‘No harm in indulging once in a while. I traded my frequent flyer points for a weekend rental. Relax, it’ll be back in its garage safely on Monday afternoon.’
She shook her head at him. ‘It’ll impress the local girls and annoy the heck out of the local boys, so be warned, don’t leave it unattended in the main street.’
Alex laughed. ‘It’s insured. Now, are we leaving some time soon?’
‘Yeah, yeah. Let me say goodbye.’
‘This could take hours. Better get another drink.’
‘I’ll know where to find you then. Back soon.’ With a flick of her fingers she wandered off.
‘Fiery thing, isn’t she?’ Nick leant on the bar next to Alex. ‘Known her long?’
‘Mates since university. We both majored in journalism, although I started off in the same year as Nina, her sister. Had too much fun at uni to be in a hurry to graduate so I hung around with Ellie when she started her degree.’ Alex eyed the older man. There seemed to be a connection between the developer and Ellie, like steel on flint producing sparks. It made him uneasy. ‘Ellie’s a very independent lady, but we’re good together. She just needs space. You know, “set her free and when she comes back she’s mine” kind of approach.’ His tone challenged Nick to refute it.
One dark eyebrow rose a fraction as Nicholas replied, ‘I would think that would be a foolish approach with a woman of Ellie’s depth. What happens if she finds freedom agrees with her?’
Alex shrugged. ‘I was there when she needed me. I understand what she’s been through. I’m also betting she’s unlikely to fall into the arms of anyone who’s trying to rape her beloved Half Moon Bay for profits.’ He was disappointed there was no reaction to his jibe on the other man’s face.
‘Being in battle has a habit of changing people.’ The dark jaw tightened briefly before Nicholas’s face relaxed into a grin that seemed to mock him. ‘And I would think that a woman like Ellie Wilding expects the truth from those she chooses to love.’ He nodded and walked away without waiting for a reply.
He left Alex feeling uneasy. Was Nicholas referring to the looming battle with the council or to Alex’s own duplicity in all this? He watched him thread his way through the crowd, seemingly unmoved by its recent animosity. There was strength in his imposing physique, kept tightly under control. He hadn’t even flinched when the crowd started chanting. Maybe he was referring to Ellie and Nina’s coverage of the war in Afghanistan? An ex-soldier was guaranteed to have baggage. But Lawson seemed like the last person to be making an easy buck in the drug trade using supply lines from Afghanistan back into Australia. Something didn’t add up here.
‘Another refill on that?’ Mavis asked. ‘It’s so nice of you to make the trip up for Ellie. We really appreciate the story you’re going to write about us.’
‘Yeah, another beer would be good, thanks, Mavis. So tell me, what do know about Nicholas Lawson?’
‘What a good-looking man. I reckon he’s been a policeman or maybe even a spy. I rather think he’s got his eye on our Ellie as well. Asked loads of questions about her earlier.’ Mavis put the full glass back in front of him. ‘I said to Ronnie, I think he’s keen on her. The way he watched her today, I could just about feel the sizzle from here.’
She chatted on, oblivious to the darkening scowl on Alex’s face. ‘Let’s hope he is what he says he is. Ronnie says I’m always seeing disasters that aren’t there, but you know, I’d just love Ellie to . . .’
‘Just love me to what, Mavis?’ Ellie came up behind her and put her arm round the plump woman. ‘You’re not gossiping, are you? Heaven knows what’ll end up in print if you do that.’
Mavis patted Ellie’s cheek. ‘Not gossiping, dear, networking. Remember? You taught me that word and Ronnie’s been laughing at me ever since. A quick drink before you go?’
Ellie shook her head. ‘Thanks, Mavis, you’ve been fantastic this afternoon. Sorry I lost my cool but . . . you know me.’
‘I do indeed. We wouldn’t love you as much if you didn’t fight so passionately for what you believe in. It was worth it just to see the expression on Mr Lawson’s face. Wish he looked at me like that.’ She sighed theatrically. ‘Ah well, Ronnie will have to do for now I guess.’
Ellie was laughing now. ‘Lawson was trying to convince me we could work together. He’s delusional.’ She screwed up her nose. ‘But there’s something about him that jars my memory. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Anyway, best whisk Alex away, make sure he writes that story we need.’ She turned to him. ‘Come on, let’s go and take that Porsche for a spin. We need to stop by the supermarket first, then pick up my car.’
By the time the two cars pulled up at the back of Ellie’s house, Alex could see the toll the afternoon had taken on her. Not everyone in Half Moon Bay shared her views and the trip to the shop had been confrontational. She’d been amongst friends at the Bowls Club. Out in the wider community there were those who did want development, who couldn’t see the need for a community centre. When money is involved people wouldn’t necessarily worry about corruption and an old lady’s dying wishes.
‘Sorry, Alex, I’m not going to be much company, I’m afraid,’ she murmured as they lugged the shopping into the kitchen.
‘Hey, that’s fine. I know you. Come here.’ He drew her into his arms, loving the warm fit of her, snug against his side. ‘Ellie, you know how much you mean to me.’
‘And you to me, Alex. You’ve been a fantastic friend.’
His arms tightened around her and he couldn’t resist, sliding his lips across her cheek. She shook her head free.
‘No, Alex, I can’t. I can’t do emotional commitment.’
He released her, the regret sitting like a stone in his gut. ‘Some time, Ellie, you’re going to have to let her go and move on with your own life.’
She nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. ‘I know, but I’ll be the one who knows when it’s time.’ He’d heard that before and he knew better than to push her.
‘You will, you will, my love.’ He ran his hand along her shoulder before dropping it to his side. Would he still be the one she turned to when she was ready?
12
Sarah and Michael flung open the door, competing fiercely to be the first to hug Ellie as she and Alex walked up the paved path to Felicity’s house. As the warm, supple bodies climbed over her, Ellie felt a tug of sadness, a sense that she was missing something. How wonderful to be showered with this unconditional love every day. Shadow finished inspecting the straggling plants in the front garden bed and burrowed his way into the middle, bestowing long sloppy licks on anyone’s nose that came too close. The children shrieked with delight. They loved a visit from the big dog.
‘Can we play outside with him, Ellie? Please, please?’
‘Of course you can. Just remember, no riding him. He’s not a horse.’
‘Yeah, yeah, we know.’ Sarah wound her arms round Ellie’s neck, the soft soapy smell of her young body a potent reminder that there was more to life than a career and an empty bed. ‘Cos we love Shadow.’ A big smacking kiss and then they were both gone in a whirl of movement and squealing noise, the dog lumbering along behind them.
Alex remained aloof from the chaos, waiting at the front door, two bottles of wine swinging in a carry bag.
‘What’s wrong?’ Ellie asked him.
‘They’re a bit boisterous, aren’t they? Need to calm down.’
‘Sorry?’ Ellie straightened up. ‘They’re great kids. Felicity’s done a brilliant job raising them, with Dan away on the trawler so much. I promise they won’t spill food on your flash clothes. Come and meet Felicity again.’
They had to step over the pile of discarded shoes at the door. Ellie turned left into the living room, which opened onto a wide kitchen with dining table and chairs. Toys and books made haphazard piles on the floor, the couches and coffee table. A wide-screen TV had the volume down low. The aroma of lamb roast made her mouth water.
‘Hi, Flick,
that smells divine.’
Felicity brushed her hands down her denim shorts and held out her arms for a hug. Ellie hugged her back, before turning to introduce Alex. ‘You met at the rally yesterday, didn’t you?’
‘Of course I remember Alex. You were a couple of years above me at uni. Changed a bit since then, like we all have.’ Felicity held out her hand but Alex dropped a kiss on her cheek. It seemed to fluster her. ‘Lovely that you could come for dinner.’
‘Thanks for the invite. Hope you don’t mind me eating and running. O’Sullivan claims tonight was the only time he could spare for an interview over a couple of drinks so I couldn’t say no. Far easier being impartial and the mayor should have his say.’ The edge to his voice rang the faintest alarm in Ellie’s mind, but Felicity seemed unaware.
‘Of course you couldn’t. And it will give Ellie and me a chance to catch up. What can I get you to drink?’
He held out the carry bag. ‘We brought champagne and a red. Whichever you prefer.’
‘Oh, thank you! Bubbles, then. After the turnout at yesterday’s meeting, we have cause to celebrate.’ Felicity said.
Ellie found slim flutes in the low sideboard that ran the length of the room beneath a series of exquisite photographs of whales, sea lions and dolphins. She listened to the small talk behind her. Alex was wound up tight. What was that about? Something to do with Felicity? Or the meeting tonight?
The cork popped with a soft fizz and the golden liquid caught the light as she filled three glasses.
‘Here’s to accountable governments.’ Ellie raised her glass.
‘Here’s to a gorgeous engineer called Nick, I say,’ responded Felicity with a laugh as Ellie shook her head.
‘Women. You’re all the same. An arrogant attitude and an expensive suit and you all start drooling.’ Alex sounded amused, but his eyes were dark.
‘Sorry. Here’s to good-looking journos then as well. You scrub up all right for a guy who used to sport dreads.’ Felicity clinked glasses with him. ‘But Nick’s got a lovely way with words. Would make it much easier to oppose him if he wasn’t just so damn nice to everyone.’ She leant against the kitchen cupboard, brushing chestnut hair back from her face.
Ellie snorted. ‘Nice? He pinned me up against a table and threatened me the other day at council. It wasn’t my fault I was crawling around looking for cable hubs. He’s pretty damn intimidating when he’s angry.’
‘Threatened you?’ Felicity’s eyes widened, then she frowned.
‘I may have overheard something I shouldn’t have.’
‘You were eavesdropping?’ Felicity looked worried now.
‘Believe me, it wasn’t deliberate. I was down on my hands and knees and in strolled Lawson and O’Sullivan. It was too late to announce myself then without looking guilty. And you did warn me to stay away from the mayor.’
‘Oh my God. What did they say?’
‘Thankfully it was just Lawson who saw me.’
‘So what were they talking about?’
Ellie shot a look at Alex, hesitated an instant, then shook her head. ‘It was just about money for development approvals.’ She wasn’t prepared to give Alex any leads on another story yet. She wanted a persuasive piece from him about the effects of the council’s actions on the Half Moon Bay community. The drug angle was a whole new ball game.
‘Really? Something else you want to share, Ellie?’ Alex frowned.
‘It was nothing. He was just overreacting. The flipside to his Mr Nice Guy act.’
‘Is there something you’re not telling me? I don’t want this story to blow up in my face.’
‘No, Alex, I doubt it will blow up in your face, but like you I have several lines of inquiry.’ She kept her voice neutral. Ellie didn’t let her prickle of annoyance show. No journalist laid all their cards on the table and right now he was treating her like a girlfriend he needed to protect, not the professional she was.
‘Lines of inquiry? You’ve asked me up here to investigate the development. You need to be upfront with me, Ellie. It could be dangerous.’
Felicity cut in. ‘Righto, dinner’s ready. Alex, could you go and call Sarah and Mikey for me? The back door’s around to your left there. Ellie, could you lay the table? We can debate who needs to know what afterwards.’
Alex stalked out of the kitchen, still annoyed. Felicity raised an eyebrow at Ellie.
‘There’s more, but I’ll fill you in later. I’d forgotten how protective he gets,’ said Ellie.
‘Has he put the hard word on you again?’ Felicity carved the lamb into thick juicy slices.
‘No. He’s so understanding; so caring. Tom’s always had time for him, especially after his parents died in that truck crash near Alice Springs. You remember? I think you might’ve been at uni by then.’ Felicity nodded as Ellie continued talking. ‘I guess losing his own family meant he stayed a little closer to ours. And I do love him dearly, just not like that. Cutlery?’
‘Top left.’ Felicity jerked her elbow at the corner cupboard. ‘Put yourself between the kids, or there’ll be open warfare on who sits next to you.’
‘You’ve done so well with the two of them, Flick.’
Felicity smiled, her blue eyes lighting up. ‘Not bad for a single mum, hey? When Dan’s home, every day’s a holiday and discipline’s non-existent, but I don’t begrudge him that. It must be so hard for him to miss out on all the little things I get to enjoy with them. And they are good, most of the time.’
‘Do you ever miss your career?’ Ellie knew there was a wistful note in her voice. ‘Miss the law?’
‘Sometimes, and with the twins at school this year I’ve been looking around for something more demanding than front counter at the council chambers twelve hours a week. Sinking my teeth into this fight for the community centre’s a challenge I’m enjoying. Made me realise I do want more. I need more. What about you?’
‘What about me?’
‘Are you heading back overseas again straight away? No man on the horizon?’
Ellie shook her head. ‘Like I’ve ever had the time, or the right allure . . .’
‘Nothing wrong with your allure, Ellie,’ Alex said, coming back into the room. Ellie felt a guilty flush fire her cheeks.
Ellie touched his arm. ‘I’m just not ready yet. Where did you hide those kids and the dog?’ She brushed past him and called down the corridor.
‘Dinner’s up, guys! Who’s sitting next to me?’
The squeals made even Felicity wince as the two blond whirlwinds hurtled into the room.
‘No fighting. Sit, now.’ Felicity’s tone was stern, but neither child was fazed by it. The love between them was like an aura and tweaked at Ellie’s heart again. Alex picked at his food on the other side of the table and she was glad for the incessant chatter of the twins. It was going to be a long day tomorrow if Alex carried on sulking.
Finally, the last page of the book was read. The twins were tucked under their bedclothes and the room was silent. Ellie paused for a moment, looking down at the sleeping children. Maybe her biological clock had finally hit the alarm button? She grimaced. That was not a good thing without a man in her life.
‘All asleep?’ Felicity whispered from the door.
Ellie held a finger to her lips and nodded. Both women tiptoed out and Ellie shut the door silently behind them.
‘Wow, but they can talk a lot.’
‘Yeah, can’t imagine where they get that from,’ laughed Felicity, heading back to the lounge room. ‘You’re so good with them. They used to drive Nina insane. She was always immaculate and they were grubby four-year-olds then. You two were always so different.’
Ellie flopped onto the couch. The toys had been stashed away in coloured bins, the books stacked on shelves and she could hear the washing machine churning. ‘Nina never wanted children and I used to think I didn’t either, but . . .’ Ellie struggled against a wave of yearning. ‘I’m not so sure any more. Maybe it’s being home again, but Sarah and Mi
key are so much fun, even when they are being cranky six-year-olds.’ She sighed and Felicity handed her another glass of wine before settling on the other end of the couch, her feet stretched out in front her, a toe ring glinting in the light of a lamp. Ellie was grateful Alex hadn’t returned yet to pick her up. She missed spending time with her girlfriend.
‘You’ll find someone when the time’s right, Ellie. I’ve never known you to show anything but passing interest in guys before. If they didn’t like being in a dark room developing photographs, they had no chance of taking you out.’
Ellie smiled. ‘You’re right. I did spend all my teenage years competing with the guys to prove I was better, and then my twenties building a career.’
‘And living in Nina’s shadow,’ added Felicity.
Ellie’s head jerked up. ‘Do you think so?’
‘I know so. She was bright and beautiful and fighting the boys off with a stick. You were smart, funny and shy – and quite happy hiding behind her. These last two years must have been especially hard.’
Ellie cradled her wine glass, swirling the rich red. ‘I guess learning to be me, the solo photojournalist, instead of one half of Wilding Productions, has been a steep, and at times lonely, learning curve. But then . . .’ She struggled for words, not wanting to imply any criticism of her older sister. ‘I finally had the chance to follow the stories I wanted to. Even my writing’s improved. It may never be as good as Nina’s, but it is finding a readership. I’m more interested in the human-spirit angle than the action . . .’ She trailed off again and Felicity didn’t interrupt. ‘I was happy being her support. Maybe losing Mum when we were so young meant we relied on each other more than we should have. She looked out for me. Always.’
‘Yes, she did,’ Felicity reassured her. ‘No one was allowed to mess with her little sister.’
‘Tom was great, but there were some things a dad was always going to struggle with. Puberty, sex education . . .’ Ellie almost laughed. ‘She sorted all that and so much more so I owed it to her to follow her dream.’
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