The Red Dirt Road

by Alissa Callen

  ‘Remember how we’d camp down at the creek and have a fire?’ Fliss studied the flames while her marshmallow roasted. ‘Mum would leave the laundry light on so we could find our way inside if we got scared.’

  ‘Those were the days. Remember how Midge used to sleep with us and would snore so loudly you’d have to go back to the house to get cotton wool to block our ears?’ Cressy lifted her marshmallow out of the fire and glanced at Fliss. ‘You know what we should go on, except I’ll be away up north with Denham, is the trail ride. There’ll be campfires every night.’

  Fliss didn’t look away from her own marshmallow. ‘Taylor wasn’t sure if it would be on after all the rain.’

  ‘It will be.’ Cressy popped her roasted marshmallow into her mouth. ‘I hope no one’s counting how many of these I’m eating. The officials have done a pre-ride inspection and it will definitely go ahead.’

  ‘Zoe will be pleased. She’s so excited. She really wants to take Minty and for me to come with them.’

  Hewitt used the excuse of putting another marshmallow on his stick to observe Fliss’s face. Her tone had lowered and her words had tensed.

  ‘Why don’t you?’ Cressy asked. ‘Jazz’s arthritis is playing up so her knees wouldn’t cope, but you could take Flame. I have a young horse I’m training so she doesn’t get ridden as much as she should.’ Cressy paused as her tone grew teasing. ‘Or you could take Bandit.’

  ‘Bandit? No thank you. Don’t forget I’ve patched Denham up enough times to know just what that horse is capable of. Besides, he’d have Zoe’s sweet little Minty shaking in his tiny horse shoes with those death stares of his. I’d spend the whole ride by myself.’ The mirth ebbed from Fliss’s eyes. ‘I know it’s a really worthwhile cause, the hospital needs a portable ultrasound machine … but I’m not sure it’s a good idea I go.’

  Hewitt sensed an undercurrent of unspoken words between the sisters.

  Cressy leaned over to squeeze Fliss’s hand. ‘There’s always next year.’

  Fliss didn’t answer. Instead she stared at the fire coals with a desperate intensity.

  Hewitt spoke into the quiet before his self-preservation could tell him to keep his mouth shut. ‘I’ll go, if you go. Garnet would enjoy the ride. After the year she’s had, she deserves some fun.’

  Fliss looked at him. Hope flared and then faded in her eyes. ‘I’m sure she would but you really shouldn’t be doing too much riding.’ She rescued her charred marshmallow. ‘You were right to tell Edna you weren’t fit enough to ride.’

  Hewitt sensed Cressy looking between the two of them.

  ‘Perhaps … but things change. Like you said, it’s for a worthy cause and it would be an enjoyable few days. Brody and I used to camp and trail ride in the Snowy Mountains.’ Hewitt saved his marshmallow before it burst into flames. ‘Besides, if you came, I wouldn’t have a chance to do anything risky.’ He lightened his tone. ‘Just think of what I could do if you weren’t there to read me the riot act.’

  He thought Fliss’s lips would curve but instead worry furrowed her brow.

  ‘Go, Fliss.’ Cressy’s voice was gentle. ‘I’ll look after Molly and her babies and check on the cows. Then when I’m away, I’m sure Phil will come out.’

  The silence lengthened and then Fliss spoke. ‘Okay … I’ll go.’ She cast Hewitt a stern look. ‘You’d better be prepared to ride as if you were on the lead rein. There’ll be no fast riding for you.’

  ‘Understood.’

  Cressy laughed. ‘Hewitt, are your fingers crossed behind your back? I know for a fact you do low risk about as well as Denham.’

  The firelight caught the flicker of alarm in Fliss’s eyes. ‘One fall and you could undo all these past weeks of healing.’

  ‘I’ll be sensible. You have my word.’

  He reached for another marshmallow to conceal how much her genuine concern moved him. He was also wise as to what Cressy was doing. In his rodeo days he mightn’t have always played it safe, but Cressy knew once he gave his word, his promise was binding. She’d now planted the seed in Fliss’s mind he mightn’t be sensible. Fliss’s strong desire to help people would ensure she’d not only keep a close watch over him, she’d also not change her mind about attending the ride.

  While Fliss bent to pat Molly, Hewitt gave Cressy a nod signalling he’d have Fliss’s back.

  A smile shone in Cressy’s eyes before she turned to Fliss. ‘I’ll drop Flame around tomorrow. Five days will be plenty of time to get used to being back in a saddle.’

  ‘Even after one ride I won’t be able to walk straight. It’s been years since I was on a horse.’

  ‘All the more reason to ride Flame as much as you can. Five days will also be long enough to work out a costume.’

  Fliss groaned. ‘I’d forgotten about the parade that rides through town. You know I hate dress-ups.’

  ‘I do—you’re the only person I know who has worn jeans to a university toga party. Just look at wearing a costume as taking another step outside your comfort zone.’

  ‘I’ll just wear my scrubs … if I still have some.’

  ‘You will not.’ Cressy glanced at Hewitt. ‘You’re not wearing your rodeo chaps, either.’

  ‘I won’t. Just as well I know someone who enjoys dress-ups as much as she does deciding on puppy names.’

  Fliss covered her face in her hands. ‘That’s it, I’m doomed. I’m going to end up with fairy wings and covered in pink glitter.’

  CHAPTER

  10

  The Woodlea rodeo grounds were already teeming with colour and life when Fliss and Hewitt drove into the pre-ride hustle and bustle. Fliss looked around the rodeo grounds that would be her home for the next two nights. Each day they’d ride in a different direction and by nightfall return to a campfire and the comfort of swags, tents and horse trailers or trucks.

  She uncurled her hands that were fisted in her lap. She could do this. She’d gone through each day and prepared herself for what might happen. She had her first-aid kit packed in her saddlebag and had compiled a mental list of issues she might be asked to give medical advice on. She’d also rehearsed conversation starters for when she met new riders or caught up with old acquaintances. She wasn’t going to let anxiety stop her from enjoying what should be a fun event.

  She glanced beneath her lashes at the man beside her. Most of all she’d rewritten her ground rules. As her previous rules had proven ineffective at controlling how she responded to Hewitt, she now only had one. Keep the status quo. Things couldn’t progress any further between them.

  Yes, just seeing him made her breath rush faster. Yes, any physical contact, however brief, made her want more. And yes, his steady strength and empathy anchored her in an uncertain world. But that’s as much as she could allow herself to feel. Anything more and the day he left would be the day her heart would break. Getting her life under control didn’t include loving a man whose sole focus could only be the family of the brother he’d lost.

  ‘Everything will be okay.’ Hewitt’s quiet words filled the ute cabin. ‘Both on the ride and at Bundara. Cressy will look after Molly and the pups.’

  Fliss relaxed into her seat. ‘You’re right, everything will be fine.’

  She waved as they passed a horse float with a white pony tied to the side. Zoe, dressed in purple jodhpurs, waved back at her with both hands.

  ‘Zoe’s so excited. I must take a photo of her to send to Dr Martin.’

  ‘She’s not the only one.’

  Hewitt slowed as a group of older children raced each other along the road and then disappeared amongst the goosenecks and trucks congregated around the arena.

  ‘I think Taylor’s float’s over there.’ Fliss pointed towards a white dual-cab ute at the far side of the rodeo ground. ‘She was going to find somewhere where there’d be enough room for us all to roll out our swags.’

  Hewitt parked alongside where Taylor’s paint gelding stood in a small portable yard. The gelding briefly opened his
eyes when Flame’s and Garnet’s hooves rang on the float ramp as Hewitt led them outside. He then returned to sleeping. There was a reason Taylor rode the seasoned gelding—he was bomb proof.

  To Fliss’s relief Flame appeared unfazed by the noise and fuss. The chestnut mare gazed around, her brown eyes bright but her breathing even. In contrast, sweat darkened Garnet’s flanks and her breaths emerged as loud snorts.

  Hewitt tied her to the side of the float and smoothed a hand over her neck. ‘I know. This is far more exciting than being in your paddock. But we’re not riding pickup, we’re here to have a quiet and relaxing trail ride as per Dr Fliss’s orders.’

  Hewitt stayed by Garnet’s side until the mare calmed. Then with a last soft word to her, he helped Fliss unload their gear from the front of the horse float. Fliss watched him carry over their saddles, relieved he didn’t appear to be in any discomfort. She carefully bent to collect a brush from the grooming kit next to her boots. If only she could say the same thing about herself.

  Even after the short rides she’d taken with Hewitt to check the cattle she felt muscles she hadn’t used for over a decade. She didn’t want to think about how stiff she’d be after the upcoming days of intensive riding.

  She brushed Flame’s chestnut coat and over the mare’s withers saw Taylor approach. The hairdresser was no longer a dancer but she retained her graceful poise and her toes pointed outwards when she walked. Her straight chin-length hair was again a pale blonde. When Fliss had caught up with her in London last year, the colour had been a dramatic black.

  Taylor stroked Flame’s nose. ‘Hello, old girl, remember me? I used to come with my mum to visit Audrey.’

  Before Flame had lived with Cressy, the mare had been a rescue horse Denham had bought for his mother to care for. The first time Fliss had seen the mare she’d been nothing but a gaunt skeleton.

  Taylor handed Fliss a plastic pink tag bearing a number and the silhouette of a horse. ‘Ella’s at the registration desk and says hi. She’s drawn the short straw and has to work.’

  Taylor went over to where Hewitt brushed Garnet and handed him his tag before saddling her paint gelding. Soon all three horses were ready and the registration numbers attached to the front of each saddle. Fliss tightened Flame’s girth one more hole when Tanner rode up on a glossy palomino.

  Arrow had been a mustang the drover had trained while he’d lived in Montana. The golden gelding was as headstrong as Denham’s Bandit but without his bad temper and intolerance. The palomino nickered at Flame who’d been his old paddock buddy at Claremont.

  Tanner dipped his felt hat at Fliss and Taylor before grinning across at Hewitt. ‘Just a heads-up, Edna’s heading your way. She spied you the minute you drove in. Apparently Bethany’s young horse isn’t fit to ride so she’s been a late withdrawal. Edna’s devastated Bethany’s not going to meet you.’

  Hewitt swung into Garnet’s saddle. ‘I was hoping to meet Bethany … just to reassure her I don’t share her mother’s matchmaking vision.’

  Fliss made no effort to mount. She watched Hewitt as he rode over to Tanner. Even after the days spent riding together, seeing him on Garnet still moved her. It was as though horse and rider were a single entity. Hewitt didn’t seem to move in the saddle and the mare understood exactly what to do. Hewitt’s scars weren’t visible like the one’s marring Garnet’s chest and shoulder but they still existed. The two of them had been through so much and yet their trust and connection remained.

  Edna’s four-wheel drive crawled towards them. Fliss grasped her left stirrup and, smothering a groan, hoisted herself upwards. Hewitt’s gaze rested on her before he turned Garnet towards the marshalling area. Taylor and her paint gelding rode alongside and together they followed Hewitt and Tanner. As they passed Edna, they waved. Edna’s face hardened before she lifted her hand off the steering wheel in a brief greeting.

  Taylor glanced at Fliss. ‘You know I’m still guilty by association. Just because I was your friend when you dumped Rodger, I’m also a pariah.’

  Fliss focused on the blue width of Hewitt’s back as he rode ahead. ‘There’s only one thing worse than being on Edna’s naughty list and that’s being on her nice list.’

  ‘True. Poor Hewitt and Tanner. Even without Bethany it’s going to be a long trail ride. Edna will be dropping by every chance she gets.’ Taylor paused as she too considered the back view of the two cowboys ahead. ‘Not that I’m in the market—Rory and I are trying to make this whole Irish-Australian long-distance thing work—but Edna does have impeccable taste.’

  Fliss merely nodded. Taylor had sent her a thoughtful look. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t hide that she agreed with Edna’s glowing opinion of Hewitt.

  Once the riders had gathered and a committee member had run through the safety and logistical requirements, the lead riders headed off. Hewitt and Tanner allowed the bulk of the riders to pass. When three red-haired teenagers on nervy horses jostled by, Tanner and Hewitt exchanged glances before following them. They’d found the Ridley boys.

  Fliss could see Zoe in an approaching group. Minty’s short legs worked twice as hard as the other horses but his little ears were pricked forwards. Zoe stopped beside her and Fliss leaned over to give her a hug. ‘I think Minty’s already having fun.’

  Zoe’s black riding helmet bobbed. ‘So am I.’

  The tall man beside Zoe smiled. ‘She’s been counting down the days. Great to see you, Fliss. It’s been a while.’

  ‘It has. Kellie looks well and it’s wonderful there’ll soon be another little Swain.’

  ‘We wanted to tell you earlier but after everything that happened it felt … safer to wait.’

  ‘I understand.’ She’d been the first person Kellie had called when she’d started to miscarry and Fliss had been privy to the depths of their heartbreak. ‘Please tell Kellie I’m here anytime she needs me.’

  ‘Thanks. I will.’

  Minty let loose a loud ear-piercing neigh.

  Fliss nudged Flame into a walk. ‘I think that’s our cue to stop the small talk and get going. Minty doesn’t want to be left behind.’

  As the sun climbed and pushed aside the clouds, Fliss and Taylor stayed with Zoe before riding ahead to allow Zoe to be with her friends. When Taylor fell behind, deep in conversation with a teenage cowgirl, Fliss let Flame pick her own pace.

  Leather creaked and Flame’s hooves continued their rhythmic clip-clop. The warm breeze carried the scent of honey and bees buzzed as they congregated around the hollow of a nearby gum tree. To her left, a sea of brilliant canola yellow stretched to a distant pair of silos that glinted in the sunlight. To her right, gentle hills rolled into the steeper slopes of the valley edge that they’d soon be climbing.

  Over the past few days she’d rediscovered her love of riding. As a child, she’d ridden as much as Cressy had, but the older they grew the more Fliss had seen how passionate Cressy was about the bush. It hadn’t been a conscious decision to step aside and let Cressy live the only life she’d ever want. There was only one Glenmore and Cressy wouldn’t be happy living anywhere else, whereas Fliss hadn’t yet known where she belonged.

  She gazed around at the rural landscape she’d swapped for a city skyline. But here she was, back in the bush and once again a blank canvas trying to work out who she was and what she wanted. She’d reconnect with what once brought her peace and pleasure and see where it took her. She patted Flame’s warm, velvety neck. She’d start by asking Cressy if Flame could stay at Bundara. The thought of being responsible for Flame didn’t fill her with the expected anxiety. She was beginning to feel like she had control over her life.

  ‘Enjoying yourself?’

  Hewitt’s deep voice slid through her. She hadn’t realised he’d stopped ahead on the trail and waited for her.

  ‘Yes, thanks. How are you going? Enjoying your slow lead line pace?’

  ‘I am.’ Garnet fell into step beside Flame. ‘The only fast and furious riding is being done by the Rid
ley boys. If there’s a fallen tree, all three have to jump it.’

  ‘No surprises there. They didn’t just inherit their father’s red hair.’ Fliss concentrated on the view between Flame’s chestnut ears. Hewitt’s wide-brimmed felt hat and dark sunglasses meant all she could focus on was his mouth and the firm line of his jaw. ‘They’re actually great kids. They’re just full on, like Denis was. We used to do pony club together.’

  The horses’ steps slowed as the flat trail wound upwards through rocks and smooth-trunked gum trees. Fliss let Garnet and Hewitt lead the way. When they reached the ridge top, the spreading panoramic views of the valley below made the climb worth it.

  Riders were already off their horses and clustered around two trestle tables covered in blue-checked tablecloths and laden with morning tea. Fliss headed Flame over to where Taylor sat on a large rock, a mug of tea cupped in her hands. Hewitt followed on Garnet.

  Fliss couldn’t hide her groan as she slid from the saddle and her boots took her weight. Hewitt flicked her a look but didn’t say anything. Once Garnet’s and Flame’s reins were secured on a tree branch and their girths loosened, Hewitt strode away with his usual lithe stride. Fliss hobbled over to Taylor.

  ‘I’d offer you a seat,’ the hairdresser said, rubbing her knee, ‘but if you’re feeling anything like I was five minutes ago, standing is all you can think about.’

  ‘Standing, plus a hot bath, plus a massage.’ Fliss stretched to iron out the kinks in her lower back.

  ‘Now you’re talking. I can see a girls’ weekend away in Dubbo very soon.’

  Hewitt returned with two mugs and a plate of scones and apple slice. He’d removed his sunglasses and placed them on the front of his hat.

  He handed Fliss a mug. ‘Sorry, there’s no hot chocolate.’

  ‘Tea will be perfect. Thank you.’

  She accepted the mug, conscious that two cowgirls sitting on a nearby slab of granite were scrutinising them. She took a cream-topped scone and stepped away. She didn’t want to start any rumours that would be sure to reach Edna’s ears.