Bottlebrush Creek Read online

  ‘You’ll be fine, love. Change is as good as a holiday, right?’

  Angie nodded. The novelty of running a beauty salon had lost its shine after Claudia’s arrival, but at least she knew what she was doing with potions and lotions, waxes and pedicures … unlike the whirlwind of motherhood.

  Her father pointed to a cluster of new lambs frolicking in the paddock under the watchful eye of the nearby ewes.

  ‘Be good for little Claud to be with you every day, instead of picking up more bad habits at that childcare centre,’ he said. ‘And don’t forget, we’re only two hours away. Your sisters will be down to help, I’m sure. And they’ll set Tim and Pete to work the second you ask. Plus Rob’s folks. They’ll be on the other side of the fence whenever you need a lift or an extra set of hands.’

  Angie groaned. Angus grinned.

  ‘Didn’t they welcome you with open arms? How about that fancy pram and cot they bought the second they found out you were up the duff?’

  Angie nodded. ‘Well, yes …’ She didn’t point out Rosa’s top-of-the-line gifts required an engineering degree to operate. Three years on, she still longed for the fuss-free stroller she’d been considering before Rosa’s gifts arrived.

  ‘And, like us, didn’t they love Claudia from the minute they met her?’ said Angus.

  Angie closed her eyes for a beat. Rosa had been so delighted with her first grandchild that she’d insisted on staying in the spare bedroom for the month after Rob’s paternity leave finished. ‘They sure did,’ she said, reaching for another scone and heaping cream on top.

  ‘From what you tell me, Rosa’s always offering to babysit. You should let her. Your mum can’t offer you the same luxury, I’m afraid,’ Angus said.

  A flock of corellas settled on the gum trees beside the shearing shed, laughing raucously. Maybe it was the sight of her mum’s weeping cherry tree in the far corner of the garden, but above the sound of her father’s voice, the birds and the frogs croaking in the dam, Angie could hear her mother’s voice.

  ‘You’re stronger than you’ll ever know, Angie-bee.’

  The hairs on Angie’s pale arms were raised as the memory of Annabel McIntyre’s unwavering belief gave her the soft push she needed.

  Rob and I can do this. We will do this.

  Four

  Happy squeals echoed as Angie entered the Eden Creek daycare centre. She followed an artwork-lined hallway to the under-threes room and was greeted by a new staff member.

  ‘Hi. I’m here for Claudia Jones. Blonde, about yay high?’ Angie held a hand about mid-thigh. ‘Also known as the resident vampire?’

  The new daycare lady laughed, then lowered her voice. ‘She only bit one little boy today, on the hand. But seriously, we’d all love to sink our teeth into that kid, so don’t lose any sleep over it.’

  Angie cringed, scanning the room for bite marks on other children but finding none. A bite on the hand was a relief compared to the Claudia-shaped teeth marks she’d spotted on a little girl’s cheek last week.

  Claudia—little blobs of dried paint on her face—greeted her with a hug. Angie bustled her out the door before they could be lumbered with any more finger-painted masterpieces.

  The receptionist waved as they signed out. ‘Oh, Angie, have you finished the grant application yet?’

  Angie glanced at the centre’s worn playground, the one they’d been fundraising to replace. The one she’d suggested would be the perfect candidate for the next round of council grant funding. The one she’d clean forgotten about. Me and my big ideas.

  ‘Yes. No. I mean, I haven’t finished the application yet.’ Or gotten any further than printing out the application criteria, and then burying it under piles of clean washing. ‘I’ll get onto it next week before we leave.’

  ‘You’re the best, Angie.’

  Angie’s smile slipped from her face as she burst through the double doors and gulped in mouthfuls of fresh air. The Eden Creek mums-and-bubs fundraisers, daycare parents’ committee, show society and the senior citizens’ pamper sessions had been great to start off with, but …

  She tugged at her neckline. She wasn’t quite sure how she’d managed to get herself so deeply entrenched in this community—the warm fuzzies she’d initially felt at all the commitments now felt like a noose around her neck. This is the perfect time to be leaving town.

  A fresh start in Port Fairview was sounding more appealing by the day. Some breathing space while they renovated and then she’d carefully choose her volunteer roles, instead of agreeing to them all. Angie wrestled her salon uniform back into place so it skimmed her curves instead of clinging to the bumpy bits.

  A new town, a new me, she thought. Maybe I’ll finally find time to get back into shape. The thought brightened her up as she drove through the quiet town.

  Rosa wiped down the farmhouse fridge before affixing Claudia’s drawings to the door. She smoothed the artwork with her hand. The black-and-white blob surrounded by blue was apparently a dairy cow in the middle of the ocean, and although the likeness was debatable, it pleased her to know Claudia was already thinking of her new home. There’d soon be enough colourful creations to wallpaper the entire house.

  Angie’s invitation to babysit in Eden Creek next week had been the icing on the cake. Driving two hours north, and then two hours back to the coast the following day didn’t worry her in the least. It would be wonderful to have Claudia all to herself—listening to the joyous sound of a child’s laughter, the whoops of delight when she sang her granddaughter’s favourite nursery rhyme. Rosa backtracked, realising she didn’t yet know Claudia’s likes and dislikes. Mere details.

  This was what had been missing from her life, and if things went to plan, there’d be plenty more babysitting opportunities. Angie couldn’t shut her out when she lived so close.

  Rosa smiled again at the idea of future family gatherings and shared meals. Maybe we could start a tradition of Sunday-night roasts. Wouldn’t that be nice?

  Rosa startled as she heard John’s ute turn into their driveway, and spritzed some more cleaning spray around the kitchen. She wouldn’t mention today’s little errand.

  Not yet.

  They’d been good neighbours to Ivan, and nobody else needed to know about the cheque she’d taken him today. Ivan would keep his word and stay quiet about the sweetener, and that oaf of a real estate agent was so happy with his commission he’d never question why the vendor had accepted such a low offer. But what if it somehow slipped out? She banished the thought quickly, as if thinking it would bring it about. As long as I keep quiet, nobody will find out. John never checks the bank accounts anyway, and if he does, I’ll explain it’s just an early wedding present instead of waiting around for the day Rob and Angie decide to tie the knot. It’s a win–win, she reminded herself. Everything’s coming together perfectly.

  Five

  Rob paused at the mine office doorway, the bright Western Australian sunlight dazzling him one last time. Noise tumbled out from the television room. The men he’d worked with for the last two years were watching Australia smash the All Blacks in rugby, but he’d averted his eyes as he passed. He’d already said his goodbyes before doing one last sweep through his room and packing his belongings.

  Rob took a deep breath. Except for the pay-cheque, there was nothing he’d miss about this place, or the fly-in fly-out lifestyle.

  Be happy. Be excited. New beginnings ahead. The girls. Our own place. He’d started a notebook to scribble down ideas for their upcoming project, and as he hopped aboard the transfer to Perth airport, and then the plane to Melbourne, he almost filled it. In no time at all, he was striding through Tullamarine arrivals hall, resisting the urge to kiss the Victorian ground. His phone vibrated with an incoming call.

  ‘Hey, Brett?’

  ‘Bugger me dead, Jonesy. Bumped into your mum today, and she said you were moving back home. I told her she was stark-raving mad, because the Jonesy I knew was hell-bent on flogging his guts out at a mine
.’

  Rob located the luggage carousel for his flight and leaned back in his boots.

  His high-school friend continued incredulously. ‘Also told her there was no way Rob Jones, lead wicket taker, sharpshooter and all-round wonder child, would dare return to the region without consulting his oldest friend. Tell me she’s wrong, Jonesy. Tell me that after all those years covering your arse every time we got into trouble, you wouldn’t forget to mention something like that.’

  ‘Didn’t want to spoil the surprise, mate.’

  Like the luggage carousel’s lazy circles, this move back to his hometown after so many years away would bring him full circle. He couldn’t decide whether it was a good thing or not.

  ‘You’re finally doing up the old cottage, then? I thought you’d thrown the baby out with the bathwater when your brother left? Hope you’re not outsourcing the lot, or anything like that. You want it done right, you’re better off doing it yourself.’

  ‘Pfft, Max was going to do a lot of things, wasn’t he? Ange and I will give it a red-hot crack. She’s just sold her salon in Eden Creek, so it’s good timing.’

  ‘Tessa will be pleased there’s a new hairdresser in town. I can’t believe you haven’t brought her down to meet us yet. And your little tacker too, what’s she now? Almost one?’

  Rob wedged the phone between his shoulder and ear, and stepped forwards to grab his backpack.

  ‘Ange’s a beautician, not a hairdresser, but I’ve seen what she can do with a rosebush—she’d probably make a darn good hairdresser too. Claudia’s two and a half.’

  ‘Reckon her and Tessa will get along. Our little Scarlett is the same age. So, I know a good plumber in town, he might lend you a hand with these renos.’

  ‘Hoped you’d say that, mate. We’re down soon to collect the keys. Don’t want to drag this project out for years,’ said Rob, weaving through the airport terminal.

  Brett’s laugh echoed down the phone. ‘There’s a new one. Double your timeline, triple your budget and you’ll be about right. I’ll drop around with a few cold ones, see what you’ve got yourself into.’

  Rob took the shuttle to Southern Cross Station and spent the next three westward hours reassuring himself he hadn’t bitten off more than he could chew.

  Angie reached for the daycare sign-out sheet, puzzled to see Rosa’s signature already beside Claudia’s name. Angie glanced at the clock hanging above the double doors, and back down at the logbook.

  Rosa Jones, 1 p.m.

  Rosa signed Claudia out three hours ago? She must have driven up from Port Fairview as soon as the morning milking was finished. The daycare worker hurried over, her face creased with confusion.

  ‘Sorry, I thought you knew? Rob’s mum said you were heading away for the weekend, which was what you’d told me this morning. Said she wanted to maximise her time with Claudia and save you a few extra minutes. I couldn’t reach you, but I got an okay from Rob,’ she said. ‘Is she a bit of a monster-in-law?’

  ‘No, no, Rosa’s fine. She’s just a little’—Angie paused to think of the right word—‘enthusiastic, that’s all.’

  Enthusiasm was a Rosa Jones specialty. She’d been enthusiastic about a christening for Claudia, although Angie wasn’t the least bit religious. Enthusiastic about cloth nappies, even though she wasn’t the one soaking, washing and trying to dry the darn things in the depths of a wet winter. Enthusiastic with her advice on controlled crying, the pros of breastfeeding and the cons of co-sleeping. Angie had almost cried with relief, and guilt, when a full-time place opened up at the Eden Creek daycare centre.

  ‘It’s the first time I’ve asked her to babysit Claudia for the night, and she’s driven up from Port Fairview just for the occasion. I guess we got our wires crossed.’

  ‘My folks said they’re moving to Queensland when I have kids. Apparently their retirement’s going to be full of golf tournaments and leisurely lunches, not changing dirty nappies and wiping snotty noses. You’re lucky.’

  Angie gave the staff member a nervous smile as she left.

  Give her an inch, and she’ll take a mile. Weren’t those her sisters’ exact words when she’d mentioned Rosa was babysitting in Eden Creek this weekend so she and Rob could visit their new property at Port Fairview?

  Angie sped through town, regretting their decision to turn the key collection into a mini-break, just the two of them. It was too soon. As much as she wanted to trust Rosa not to intefere, this early daycare collection was a wildly waving red flag.

  Angie could smell something baking as soon as she opened the front door. Ginger, cinnamon and honey by the smell of it. Rosa had already made herself at home, obviously. How did she get the oven working?

  ‘Rosa? Claudia?’ Angie tossed her shoes into the wicker basket. She forced herself to calm down at the front door, taking a moment to guess what was baking instead of rushing in straightaway to confront Rob’s mother. Ginger fluff? Gingerbread men? Knowing Rosa, it was probably both.

  Angie exhaled slowly as she walked into the kitchen. Claudia looked up from a lump of dough, delight all over her flour-dusted face.

  ‘Don’t look so worried, Angie. You don’t have to eat it all at once. It’s just a few meals and snacks to keep us going while you’re away, and a couple of freezer fillers so you don’t have to cook while you’re packing,’ beamed Rosa, leaving the stovetop to wrap her in an exuberant hug.

  Angie’s eyes widened as she noticed their dining table. It was laden with baking trays, cooling racks and a commercial quantity of plastic takeaway containers, each brimming with homemade delicacies.

  Rosa held Angie at arm’s length, her sharp brown eyes uncomfortably appraising. Angie shoved her hands into the front pockets of her beautician’s uniform, hiding her figure. She could almost see the cogs turning in Rosa’s mind, wondering if the tight uniform was covering a baby bump, or just too many frozen pizzas and bakery lunches. She’ll be disappointed when she discovers it’s only the latter.

  ‘Thanks for coming up for the weekend, Rosa. Sorry the house is a mess. It’s been so hectic recently, I’ve barely had time to scratch myself with all this packing.’ Angie gestured to the couch, surprised to discover the piles of washing had disappeared. The tidal wave of toys was nowhere to be seen, either. ‘Oh! You don’t waste any time, do you?’

  Who is this Wonder Woman, and why didn’t I invite her into my life sooner?

  ‘I remember how busy it is with little ones. And it’ll be good for you to get away for the weekend. The oven was a bit dicky, but I got it running again. Amazing what a whack with a rolling pin and a bit of string can do,’ said Rosa.

  Angie gaped. Sure enough, the oven door was tied shut with a length of twine. She’d assumed Rob had inherited his knack for improvising from his father, but maybe it was from Rosa?

  She walked over to Claudia’s stool and gave her a kiss. ‘Aren’t you a lucky girl, getting home early to bake with Granny?’ said Angie, flashing a look towards the oven. Mention it. Start as you mean to go on. ‘You know, I …’

  Rosa looked up, a broad smile matching her enthusiasm.

  Angie took a breath and tried again. ‘Er … I wasn’t expecting you until later.’

  ‘I wanted to make the most of our time together, and I had a hankering to bake with this little one. You don’t mind, do you?’

  Rosa sat Claudia on a stool next to the oven as Angie gazed around the house. Everywhere she looked there was evidence of Rosa’s helpfulness. Angie felt guilty for seething on the drive home. She forced her shoulders down and adopted a breezy smile.

  ‘Who could complain about this?’ She looked around the room again. Had Rosa even dusted the pot-plant leaves?

  ‘Oh, this is nothing. When you move down, I’ll be able to babysit all the time.’ Rosa waved her off as she turned back to the pot of soup on the stovetop. ‘Now, you go pack for your naughty weekend away. Everything’s under control here. Isn’t it, Claudia?’

  Claudia nodded, slipping anoth
er ball of dough into her mouth.

  Angie walked to the bedroom, willing herself to feel okay about leaving Claudia for the weekend. It’d be different if Mum was still alive, she told herself. She tossed clothes into the overnight bag, running her finger down the to-do list she’d written in the wee hours of the morning in an attempt to get back to sleep. Pillow. Phone charger. Book. New nighty. New lingerie.

  Angie groaned as she realised the carrier bag containing her dusky-pink lingerie was still in the salon, stashed under the front counter after yesterday’s lunchtime shopping spree. Darn it. Still, I’m sure we’ll find other ways to celebrate …

  A quick rifle through her chest of drawers revealed one matching set of bra and briefs in the mountain of grey, black and beige cotton granny-undies. She held them up to the light, frowning at the slightly stretched and faded fabric, before stuffing them into the bag. When did the state of my underwear slip so far beneath the radar?

  Angie shrugged out of her beauty salon uniform, took her hair down from the high bun and let her curls cascade over her shoulders the way Rob loved.

  She caught a glimpse of her reflection as she swung the wardrobe door open. Cruel schoolyard jibes ran through her mind. Chunky monkey. No staying power, that Angie McIntyre. She’ll be lucky to find a fella with her lard arse and those ugly freckles. Who wants someone who changes her mind as often as she changes her knickers?

  No matter how hard Angie had worked to erase those taunts from her memory, they still had bite. Narrowing her eyes at the mirror, she set her hands on her hips. Are you really going to let those old insecurities ruin your night away?

  She spun away from the mirror and pulled on a pair of opaque tights, slipped a grey dress over her T-shirt and topped off the outfit with a woollen cardigan, a quick spritz of perfume and a slash of lipstick before slamming the wardrobe door shut.

  She checked her watch. In two hours they’d be collecting the keys to their new home. Her nerves about leaving Claudia with Rosa evaporated into excitement. Suddenly she couldn’t wait to collect Rob from the train station and head to the coast.