by C. Fonseca
The toot of a horn drew their attention and thankfully broke the awkward moment. Alexa turned to see a Triumph Spitfire glide down the driveway.
“Here’s Harold,” Sarah said. “He nicked down to the shops. I believe we were out of coffee.”
The car was a brilliant, British racing-green.
The driver waved. At a quick glance, his thick grey hair and wide grin reminded Alexa of a younger version of that Australian actor who played 007 in the sixties. Eleanor had told her the two of them were taking her father’s car away for the weekend. Surely not this car?
“Come and meet Harold. He finds any excuse to escape from his minders.” Just for a second, Sarah’s mask was gone, and affection for her husband shone clearly in her eyes. She brushed the soil from her apron and wiped her brow with the back of her hand.
Although Sarah Heysen didn’t appear to be the formidable matriarch that Eleanor had described, Alexa would be careful what she said and how she behaved around her, especially when Eleanor turned up.
“I gather your car is parked on the street,” Sarah said in a sonorous voice. “There will be room for your vehicle in the garage once Harold manoeuvres things about and brings out the SUV for your trip.”
Well, that answered Alexa’s question. Her shoulders dropped. They wouldn’t be driving the Spitfire this weekend. If Eleanor’s father was anything at all like Alexa, he’d trust very few people with his classic car.
Harold walked towards them. “Alexa, I presume.” He offered his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Eleanor’s told me all about you.”
Alexa gulped. Not everything, she hoped. She pulled herself to her full height, smiled, and clasped his hand. “A pleasure to meet you, too, Mr Heysen. You have an awesome car.”
A brown paper bag was tucked in the crook of his arm, and the faint aroma of dark roasted coffee wafted through the air. “Thank you. Please, call me Harold,” he said. “I spied your 404 coupé out front. Very nice. Yours is French, mine is British, but they’re both styled by the Italians.”
“Is it a Mark II?” Alexa appreciated designers who used flowing lines and elegant shapes—classic cars were the best.
“Yes. Spitfire 1965. Painstakingly restored. Wired wheels and twin exhausts. She can still reach ninety-six miles per hour.” He quickly glanced at his wife. “Not that I have ever pushed that speed, of course,” he said with a charming grin. “Give me a minute, and we’ll park your little beauty safely in the garage.” He looked up at the blue sky and shrugged. “The weather can be unpredictable in spring. As you know.”
Alexa tapped the toe of her high-top sneaker in the lush lawn. She already liked Harold; after all, they had things in common. They both appreciated classic cars and good coffee. And he had a sense of humour.
Sarah removed her apron and folded it across the wheelbarrow handle. “Darling, don’t forget I have to duck into the office this afternoon.”
“I’ll move the BMW forward and park Alexa’s firecracker in the back.” He wriggled his eyebrows. “It will be great for Eleanor to get away and to spend time with friends. Lovely spot, the goldfields region.”
“When will you and Eleanor return?” Sarah squinted, glancing briefly towards an iron gate and paved pathway that most likely led to Eleanor’s studio. “Anyway, where is that girl?”
“If all goes well, around dinner time Monday,” Alexa replied to the first question. As for where Eleanor was, she didn’t have an answer.
“Good, I’ll make sure to be home from the office. You’ll be able to join us for supper. At least the SUV isn’t likely to spring a leak.” Sarah’s dark eyebrows slanted in a frown.
Alexa covered her embarrassment by meeting Sarah’s gaze with a bright one of her own. “Yes, indeed.”
Harold said, “I’m fascinated to hear what else you two discover about those negatives.”
“Me too—”
Out of the corner of her eye, Alexa glimpsed Eleanor striding across the lawn, and suddenly she was there beside her.
Alexa grinned; she couldn’t help herself.
Eleanor looked relaxed, wearing low-riding loose cargo pants and a cropped, white long-sleeved T-shirt revealing an alluring smidgen of midriff. She was bouncing up and down on her toes like a spring.
Alexa bit her bottom lip, but a soft sigh escaped anyway.
“Don’t wait on us for dinner on Monday, Mum.” Eleanor turned to Alexa for confirmation. “I don’t know what the traffic will be like, and I’m not used to driving the Skoda on country roads. Best to take it easy, I guess.” She turned back and gave her father a half shrug.
“An excellent idea, sweetheart.” He smiled at Eleanor affectionately. “It’s a lot more powerful than my old Triumph.”
“I’d certainly like a drive in the Spitfire someday.” Alexa glanced quickly at Eleanor who winked at her.
Harold chuckled at Alexa. “I’d be happy for you to visit us again, and we can take it for a run.” He squeezed Eleanor’s shoulder. “The Skoda is watertight, much more reliable, very comfortable, and has plenty of safety features. A necessity if my darling daughter is driving.” He walked over to his wife and linked his arm through hers. “Sarah, let’s not delay the girls’ departure any longer. They have places to be and things to uncover.”
Sarah pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow. “Of course, the negatives.” She looked directly at Alexa. “A lot of time has been spent on those negatives already.”
“Oh, darling, if you had the time, you’d love to be getting away for the weekend, unravelling a puzzle or two.” He patted Sarah’s hand and grinned at Alexa. “Anyway, thank you for your expertise, helping us learn more about the contents of Helen’s trunk.”
“You’re welcome,” Alexa replied. “I’m glad to assist.”
She really did want to help Eleanor learn why Helen was in possession of the negatives, why they’d been separated from the collection and how they’d ended up in China. But that wasn’t the only reason she was excited about the weekend. The thought of private time with Eleanor had Alexa’s body thrumming with energy. She almost gave in to an urge to take Eleanor’s hand. Instead she shoved her hands in her pockets.
“Nell, Alexa and I will shuffle the cars and park the coupé out of the weather while you grab your gear,” Harold said.
“Thanks, Dad.” Eleanor took a step beside Alexa, brushing Alexa’s arm with her hand. “Do you want to get going now, or would you like to see the studio first?” The warmth of her voice echoed in her smile.
Alexa didn’t think that was a good idea. Who knew how long they’d be waylaid? If she was alone with Eleanor, she’d want to tear off her clothes and take her to bed. She gulped. But she’d definitely like to see Eleanor’s studio another time. “Actually, we should probably head out,” she said. “We have an appointment with the historian at the Chewton Town Hall. She’s making a special effort to meet us.”
Eleanor smiled acquiescence. “That’s great. I’ll be right back.”
“Alexa, I hope you two have an enjoyable weekend. Be safe. Be careful.” Sarah gave Alexa a pointed stare and set off in Eleanor’s direction.
What instructions would Sarah have for her daughter? Alexa rubbed the back of her neck. She’d probably be pointing out all the dangers of having a fling with someone like Alexa.
Harold gave Alexa a quick tour of the Skoda’s features. His friendly, easy going nature put Alexa at ease immediately. Under his guidance, she carefully drove the Skoda out of the garage, and Harold indicated where to park with a sweeping hand motion. He tapped on the window, and she lowered it. “I’ll go inside and check what’s keeping Nell,” he said. “Not like her to take so long. I’m sure she’s been ready and waiting for hours. I’ll bet her mother is giving her last-minute instructions.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Enjoy yourselves. And another thing; do keep an eye on her speed.”
&n
bsp; She watched Eleanor’s father trudge towards the house. Despite his joviality, he looked tired.
Alexa ran her hands over the smooth curves and lines of the dashboard, recalling that Harold called this the cockpit. There was plenty of room for Alexa to stretch out her long legs. She scratched her forehead. What did he mean by keep an eye on Eleanor’s speed? Her throat went dry at the thought of Eleanor being unsafe on the road. If Alexa stayed put in the driver’s seat, would Eleanor agree to be the passenger? Not likely.
There was so much Alexa didn’t know about Eleanor. They’d slept together, and now Alexa had met the parents. These were big developments, yet Alexa still didn’t know what Eleanor’s plans were for the future, after her father recovered. An entire weekend together would be a test of their growing connection and where it may lead. Alexa needed to be cautiously excited. There was some truth to what Sarah had said.
It seemed their paths were destined to cross. How bizarre that their families’ pasts were entangled. But was this strange connection reason enough for Alexa to let down her defences? Not entirely.
The back door on the driver’s side popped open, and Alexa swivelled around. “You’re back.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Eleanor huffed. “It was my mother with last-minute orders. You’d hardly think I’m thirty-six and have lived overseas for more than ten years.”
Obviously, Eleanor had been given a talking to by her mother. Alexa could only hope that Sarah Heysen had something favourable to say about her.
Eleanor dumped her overnight bag and fancy leather camera pack onto the back seat beside Alexa’s stuff. Looking up, she stared at Alexa with wide eyes. “Hey, why are you sitting there? I’m the driver today. I need the practice.”
Recalling Harold’s warning, Alexa laughed uncertainly. “Just keeping the seat warm.” She jumped out, leaning her hip against the open door. “Hop in then, driver.”
Eleanor climbed in. “That’s better.”
Alexa raced around the back of the SUV, and when she reached the passenger door, Eleanor had already opened it for her.
“Thanks,” Alexa said, sliding in. She glanced up at the house warily to ensure they weren’t being watched before she leaned towards Eleanor.
Eleanor tilted her head to one side. “Ready to go?” Her eyes bore into Alexa’s, expectant and tender.
“Give me a second.” Alexa cupped a hand gently around Eleanor’s neck and pulled her close. “Let me say hello properly,” she murmured against her lips.
Brushing her fingers along Alexa’s jaw, Eleanor answered with a smile. “I’ve missed you.”
Alexa clasped her hands on either side of Eleanor’s face. She watched as Eleanor’s dark eyes fluttered and her pupils dilated. Alexa leaned in, and time seemed to stand still when their mouths met and Eleanor parted her lips. She was warm, sweet, and delicious. At the taste of her, Alexa’s heart sped up and her senses began to unfurl like a flower bud at the touch of the morning sun.
“Damn, Eleanor. Now I wish you had taken me to the studio,” Alexa said when they finally parted, and she found herself gazing into Eleanor’s dreamy eyes.
“You do realise there are cameras fixed to the front of the garage.” Eleanor grinned wickedly.
“You’re joking, right?” Alexa nudged her in the ribs.
Eleanor laughed, rubbing her side. “Don’t worry. They’re not turned on, I think. Anyway, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been caught making out with a girlfriend in the driveway.”
Alexa squeezed her eyes shut.
“I’m sorry. Forget I said that.” Eleanor covered her mouth with her hand.
What was she sorry about? Mentioning girlfriends or implying that she and Alexa were girlfriends—then retracting her words? Alexa was unexpectedly deflated on both counts.
Eleanor adjusted her seat belt. “Are you ready for take-off?” She stared at the fancy instrument panel.
“Are you doing a flight check?” Alexa kept her tone light. “You have driven this car before, haven’t you? Your father said you’ve been chauffeuring him around town.”
“Uh-huh, just to his follow-up appointments and rehab.”
Exhaling loudly, Alexa swallowed her concern. “Okay, you should know your way around it, then.”
“I drove Dad across town to St Kilda last week, and he said I handled it like a rally driver.” Eleanor flicked an imaginary speck of dust from her shoulder.
Alexa gulped and tugged her seat belt to check it would engage if necessary.
“Relax, don’t worry.” Eleanor pulled out of the driveway with a rapid look to the left and then to the right.
Alexa attempted to loosen up, stretching out her legs and resting back in the comfy car seat. She glanced over to Eleanor, who looked confident enough in her aviator sunglasses with her gaze fixed on the road. She wished she could at least get a hint at what Eleanor was thinking, but the dark lenses of her sunglasses hid her expressive eyes.
A lot of things had changed since they were at the cottage the first time. What were Eleanor’s expectations of this weekend? Alexa smiled to herself. One thing was certain: they wouldn’t be sleeping in separate bedrooms.
“So, we’re off to the cottage again,” Eleanor stated the obvious, glancing quickly over to Alexa.
The SUV swerved as she changed lanes and came to an abrupt stop at the red light.
Alexa reached out, bracing against the dashboard. Yep, off to the cottage. That was if they made it to Chewton in one piece. “I guess you’ve driven in many countries, different situations all over the world?” she asked, at least comforted by that thought.
“Oh no, not much. It’s better to have a local driver who knows the conditions,” Eleanor declared.
When the lights changed, she accelerated in jerky bursts and moved out onto the freeway. Then the open road stretched out before them, and Eleanor eased her grip on the steering wheel. The speedometer needle levelled to a more even hundred kilometres per hour, and Alexa relaxed her shoulders.
“Is it okay to ask you about William?”
“Ah, that can of worms.” Alexa sighed.
“We don’t have to talk about it, if you’d rather not.”
“I do want to tell you. It’s quite a story,” Alexa said. After all that had happened between them, she was ready to share the details with Eleanor. Alexa conceded that if it hadn’t been for Eleanor’s actions, she and her grandmother may never have started the conversation, and Alexa wouldn’t have learnt about her ancestors. She owed Eleanor a debt of gratitude.
“Well, thanks to your revelation, I had fascinating talk with Gran. Actually, what she told me nearly blew me away.”
Eleanor sat upright, her knuckles white against the steering wheel. “I’m sorry, Alexa. I didn’t mean to upset either of you.” Her voice was strained.
“I know you didn’t.” Alexa squeezed Eleanor’s leg, quickly withdrawing her hand as Eleanor’s thigh muscles tensed. She glanced out the window. “You know, at first, I couldn’t comprehend why Gran would keep something so important a secret. A million things went through my mind. I felt cheated and hurt.”
“I shouldn’t—”
“Shh… It’s not that,” Alexa said. “I was upset with my grandmother. Can you believe I thought that Gran was embarrassed she was a quarter Chinese? Thank goodness I was wrong.” She pressed her palms to her eyes. “Gran and her parents were blackmailed by her mother’s family. She was forced to keep the secret to protect her own family.”
“Did you say she was blackmailed? How?” Eleanor put her foot on the brake, slowing the car to a crawl. “Oh, crap, I think we just took a wrong turn.”
Alexa looked over her shoulder. “Yes, you did. And yes, Gran was,” she said, turning back to Eleanor. “On second thoughts, I don’t think we should talk about this while you’re driving. I’ll tell you the whole story
when we stop for coffee in Woodend, now we are heading that way. No point turning back. We still have plenty of time before our meeting with Phyllis.”
“Well, if you’re sure. Anyway, I could use a coffee.” Eleanor glanced quickly at Alexa and then back to the road. “Can I convince you I totally planned to take the wrong turn?”
Alexa grinned. “I’ll drive if you want me to.”
“No, I’m fine, really. It’s fun driving the SUV.” Eleanor accelerated, and the Skoda took off, nudging over the one-hundred-kilometre speed limit again. “I’m glad we have this for the weekend. Dad was right; the diesel turbo thingy has loads of power.”
As they whizzed along the road, Alexa took a calming breath. Eleanor wasn’t driving overly fast, but just in case, she hoped there weren’t any hidden speed cameras. Dad would not be over the moon when a hefty fine arrived in the mail.
Half an hour later, at the Woodend café, Alexa drained the last of her coffee and pushed aside the glass.
Eleanor had her arms stretched across the outdoor table and her hands clenched together, exposing a spattering of pale freckles across her knuckles. She splayed her fingers, gave them a little shake, rolled her shoulders, and reached for Alexa’s hand.
Alexa gave her a lopsided smile.
Gazing at her with a serious expression, Eleanor gently squeezed Alexa’s fingers. “God, what a story; thank you for sharing it with me. So that’s why Grace had to keep your Chinese heritage a secret. It was about the accusation against Mei-Li and the Hamptons’ insistence that it was buried. You must be desperate to know the full story about your great-great grandmother.”
“Yes, I am.” Now that Alexa had told Eleanor everything Gran had revealed, the tension in her shoulders released. She curled her fingers around Eleanor’s hand. She trusted her.
“I’m here for you.” Eleanor smiled reassuringly. “What next?”
“Phyllis, the specialist in Chinese settlement, has a couple of leads about Mei-Li’s trial. You don’t mind, do you?”
Eleanor’s big brown eyes were wide with interest. “Of course not. Are you okay?”