The Reef

by Di Morrissey

  While waiting to board the cat, Jennifer ordered a coffee and looked at the happy faces of visitors waiting to go to the island. She kept wondering if she’d spot her mother. Somewhere in the sprawl of units and holiday rentals along the sea front Christina was settling in to her new home.

  You didn’t call me. I’m not calling you, thought Jennifer and joined the passengers getting on the catamaran.

  Once the safety spiel had finished and the video of the reef was playing, Vera came over to Jennifer. ‘Congratulations, by the way. How are you feeling?’

  ‘I never thought I’d say this, but I’m looking forward to getting back to Branch.’ She patted her tummy. ‘And now I’ve a lot more to keep me occupied.’

  Doyley was on the wharf with Rosie, greeting and directing the new arrivals.

  ‘Hey, there’s Jennifer! You’re back early.’ Doyley leaned over to speak to Rosie.

  ‘Should’ve let us know you were coming back early.’ Rosie took Jennifer’s bag from her. ‘Come and have a coffee and tell me how it went.’

  ‘I’ll go back to the unit first . . .’

  ‘Nah, come on. I’m anxious to hear. Doyley, can you take Jennifer’s stuff over to her place?’ Rosie looked at Doyley, who took the bag. Both looked a bit grim.

  ‘Any other stuff?’

  ‘Heaps. Went baby shopping. You know what I mean, got a few essentials and non-essentials too.’ Jennifer laughed.

  Rosie took her arm and steered her past the tourists.

  ‘What’s up? You look tense,’ said Jennifer.

  ‘Few problems. Anyway, I’ll fill you in on our news. Let’s see, that journo Tony is back. Plus, I’ve got a new staff kid who’s arrived from England. No one is supposed to know but he’s someone’s son. I feel like I’m being spied on.’

  ‘You do seem frazzled, Rosie.’

  ‘Never mind me. What’s your news?’

  Jennifer blurted out her news about her mother moving to Headland.

  ‘So you haven’t confronted her? When are you doing that?’

  ‘When I feel strong enough. I just couldn’t wait to get back here. There’s something to be said for getting away from it all on a small island.’

  Rosie turned away. ‘Look, I have to deal with something a bit urgent. Meet me over at reception. There’s, er, some mail and stuff for you. I’ll be there in a minute.’

  Jennifer shrugged as Rosie hurried off and caught Doyley’s arm and spoke to him. Passing two of the housekeeping staff, who cleaned Jennifer and Blair’s cabin, she smiled and nodded to them.

  The girls stopped, mumbled a greeting, looked at each other, then said a hurried goodbye and raced away.

  Jennifer passed the boutique and remembered she wanted toothpaste.

  ‘Hi, Lesley –’ Before she could say anything, the girl behind the counter gave her a strange look.

  ‘I thought you were away!’

  ‘I decided to come back early. Why? What’s going on around here?’

  ‘Oh, nothing. Just the usual.’ Lesley put the toothpaste on the counter with what Jennifer thought was a forced smile. ‘Anything else?’

  Jennifer walked from the shop and found Rosie waiting for her.

  ‘Um, your mail has been sent over. Not to worry.’

  ‘Rosie, what the hell is going on? Everyone is being really odd, cagey kind of. Is Blair all right? Where is he?’

  ‘Working. He’s around. He wasn’t expecting you back today. Come over to my place and have a coffee.’ Rosie asked Jennifer about Sydney, shopping, trivial stuff, as she made the coffee.

  Jennifer could tell she wasn’t interested in what she was saying. ‘Rosie, tell me what’s going on? What’s happened?’

  ‘We’re friends, right? And I’m Blair’s boss. There’s something you should know and I think it’s best I tell you. It’s hard to keep secrets in a small community.’ She placed their coffee mugs on the small table and sat down. Jennifer just looked at her, faint puzzlement in her clear blue eyes.

  ‘Damn Blair, this is hard.’ Rosie took a breath. ‘Blair has been having a bit of a fling. I’m sure it’s nothing serious, but he was stupid and he’s been caught out. Probably normal for a man with a pregnant wife, feeling trapped a bit . . . Oh shit.’

  ‘What!’ Rosie’s words didn’t make sense.

  Rosie winced. ‘Jenny, I know this is hard . . .’

  ‘What do you mean – a fling?’ Jennifer’s voice was a whisper. ‘Do you mean seeing someone, or . . . sleeping with someone? Who? Oh God, don’t tell me. That Susie. Right? Right?’ Her voice rose.

  Rosie nodded miserably. ‘Yes. He was over on Sooty and they came back together, nothing wrong with that. We had a meeting. But two mornings later one of the housekeeping staff came and told me.’

  ‘He had her in our place? In our bed?’ Jennifer thought she was going to throw up. Tears sprang from her eyes. ‘The bitch. I’m having his baby!’

  Rosie touched Jennifer’s hand. ‘Blair is just as much to blame in my book. I’m sorry, Jenny. I spoke to him and she’s gone back to Sooty. I hate to tell you this, but everyone knows. It’s between the two of you now.’

  ‘Oh God, how could he?’ She dropped her face in her hands. ‘Why? Why Rosie? What’ve I done? I’ve never been mean or horrible to him. We didn’t fight before I went away . . . Is it because I’m pregnant? How could he?’

  ‘Jenny, stop blaming yourself.’ Rosie would have hit Blair if he’d appeared at that instant. ‘That Susie is a devil, she eats blokes, I reckon. Blair was stupid.’

  ‘I can’t go back and sleep there. Not now.’

  ‘You can stay here, there are a couple of empty suites.’

  Jennifer couldn’t stop the tears. She jumped to her feet, pacing around the room. ‘It’s so cruel. How could he hurt me like this? Upset me? What about the baby?’ she almost shouted at Rosie. ‘And everybody knows! I feel awful. What am I going to do?’

  ‘Jenny, don’t get hysterical. Calm down. Listen to what he has to say.’

  ‘Yeah, what can he say? Sorry? That’s not enough, Rosie.’

  Rosie was inclined to agree. ‘Much as I’d like to, I can’t get rid of Susie easily, she’s on a contract . . .’

  ‘I hope I never set eyes on her. How could she? She knows I’m pregnant, she knows everyone would find out. It’s like she, they, did it deliberately to hurt me. Why?’

  ‘I don’t think they planned this, Jenny. It just . . . happened. Thrown together in a romantic place too much . . .’

  ‘Well, I can’t stay here, that’s for sure. I feel such a fool. Everyone must be laughing at me.’

  ‘No, they’re not at all. Blair is very silly. This is going to undermine his authority with the staff. He’s made things very difficult for himself.’

  Jennifer turned her tear-stained face to Rosie. ‘No, the staffies won’t give a shit really. They all sleep around, have their fights and flings . . . If only my blasted mother wasn’t over there I could move to Headland and commute here.’

  ‘Give him a chance, Jenny, what with the baby coming. Don’t let him be the one to push you out of your home. He can stay in one of the staff quarters.’

  ‘I’m starting my marine biology course. See, every time I go to do something, get a life, Blair gets in the way.’

  Rosie had been trying to be placatory and comforting. Personally she had little time for Blair other than as an employee. ‘Leave him then.’

  Jennifer didn’t answer and looked away.

  ‘Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Listen, ride it out for a bit, keep your distance, don’t do anything rash. You have to decide if, and how much, you love this guy. And don’t let the baby influence that decision,’ Rosie said firmly.

  ‘That’s easy to say.’ Jennifer was in tears. She picked up her coffee and sipped but had trouble swallowing and put it down.

  Rosie leaned over and wiped the milk from Jennifer’s top lip with a napkin. ‘You do what you feel is best for you. Not Blair, not the
baby. We’re all here for you. Isobel too. Now are you ready to see Blair now or later? He doesn’t know you’re back.’

  ‘I’ll go for a walk. Think about things for a bit. Does Isobel, Mac, Gideon know? Of course they must.’ Jennifer stood up, her knees wobbly. ‘I feel like I’ve walked into a brick wall. You know what’s the most terrible thing at the moment? My mother. She’s going to say, “I told you so.” And she’s going to say, “Men, you can’t trust them.” And she’ll want me to move in with her. And she’ll be so god damned smug!’

  Rosie tried not to smile. ‘Leave your mother to Isobel and me. Just take it day by day. Go and see Mac and Gideon and everyone at the research station. I’ll have your things sent to suite twenty-five. What will I tell Blair?’

  ‘I suppose he’s hiding out with that Susie somewhere, doesn’t want to see me,’ said Jennifer. How could he do this to me? And . . . why am I not really so surprised?

  ‘And dinner? Want to eat in here with me? I’ll have something sent in.’

  ‘Rosie, as the whole thing is public knowledge, I’m not going to run away and hide, like I’ve done something wrong. Could you ask Doyley to reserve a table in the middle of the dining room for Blair and me, please? And tell Blair I’ll meet him there at eight p.m.’

  Rosie blinked. ‘You sure?’

  ‘Don’t worry, Rosie, there won’t be any ugly scenes.’ Jennifer opened the door.

  ‘Pity, could’ve provided a bit of dinner entertainment for the guests,’ joked Rosie. Her eyes were soft and sympathetic. ‘Good for you, Jenny.’

  ‘Thanks, Rosie. You’re a pal.’

  ‘You betcha. See you.’

  The afternoon sun was losing its heat. People were straggling back to their rooms before the ritual of sunset drinks. Jennifer walked and walked, her mind whirling. She stopped, wondering where she was, and had no memory of how she got there. This is ridiculous. I’m walking in my sleep. Isobel told me to walk with my eyes open. She was on top of Coral Point, at the very edge of the small wind swept peak with the great view across the ocean. The sweep of little Boomerang Cove was to one side, the beach leading back to the resort behind. One path led into the trees and across the island to Gideon’s side, another branched off to the research station. The beach track went back to the resort. Somewhere there was a small track down to Boomerang Cove.

  ‘You all right, mm . . . miss?’

  She spun around to see old Patch standing behind her, hands in his pockets, one eye covered by his trademark black patch, the other eye popped out like an old poached egg. ‘What do you want?’

  ‘You’re nnnnot going to jump, are you?’ He stuttered, and took a step forward.

  ‘Why would I do that?’ she demanded. ‘You stay back there. In fact, just go away. Leave me alone. Follow someone else,’ Jennifer shouted.

  ‘I jest want ttto help them. Young girls, they get inta trouble.’ He had a whiney voice compounded with his stutter.

  ‘Hello there!’ Another man sauntered up the track from the trees.

  ‘My God. Tony, it’s great to see you!’ Jennifer rushed past Patch, and grabbed Tony’s arm, clinging to it tightly. ‘I was just heading to the research station. Walk with me.’ She half dragged him back the way he’d come.

  ‘So long,’ Tony nodded at Patch, who watched them for a few moments then shuffled away.

  ‘Thanks for turning up.’

  ‘Er, nice to see you. This is quite a welcome. However, I was going the other way, to the resort.’

  ‘No. Walk with me to Mac’s. It seems I can’t be trusted on my own at the moment.’

  ‘Fine. You seemed to handle the old fellow quite well. What’s his story?’

  ‘God knows. Who cares. He’s just the resident watch dog.’

  ‘Oh, I see.’ He looked bemused. ‘So how are things with you?’

  Jennifer glanced at his tanned face and smiling green eyes. His open expression indicated that he hadn’t heard about Blair’s affair.

  ‘Tony, don’t ask. Just let’s walk and look at nature.’ Jennifer took definite striding steps, staring ahead, trying to make her mind a blank.

  ‘Fine,’ said Tony easily. ‘When we meet nature will you introduce me?’

  Jennifer slowed her big angry steps, let go of his arm where her nails had dug in, ran her hands through her hair and almost smiled. ‘Sorry. I am a bit overwrought.’

  Tony didn’t chat and Jennifer sensed he was unaware of what had happened, not that it would interest him. It was an easy silence, neither feeling the necessity to make idle talk. As they strolled, Jennifer’s heart gradually stopped thudding, her breath slowed and, while there was a dull painful ache in her head, she felt slightly better. Almost a normal person. She could breathe without her breath catching or tears filling her eyes. As they walked through the thicket of trees and birds, something relatively large crashed across the track and stood in the dappled light.

  ‘What was that?’ Tony stepped cautiously off the path. ‘Good grief, it’s a little goat.’

  Jennifer recognised Gideon’s milking goat. ‘Naughty girl, she’s escaped.’ She picked up the end of the chewed rope and drew the white doe to her. ‘Tony, meet Nature.’

  He smiled and patted the goat, who promptly butted him.

  ‘Sometimes Nature can be cruel.’ Jennifer laughed as if it was the funniest thing she’d ever thought or said. Then she stopped as she saw Tony giving her a quizzical look. ‘Take no notice of me. It’s been a difficult day.’ And it’s going to be an even more difficult evening.

  Leading the goat, they walked into the research station to find Mac. And return Gideon’s newly named goat.

  Jennifer got ready in suite twenty-five, wishing she’d taken something more dressy to Sydney. She was not going to go back to the cabin and run into Blair. There was a tap at the door.

  Rosie stood there clutching a bottle of champagne. ‘Some Dutch courage. Want a drink before dinner?’

  ‘I don’t think I should. We’ll probably have some wine with the meal.’

  ‘Good thinking. I’ll stow it to wet the baby’s head. Or any other occasion you can think of. You look gorgeous.’ She walked in and circled Jennifer, whose skin had a soft, luminous quality. Her eyes were bright and her shining hair fell in smooth waves to her shoulders, reminding Rosie of a 1930smovie star.

  Jennifer looked down at her loose black velvet pants, held up with an elastic waistband, and her tailored man’s-style white linen shirt. She had simple black sandals on her feet. ‘I feel a bit underdressed. I wanted to make some statement, look smart and not like a schooner under full sail.’ She smoothed the shirt over her protruding tummy.

  She’s thinking of Susie and not feeling good about herself, thought Rosie. ‘Listen, no one can compete with a blooming, beautiful mum to be. But I know what you need . . . I’ll be right back.’

  Jennifer put on her perfume, one Blair had given her, and tried to think what to say, but her mind was a blank. Maybe he’d do all the talking and she could take the high moral ground.

  Rosie came back into the room with a black box. ‘Here, the finishing touch. Wear these.’ She opened the box to reveal a rolled black leather band with a gold clip. Suspended from the necklace was a perfect Broome pearl hanging from a diamond clip. Two matching pearl and diamond earrings were beside it.

  ‘God Rosie, they’re stunning!’

  ‘Aren’t they just. Bev and I took an anniversary trip to Broome and lashed out. It’s great with that outfit.’

  Jennifer’s eyes sparkled. ‘Can I really borrow them? Just for tonight?’

  Rosie took out the necklace and Jennifer turned around, lifting her hair as Rosie clipped it on. ‘You feel a million bucks when you wear a great pearl. And the earrings.’

  Jennifer stepped back and looked in the mirror. ‘Wow. I love them.’

  ‘Classy, elegant, glowing. The only words for it. You go in to dinner and stand your ground. Let him see you’re the very best thing in his life.’


  Jennifer walked into the dining room through the main doors. Often she and Blair nicked in through the side verandah door by the kitchen. Tonight, she walked slowly and deliberately across the length of the room, held her head high, aware of side long glances from the staff but also conscious of some admiring looks from guests. Blair was at the table. Doyley had a candle and a silk flower on their table that was central but discreetly screened by a few pot plants. Nevertheless, traffic to the buffet passed close by.

  Blair half rose from his seat as the waiter pulled out Jennifer’s chair. She gave the young waiter a dazzling smile, settled into her chair, smoothed the napkin the waiter flicked into her lap and finally looked at Blair across the table. His face, lit from below by the candle, had a somewhat spooky expression.

  As the waiter hovered, Blair leaned across the table. ‘Champagne, wine? Or lemon lime bitters?’

  ‘A white wine, thanks. I’m being judicious. I’ll switch to mineral water later.’

  ‘Do you mind – I’ve ordered a bottle of red.’

  Why should I? You’ve never asked before. ‘Please yourself. What are you going to eat?’

  They dithered over the choice of food as a means to delay any in-depth conversation and Blair’s bottle of wine arrived. He lifted his glass. ‘You look terrific. How was your trip, your mother? You came back early, didn’t you?’

  ‘I had a nice visit with Vi and Don. My mother has moved to Headland Bay, in anticipation of the big event. Figures I need her.’

  ‘My God, she’s there already? Where’s she staying, what’re her plans? She’s not thinking of coming over here?’

  ‘No, she hates the idea of being on an island.’ I know that feeling. ‘Actually, I didn’t see her. Typically, she didn’t tell me she was moving.’

  ‘So you drove all the way to Sydney to find she’d gone? That’d be right.’

  Although she agreed with him she bristled. ‘I guess she was over anxious, I didn’t give her much notice.’

  ‘What are you going to do?’

  He meant about Christina but it gave Jennifer the opening she’d been looking for. She folded her hands-on the table.

  ‘Do you mean about my mother or about us?’ Seeing a quick guilty flicker in his eyes, she pressed on. ‘Specifically about you and that girl. Susie.’