A Chance of Stormy Weather

by Tricia Stringer

  “Will you be in town tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I have to restock the pantry after those shearers. I’m astounded at how much they ate.”

  “You certainly had a baptism of fire there. Most shearers these days charge a bit extra and supply their own lunch.”

  “Really! Why was I the mug?”

  “It’s hard to get shearers. People aren’t exactly lining up for the job. I guess Dan had to take whoever was available. Shall we meet at Dara’s for coffee tomorrow afternoon? I can fill you in on the best shops, just in case you get the chance.”

  * * *

  It was still dark when they left home Friday morning. Paula sat quietly in the truck willing her queasy stomach to settle. She had made a couple of quick trips to the toilet first thing and now she felt empty and a bit flat. Dan was so cheerful in spite of the early hour and she didn’t want to let on that she wasn’t feeling well. The truck was warm and surprisingly comfortable.

  Paula put her head back, shut her eyes and was dozing before they’d reached the bitumen. She dreamed she had a baby in a pram. She was pushing the pram quickly trying to get somewhere and people kept stopping her to look at the baby. Every time someone looked in to inspect it there was a lamb looking back from the pram.

  “Come on sleepy head, what do you want to do today?” Dan was patting her shoulder.

  Paula opened her eyes to the morning light and saw that they were approaching the outskirts of Adelaide. She felt refreshed and her stomach had settled. A shiver of anticipation ran through her. It was hard to believe she could feel excited at the prospect of a trip in a truck to deliver a load of wool. She would really have to make the effort to get out more.

  “I’m not sure.” She tried to focus on her surroundings.

  “I thought you wanted to go shopping.”

  “I do, but…” Paula looked out at the industrial area they were passing through. “I don’t know where I am.”

  “I’m not going to drop you here, but I can closer in. You could catch a bus into the city, or a taxi. You’ll have a boring day with me. I’ve got an appointment in the city later this afternoon. I’ve organised a place to leave the truck. How about we have a meal together after my meeting?”

  It was all a blur to Paula. She had no idea where the city was from here. She made a sudden lunge for her bag.

  “Damn.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’ve left my phone home. It was flat and I’ve left it on the charger.”

  “We should have done something about getting you a new one.”

  Paula grimaced. “Rowena did. Last week. Then she got sick and we had shearers and I’d forgotten all about it. I don’t want to lose all my contacts so I was going to see about swapping the sim or at least merging mine. She bought you one as well.”

  “It’s something I’ve been meaning to do. Trust Rowena to do it without including you. Anyway, it doesn’t matter for today. I know there’s a coffee shop on the corner of King William and Hindley Streets. I’ll meet you there at four o’clock.”

  Dan found a place to pull over. Paula wasn’t worried about finding her way but they had no way of contacting each other if something went wrong.

  “This is where my appointment is.” Dan pulled a dog-eared business card from his wallet. “If something happens and I’m not with you by four thirty find a public phone and ring their office. I’ll make sure I get a message to you there.”

  “It’s all so complicated. Maybe it would be easier if I stayed with you. I can go to the city this afternoon when you do.”

  “You’ll be bored silly with me.” Dan’s response was abrupt. “Go and enjoy yourself in the shops. The bus that follows this route should take you direct to the city. I promise I’ll be there at four. The phone number is a precaution, that’s all. You won’t need it.” He was all but pushing her out the door. “I can’t stay here for much longer with this load or I’ll have a policeman on my tail.”

  Paula picked up her bag and coat and climbed out of the truck. The chilly Adelaide morning made her shiver after the warmth of the cabin. She had barely stepped away when Dan waved and drove off. She felt a little disappointed. A day on her own wasn’t what she’d expected, even if it did involve shopping.

  She walked further up the road to the bus stop. Huddled in the corner of the deserted shelter out of the wind she hoped the bus wouldn’t be long and that it would, as Dan had said, take her directly to the city.

  * * *

  Sitting at a window table in the coffee shop, Paula watched as people hurried in all directions over the busy city intersection outside. Like her they were rugged up against the wind, which had strengthened as the day went on. The weather hadn’t bothered Paula though. Her earlier fears had disappeared as the bus had indeed deposited her right in the city and she had easily made her way to Rundle Mall to visit the shops that Jane and Dara had suggested.

  The mall had been busy but not as frantic and crowded as Sydney’s. She had found her way around easily enough and made her purchases. She’d had a very productive morning. In the bags at her feet were assorted baby clothes in various sizes for Rupert. She’d found most of them in a small shop that Jane had recommended, tucked away in an arcade. Then she hadn’t been able to resist some books and a small squeaky giraffe. She’d ended up with quite a bundle for her new nephew.

  Finding the curtains had been a little more difficult but she had eventually settled on some striped fabric in the same green and blue as she’d painted the kitchen cupboards. At least she hoped they matched and would look right in the kitchen.

  She’d bought herself a dark navy denim skirt and a blue and maroon striped top along with a few other bargains she hadn’t been able to resist. Who knew when she’d get back to the city? Then she’d lingered over the bunches of brightly coloured flowers in a well-stocked street stall but she’d run out of hands to carry anything more and who knew how long it would be until they arrived home?

  Now she was waiting in the coffee shop for Dan as arranged. She hadn’t ordered yet. The unsettled feeling in her stomach had returned to plague her. The magazine she’d bought to read hadn’t held her attention for long and she stuck it back in her bag and looked at her watch again.

  “Hello, Sweet Pea? I’m only a few minutes late. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.” Dan sat down beside her and reached for her hand. His hands were cold but his eyes were bright. He looked so happy. “Have you ordered? I wouldn’t mind a coffee.” He leaned closer across the table. “Are you okay? You look a bit pale.”

  “I’m just tired. I’ve done a lot of shopping.” She indicated the pile of bags at her feet.

  “You sure have. What did you get?”

  “Things for Rupert and the house and a couple for me.”

  “Let me buy you a drink.”

  Paula decided on tea. Dan placed the order at the counter then inspected her parcels.

  “My day has been quite boring by comparison.” He smiled and his whole face shone.

  “Tell me about it.”

  “Nothing much to tell, just farmer stuff and a dull meeting.”

  Their drinks arrived, coffee for him, tea for Paula and a couple of sweet biscuits. Dan changed the subject to where she’d like to go for their evening meal. He made several suggestions but she shook her head.

  “Come on, Paula. We won’t often get to the city.” He picked up a biscuit, bit it in half then washed it down with the last of his coffee.

  “I’m feeling really tired, Dan. Can’t we just grab takeaway on the way home?”

  “You can’t be tired, that will spoil my surprise.”

  Paula frowned. She really had gone off the idea of surprises.

  He took both of her hands in his and gave them a squeeze. “I think you’ll like it and I’m sure it will get rid of your tiredness.”

  “Can’t you just tell me?”

  “No. Come on, collect your bags. We’ve got a little walk and then all will be revealed.” He
wriggled his eyebrows up and down.

  Paula grinned as he gathered up some of her bags. She had to admit she was curious. They both stood and he put his free arm around her, directing her out of the shop and into the icy wind blowing along King William Street. Paula shivered with the cold.

  “I promise you’ll like it,” he whispered mysteriously and walked her on down the street and around the corner onto North Terrace.

  Eventually they turned in at a large hotel. Paula didn’t even see the name as Dan hurried her to the lifts and they rode up several floors. She could see his secretive smile reflected in the mirrored walls. When the lift stopped, he led her out and along the corridor until he stopped in front of a door. Producing a key card from his wallet, he held the door ajar with his shoulder then turned and scooped her up.

  Paula cried out in surprise as her carried her through the door. “What are you doing?”

  “We are continuing the honeymoon we didn’t finish.”

  “Oh, Dan.” Paula didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This was not what she’d expected at all.

  He set her down on the edge of the bed then sat down himself and put his arm around her. “I’m sorry you’ve had such a tough start on the farm but I did warn you it would be different to Sydney life. There’s been so much to do and I know I’m not the easiest person to live with. Rowena often tells me I’m too serious.” He tipped Paula’s face towards his with his fingertips. “I want you to know I love you.”

  She kissed him. They fell back onto the king-sized bed and rolled towards each other. “This is a lovely surprise,” she whispered in his ear and then began to nibble it gently.

  Dan rolled onto his back taking Paula with him. “We’ve only got one night here,” he murmured. “Let’s make the most of it.”

  * * *

  They slept in the next morning and had a late breakfast.

  “I’ve got one more appointment this morning,” Dan said as he tucked in to bacon and eggs.

  Paula was sticking to toast and tea. The queasy tummy was coming and going. Last night she had enjoyed the meal they’d eaten out but now she felt a bit flat again.

  “Shall I come?” she asked.

  “There’s no need. We’ve got a late checkout. Why don’t you stay here and relax. I shouldn’t be too long. Perhaps we could have another of those spa baths before we leave.”

  His eyes shone at her across the table and she grinned, remembering the fun they’d had last night.

  After their breakfast, they strolled down to the river and over the footbridge. It was a cold day but they were rugged up and it was lovely to meander along without a purpose. Once Dan had left for his meeting, Paula lay back on the bed to read a magazine but it didn’t hold her interest for long. Hotel rooms were really quite boring on your own, she thought, even if they were fancy.

  She packed up their things. At least when Dan came back they could have that spa and relax again until it was time to go. The thought of it made her restless. She looked at her watch. He’d been gone an hour. She could walk down and meet him but she didn’t know where he was.

  Then she remembered he’d said he was at the same place he’d had the meeting yesterday. Paula dug in her purse for the card he had given her. It was for a solicitor and the address was a building on King William Street.

  She picked up her bag. Instead of waiting for Dan she would go to meet him. It would be a surprise and would give her something to do. Besides, if she missed him she could always come back to the room.

  There was a little chocolate shop along the way and she stopped and bought a selection of their beautifully displayed treats. It would be something delicious for the journey home. Then she continued on along King William Street looking for the number of the building on the card. It was on the other side of the road but further along. She stayed on the sheltered side watching the numbers until she saw the building she wanted opposite. It was a typical office block, with nothing much to distinguish it from the buildings either side.

  Paula continued on to the lights and waited with a small group of pedestrians, their heads down against the wind. When she got to the other side, she noticed a little coffee shop on the corner. She was tempted to take refuge in there as the wind whipped the hair back from her face. The building she was looking for wasn’t far, only a couple of buildings down from the corner. She recognised it just as a tall blonde woman walked out of the front doors and down the steps to the footpath.

  Paula stopped. The woman was well wrapped in a long black leather coat with a vivid red scarf swathed around her neck. Her straight blonde hair was pulled back with a smaller scarf of matching red. Katherine Melton. What would she be doing coming out of the same building Dan had his appointment in? Surely it was a coincidence? There must be many different offices in the building. It was several storeys high.

  Paula stepped back close to the front of the little coffee shop and watched. Katherine faced back towards the doors as if she was waiting for someone. Her face was partly turned towards Paula, who saw Katherine smile as a man came down the steps. A man Paula knew. It was Dan.

  She put her hand to her mouth as he reached the bottom of the steps and Katherine hugged him. Paula leaned back against the glass behind her and closed her eyes. What was going on?

  Then she panicked. What if they came this way and saw her watching them? She opened her eyes but they were gone. She searched frantically then saw the red of Katherine’s scarf further down the street. They were walking away from her. Paula relaxed against the glass again.

  She had almost forgotten all the doubts and insecurities that had formed in her mind about Dan and Katherine. Now they billowed up inside her again in a giant cloud of confusion. Nausea swept over her. What would she do?

  She looked up and down the street, then turned full circle to face the coffee shop. Three pairs of amused eyes stared back at her. The coffee shop had a bench running along its front window so people could sit and look out. She had been standing a foot away from three men in suits, who had obviously been watching her every move through the glass.

  She turned and made a dash across the street as the pedestrian lights began to blink red. A car about to turn the corner tooted at her, adding to her embarrassment. Once she’d reached the footpath on the other side she tried to blend in with the people walking in her direction.

  She followed the crowd into the mall and walked until she noticed the familiar facade of the David Jones building. She turned in and made her way down to a coffee shop where she ordered a sandwich, but she didn’t touch it. Her head was too full of whirling thoughts and her stomach churned in sympathy. Everything she had heard about Katherine and Dan resurfaced and replayed in her mind. She didn’t understand why Dan would have a secret meeting with his old girlfriend. If he couldn’t tell Paula about it, he must have something to hide.

  Was he making a fool of her? Perhaps he and Katherine were still managing to have some kind of relationship because of the child. Katherine was capable of it but Paula didn’t want to believe it of Dan. Not the man she knew.

  She looked at her watch. It was nearly checkout time. He would probably be back at their room, wondering where she was.

  Paula didn’t want to go back but what else could she do? She had to meet Dan. She had no other way of getting home.

  CHAPTER

  22

  Jane pouted with mock jealousy when Paula told her about Dan’s surprise. “How romantic. Bruce would never think of that. I’ll have to get Dan to whisper in his ear.”

  Paula cringed underneath the veneer of a smile she had put on for Jane’s benefit. The two women were sharing a midweek cuppa in Paula’s kitchen. Andrew played with his trucks again and James was lying on a blanket trying to roll over. Tarzan had been shut outside because he kept licking James’s face.

  Dan was obviously acting out a charade. Paula would too until she could sort out what she should do.

  “It was only one night, Rowena wasn’t keen to feed Lucky f
or longer than that, and I’ve hardly seen Dan since. He turns up at mealtimes and comes in late. Last night he had a meeting and didn’t get home till midnight and he’s still chasing after sheep and mumbling about crops in his sleep.” Paula didn’t mention their long silences and their strained hugs and half kisses.

  “Oh, dear. So he’s not perfect then. There’s another illusion shattered.”

  “I haven’t been feeling well, actually.” Paula changed the subject.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I’ve had an upset tummy for a few days now.”

  “Oh, oh, throwing up first thing in the morning?” Jane raised her eyebrows.

  “No, I can’t be pregnant if that’s what you’re implying,” Paula’s response was emphatic. “I’m not chucking anyway, it’s the other end and it comes and goes.”

  “So to speak.” Jane laughed. “How’s your sister that had the baby getting on?”

  “Okay, I think. I’ve spoken to her briefly on the phone. Mum rings with regular updates. She wants me to go to Sydney for a visit.”

  “You must miss them. Will you go soon?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t want to go and leave Dan right now.” Paula played the part of the perfect wife but she’d get on the plane today if she didn’t have to face her father’s ‘I told you so’. He had been right and she had been wrong but she wouldn’t admit it.

  “Dan would survive. He’s managed before and there’s always Rowena to keep an eye on him.”

  They both sipped their tea and Andrew, dressed in red trackpants and a black and yellow Batman cape, brought a clump of trucks for Jane to untangle.

  Paula watched the little boy return to his game, then summoned the courage to ask Jane the things she couldn’t ask Dan. “Jane, did you see much of Dan and Katherine together?” Paula saw the look of surprise cross Jane’s face before she answered.

  “Where did that come from?”

  “I just wondered. Katherine seems to turn up a lot…”

  “Like the proverbial bad penny.” Jane’s eyes opened wide. “But surely not on your romantic weekend.”