Down Outback Roads (18 page)

Desperate to touch him and stop the pain rasping in his words, Kree folded her arms. Instinct told her now wasn’t the time to physically reach out to him. ‘And that’s a problem because …’

‘Because Tish worries too much as it is.’ He swung away to plunge his hands in the sink water and continue with the dishes.

‘Ewan, this isn’t just fun for me either.’ She came to stand beside him. ‘I feel it too … this
thing
between us. And the force of it scares me.’

‘I know.’ His hoarse words echoed in the quiet of the kitchen. He reached for the forgotten tea towel and dried his hands. Then jaw set, he framed her face with gentle hands.

‘Which makes it worse. I’ve already hurt too many people I care about. I can’t now hurt you.’ He pressed a too-brief kiss to her mouth. The warmth of his touch ebbed from her skin as his arms lowered to his side. ‘I have to do what I should have done earlier. I have to walk away.’

‘Sorry, Whisk,’ Ewan apologised as he braked the quad bike to an abrupt stop. He turned to check the kelpie was okay on the flat back section of the bike. Whiskey grinned with his usual doggy enthusiasm.

Ewan faced the UltraBlack cattle again. Worry hammered at his temples. His first tally was a cow short. He couldn’t afford for anything to happen to even one of the in-calf cows. The fences were good in this paddock, but that didn’t mean they were escape-proof. In a previous mob, feral dogs had pushed a cow through a fence and he’d found her weeks later at Old Harry’s.

He counted again and this time his tally was correct. He released a deep breath and swung the quad bike in a wide arc towards the gate. He was due in at the coach house in under an hour for the second working bee. Already, he’d be late.

Despite all the UltraBlacks being accounted for, the knot of tension in his stomach refused to unravel. Dinner last night may have brought Tish and Travis closer, but it had wrenched him and Kree apart. Never had she appeared more beautiful
than when she’d opened Berridale’s front door and smiled at him. Never had his need to touch her been stronger than when she’d bent to slip on her sandals and her dress strap had slid down her satin-smooth shoulder. And never had words been as hard to say as when he’d told her there couldn’t continue to be anything between them.

All night, the image of her wide eyes had haunted him, and her hushed words had whispered through his dreams.

‘I understand,’ she’d said into the strain sucking the air out of the room like a dry summer wind, ‘why you believe you don’t deserve to be happy, and why you think you will only end up hurting me. But in any relationship there’s no guarantee things will run smoothly.’ She’d paused, her chin tilting. ‘So, while I do understand, I don’t agree. But I can see you’ve thought deeply about this and that there’s no changing your mind.’

Ewan raced the quad bike along the track to the machinery shed. All he could do now was survive Kree’s last weeks in the district. Thankfully, the working bee would involve many townsfolk and there would be little opportunity for the two of them to be alone. Kree was also living at Berridale again, which made it easier to keep his distance. She mightn’t agree with his decision and – if he were honest – he mightn’t be sure that he’d made the right call, but as painful and hard as it would be, he’d ensure things stayed casual and platonic between them. Then, when the time came for her to leave, they’d both have their hearts intact.

Ewan drove along Glenalla’s main street and gave a soundless whistle at the sea of dusty vehicles lining the kerbs outside
the pub and coach house. It had been years since he’d seen so many locals in town. Even cantankerous and reclusive Old Harry had come to lend a hand.

Kree should be so proud of all that she had achieved for Glenalla in such a short time. Her generosity and kind-heartedness would be sorely missed, by more than just him. He studied the faded and bare buildings as he parked. If the streetscape could look even half as vivid and dramatic as the murals in the pub, he had no doubt tourists would come. He followed the footpath to the Cobb and Co. station. And now, also thanks to Kree, there would be a place for tourists and locals to congregate.

‘Have some of those sausages got my name on them?’ he asked Jordy as he approached the portable barbeque she’d set up in the park. On a nearby trestle table plastic plates, bottles of sauce and loaves of bread were all neatly arranged. His stomach growled as the smell of cooked sausages reminded him he’d missed morning smoko.

‘Only if you go inside and do some work. Kree gave me strict instructions not to feed any slackers, especially late ones.’

Ewan laughed. Jordy had Bill’s work ethic, as well as his dry humour. Whoever the fly-by-nighter was who’d passed through town and fathered little Mikey, he was a fool for not staying around.

‘Okay, I’ll take my late-slacker butt inside to earn my lunch.’

‘I’m sure you’ll have no problems finding something to do. Mrs Jessop has already ear-marked jobs for you and Cassandra.’

Ewan groaned. ‘Are you sure you don’t need a hand out here?’

Jordy waved the barbeque tongs at him. ‘Sausages will be ready in ten minutes. That will give you long enough get your hands dirty and for Moira to organise a whirlwind wedding.’

‘What I need is a confirmed bachelor sign.’

‘Won’t do you any good.’ Jordy’s eyes twinkled. ‘The only way you’d be left alone is if you were wearing a ring on your finger. Both Mikey and Dad think you should make a bee-line for Kree.’

Ewan fought to keep his expression neutral. ‘They do, do they?’

‘And they wouldn’t be the only ones. With the exception of Mrs Jessop, the whole town is brainstorming ways of keeping her here.’

‘Well, they can count me out of their plans. I have Tish and the boys to take care of and Kree has her brother. Not to mention that she also has a home in America to return to.’

Jordy broke eye contact to turn the sausages, but not before he noticed her expression cloud. He shouldn’t have mentioned Tish. Jordy didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone, but there was something about his well-spoken sister-in-law that made Jordy uncomfortable. She never accepted his invitations to visit Marellen, no matter how much Mikey and the boys enjoyed playing together. She’d been born and bred in Glenalla and he could only guess small-town Jordy might feel intimidated around glamorous and worldly Tish. When Tish had first visited Glenalla with Fergus, the younger girls had all aspired to be like her. Even though Tish’s hair colour was natural, bottle-blonde pale hair had become the new trend. He was sure that if Jordy got to know Tish she’d then realise she had more in common with her than she thought.

Jordy glanced up, her gaze still shadowed. ‘Before I forget, Dad asked me to tell you to keep a close eye on those expensive cattle of yours. He’s heard talk of stock theft further west, and plenty of closed-mouth out-of-towners are passing through.’

‘Tell Bill thanks. I’ll keep a careful eye on the UltraBlacks.’

Ewan turned as someone approached and slapped his back.

‘So, you decided to join us,’ Travis said with a smile Ewan was sure hadn’t faded since seeing Tish last night.

‘Some of us have farm work to do, you know.’

Travis grinned. ‘If you weren’t late because you were cleaning your ute, I suppose I can let you off.’

Beside him, Jordy laughed. ‘It’s looking pretty clean, Travis.’

‘What’s this, pick on Ewan day?’

‘Not at all,’ Travis said, his grin broadening, ‘I’m making sure you stay level-headed. As soon as you walk through the door you’ll be treated like royalty. I believe Mrs Jessop’s brought a special container filled with lamingtons and a label reading, “For Ewan Mackenzie only”.’

Ewan scraped a hand over his face. ‘Can I leave now?’

‘Not on your life,’ Travis said with a smirk. ‘I’m getting Tish her garden design book from the car and I’ll see you in there. Beth is co-ordinating the stacking of the shelves, Kree is organising the tourist information and Mrs Jessop is on general duties, so I suggest you head straight to Kree and have her allocate you a job.’

‘And I’d hurry, too. You’ve now only got five minutes to be busy in if you want lunch,’ Jordy added, amusement threading her words.

Ewan sighed and headed for the coach house door. He
stepped into the bustling building and it was as though all eyes turned to him. Except Kree’s. Dressed in her distracting, snug, hot-pink tee and jeans, she didn’t look up from the box of brochures she was unpacking. As he nodded to people he’d known all his life, he couldn’t shake the impression that the curious eyes were fixing on him then looking towards Kree. He walked in the opposite direction to where Kree was working. It was even more important than ever he stay away from her. If what Jordy said was true, he couldn’t provide fuel for any matchmaking plans or local gossip. Kree deserved to be talked about for all the right reasons. One unguarded smile aimed at her, one unthinking touch, and the rumour mill would go into overdrive.

‘Hi, Uncy Ewy,’ Braye said as he ran past with Darby and Mikey, only stopping long enough to quickly hug his leg. A gesture both Darby and Mikey then copied. Across the room, Ewan saw Beth discussing the positioning of shelves on the nearby wall with a group of men holding power tools. This was where he needed to be. But before he could weave his way through the boxes towards them, Mrs Jessop appeared at his side.

‘Ewan, I’m
so
pleased you could make it.’

‘Hello, Moira.’ His smile stiffened as Mrs Jessop turned and called to a curvaceous brunette who had her hands full with bottles of Tish’s poppy-seed dressing. ‘Cassandra, leave those now. Ewan’s here.’

Cassandra nodded but finished arranging the bottles on the shelf. As she approached, Ewan caught a mutinous gleam in her brown eyes. Despite her mother’s plans, Cassandra wouldn’t be rushing down the aisle with him anytime soon.

‘Good to see you again, Cassandra.’

Mrs Jessop’s smile couldn’t stretch any wider. ‘Well, I’ll leave you both to it. You worked so well together at the command post, I thought it was a good idea to pair you off again. Cassandra knows what needs to be done.’

Ewan watched Moira stride away before meeting Cassandra’s now apologetic gaze.

‘Yet again,’ she said with a wry twist of her lips, ‘it seems you and I have a job apparently only the two of us can manage. And just for the record, don’t forget I make the world’s worst lamingtons.’

‘It’s fine. We’ll get the jobs done like last time and then make sure we make ourselves scarce.’

Travis entered the coach house, two sausage sandwiches in his hands. As he approached, he said in a stage whisper, ‘Jordy took pity on you. There’s something you can help her with after all.’

‘Great.’ Ewan accepted the sausage sandwiches and passed one to Cassandra. ‘Shall we eat these outside?’

‘Good idea. Let’s get as far away as possible from my mother.’

At the far end of the room, Ewan caught the lift of Kree’s dark head as she stared at him before sending him a brief wave. He stifled the relief that she wasn’t ignoring him after last night, and raised a hand in return.

After going to the pub to collect another tray of sausages, Ewan sat with Cassandra on the park bench and ate their second sausage sandwich. In front of them, children from the local school played on the equipment while their parents helped inside. Mrs Jessop poked her nose out the coach house door and, upon seeing Ewan and Cassandra sitting close together, gave a cheery flourish of her hand.

Beside him, Cassandra moaned. ‘I really am sorry.’

‘It’s fine. She’s looking out for you, that’s all. You and I both know I’m not your type. Hopefully she’ll work it out soon, too.’

‘And pigs fly.’

‘She’ll come round, you’ll see. So, how’s your ex’s new girlfriend working out? I take it from you being home, they’re still an item.’

‘Yes, they are. But I can’t keep coming to the farm to avoid seeing them together.’ Misery underscored her words. ‘Eventually, I’ll have to face that he’s moved on.’

Ewan placed an arm across her shoulders and hugged her. ‘He might have worn fancy designer suits, but the man’s got zero taste.’

She giggled. ‘Thanks.’

Ewan glanced up and right into Kree’s watchful eyes. She was standing beside Jordy, a piece of bread in her hand, waiting for a sausage. Surprise, and something he couldn’t decipher, raced across her face. Jordy spoke to her and she looked away to answer. Then, without a backward glance at him and Cassandra, she made her way into the coach house.

Ewan and Cassandra completed their allocated task of unloading Beth’s car, which involved many trips outside by themselves. Once the last box of the stock from Beth’s previous shop was ferried inside, Ewan suggested Cassandra read her constant stream of text messages before her phone imploded.

Ewan glanced around for Kree. He needed to explain why he and Cassandra had appeared so cosy on the park bench. But on not seeing her, he slipped out the side door to check if Jordy needed help. Young Fred Webb stood behind the barbeque turning a fresh batch of snags and, going off the high colour on Jordy’s cheeks, Ewan knew his assistance was no longer required.

Ewan returned inside and again surveyed the organised chaos for Kree. He finally spotted her bright pink tee in the far corner as she talked to Anne. The intensity of her expression suggested her discussion with the local historian and librarian concerned the murals and her father.

‘She’s not from around here, but she’s all right, that girl,’ Old Harry wheezed beside him as he, too, stared at Kree.

‘That she is.’

‘You’d do far worse than her, you know.’

Ewan chuckled. ‘You’re not becoming sentimental in your old age, are you, Harry? It’s not like you to take an interest in people’s lives.’

‘You’re right. I keep to myself. Give me cows over people any day. But …’ Harry’s faded, grey eyes fastened on his, ‘you know you’re not getting any younger.’

Ewan’s laughter caused Kree to glance at him. ‘Tell me about it. I’m creaking and cracking like I’m a hundred already.’

‘You young ’uns, you’ve had it too easy. There was no air-conditioning and no newfangled gadgets to keep a tractor in a straight line in my day.’

‘And there’s still no air-conditioning at Yuulong. There’s a reason I only call in for a cuppa when it’s winter.’

Old Harry’s usually unsmiling lips lifted at the corners. ‘See, what did I tell you? You young ’uns have no ticker.’ His brief smile vanished. ‘Take it from me. You need someone to grow old with. I never spoke up when I had the chance, and my girl married another man.’

‘I’m sorry, Harry.’ Ewan’s tone sobered. ‘I didn’t know you had someone. Dad always said you were a confirmed bachelor.’

Harry’s bent shoulders shrugged. ‘Take it from me, life doesn’t always play fair.’ He gazed at Kree as she finished talking to Anne and made her way out the back door. ‘So, don’t waste any chances, son.’

With a pointed look at Ewan and then at the back door, Old Harry shuffled away.

In his peripheral vision, Ewan saw Mrs Jessop head his way. If Mrs Jessop reached him, he’d never get a chance to talk to
Kree. He crossed the coach house in four strides and ducked out the back door.

Kree stood, hands on hips, staring at a series of oversized wooden panels, lined up against the fence. She quickly turned as he approached. Fatigue had sapped her face of colour and smudged dark bruises beneath her eyes. He’d seen her look bone-weary before, but for the first time since she’d arrived on Australian soil, shutters descended over her expression, keeping him at bay.

He’d got what he’d wished for. The brakes had been applied to the attraction between them. So, why then was loss lancing through him?

‘How’s it going, Kree?’

Even his formal and stilted question felt all wrong.

‘Good. The morning’s been a huge success. Everyone’s worked so hard and we’ve achieved so much.’ Her lips briefly tilted in a tired smile. ‘Thanks for coming and also for braving Mrs Jessop.’

‘No worries.’

An uncomfortable silence fell between them.

‘Are these the boards for your bushranger mural?’

‘Yes. They’re made out of high-quality plywood designed for the outdoors. Now they’ve been sanded, I’ll prime them and then they will be ready to be painted on. Once the mural is completed, they’ll be attached to the side of the tin building flanking the park. When people walk into the park, to their right will be the coach house and directly to their left the mural. Other murals can then be painted on the smooth walls of the main street buildings. Actually …’ She threw him a quick glance. ‘I’ve a favour to ask.’

‘Ask away.’

‘I need somewhere large and clean, with light and power, to paint in.’

‘The man-cave. That’s fine.’

This time the look she cast him lingered. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes.’ He rubbed his tense jaw. ‘Kree, about me and Cassandra … She’s split with her city boyfriend and I was trying to make her laugh, that’s all. I’m really not her type, and more to the point, she’s not mine. I’m sorry if you got the wrong impression.’

‘You don’t need to explain. It was good to see you having fun. I’ve also been doing some thinking about what you said last night.’ She stepped forward to adjust the position of a board and he lost sight of her face. ‘You’re right in saying there can be no future for us, but not because you aren’t worthy of having a relationship. We both have others relying on us and their needs and welfare must come first. So, now I agree, it is for the best we part as friends.’

Tish gazed around at the transformed coach house. The once dusty and empty building was now filled with colour and energy. To her left a glossy, cherry-red coffee machine sat on the counter in the café corner. Beside the counter gleamed the refrigerated, glass-fronted cabinet designed to display muffins and other sweet treats. Next to the cabinet stood a set of wooden shelves on which large glass jars would sit, filled with the lollies from Beth’s old store. The boys were already planning what flavours they would buy.

Travis had painted a portion of the wall behind the coffee machine with blackboard paint and soon the selection and price of the hot menu items would be listed. For now, the
space sported an ornate and colourful chalk ‘thank you for helping’, drawn by Kree and the boys.

Round wooden tables and seats were clustered slightly away from the counter to allow a quiet place to sip coffee and to read the array of information brochures shelved on the wall. Across from the tables, a thick red mat marked the children’s play corner. Two matching red tubs were filled to the brim with toys and books. Braye and Darby had each donated three books from their bookshelves. Tish walked over to the section of the tourist centre dedicated to gifts, souvenirs and local produce. She halted in front of her bottles of poppy-seed dressing and tomato chutney, which had pride of place on a top shelf.

‘They look great, Tish,’ Travis said as he stopped beside her.

‘Thanks. It was a team effort. The tomatoes I used for the chutney were from the plants you sent over.’

Travis’s gorgeous smile caused her toes to curl. Since she’d arrived at the working bee, he’d rarely left her side. After last night’s laughter-filled dinner, it was as though the final awkwardness between them had dissolved.

‘Speaking of plants, I’ve put your garden design book near your bag. Now might be a good time to start on the park garden plan?’

Tish nodded. But as she looked through the open front doors to where volunteers were mingling around the still-sizzling barbeque, she changed her mind. ‘Maybe we should wait until the sausage sizzle is finished. Then we can have the park to ourselves?’

‘Okay. Then how about you come and eat? Jordy’s doing a great job with the sausages.’

‘Thanks, but I’m not hungry. I could do with a coffee, though.’ Tish glanced towards the coffee machine. ‘I can’t wait to learn how to use that thing. Beth said she’d hold barista lessons next week for anyone interested in volunteering until the coach house can afford to employ regular staff. I said I’d be there.’

‘Good idea.’ Travis paused. ‘If Ewan was busy, you could drop the boys in to me, if you’d like?’

‘That’d be great. The boys would love it. Ewan has told them stories about the tree house his father built in the red river gum. Is it still there?’

‘It sure is. But I’ll check none of the floorboards are rotten before the boys visit.’

‘Thanks. Maybe I could arrive a little earlier and you could show me your veggie garden?’

‘I’d like that.’ He inclined his head towards the kitchen. ‘Come on, I’ll make us a coffee.’

Darby and Braye charged in through the front door. Despite their red caps shading their faces, both had rosy cheeks from playing in the park. They slid to a stop before her.

Tish looked between Darby and Braye. ‘Have you both been drinking from your water bottles?

Their two heads bobbed in unison.

‘And you ate all of your sausage sandwiches?’

Braye nodded and Darby shook his head.

Tish had learned early on that hunger made Braye cranky and short-fused. She always made sure he stopped long enough to eat and drink. She’d also learned that when it came to food, Darby was extremely fussy.

‘Well, there are snacks in the basket near my handbag in the kitchen, if either one of you gets hungry.’

Both gave her a quick hug and flashed a grin at Travis before running outside.

‘They’re having so much fun,’ she said as she and Travis continued into the kitchen. ‘If only my mother could see this is where they belong.’

‘She will.’

Tish collected two coffee mugs from her basket and set them on the bench. ‘I don’t know if she ever will understand why I can’t return to the city.’

‘What about your father? I thought the two of you got on well.’

‘We do, but we don’t talk much. When I was little, we used to go to the park and eat ice-cream when Mum thought I was at dance lessons. But the older I grew, the more Dad shut himself in his library. And I can’t blame him.’ Tish sat on top of a box near the kitchen doorway. ‘My mother’s exhausting. He’d spend his work day defending others, only to come home and have my mother dispute everything he’d say. I think he’s simply worn out.’

‘So has your mother confirmed when she’s arriving?’

Travis flicked on the electric kettle and the busy hum filled the small room.

‘It was going to be in a week but she called last night and left a message with Pru that it will now be tomorrow.’

‘That soon?’

‘Yes. I think Ewan had plans to organise a fishing trip with you to avoid her, but now she’s coming tomorrow, he’ll have to be here.’

Travis chuckled. ‘I take it their mutual dislike hasn’t mellowed.’

‘Not in the least. Ewan won’t take a dressing down from anyone and my mother hates to be proved wrong.’

‘Let the games begin.’

‘Exactly. I hope Braye minds his manners. My mother hasn’t seen him since we stayed overnight a year ago to celebrate Dad’s seventieth. He’s on his home turf now and won’t hold back if my mother does something he doesn’t approve of, like making Darby stay at the table until he eats his broccoli.’

‘Braye’s a year older now and might surprise you.’ Travis added coffee to the two mugs, followed by steaming water. ‘So how long is she staying?’

‘That’s the million dollar question. All she says when I ask, is that it depends. I can’t shake the feeling she’s coming for a reason.’

Travis smiled his calm smile and handed Tish her coffee. ‘I’m a phone call away, if you need me.’

‘Thanks, Trav.’

But instead of replying, his brows drew together as he stared over Tish’s shoulder. She turned. Ewan had entered the coach house via the back door and now strode across the room, body stiff. The concerns about her mother’s visit faded. Something was wrong. The impassive mask Ewan donned to hide his emotions shouldn’t be back in place. He’d come so far over the past few weeks. Then Kree walked through the back door, her mouth compressed as she collected a large tin of white paint and a roller brush, before retracing her steps out the back door. Tish met Travis’s eyes.

How quickly things changed. Last night she’d interrupted a kiss between Ewan and Kree, but today there was no doubt her and Travis’s matchmaking plans had unravelled. Big time.