Bluegrass Bend

by Mandy Magro

  Closing his eyes, Ronny took a few more moments to regroup before he went out and faced the crowd. Usually always up for a bit of socialising, all he felt like doing right now was escaping to sit by a campfire with his guitar.

  ‘Ah, there you are, Ronny. Beryl and the girls are dying to meet you.’

  Shirley’s voice made him leap from the ground and then try to cover his turmoil by mustering the biggest smile he could. But Shirley must have seen through him, because her smile was replaced by a look of concern as she put her hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  ‘You okay, Ronny? You look a bit shaken.’

  Ronny blew air through his lips as though it wasn’t a big deal while he shooed off imaginary flies. ‘Nah, I’m fine thanks, Shirley, just felt like a deer in the headlights out there, that’s all. I’m not used to being in the limelight.’ Especially after spending the last eight years in prison.

  ‘Oh, sweetie, that’s completely understandable. I’ve had the job of compere in this town for as long as I can remember, so I tend to forget how nervous people can get when all the attention is on them. You did a damn fine job of it, though, I must say. The crowd loved you, especially all the ladies.’ Shirley took Ronny by the hands, then tugged him gently forwards as she headed out the door that led to the dance floor. ‘Come on then and I’ll introduce you to the ladies you’ll be slaving for.’

  Ronny stopped in the doorway as his heart skidded to a halt. Ivy was with the lady who won. Oh shit. Surely fate wouldn’t be so cruel …

  ‘Um, what do you mean by ladies?’ He emphasised the s.

  Shirley winked and grinned at him, her white teeth glowing under the ultraviolet lights. ‘Yes, ladies, in the plural sense, meaning you’ll be slaving for more than one lady – and I reckon you’re a lucky lad, because these three ladies you’re about to meet are some of the nicest in Bluegrass Bend. I couldn’t really think of anyone else I’d rather slave for, to be honest.’ She turned and dragged him towards the thumping music, and before Ronny knew it, he was being introduced to Ivy and her two aunts, May and Alice Tucker. Nearby, an effervescent Beryl Matheson was shaking her tail feather on the dance floor. Spotting him, Beryl rushed over and hooked her arm through his, all the while grinning like a kid in a candy shop. Ronny liked her instantly.

  ‘Ladies, this is the ever-so-charming Ronny Sinclair,’ Shirley shouted above the music.

  The four hollered their hellos, and then stood unspeaking, until Ivy broke the slightly unnerving silence by reaching out and giving him a friendly hug, her lips brushing his cheek along the way to his ear. His skin heated with her feathery touch.

  ‘So, we meet again,’ she whispered.

  Stunned by her unexpected gesture, Ronny swallowed his shock before someone noticed it and hugged her back, the sensation of her warm body pressed against his and her eyelashes fluttering against the side of his neck sending a blazing fire through him. God, how he wanted her right now, wanted to be the man who helped chase the demons away that still shadowed her beautiful brown eyes. Time stopped for the briefest of moments, making him wish it would stay like that forever. But a forever, he and Ivy would never have. If only things had been different and they had crossed paths under much better circumstances, but they hadn’t. End of story. He needed to get a grip. She clearly didn’t remember him, as a hug like this would have been out of the question if she’d had an inkling who he was. The very thought gave him a jolt of much needed courage.

  ‘So we do,’ he whispered back.

  They untwined but, before pulling away completely, Ivy went up on her tippy toes. Her hand still rested on his shoulder and her warm breath on his ear was like an aphrodisiac as she spoke loud enough to be heard above the music.

  ‘We’re so happy to have you for a few days, because Lord knows we need you.’ She turned to Beryl and smiled warmly. ‘And it’s all thanks to this little bundle of loveliness, I might add.’

  A tuft of Ivy’s hair tumbled across her face as she smiled at her friend and Ronny had to resist the impulse to reach out and tuck it behind her ears.

  Beryl nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yes, I thought these ladies could use your help more than me. As much as I’d love to have you swanning about my house doing handyman duties, I think it might cause an argument with my hubby – he’ll want you helping him down the paddock.’ Beryl patted him a few times on the arm.

  ‘That was generous of you, Beryl,’ Ronny replied, the whole time feeling Ivy’s gaze burning into him.

  A tap on his shoulder made him spin around. He turned to see one of the women who’d been bidding for him, the one brazen enough to jump up on the bar, smiling suggestively at him. She was a stunner, but didn’t come close to the captivating beauty of Ivy.

  ‘G’day, I’m Amy,’ she shouted over the music, then reached out and touched Ronny’s arm, leaving her hand there as she continued, ‘I just wanted to introduce myself, you know, welcome you to Bluegrass Bend and all – especially seeing as you’re my new neighbour.’

  ‘G’day, Amy.’ Ronny held out his hand. His brows furrowed. ‘And just how am I your neighbour?’

  ‘My parents are Burt and Trisha Mayberry. I live with them on the farm.’ Amy looked at his outstretched hand and laughed. ‘That’s a little formal.’ She pulled him into a quick hug before planting a kiss fair on his lips. She stepped back, hands on hips. ‘Now that’s more like it.’

  Shocked by Amy’s audacity, Ronny didn’t return the gesture. He just stood staring at her, trying to work her out, while at the same time noticing Ivy was throwing daggers in Amy’s direction. He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth on his heels. ‘Well, um, it’s nice to meet you, Miss Mayberry.’

  ‘Miss Mayberry, huh? I don’t think I’ve ever been called that. Such a gentleman – how sweet.’ Amy smiled provocatively as she reached out and rubbed his arm. ‘I’m on my break now – so how about me and you share a drink at the bar, you know, get a little more acquainted now we’re going to be living next door to each other? That way I’ll know you’re not a serial killer and I’ll feel safe to come borrow a cup of sugar …’ she wriggled her eyebrows suggestively, ‘… if the need arises.’

  Before Ronny could politely knock back her invitation – he wanted more time with Ivy and her aunts and Beryl – Amy peered over his shoulder, looking at Ivy as she grabbed him tightly by the hand. He sensed the tension between the two women increase.

  ‘Do you lot mind if I steal this handsome man for a little while? I’ll have him back before you know it, if you’re lucky – or maybe after I get lucky.’ She laughed raucously.

  Ronny spotted May mumble something under her breath to Alice, and at the same time Beryl rolled her eyes. Ivy looked as if she wanted to throttle Amy – if looks could kill, Amy would be dead. Clearly, none of these women held a high regard for the vivacious Miss Mayberry. Feeling completely out of his comfort zone, and wanting to ease the growing tension, Ronny took hold of the situation. He couldn’t be rude to Amy; she’d never done anything to him, and he had to live next door to her and her parents.

  He leant towards Ivy. ‘I have a feeling she won’t take no for an answer. Won’t be long.’

  Ivy’s friendly persona had waned a little as she reached into her handbag, her lips now tight. ‘No worries, Ronny, you aren’t my slave just yet, so no need to hang around us lot all night.’ She pulled out a card and handed it to him. ‘This is our business card. My mobile number is the one at the bottom. Just give me a call over the next couple of days and we’ll sort out when you’d like to come out for a few days’ work.’

  ‘Sure, how soon do you want me?’

  ‘The sooner the better really … we’re in desperate need of some help around the place.’

  Ronny was disappointed the mood between them had turned from friendly to businesslike, although he knew he shouldn’t be – this was way safer. Two days near Ivy was going to be tough enough without them being too chummy. He stared at the card, not wa
nting to look Ivy in the eyes for fear of giving something away. From behind him, Amy gave his arm a tug. ‘Oh, righto … I’ll give you a call tomorrow then.’ He finally looked up, giving her a smile.

  Ivy graced him with a smile in return, but this time it wasn’t as genuine as before. ‘Sounds like a plan, hear from you then.’ And then she turned her back on him.

  May, Alice and Beryl gave him a wave as they said their goodbyes. The three women were adorable. Ivy Tucker, on the other hand, was to die for – if it ever came to it again, Ronny knew he would lay his life on the line for her as he’d done once before.

  ***

  For fear of passing out from overheating, Ivy refused to be dragged onto the dance floor again by her aunts and Beryl – she’d already boogied her butt off for the past three songs. Instead she paid for her drink at the crowded bar and found a spot where she could covertly watch Ronny and Amy. Every now and then, Ronny would gaze around the room, as if looking for someone, and Ivy would shrink against the wall, the fact she was standing in the darkest corner of the pub giving her a little respite. She prayed they didn’t bust her – Amy would get a big kick out of that, and it would make her business relationship with Ronny a little uncomfortable if he thought she was perving on him, even if she had to admit she was. He was the rugged kind of handsome she’d always found attractive, and he had a mysteriousness that drew her to him like a bee to honey. But although he was good eye candy, she had no idea who the man beneath the sexy exterior was, and if he was going to be doing work at Healing Hills, even if it was only for two days, she needed to know. Observing how he acted around Amy would certainly give her a fair idea; most men became putty in Amy’s hands with her drop-dead looks and exuberant personality, not to mention her obvious eagerness to get them in the sack. Ivy found those types of blokes shallow, and she didn’t want a shallow man hanging around Healing Hills for too long – if that was the case with Ronny, he could do his two days of free work and then bugger off, with no offer of a permanent job. It was imperative they kept Healing Hills a safe haven for the people who came there for healing and having a bloke around who might take advantage of their vulnerability would be unacceptable.

  Taking a sip from her lemon, lime and bitters – she’d had her share of beers now to still be legal to drive – Ivy saw that Amy was doing a lot of touching whereas Ronny was keeping his distance, every bit the gentleman. Even when Amy leant into him, he would lean back a little. He did, however, seem to be enjoying her company as he smiled and laughed at everything she said. Images of the two ravishing each other plagued Ivy’s mind, making her skin crawl. It irked her that there was a possibility they might sleep together, which would most certainly be on the cards if Amy had anything to do with it. Was Ronny the type of bloke that would fall for Amy’s cheap charm? Anger flushed through her. God. Was she jealous? Maybe. She had no idea why other than the fact Amy got all the handsome ones. But then again, hadn’t she been thinking only a few days ago that she didn’t want to get involved with another man for a while? So why was she letting this bother her so much? Snap out of it, Ivy. Maybe the few drinks she’d had were making her not think straight. Or maybe she was just rebounding after being hurt by Malcolm, because as much as she’d tried to be strong, and now realised she didn’t feel as strongly for him as she’d thought at the time, he’d still hurt her, deeply.

  Gazing at Ronny’s face, the way his jaw clenched every now and then, the way his strong hand curled around his beer, the way his movements and gestures emitted a sense of gentle kindness and a deep, inner strength, she felt again there was something familiar about him. Maybe he just had one of those familiar faces, or she’d seen him around town when he’d been here visiting Lottie. That could certainly be the case.

  Deciding she’d seen enough, Ivy headed off in the direction of the toilets. Maybe Amy had, once again, unwittingly done her a favour by showing from the get go that Ronny was just like every other man. It would certainly help her to resist Ronny in all his blow-your-socks-off sexiness. Ivy clung to that idea. She’d had her little moment of feeling weak at the knees in his presence, now it was time to put her imaginary business hat on and focus on the huge job ahead of her – saving the one and only true love in her life, Healing Hills.

  CHAPTER

  10

  With her shiny new toolbox in her hands, a wad of DIY brochures beneath her arm and sheer determination in her heart, Ivy followed the winding pebble path she’d been down countless times with her mum through the native gardens that could do with a little sprucing up but overall were pretty good thanks to her aunts’ love of gardening – the perfume of the many roses taking her back in time to a fleeting evocation of summers past – before stepping onto the front porch of what used to be her family home. She instantly noted the weather-beaten timber decking needed oiling and pulled out her mobile phone and added decking oil to her growing list of things to get. Bo was beside her, a monstrous fresh bone in his mouth and a spring in his step. She pointed to the shade beneath a towering mountain blue gum beside the cottage, instructing the dog to eat his bone there and to stay put. Bo quickly did as he was told. Ivy thought the treat would keep him busy for a good hour. The past week he’d discovered how much fun chasing Aunt Alice’s new ducks was, and although she was fairly certain Bo wouldn’t harm a fly, his game still made her nervous.

  Resting her hands on the sandstone walls, Ivy closed her eyes as memories of her early childhood flooded her. Apart from the recollection of her mother and father arguing whenever he’d decided to grace them with his presence, there were many joyful times when it had just been her and her mum. She could almost hear their raucous laughter as they raced around the house, her mother threatening to tickle her. It had been a game they’d played before bath time. Hide and seek had been one of their favourites too, and she smiled as she recalled how her mum hid in places blatantly easy to find her – always thinking of her little girl. And then there were the quiet times, when she and her mum would do craft together, play board games, watch movies or read books. So many memories – and they were so very precious now that’s all she had left.

  The house was a hundred years old and she’d quite often imagined it had ghosts. She remembered sitting with her friends beneath her bed sheets, each with a torch tucked under their chin to make them look scary as they told stories to frighten the wits out of each other. She smiled. There’d been many a happy day within these walls.

  Drawing in a deep breath, she opened her eyes. She didn’t want to reminisce to the point of heartache – she’d done that many times before. She needed to stay focused on the job at hand, and not get sidetracked.

  The cosy, three-bedroom cottage had so much character, she was sure it’d find a new owner quickly. It just needed some tender loving care to bring it back to its former glory. Ivy approached the weary-looking front door, smiling as she recalled the time she’d run into it and broken her front tooth. A lick of varnish, she thought, and it would look like new. Out of habit, she took off her boots and left them on the verandah; her mother had always insisted on bare feet to preserve her clean floors. Dragging the door open, she winced as the bottom scraped across the floorboards and made a mental note that it needed trimming. She stepped inside. Silence greeted her, and a smell that she could only explain as home. The windows were curtainless and golden sunlight bathed the inside of the home in a warm glow. She couldn’t help scrunching her face up at the décor, though. The tangerine and fuchsia walls had to go – she’d chosen soft creamy pastels for the interior. After trawling through hundreds of home and garden magazines, she’d finally chosen the design she thought would suit the place: country-style charm with a modern twist. She could just imagine it now, with throw rugs tossed over cosy couches to curl up on on wintery nights. It was going to look beautiful and feel so welcoming that people would be in a bidding war to buy the place.

  Walking through the lounge room with its big open fireplace, Ivy headed down the hallway to the kitchen. Al
though empty now, she and her aunts had kept the home clean and tidy over the years, out of love for the old place. As she peeked into the bedrooms and peered into cupboards, making notes along the way of what needed doing, memories of her childhood and teenage years poured out from every inch. After her mum had passed, Ivy had spent many a night in here with her friends in swags and sleeping bags. It had been the perfect adolescent’s hideaway, far enough away from her aunts to have the music loud but close enough if an emergency arose. Looking up at the ceiling in her old bedroom, Ivy shuddered as she noticed the only occupants of the house had woven their webs between the exposed timber beams. Although she hated killing anything, these spiders would have to go, they made her skin crawl and it wasn’t a good look for buyers. If only she wasn’t so terrified of them she would carry each one out, but a can of fly spray would have to do the trick.

  Stepping into the kitchen at the back of the house, Ivy recalled all the times she’d sat on the countertop while licking cake batter from the mixing bowl – most of it smeared over her hands and face by the time she was finished. Her mum had always giggled as she’d wiped her clean. She missed days like those and was saddened by the fact she’d never get to make memories with her mum again. She wasn’t going to be hard on herself by thinking she had to be stronger – the loss of a parent was something a child, no matter what their age, never completely healed from.

  The décor in here was as bad as everywhere else in the cottage. Before her mum and dad had moved in here it had been used as a workers quarters by the neighbouring farm, and her grandmother had bought the place for them as a wedding present. What were people thinking back then? The lime-coloured laminate benches combined with orange cupboard doors and the orange and yellow floral wallpaper that covered the kitchen walls were a little overbearing to say the least. And the open overhead cupboards made the room feel minuscule, when in fact it was a very decent-sized kitchen, big enough to add a small laundry off the side of it. A tiny window sat above the kitchen sink with a teasing view of the sprawling green countryside behind the cottage. Opening the room up with a set of French windows would be magical, if she could afford it. A flutter of excitement filled her belly with the thought of how beautiful it could all be. She decided to get to work.