‘Good idea.’
‘I’d extend it back along the verandah so it lined up with the bedroom behind the kitchen here. That way you’d have yourself a bedroom with an ensuite. The good thing is the plumbing is already nearby – saves money.’
‘Okay.’
‘Another option would be to turn the middle bedroom into a main bathroom and ensuite for the front bedroom. Or you could turn the whole side verandah into wet areas and give all three bedrooms an ensuite. That would be perfect if you ever wanted to run a B&B. It wouldn’t be a huge deal to rip up the concrete and lay pipework and then cover it up again, although adding bathrooms can be expensive.’
‘Wow, I see what you mean – heaps of options. That’s good food for thought.’ Emily’s head was spinning with the possibilities. If only money wasn’t such a problem.
When Des left, the sun was low in the sky and the birds were performing their pre-bedtime ruckus in and around the trees, squawking, fluttering, darting back and forth. Emily and Jake stood on the verandah in the fresh cool air and waved him off.
‘What a lovely evening,’ Jake said, looking around him.
‘Hmm,’ Emily replied, vaguely, still staring after her father’s ute as if in a trance. The summer sunset glowed amber around them.
‘It’s getting late. I need something savoury to eat,’ Emily said, heading back into the house and down the hall to the kitchen. After a few moments Jake followed her.
‘I’m going to have a pick at the leftovers if you’d like something. I love cold roast vegetables – especially in a sandwich with some cheese and mayonnaise. But I’m happy to heat something up for you if you’d like.’
‘No, cold is fine with me,’ Jake said. ‘Do you mind if I get back to the buttons?’ he asked a little shyly. ‘I’m just dying to know.’
She desperately wanted to know too, but was equally nervous about what they’d find. But she couldn’t close the door now it was so far open. They’d gone too far for that.
‘Sure,’ she said, and retrieved the jar and ice-cream container and put them on the bench.
While she fossicked in the fridge and the cupboards and put everything on the table, Jake resumed sorting the buttons, keeping to their plan of collecting like items and letting the diamonds reveal themselves gradually. They both worked in silence, and Emily looked across the bench a couple of times and noted that gradually the line-up of diamonds had grown. There were now six.
Chapter Ten
‘Got you, you little sucker!’ Jake suddenly cried, holding up the seventh. ‘Wow, Em, they’re all here!’
Emily should have felt pleased, excited – something, anything. But all she felt was a vague twinge of disappointment that there was no longer a great family secret – a secret she’d partially revealed but could reveal no further. Really, what had been the point? To learn something no one else knew?
‘It’s almost a bit of a letdown,’ Jake said, standing back from the bench and staring at the stones lined up in front of him.
‘Hmm,’ Emily agreed. He’d taken the words right out of her mouth.
‘This morning I thought, well I hoped, if they were here your life might become a little easier. But I see now there’s no way you could ever part with them. I wouldn’t be able to. Do you want to at least think about getting them valued?’
‘No.’ Emily was so frustrated she could cry. Here, right in front of her, was possibly all the money she would need to buy the house and do a fantastic renovation. Yet she was no better off now than before – there was no way she could cash the diamonds in, even if she knew how or where to do it. It was totally out of the question. Gran had held onto them all and entrusted her to do the same. She couldn’t – wouldn’t – let her down.
‘Don’t just dismiss it out of hand; there’s too much at stake. Perhaps there’s another way.’
‘Like what?’ Emily said, responding to his frustrated tone.
‘Well, maybe you could borrow against them – not actually have to sell them.’
‘Jake, I know you’re trying to help, and I really appreciate it, but it just wouldn’t be right,’ Emily said heavily. ‘Gran kept them a secret all these years. What right do I have to expose it?’
Jake nodded thoughtfully.
Despite her deflation, Emily felt an overwhelming sense of camaraderie towards Jake; he seemed to genuinely understand how she felt about the diamonds and why.
‘In that case, I don’t think anyone else should know about them,’ he suddenly said. ‘God, I wish I hadn’t realised the first one I found was a diamond – if I hadn’t done that damned course. I’m so sorry, Em.’
‘Don’t be, Jake; it’s not your fault. And it was – is – an exciting find.’ And it had been, until she’d had the intervening hours to let the ramifications seep in. Probably best they had, otherwise she might have got all carried away and blurted it out in front of Barbara, David and Des. And then the romance of Gran’s secret would have been shattered.
‘It’s just so frustrating. If you’re not meant to use the diamonds, why find them in the first place? It’s like a bad joke.’
‘Maybe it’s a test,’ Emily said, shrugging. ‘How hungry are you?’
‘Not overly. But then I always think that until I start eating your wonderful food.’ He smiled warmly at her.
‘Well, don’t get too excited, it’s only cold meat and vegetables and bread, remember,’ she said with a laugh.
‘Sounds perfect to me. What shall I do with these?’ Jake pointed at the row of glossy stones.
‘I reckon put them back in the jar and shake it up.’
‘I suppose they have been there safely for the past sixty years or so – well, in a jar.’ He put the stones in one by one before putting the rusting lid back on and tightening it up. He stared at the well-defined layers for a few moments before walking the few steps over to Emily and holding the jar out to her.
‘I can’t bear to shake it up after all the time we spent sorting them,’ he said with an apologetic grimace.
Grinning widely, Emily accepted the jar, turned it upside down, gave it a couple of turns and a gentle shake, and handed it back.
‘Actually,’ she said, ‘I like it better muddled – far too contrived in layers. Much more like Gran this way,’ she added with a grin.
‘Where do you want me to put it?’ Jake asked.
‘In the pantry, up the top for now, while I think of somewhere better.’
Since moving in, Emily had often thought of putting the jar on display, but she didn’t want her mother telling her how ridiculous it looked. Enid’s well-practised sneer could still turn her into a humiliated five year old. Maybe one day she’d get over it, or come up with a clever reason for the jar’s public presence. Until then it would have to stay hidden.
They sat down and started assembling their sandwiches in amiable silence.
As Emily bit into her sandwich and watched Jake out of the corner of her eye, for a moment she felt her resolve about saying no to Nathan slipping. She thought how really nice it was having Jake here – male company in general.
She liked how at ease Jake was, but without being too familiar. Without crossing the line. And she liked how at ease she was with him.
But there was something more intense about Nathan – like he was trying too hard to please her. Or was that just because he was desperate for somewhere to stay? He had said there was no pressure.
Looking back, she had to admit to feeling a little of Nathan’s intensity rubbing off on her in only the short time he’d been here. She had enough trouble staying calm generally; the last thing she needed was to start feeling on edge all the time again.
This was her intuition speaking, wasn’t it? If so, she had to listen to it or else risk being bitten on the arse by hindsight somewhere down the track. She had to stay strong and phone him that night – keep it brief and firm. She had to say no, and get it over with. As soon as she’d finished eating.
‘God, I comple
tely forgot,’ Jake said suddenly. ‘Distracted by those damned diamonds, I mean buttons – must forget all about them. I was going to suggest a bottle of wine. I brought a selection of red and white, but I’m afraid the white will need a spell in the freezer. A nice light Yarra Valley pinot might go very well with this, though. What do you think? Would you like some?’
‘That would be lovely, thanks.’
‘Back in a sec then.’ He leapt up and Emily watched as he left the kitchen on a long stride, enjoying the shape of his behind in jeans that were neither too baggy nor too tight. When she realised she’d bitten her lip she told herself off.
They enjoyed the rest of the meal in easy conversation punctuated by gentle silences, sipping on the wine, which went very well indeed with their sandwiches.
Afterwards they took their glasses into the lounge and were just in time to catch the end of the ABC news. As she stared at the television and sipped her wine, Emily thought about what a nice Christmas it had been. She’d been a little afraid of facing her first Christmas without John. Mostly for fear of being reminded of how much her life had changed since last year. But it had helped that her mother hadn’t been there, she mused, instantly experiencing a twinge of guilt.
Emily was feeling a little lightheaded, despite drinking very slowly. She insisted Jake pour the last of the wine into his glass and then politely declined his offer of another bottle while being careful not to discourage him from doing so if he wished. Though she liked that he didn’t; it showed restraint.
John hadn’t had any restraint, even when he was driving. God, she really didn’t miss sitting home alone night after night waiting for the knock on the door from the police to tell her he’d wrapped the ute around a tree. She’d never told anyone; they’d have said she was paranoid and should seek professional help. But she wasn’t; knew in her heart of hearts that it was only a matter of time. He’d dodged that particular bullet so many times already.
She’d given up years ago trying to make John understand that his cavalier behaviour could kill someone else as well, destroy someone’s family. She only hoped when it happened there would be no one else involved.
‘Are you okay?’
Emily looked up at hearing Jake’s voice, apparently a frown still upon her face.
‘You look worried.’
‘Sorry. No, just thinking about something I shouldn’t be. How does tomorrow’s weather look – okay for an outdoor barbeque?’
‘Might be touch and go by the looks of the satellite map.’
‘Oh well, we’ll just have to play it by ear.’
Emily reminded herself she had to ring Nathan. She wasn’t looking forward to it. But she decided it was too early – they might still be having dinner.
Ten minutes later, when Jake was engrossed in the Christmas movie and Emily was pretending to be, her mobile began to ring in the kitchen.
‘Sorry,’ she said in a loud whisper, and raced to answer it. The number was unfamiliar.
‘Hello, Emily speaking.’
‘Hi Em, it’s Nathan.’
‘Oh hi, I was going to call you later – thought you might still be having dinner.’
‘Oh, cool. So you’ve made a decision then?’ he chirped.
Stay firm, Emily instructed herself.
‘I have, and I’m really sorry, but I’m not interested in having a flatmate at present. Sorry.’
‘Oh!’
‘You did say there was no pressure.’
‘I know, and there isn’t, but I can’t say I’m not disappointed. But it’s your choice. No chance of changing your mind?’
Stick to your guns, Em.
‘No. I’m sorry, Nathan, I really am, it’s just that right now…’
‘Don’t be. Doesn’t matter. I’ll find somewhere else. Okay, better go. See you round.’
‘Okay then, see you,’ she said, but he’d already hung up.
Emily stared at the phone for a few moments feeling increasingly annoyed. He’d said he’d wait for her to call him. Yet here he was, less than twelve hours later, calling her for an answer. And not even bothering with any small talk.
Part of her was glad he’d got straight to the point, but that wasn’t really the issue. It was rude. She clearly meant no more to him than somewhere to put his suitcase.
Well, at least it was done and she could sit and watch TV in peace.
But first I am going to quickly ring the Bakers about the house.
She brought up their number and with a shaking finger pressed Call. It was answered on the second ring.
‘Hello, Donald speaking.’
‘Hi, Donald, it’s Emily Oliphant, over at the old house. Er, merry Christmas,’ she added.
‘And to you. Have you thought about our offer?’
‘I have, and I’d love to accept it.’
‘That’s great news.’ Emily heard a muffled sound, which was most likely him telling his brother.
She took a deep breath. Now for the hard part.
‘The only thing is, I’d rather not make the first payment until the subdivision has gone through, just in case we strike any problems.’
‘I understand. It would probably be a bit risky for you to go ahead without that certainty.’
‘But I’ve been told it could take up to six months.’
‘I don’t see that being a problem for us. Our trip is almost a whole year away yet.’
‘Oh that’s a relief. Thank you for being so understanding,’ Emily said.
‘And thank you for wanting to take care of the house.’
‘It’s my pleasure. I love it. I’ll let you go now. See you.’
‘Cheerio then,’ Donald said.
Emily hung up and tried to figure out whether she felt relieved or terrified as a result of officially putting the ball in motion regarding the house. She was shaking a little. It’s a good thing. It’ll all work out for the best. She went back into the lounge.
‘Well, for better or worse I’ve just officially taken up the offer of the house,’ she announced as she entered the room. Jake looked up.
‘That’s great news, well done,’ he said, smiling warmly.
‘Well, time will tell,’ she said, and sat down in the other armchair beside him.
Chapter Eleven
Emily thought she’d never get to sleep; every time she closed her eyes a disjointed montage of the day’s events flickered in her mind: her call to Donald Baker about the house; what her father had said about Enid; Nathan’s proposition; the diamonds; Jake’s reaction to the way John had treated her; John’s payout.
And then there were the usual questions that plagued her when she was too tired to keep them at bay: How was she going to make do on her own without a job, without a man? What was she going to do with her life in the long term? Had she done the wrong thing taking on the house? Should she leave Wattle Creek and start afresh somewhere else? Why hadn’t she had the guts to demand her fair share from John? Why did everything come back to money? And why did everyone keep saying money wasn’t everything and that it couldn’t buy happiness?
Emily woke feeling bleary-eyed and tired. The last time she’d checked it had been one o’clock. It was now six-thirty. No matter how badly she slept or how late she went to bed, she usually woke at around the same time. And no matter how long she lay in bed or how much she tried to talk herself into it, she could never go back to sleep.
She pushed back the sheet and light cotton blanket, got out of bed, dragged her robe from the hook on the back of the door, slipped her feet into her worn sheepskin slippers, and padded down the hall to the kitchen. She took extra care to be quiet and let Jake sleep on. She let Grace out the kitchen door and stood on the verandah while the dog did her morning ablutions.
‘All better?’ Emily asked, as Grace trotted past her before coming back inside.
She gave Grace her breakfast and as she watched the small dog eat, wondered, what now? She didn’t want to risk waking Jake by banging about and packing stuf
f for their barbeque with Barbara and David. Half his luck if he was still sleeping.
But it didn’t feel right to go ahead and have her morning coffee or breakfast without him. No, she should wait. But she had no idea how long he might sleep. What if he was one of those city types who lounged around in bed until eleven? Don’t be stupid, Emily heard her inner voice say, he didn’t sleep in last time he stayed. It had been Elizabeth who had struggled to be up before ten and complained loudly about it.
It was weird how she kept forgetting that Jake had been here before. She decided it must be because of the change in dynamic – Elizabeth not being with him.
As much as she liked her cousin, she preferred Jake without her; Elizabeth tended to be way too pretentious and loud when there was someone around to impress.
No one in the family had ever really figured out what her job as a business analyst was all about. But everyone knew she earned stacks of money, drove a flash BMW, and lived in a swanky apartment in Melbourne.
Emily had never been to Melbourne, despite many invitations. She’d never known whether the invitations were genuine – they were almost always issued in front of someone else – and she had never felt comfortable spending the money; hers or John’s.
Now she realised that even if she did have the money, she would probably never visit Elizabeth. There would be nothing worse than being paraded around as the country hick cousin. Not to mention being swamped by strangers in a noisy, bustling city, tall buildings looming all around and blocking out the light. The idea of spending time in a place the size of Melbourne was really quite daunting.
She shook these thoughts aside, picked up the pad and pencil from the bench where Jake had put them back the night before, and began setting out a budget – funds in hand, expenses now, and those in the foreseeable future.
It was a list she’d made many times, and she sometimes wondered if she did so in the hope that at some point the numbers would suddenly become doable.
Time Will Tell Page 8