by Lilly Mirren
He shrugged. “I suppose we’ll see. Want a cuppa?”
She nodded. “Yes please, in a vat.”
He chuckled. “Hard day?” He wandered into the kitchen and flicked on the kettle before rummaging through the cupboard for the biscuit tin. He pulled out three Tim Tams and handed one to mum, the other two he set down on the bench for himself.
“Get a plate, please,” she reminded him with a head tilt.
He laughed. “Yes, mum.” Some things never changed.
“You know, you get more handsome with each passing day,” she said, cupping his cheek with one hand.
He sighed. “You have to say that, you’re my mother.”
“Still, it’s true.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.
They filled cups with hot tea, then carried them and the plates with biscuits to the back porch. They sat in comfortable wicker chairs side by side and set the drinks and plates on a glass table.
Ethan took a bite of Tim Tam and then studied his mother. “So, what’s going on? Why did you have such a hard day?”
She shrugged. “I’ve been working on the accounts for the cafe. My solicitor called…” She eyed him, her cheeks pinking. “He’s taken Dad’s name from the business registration.”
Ethan’s throat ached. He hated how their family was being torn apart. He knew now it wasn’t likely his parents would reconcile, but it still hurt to think of the separation as permanent. Removing his father from the cafe’s ownership was another one of those steps that signalled an end to what they’d shared as a family.
“I’m sorry, Mum, but I think it’s for the best.”
“Yes, I know it is. Still, it’s hard… I’m so angry with him for the way he risked my cafe, I could’ve lost it thanks to him. But that doesn’t mean I’m glad to have him out of my life entirely. I suppose this was the last step before the divorce.”
“And no second thoughts?” he asked.
She sighed. “No…I’m sure about it. I can only imagine that Keisha wants to marry him though heaven knows why she’d want to marry a man twice her age, who’s broke. Still, I’m not going to stand in their way.”
“What will it mean for the debt?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Not much. I’ve paid off a good chunk of the loans he took out against the cafe, so I’ll continue with that until they’re gone. I don’t want to have it hanging over my head, I want it gone and out of the way. Sarah’s been helping me figure it all out. But having his name taken off the cafe means he can’t do it again.”
He studied the dark back yard, the outline of bushes black against the still pink sky. A muscle in his jaw clenched. He hated what his father had done, but he still loved the man. Family relationships were complicated. A lesson he was learning more with each passing month. How could he love and respect someone who’d treat their wife that way? And yet he did, and in time he knew he’d forgive him. His father had a way of making even his harshest critic smile at his charm, and Ethan knew he was no exception. He couldn’t stay angry at is father even if he’d wanted to.
“That’s good. What about the house?”
“He’s still on the title. Although I have been thinking about downsizing… don’t tell your sisters that yet. I’m not sure, and I don’t want them to get upset.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t worry, mum. I won’t say anything.”
“Thanks, honey. The solicitor said I could sue him for the rest of the debt…” She glanced at Ethan, a pained expression on her face.
“Uh huh,” he replied, not wanting to get in the middle of things.
“But he also said that since Andrew doesn’t have any assets, I probably wouldn’t get anything from him, and the court costs and legal fees would be more than the debt itself… so it’s not really worth it.”
Ethan breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing he wanted was for his parents to go to court as enemies. If their family wasn’t in pieces, that would be enough to tear it completely to shreds. His younger sister Adele always took his father’s side, the eldest, Sarah stood by their mother, and he’d be caught in the middle with nowhere to go.
“Seems like it wouldn’t be a good idea, then,” he said.
She nodded. “No, just easier to pay back the debt I suppose. And I thought that if I sold this place and got a small house by the beach, I could probably retire before I’m ninety.” She chuckled. “If I’m lucky.”
“I’m so sorry, mum. Maybe I can help…”
“I’m not taking your hard-earned money so don’t even try to convince me,” she replied, her chin jutting forward. “You’ve got your whole life ahead of you, hopefully a wife and children, you’ll need to save for all of the wonderful things you’re going to do. I’ll take care of my own problems; don’t you worry about me.”
He smiled, patted her arm. “Well, remember I’m always here and happy to do what I can.”
“I know,” she said, her eyes glimmering in the dull evening light.
Chapter 8
Diana
The quiet of her office was always a balm to her soul. Diana gazed around the small space, marvelling at the way it hadn’t changed in so many years. She’d redone the decor about ten years earlier, but since then it looked essentially the same. The small, reading light on her desk gave off an amber glow that fitted the room with a nostalgic feel that suited the moment.
It was her last cup of tea in her office alone. She’d begun training Emily on the running of the Manor and was giving her the key to the office that afternoon. From then on, it’d be Emily’s office. Diana’s chest ached as a lump grew in her throat. She was ready for the next season of her life, ready to move on and let Emily take her place, but it still hurt to say goodbye to the familiar rhythms of her life.
The office had been a quiet refuge, away from the chaos of everything going on in the bed and breakfast in the early years, and then from the demands of an ailing husband more recently. Although she shouldn’t complain, Rupert had been a hard-working and considerate husband to her, and she looked forward to the quieter days ahead the two of them would share.
The old-fashioned landline on her desk rang and she picked up the receiver. “Hello, Seaside Manor this is Diana.”
“Di, it’s Rupert. I’ve found our new home!” His voice spilled over with a joy that was infectious.
She smiled. “Really? That’s wonderful. Where is it?”
“It’s the Emerald Cove Mews that we were talking about yesterday. It has a golf course, swimming pool, sauna, games room as well as the independent living units we like. They’ve got nursing staff on a twenty-four-hour roster for the folks who need a higher level of care… and we might get there one day I suppose. But the gardens are lovely, and you get your own small space to grow whatever you like. I think you’ll love it. When can you come and see it?”
Tears filled her eyes as she studied the photographs hanging on the wall of her at the Manor with guests, dignitaries, and friends. “I can come later, after I’ve served the guests tea and biscuits if you like.”
“Perfect,” he replied. “I’ve got a tour booked with the office here at five, do you think you could be here?”
“I’ll be there. Thanks Rupert, it sounds amazing. I’m so glad you went out today, we’re running out of time to find somewhere if we’re going to meet that two-week deadline that I told Emily.”
He huffed. “Don’t you worry about that. We don’t have to stick to any time frame, but I think we’ll make it if you like it here.”
She hung up the phone and leaned back in her chair. Time to set out afternoon tea for the few guests they had staying that night. Emily was busy meeting with suppliers in nearby Tweed Heads. It was important, Diana had told her, for her to make a personal connection with everyone they worked with. After introducing her niece to each vendor over the phone, she’d set up in-person meetings for Emily to attend. Which meant that she’d be managing the Manor on her own for a few hours, perhaps for the last time.
The first time she’d seen the letter, she’d been seated in that exact same place going through a pile of bills and junk mail. She hadn’t expected it. It’d given her a jolt of panic and shock that’d lasted for days. Rupert had threatened to take her to the doctor in case she’d had a small stroke. But no, she assured him she hadn’t. Perhaps it was a virus, was all she’d said. She couldn’t tell him about the letter, hadn’t expected the past to show up now. Not after so many years. If only she’d done things differently, it wouldn’t be happening. It wouldn’t threaten everything that mattered in her carefully constructed life. But it was too late for regrets now.
In the kitchen, she placed freshly baked Anzac biscuits on a tray, alongside slices of banana cake. She carried the tray to the living room and set it on a table. Then returned for the pots of steaming hot tea and matching china cups and saucers. When everything was laid out, she rang a small bell and stood to one side as three children rushed up and piled plates high with food, soon followed by their parents at a more relaxed pace.
“This looks delicious, thank you!” declared their mother.
Diana smiled and nodded as Cindy popped her head around the corner and winked. Diana made her excuses, fixed a small tray with tea and cake, and hurried to meet her friend. They kissed cheeks and walked side by side back to the office. Diana set up the tea and cake between them and they settled into chairs on either side.
“I can’t believe you won’t be living here soon,” mused Cindy with a sad smile. “Times are changing.”
“Yes, it’ll be very different. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it as well. We’ll simply have to make more of an effort to see one another, since we can’t pop through the gate in the fence.”
Cindy’s eyes glistened. “That’s right, we’ll have to use the phone more and you can come down to the cafe to see me — we’ll have our tea and treats there.”
“Sounds perfect. You know I love you like a sister.” Diana swallowed around the lump in her throat.
Cindy’s brow furrowed. “You too, Di dear. What’s brought this on? You’re not sick, are you?”
Diana shook her head. “No, it’s nothing. I only wanted to say it… important to tell people every now and then I think.” She sniffled, reached for a tissue, and blotted her nose.
“Yes, of course it is. On another subject, before you make me cry, what do you think about Ethan and Emily working so closely together?”
Diana wiped her nose again, dropped the tissue in the bin beneath her desk. “I think it’ll be great.”
“Not too volatile?” Cindy arched an eyebrow.
Diana had thought of that. And from what she’d seen between the two of them, she knew Cindy had a point. “I think there’s a bit of a connection there, a spark maybe.”
“Do you think so?” Cindy’s eyes narrowed. “Hmm, interesting. Is it a spark or antagonism?”
Diana chuckled. “And besides, if it becomes too much of a problem, I’ve worked a clause into the contract that allows either of them to buy out the other. I didn’t want the Manor to leave the family, but even if Ethan buys it, I feel like he’s part of my family, so I’d be fine with that.”
“Well then, it sounds like you’ve thought of everything.”
Diana beamed. “I do my best.”
There was a knock on the office door, a brisk tap of knuckles. Cindy hurried to open it and the new constable, Rebecca Mair, stepped inside, dressed in her uniform and with her hands clenched into fists at her side.
“Good morning,” said Rebecca.
“Well, good morning to you Constable Mair. What a pleasant surprise.” Diana hurried around the desk to shake her hand and ushered her into a chair beside Cindy, who’d resumed her seat. “Can I get you a cup of tea and a piece of cake?”
Rebecca eyed the cake. “No, thank you. I came to say thank you.”
Diana tried to think of some reason the young woman in front of her would be thanking her but drew a blank. She didn’t remember doing anything for Rebecca. Hadn’t seen her since her visit to the hospital, and she’d been thanked for the flowers then.
“Well, it’s lovely to see you,” replied Diana, masking her confusion.
“Thank you for visiting me in the hospital.” Rebecca linked her hands together in her lap, fingers squeezing tight. “I don’t have family or friends in the area, so I really appreciated that…”
Diana’s heart squeezed and she exchanged a quick pitying look with Cindy. “Yes, of course, I was happy to do it. I hope you’re feeling better.”
“Much better, thanks.” Rebecca stood. “Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say. I’m sure I’ll see you around town. Bye.” She nodded to Cindy, then Diana and left, pulling the door shut behind her.
“Well, she’s a quiet one,” remarked Cindy, still staring after her.
“She certainly is.”
“I wonder what her story is?”
Diana shook her head. “I don’t know… but she seems strong, you know, beneath the surface. Tough even.”
Cindy nodded. “True. I wonder where she’s from.”
Diana shrugged. “I have no idea. I did ask Franklin the last time I saw him. I took him a casserole and pried a little.”
“Of course you did,” chuckled Cindy.
Diana grinned. “But he wouldn’t tell me a single thing. It was a complete waste of grass-fed beef.”
Rebecca
The red brick building loomed in front of her and Rebecca squinted at it through the brilliant winter sunshine. Overhead, a blue sky sparkled crystal clean after a morning shower of rain. Droplets were still scattered on blades of grass and leaves around the nearby park, and over the bonnets of cars parked in the police station parking lot.
It was her first day back at work. Her injury was almost entirely healed, at least on the outside. The doctor told her she’d need to take it easy for a few more weeks, since she still had some internal healing to do after the surgery that’d stitched her spleen back together. But she felt good, great in fact. She wished she could get back into her boxing and running routine, but the only exercise she’d been allowed to do was slow walks along the beach and light hand weights. She could feel her muscle mass disappearing with each passing day, and it frustrated her no end after all the hard work she’d done to build it up.
She reached into her car and pulled out her lunch bag. Another car careened into the lot and she watched as Franklin lurched out, carrying a tray of disposable coffee cups in one hand and a stack of files in the other. He didn’t see her standing there and rushed at the building in a flurry of footsteps and juggling. Halfway there, his phone rang. He shoved the files under one arm, reached for the phone and answered it, head down as he trotted up the few steps that led to the double automatic glass doors.
The began to open with a swish, then shut again as quickly. Franklin plunged into the doors headfirst, slapped a hand to his forehead and cursed loudly. Coffee cups threatened to fly in every direction and he deftly caught each one, setting them straight again. Then he slapped the doors, and they swung open, then he strode through, still cursing.
Rebecca laughed out loud, then slapped a hand over her mouth to keep him from hearing. Sometimes her boss seemed like an uncoordinated, unruly child. Other times, he was a strong, focused cop running down the bad guys without a moment’s thought for his own safety. He was an enigma, there was no doubt about it. And the more she got to know him, the more she realised how much she didn’t know.
With a shake of her head that set her long, brown ponytail bobbing, she slapped her blue cap onto he
r head and walked into the station.
Once she’d buzzed through into the office, she wondered for a moment why Stef wasn’t sitting in reception, then dismissed the thought as the scent of smoke greeted her. What was going on? Was there a fire? Why weren’t the alarms sounding?
She hurried towards the kitchen, breaking into a run the closer she got when she noticed the entire office was empty of staff. They were in here somewhere, but where? What’d happened?
She plunged through the kitchen door and was met with a shout of “Surprise!”
Her heart stopped beating for a moment before her lips widened into a grin. “What on earth?”
“Welcome back, love,” said Stef, embracing Rebecca.
Rebecca shook her head. “I can’t believe you did all of this for me…” She scanned the group. Everyone was there, all smiling. She swallowed around a growing lump in her throat.
“Of course, we did,” replied Franklin, waving his arms in a wide gesture. “We’re all glad you’re back. The level of testosterone in this place was getting a bit rich. We’re grateful you’re here. Maybe this lot will stop acting like a bunch of untrained dogs now.” He laughed and the rest of the group shouted their approval.
One by one, they greeted her with handshakes, welcoming her back to the office, glad she was okay, how was she feeling… she answered them all with soft reassurances that she was fine, happy to be working again, sick and tired of daytime television, ready to arrest some bad guys.
There was cake on the kitchen bench, with icing in an impressive shade of blue to form a police cap, and white on the top and sides. Sparklers as candles were the source of the smoke she’d smelled, and she watched them burn with a smile, then soaked in the warmth of the round of applause that followed. And as Franklin regaled the group with a lively and humorous tale of what’d happened the day she was stabbed, she couldn’t help laughing along with the rest of the group as the dread she’d felt about returning to work and facing everyone again faded away, and was replaced was a feeling of belonging she hadn’t experienced in years. She inhaled a slow breath, her heart swelling. So this was what it felt like to have a home — she’d almost forgotten.