‘Anyway, regardless of any personal involvement – or not – between you, at the very least you need to tell him the house project is off.’
‘I know.’
‘Do you want me to call him for you?’
‘Thanks, but no. As much as I’d love to pass the buck, it’s something I really have to do myself.’
‘Come on then, just call him now. Right now.’
Chapter Forty-three
Emily’s heart rate increased as she pulled the phone from her pocket. She brought up Jake’s number and sat staring at it for a few moments. She jumped slightly when the phone started vibrating and then began to ring.
‘Bloody hell,’ she said, almost dropping it. She frowned at the unfamiliar mobile number.
‘Just answer it, Em.’
Emily snapped back into focus and answered with a tentative, ‘Hello?’
‘Is that Emily?’
‘Um, yes.’
‘Emily, it’s Simone Lonigan here. Jake’s sister.’
‘Oh. Hi Simone,’ Emily said, her eyes growing wide as she looked at Barbara.
‘I hope you don’t mind me calling you – I got your number from the file at work.’
‘Yes, about that, I meant to…’
‘I’m not calling about the house.’
Something in her tone made Emily ask. ‘Is everything okay – with Jake?’
‘No, not really. He has no idea I’m calling you, but I need your help.’
‘Oh?’ Emily frowned back at Barbara’s questioning expression and shrugged.
‘Has he told you what’s been going on here the last few days?’
‘No. He was with me on Saturday when he got a phone call. He left without telling me what it was about. I haven’t spoken to him since.’
‘Oh God, so you don’t know anything.’
‘Please tell me. What’s happened?’ Emily felt worry beginning to course through her.
There was a pause and an audible sigh before Simone spoke again. She sounded a little calmer. ‘There was an accident on one of the building sites…’
‘Oh God, is he, is he…?’
‘Jake wasn’t involved. He wasn’t here. But some scaffolding collapsed and one of the guys was badly injured. It happened late on Friday – New Year’s Eve day. He had surgery and they thought he had a reasonable chance. That’s why we didn’t let Jake know until Saturday – didn’t want to drag him back unless we absolutely had to. Sadly, Shane died on Tuesday.’
‘Oh no. That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.’ Jake must be a mess. Emily wondered why Simone was giving her this level of detail. Perhaps she was in shock and just needed to tell someone. She waited her out.
‘Jake’s taken it really to heart, even though he wasn’t there and the scaffolding company made the mistake. It was on his site; that’s what matters to Jake. He’s never had a serious injury on any of his sites before. The thing is, he’s so depressed. He’s hardly left the apartment, won’t talk to anyone. Hasn’t even been into the office. It’s hit him really hard.’
‘So what can I do?’
‘I know this is a big ask, but could you come to Melbourne? I’ll pay for your fare. It’s all I can think of. He loves you, Emily. I know he does. And he needs you. He’s just too damned proud to ask you himself.’
And I love him.
‘I know he might not like me interfering, but I’ve never seen him like this before. I’m worried that if we don’t pull him out of this state he’ll have a breakdown or something.’
‘Of course I’ll come. And there’s no need for you to pay for the tickets. When do you think?’
‘Well, that’s the other thing. The funeral is tomorrow at four. I think Jake should go – it’ll give him closure.’
‘Is he planning on going?’
‘Um, I’m not sure if he’s decided. But I’m hoping between the two of us we can convince him.’
‘Is that a good idea?’
‘I’ll take the blame if it all goes pear-shaped, Emily, but please, we’ve got to do something.’ Simone sounded close to tears.
‘Okay. If you think it’s the right thing to do, count me in.’
‘Oh thank you. Look, I originally booked Jake’s flights back and forth between Whyalla and Melbourne, so it’ll be easy for me to just book it here. I’m online now. Do you think you could get to Whyalla today in time for a five-o’clock flight?’
‘Um,’ Emily said, buying time as she stared at her watch and tried to make calculations of what had to be done and how long everything would take. ‘Yes, I could make five.’
‘Oh, that’s great. Thank you. I’ll pick you up, and you can stay with me. You’ve no idea how much this means to me – and will to Jake; you’ll see.’
‘I hope so,’ Emily said.
‘He’ll be fine. Seriously, he loves you, Em.’
‘And I’ve got a pretty soft spot for him too,’ she said, not trusting herself to use the same words.
Emily listened to the clicking of a keyboard in the silence.
‘Right,’ Simone said. ‘I’ve got you from Whyalla to Adelaide – leaving at five – then a forty-minute wait in Adelaide, and then
landing in Melbourne at 9:25.’
‘Right, okay, thanks.’
‘No, thank you. I can’t wait to meet you; I only wish it was under different circumstances. I’d better let you go and get organised.’
‘Yes, I’ve got a bit to sort out,’ Emily said with a nervous laugh.
Emily hung up and stared at the phone, her mind spinning with things that had to be done. It was now eleven. She’d have to leave no later than a quarter to three. It seemed like plenty of time, but God, she’d never done anything so spontaneous in her life. Just thinking about it was bringing on a headache.
‘Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or just sit looking at that damned phone?’ Barbara said, bringing Emily’s focus back into the ute cabin.
‘That was Simone; Jake’s sister.’
‘I gathered that much,’ Barbara said, exasperated.
‘She’s booked me to fly from Whyalla at five…’
‘What? Tonight?!’
‘Yes. There was an accident on one of the building sites. Someone died. Apparently it wasn’t Jake’s fault or anything, and he didn’t know the guy very well, but he’s taken it to heart…’
‘Poor Jake. That’s awful.’
‘Simone is worried he’s getting too depressed. She thinks my being there might help bring him out of it.’
‘Hmm, makes sense,’ Barbara said, nodding. ‘Well, all you have to do is throw some clothes and toiletries in a bag, lock up the house, and then drive to Whyalla. We’ll take Grace home with us.’
‘Oh thanks, Barbara, that’d be brilliant. You’re the best.’
Barbara waved the words away. ‘So we’ll pick up David, head back to the house, collect Grace’s things and then leave you to pack. Oh, or would you rather I drive you to Whyalla so you don’t have to leave your car in long-term parking?’
‘Thanks, but David needs you to help him move machinery, and anyway, you’d have to come back up and collect me. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. No, I think it’s best if I take my own car. But thanks all the same.’
They left the track and stopped beside the tractor where David stood waiting with his thermos and small esky in hand. With the back seat of the dual cab ute covered with various items, Emily shuffled into the middle position close to Barbara. Anyway, it was only a short trip back to the house. David paused to pat Grace, who panted eagerly on the back, and then leapt into the vacated space.
‘Great to see you guys are finally friends again,’ David said, as he shut the door behind him. ‘’bout bloody time. She’s been like a bear with a sore head, Em.’
‘Me too,’ Emily said.
‘Now, change of plans, my darling,’ Barbara said, turning the vehicle around and heading back the way they’d just come. ‘We’re stopping by the house to collect Grace
’s things – she’s coming to stay for a few days while Em goes to Melbourne.’
‘Oh, a romantic sojourn?’
‘Not quite,’ Barbara said.
‘Oh, right,’ he said, and fell silent.
‘Barbara can fill you in later,’ Emily said to him. ‘So what do I need to do other than pack and lock the house and drive to Whyalla?’
‘Make sure you’ve got enough petrol in the car. How about I check the oil, water and tyres, and fill up with fuel while you get Grace packed,’ David said.
‘Oh, would you? That would be great.’
‘I’m not in a huge hurry; it’s getting too windy to spray today. So we can hang around until you leave if you like.’
‘Oh that’s brilliant. That way Barbara can make sure I don’t forget anything. Being spontaneous is not really my strong suit.’
‘So when did all this get decided?’
‘Around five minutes ago.’
‘No wonder you’re in a bit of a flap.’
Back at the house, Emily went to her bedroom and started putting clothes out on the bed. Barbara began gathering Grace’s things while David went and sorted out Emily’s car.
On her way to the bathroom to collect her toiletries bag, Emily paused to pat Grace, who had long ago finished her bone and was on her bed by the sliding door, surrounded by two bags of bowls, food, blankets, and toys.
‘Don’t worry. We’re not moving house again, Gracie. You’re just going on a little holiday. I’ll miss you terribly,’ she said, ruffling the dog’s ears. Grace continued to lie on her front paws looking forlorn.
‘Come on, Gracie,’ Barbara said, pausing on her way past. ‘Stop moping. We’ll have fun. And your mum Sasha will be so pleased to see you. She’s been all lonely without you.’
They moved back towards the bedroom.
‘That’s so good of David,’ Emily said, hearing her car being moved over to the fuel tank behind the main shed.
‘Yes, he is a dear, isn’t he? Just like Jake will be to you, in time,’ Barbara said.
‘Let’s just hope he doesn’t resent my turning up uninvited.’
‘It’ll be fine. I think it’s lovely that Simone cares enough about her brother to go out on a limb like this.’
‘Hmm, I can’t wait to meet her. I think I’m in love with Jake,’ she added absently.
‘I know you’re in love with Jake, Em. Blind Freddy could see that.’
By two-thirty, Emily’s small carry-on suitcase was packed and ready. She’d switched off the lights, closed the curtains, and used the key she’d found in one of the kitchen drawers to lock the glass sliding door. All that was left was to put her bags in the car and leave.
‘Thanks so much for this, you guys,’ she said, hugging David first and then Barbara. ‘And you be a good girl for Auntie Barbara and Uncle David, Gracie,’ she added, squatting and ruffling the dog’s ears. She lingered, not wanting to leave.
Why are goodbyes so hard? It’s only a few days, for goodness sake! She was grateful when Barbara broke in.
‘Go on, quick, go, before we all get weepy.’
Emily grinned gratefully at her friend, gave her another quick hug, and hurried to the car.
Chapter Forty-four
The first few kilometres were tinged with sadness – she didn’t like leaving Grace behind, nor Barbara now they were finally back on track. And it didn’t feel right to be missing Donald and Trevor’s joint funeral the next day. After the Baker brothers’ generosity towards her, she had wanted to say a proper goodbye. But it couldn’t be helped; Jake needed her.
Once she turned off the dirt and got up to speed on the open highway, she began to feel better, even quite liberated. She was off on an adventure. Melbourne! Wow! She’d never been there before. Wouldn’t Elizabeth be surprised?
And Jake.
She hoped he’d be pleased to see her – wouldn’t think she was intruding. She felt a little nervous at just turning up, but reminded herself that Simone had invited her. If it all went badly she could just hop back on a plane.
Listen to you; the great jetsetter. She laughed. ‘Just hop on a plane,’ says the girl who hasn’t been further than Port Lincoln in years. What an adventure. Though she did feel a little jittery about the thought of being in a big city.
*
Emily parked her car in the medium-term car park, checked in with plenty of time to spare, got a pre-packaged chicken sandwich from the tiny kiosk, and sat to eat it while she waited for her flight to be called.
She contemplated the sandwich. She wasn’t very hungry – was too on edge, and had had a quick bite of lunch with Barbara and David a few hours before – but she didn’t want to feel washed out when she arrived in Melbourne and met Simone for the first time. No, she’d better keep some light food in her stomach. But first she should just call her parents and let them know she was heading interstate. Emily took out her mobile phone and dialled their number. As always, she held her breath and hoped her father would answer.
‘Hello, Des speaking.’
‘Hi Dad, it’s me.’
‘Em. Hi.’
‘Look, I’m really sorry about earlier.’
‘It’s okay. Well… I think I can understand why you didn’t want to tell your mother, but you could have told me.’ Emily felt stung by the dejected tone in her father’s voice.
‘Honestly Dad, I really couldn’t have coped with Mum picking up the phone and, well, gloating. I just didn’t need it. I had a lot to do in a short amount of time. It was pretty stressful.’
‘I know, but we could have helped. As your gran used to say, “A problem shared is a problem halved.”’
No, you’re not listening. I didn’t want Mum involved.
‘And if you didn’t want our help, you could have simply told us at the funeral.’
‘Dad, I can barely even remember seeing you at the funeral, it was such a blur. All I can say is I’m really sorry,’ Emily said. She felt herself choking up.
Oh God, don’t cry. Not here in public.
‘It’s okay. You have had a lot on your plate. I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean to put more pressure on you.’
At hearing this, Emily’s heart clenched and tears filled her eyes.
‘Dad, can we talk about this another time? I’m calling on the mobile, so I’d better keep it short. I’m in Whyalla airport on my way to Melbourne,’ she blurted.
‘What? But…’
‘Jake’s been involved in an accident. Well, not actually involved. He’s fine. Well, not quite fine. One of his subcontractors has been killed. His sister rang and asked me to come to Melbourne because he’s not coping so well. This all happened just after you and Mum left. I dropped everything.’
‘What happened? Is he okay?’
‘I don’t know, Dad. That’s what I’m going to find out. I’m not sure how long I’ll be – as long as needed I expect. I’ll call you when I know more.’
‘Okay. But is there anything we can do? What about Grace – is she with Barbara and David?’
‘Yes, they were still there when I got the call. It all happened in a bit of a rush. I threw some clothes in a bag, jumped in the car, and here I am.’ She looked down at the sandwich shaking in her trembling hand.
‘You’ll miss Donald and Trevor’s funeral,’ Des said, as if thinking aloud.
‘Yes, and I feel terrible about it. But Simone is really worried about Jake and thinks I can help.’
‘Well, hopefully you can, whatever it is he needs help with.’
‘I’ll be there with Donald and Trevor in spirit,’ she offered lamely.
‘It can’t be helped. That’s the best you can do in the circumstances.’
‘Hmm.’
‘Well, give Jake our best. I’ll let you get off the phone. Just keep in touch.’
‘I will, but it probably won’t be until the morning. Thanks Dad. And again, I’m really sorry about…everything.’
‘It’s forgotten. You just focus on gett
ing to Melbourne and sorting things out with Jake. Safe travels.’
‘Thanks Dad, bye for now.’
Emily hung up and took a few deep breaths. She focused on her sandwich so the threatening tears would not have a chance to fall. She wished her dad was here beside her. She prised the first of the two triangles out and took a bite. Not bad, she thought, nodding approvingly, and sank her teeth in with more gusto.
She had finished and just returned to the same seat after washing her mayonnaise-smeared fingers in the bathroom, when her flight was called. She made her way towards the gate, her heart rate increasing slightly. Having only flown a few times before, Emily was both excited and nervous – not so much from fear of crashing, but from unfamiliarity with protocols; which side seat 13A was on, for starters.
At the gate, a young woman checked her boarding pass and directed her onto the noisy tarmac, where she joined a small group. It was sunny and warmer than she’d thought. She took off her light hoodie and hung it over her arm. She wondered if she’d packed the right clothes for Melbourne’s weather, which was said to consist of four seasons in one day. How the hell do you pack for that? Oh well, too late now.
Settled in her seat against the window, Emily read through the safety card and then watched the suitcases being thrown into the hold below while trying to remember if there was anything breakable in her toiletries bag.
A few minutes later she studiously observed the safety demonstration and then flicked through the newspaper she’d found in the seat pocket in front. But she couldn’t focus.
Relax. You’re just nervous.
She’d have to calm down or else she’d be a mess by the time she met Jake’s sister. And she wanted to impress her. Well, not impress her; but give a good impression. She imagined Simone Lonigan was a sophisticated city woman like Liz. What would such a person find interesting about a country girl like her?
What if she doesn’t like me?
Emily started to think about the impulsiveness of her trip. She’d never done anything so rash in her entire life. But she was doing it for Jake. With a bit of a start, Emily realised there wasn’t much she wouldn’t do for him; as she’d once thought he felt about her.
Time Will Tell Page 30