped roughly at them with the back of her hand. Of course what she really meant was: Why can’t Mum say these things?
Poor Liz. She probably wasn’t as bad as Emily was making out. They’d had good times over the years. Her timing was just bad. Or was it good? Barbara would say that the universe was in charge; she wouldn’t have said these things to her cousin if she wasn’t meant to.
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