Ember Flowers

by April Worth

  “Sorry, are you there?”

  “Yes, I’m here.”

  “So you want to see where this goes? And you don’t expect anything?” She wanted to be clear.

  “Yes. If you want to? I know things are complicated for you right now. But I do like you. I understand you’re worried about what people might think, but I won’t get your name tattooed on my arm or anything Jo. To anyone else we’re friends if that’s what you want?”

  “I think I can handle that. Friends. Friends..who make out occasionally.”

  Jean snickered. “Well yes. You seemed to enjoy it last time?”

  Her thoughts went back to the soft lips against her own, the smooth skin of Jean’s arm under her hand. She answered quietly. “Yes.”

  “Good.”

  Her daughter was wanting her attention. Grabbing at her sleeve with insistent little hands. “Jean, my little girl is getting restless. I’m sorry, can I call you sometime?”

  Her thoughts were still clouded. Thinking of Jo’s warm body pressed against her own. “Sure Jo. Sleep well.”

  “I will. You too.”

  She smiled, clicking off the phone and looking at it before she put it back into her bag. Jo felt surprisingly lighter after talking to her. All her dread had been for little concern. Jean hadn’t wanted to turn her into something she wasn’t. Hadn’t expected her to confirm this was some sort of relationship. She supposed it was, they were getting to know each other, a bit like dating but with a new set of rules.

  Annabelle looked up at her, she’d been talking more lately. Little short sentences. But right now she looked tired.

  Jo smiled, tweaking her cheek. “OK little one, time for bed.”

  Chapter 18

  Scott ran his hands through his wet salt crusted hair, his wife Ellie lay back propped on her elbows, watching the surf from the comfort of their beach towels. Summer time was measured in days like this. He looked over his shoulder, Ellie smiled at him, feeling self conscious. Her slender body changing with the progression of her pregnancy. Half way along, and glowing, at least he thought she was beautiful.

  He smiled back, his attention turning to Alex, his little boy who was being slathered in sunscreen by his mother. His nose crinkled with the unfamiliar smell.

  The sun was flaring gold and orange, reflecting strands of peach and bronze over the waves. A warm afternoon, the ocean proving a respite from the heat. He strode over to them, his large feet sinking into the white sand, board shorts hanging below the trail of fuzz on his belly.

  “Want me to take him in?”

  Ellie shielded her eyes, nodding. “Be careful.”

  Scott grinned, “Don’t worry so much sexy, just a little dip.” He stuck out his tongue, making a surfing gesture with his hand.

  She shook her head, her loveable oaf, she’d be lost without him.

  His strong hands scooped up his little boy, raising him up to sit on his shoulders. Alex responded with a happy squeal and a tug of his hair, bouncing his heels on his father’s chest. They walked together into the green and blue foam.

  ***

  Jean sat in her car on the other side of the city, she had spent the last forty five minutes driving out to a stockist. She ticked off a list of items she needed to pick up. She scribbled in her diary, making notes for what else she had to do.

  Trolleys rolled past in the car park, the coarse bristle of wheels over bitumen. Scott had requested the day off, which was fine, she owed him some holidays. Sometimes she didn’t mind her own company, it gave her time to think. Lately her thoughts had been straying back to a certain blonde.

  She smiled to herself, tapping her pen against the pages. Perhaps they could catch a movie? A quiet dinner? It would be nice to just spend time getting to know her, unhurried.

  Jean had left the ball in Joanne’s court. This was new for her, two steps forward one step back, willing but hesitant. It seemed as though her pre-conceptions were always at war with her feelings. The older woman figured a slow courtship would be better for them both. The policewoman was worth the wait.

  Her phone buzzed on the dashboard, she hoped it was Jo. Instead, Ellie’s number was displayed on the screen. Her brow crinkled, wondering what was up.

  “Hi Ellie.”

  “Jean..” She was panting softly, sounding flustered.

  “Ellie, something up?” She sat upright in the driver’s seat.

  “Jean..I’m..I’m at the hospital, can you come down?”

  “Ellie, what’s wrong? You aren’t due for another few months?”

  “Not for me, Scott..Scott had an accident. He almost drowned.”

  She was already turning the key in the ignition. “Which hospital?”

  ***

  By the time she arrived almost an hour had passed. Late afternoon traffic leading into peak hour. Ellie was waiting for her down stairs with a weary Alex in her arms. Jean hurried over, keys still in hand, pulling her gently into a one armed hug around her young friend’s protruding stomach.

  “What happened? Is he OK?” She wasn’t just his boss, they were like family.

  Ellie looked calmer than she felt, she brushed her dark bangs away from her eyes, her petite features looking strained. “Alex got dumped by a wave, Scott went in after him and got dragged out by a rip. He exhausted himself got rolled and almost drowned. Alex is OK, but they want to hold Scottie for observation.” She sniffled. “Life savers dragged him out, they said he was lucky, really lucky..”

  Relief and worry in one breath. Jean had sped across town, the old ute humming along impatiently. Other things could wait. Jean squeezed her shoulder, offering support. “Can I go up to see him?”

  Ellie wiped her eyes. “I’ll go with you.”

  ***

  A couple of hours later they were still by his bedside. Scott looked ragged, an abrasion from the reef over his eyebrow, his features pale despite his sunburn. He was still sleeping, they’d given him something to relax.

  The ocean was both beautiful and a somber reminder for Jean. It was difficult to look out onto the waves and not imagine a sailboat bobbing in the surf. She had put the past behind her, she’d had to. Occasions like this brought everything back. Six years without her wife, pain replaced by a gradual quiet peace and faded memories.

  Jean sighed softly, Ellie clasped her husband’s hand, chiding him under her breath as he slept. Alex was colouring in on the floor. Her phone rang softly in her pocket. Ellie looked up at her with the sound.

  “Mind if I take this?”

  Her friend nodded, watching her get up and walk out into the hall. Jean left the room and stood on the sanitised floor, a dull tap under her workbooks. She smiled, at least this call was welcome.

  “Hi Joanne.”

  The blonde paused, the brunette could feel her smiling. “Jean, hello. How are you?”

  “Mm. Dramatic day. I’m at the hospital. Yourself?”

  “Hospital? Is something wrong? Are you all right?”

  The concern was endearing. “I’m fine, Scott got himself into trouble but he’ll be OK.”

  She could hear the little sigh of relief, along with the sound of traffic and the crackle and bleep of a CB radio. “Well..I was calling to see if you wanted to meet up after work tomorrow?”

  The brunette smiled. “Sure, love to. Listen, I’ll be here a while, want to make sure his family are OK. What time do you clock off?”

  Jo looked down at the luminous strokes of her dashboard clock. “Oh?, I have a late one Jean, I finish around ten.” She was usually awake well afterwards, especially if she’d been out on a sweep.

  She currently sat in her patrol car, talking on her hands free unit affixed to the visor. She pulled up at the lights, sweeping the road with a diligent glance of grey eyes. “But..I can come by afterwards if you’re still there?”

  “If you’re feeling up to it I’d like that. Seeing you would brighten up my day.”

  Chapter 19

  Jo could hear soft talking as she entered th
e room. Dimmed lights mounted above the headboard. A weary figure in the nearby chair, a pregnant woman standing on the balcony with the connecting glass door open. Scott was sleeping soundly, unaware of the two women worried about him at this late hour.

  The Officer stood in the doorway, not sure if she should have come, concerned she was intruding on something private. The cup of vending machine coffee in hand.

  The pregnant woman with the swollen eyes smiled at her as she stood in the doorway, which made the figure in the chair turn to look.

  There was a warmth in her voice, Jean was glad to see her.

  “Jo.”

  She entered the room, and stood beside Jean’s shoulder. It was then that she noticed the child sleeping sprawled over Jean’s lap and chest.

  “Here. Brought you this.” She handed the older woman the cup, which was taken graciously with one free hand. A soft thanks as they exchanged looks.

  Jo looked down at her, still in uniform, her sunglasses perched as usual on top of her golden hair.

  Jean took a sip and made introductions while keeping her voice down.

  “Jo, this is Ellie, Scott’s wife..” A nod between them as Jo tucked the sunglasses into her pocket. “And this is Alex. Who has decided he’s seen too much excitement for one day.”

  The policewoman gazed down at the boy with a smile. A few years older than her Annabelle, but with similar fair hair, he must take after his father as his mother had darker features. The gardener smiled as the child shifted in his sleep. Sprawled quite comfortably. Jean looked quite at ease holding him. Perhaps she spent a lot of time with the family?

  Joanne looked over at Scott’s wife. Ellie was petite, jet black hair and hazel eyes, her skin a golden tan from loving the sun. The policewoman asked her how her husband was doing, fortunately he was just under observation for now.

  The gardener nodded along with their conversation, looking down as Alex murmured in his sleep, grabbing a fistful of her polo. “Ellie is just getting a little air.”

  Scott’s wife rubbed a hand over her belly. “I get so tired, and nauseous. Lucky we have Jean, Alex never leaves her alone. Means I get a break ever so often.”

  Jo nodded, speaking softly. “My little girl is almost two. I know what you mean, when I hit half way I felt like I could barely move.”

  Ellie walked over to her husband’s bedside, placing a hand over his affectionately. “Yes, Jean mentioned you have a little girl.”

  Joanne gave her a careful look. She was a little surprised Jean had mentioned her to them. She wondered what had been said.

  Jean looked up at her. “Finished for the day?”

  A nod as she shifted her feet, crossing her arms over her fluorescent vested chest and blue shirt. “Thankfully yeah. Just wanted to stop by, see if you needed anything.”

  A gravelled voice from the bed got their attention. “Ooh. I must have gone to heaven. I wake up..surrounded by women.”

  Jean rolled her eyes. Scott looked up at the policewoman who was still standing by the foot of the bed.

  “Whatever it was Officer..I didn’t do it.” A cheeky smile on his chapped lips as he coughed. Ellie slapped his arm gently.

  “Hello Scott.”

  “Hi Joanne. Come by to keep Jean in line?”

  The blonde looked down at her friend, who was smirking despite herself. “Something like that.”

  Alex moved sleepily in Jean’s lap, the older woman looked down before her eyes settled on her friend. “How are you feeling Scottie?”

  “Water logged and fuzzy, but OK.”

  The two shared a smile. Jean was a good friend, they’d been there for each other through good times and bad. Ellie looked up at the policewoman, it seemed she felt out of place.

  “Joanne?”

  The blonde turned toward her and raised her chin, listening.

  “Why don’t you and Jean go and get a bite to eat? You must both be tired. I can keep an eye on this one. We will give Jean a call in the morning if there’s any news.”

  Scottie was giving her a wink and a suggestive eyebrow. She looked up at Jo. The blonde was giving her a droll look, she must have seen it too.

  “I don’t know, are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” Jean observed Scott with a look of concern.

  Both Ellie and Scott gave nodding assurances. Jo shrugged her shoulders. “Been a long day, maybe a late dinner would be nice?”

  Ellie collected her unconscious son from the gardener’s lap. Jean stood, Jo picked up her things, handing them to her once she’d straightened her clothes.

  As they left the room, Scott was making the ‘call me’ gesture with one hand, and winking.

  ***

  A few blocks away, catering to the late night visitors of the hospital, a cosy cafe sat inconspicuously on a street corner. At a small table by the window, the two women perused the menu, casting the occasional glance at each other. Soft lighting and warm colour made the atmosphere both casual and intimate.

  They had ordered, Jo picked the healthiest thing on the menu with chamomile tea, and Jean selected something light too. It was already eleven o’clock, her appetite was waning.

  “So how long have you known Scott?” A sip of her drink as she leant back in her chair.

  Jean smiled at her, even so late, after a long day she looked gorgeous. “Hmm, a long time. He started as an apprentice with me when he came out of school.”

  “Seems like you get along well? Do you all spend time together out of work?” A sip of the water provided when they were seated.

  She nodded as their food came, Jo laid the paper napkin over lap.

  “Yes, I baby sit for them, and we spend holidays together. He’s been a good friend, great support. Despite his macho attitude sometimes.”

  Jo nodded, chewing as she thought to herself. She had friends like that too, but not many that she would rely on like that.

  “Did Scott know your wife? Or was that before then?”

  Jean’s brows drew together. ‘Tash. Six years without her. Loss, followed by the ache of loneliness, aimlessness. “They got along really well. Scott was my rock for a while. I was kinda a wreck.”

  Grey eyes softened. “I can imagine. I lost my dad when I was twelve. I wish I had more good friends around back then.”

  She nodded slowly. “I’m sorry Jo. What happened?”

  The policewoman moved the salad around on her plate. “Car accident. Drunk idiot hit him driving to work.”

  Jean nodded, taking a bite out of her sandwich. “Makes you realise how quickly it can all change, doesn’t it?”

  Jo sighed, suddenly remembering what it was like to have her mother came to her during class, and ask to speak to her in the hall.

  They were both silent for a while, each lost in their own memories. Jean looked at her with dark eyes, a tinge of regret, reflecting. “I have a love-hate relationship with the ocean. I was so glad Scott was OK.”

  She shook her head. Jo chewed and set down her fork. “He was lucky..I was sorry to hear about your wife. It must have taken you by surprise? How old?”

  Hazelnut eyes regarded her, clear and honest. “She was thirty two, I was thirty six. I have so many regrets Jo. So many.”

  The blonde folded her napkin. “Why? Did something happen before? Or?”

  Jean sighed. Don’t scare her away with your baggage. “All that time, building the business. It was all for her, but in the end, it wasn’t worth anything. I wanted to build a nest egg, so I could take her nice places, buy her expensive things, look after her. In the end, I should have been spending the time with her instead, she was my life. I..just can’t be sure she knew that.”

  “I’m sure she knew. It sounds like you were good to her?”

  A subtle shrug of Jean’s shoulders. The air conditioning fluttered her pixie cut hair, she studied the table. “I spent all my time working. I’m sure she felt lonely. It’s not the way to treat someone, not someone you love.”

  Jo brushed a blonde strand out
of her face, it had come undone from her tail. “I hardly saw my Dad. But we used to get along so well. Kindred spirits. My mother and I are nothing alike, well, aside from looks anyway.”

  It would be good to change the subject, she leant back in her chair with a soft squeak. “Tell me about your family Jo?”

  The blonde sighed. “My mother took it upon herself to be a hard disciplinarian after Dad died. Both mother and father. She was always concerned about money, holds onto every dime..I grew up without any siblings, so I had to put up with a lot, and I’m sure I gave a lot back.”

  “Rebellious?”

  “In my own way I guess. At least she was happy when I got married. She loves Annabelle, they get along well.” A small smile.

  Jean looked at the cracked veneer of the table. She wanted to comment, but wasn’t sure if it would be taken badly.

  “..And yes, she approves of the divorce, once I can get him to sign the papers.”

  The older woman nodded, Jo was looking at her thoughtfully. .

  “Do you have any family Jean?” Jean was good to talk to, something about her put her at ease.

  Jean smiled sadly. “My Dad, but he’s in a home, he hasn’t been quite the same after my mother died a few years ago. Can’t look after himself.”

  Jo nodded, finding the words. “Did he..approve of your marriage?”

  It made her friend laugh softly. Her father had been so embarrassed, but least he’d taken it well. “By the time he’d recovered from me telling him I wasn’t going to date any of those boys they kept trying to set me up with, the marriage wasn’t so much of a shock. ‘Tash and I were together for a couple years before I proposed. Dad kept telling me I’d look terrible in a suit.”

  “I think you’d look OK?” She could imagine Jean in a tailored pantsuit, well cut to fit her compact form, and dark like her eyes.