The Round Yard

by Alissa Callen

  He’d always sought solace in the outdoors. When he’d discovered his biological father had come from the bush and had been a horseman, everything had made sense. But his adoptive father, who came from generations of lawyers, had never understood why Tanner had preferred to spend his school holidays on boarding friends’ farms. As for his decision to not practise law and to work with horses, that had been the final disappointment.

  ‘Take a seat,’ Neve said over her shoulder before she disappeared inside.

  Tanner sat at the table. Maya and Kait climbed into the seats on either side of him. Patch sank onto the floorboards by Tanner’s boots, his tongue lolling. Needing to do something, Tanner poured water into the cups.

  Neve returned with a plate of watermelon cut into stars and a bowl she placed in front of Patch. The girls looked under the table as the border collie played in the water with his paw before taking a drink.

  Neve took the seat opposite Tanner and offered him a cupcake swirled in light-blue icing.

  ‘Thanks.’ He carefully placed a cupcake on his plate. ‘I had no idea cakes could be blue.’

  Both girls giggled as they too took a blue cake.

  While he tried to think of a suitable conversation starter, Patch leapt to his feet and barked. A familiar white four-wheel drive barrelled through Rosewood’s front gate. Tanner glanced at Neve. Her chin lifted. She too knew exactly who her unexpected visitor was.

  Edna Galloway.

  CHAPTER

  5

  Tanner’s distinctive blue ute would be his downfall. Neve snuck a sideways look at the drover as she came to her feet. He stared at Edna’s vehicle, his tanned face settling into guarded lines as though he was weighing up his chances of making a fast getaway. The one time he didn’t race off home was the one time Edna came to visit.

  Beside him the girls sat as close as possible, both of their attention on him. As if conscious Edna’s arrival could prove disruptive, he half smiled at each child to reassure them. He then took a bite of his cupcake. Maya and Kait copied.

  Neve walked down the veranda steps to greet Edna before Tanner could notice her expression. He couldn’t know how much his empathy towards the girls left her feeling both moved and unsettled. She still couldn’t explain to herself why he affected her so much.

  Edna left her four-wheel drive, her stride purposeful as she bustled through the narrow garden gate.

  ‘Well, hello there,’ she said, looking past Neve, her attention already on where Tanner sat.

  Neve dutifully exchanged air kisses. ‘This is a surprise.’

  ‘I was just passing by.’

  ‘Your timing’s perfect.’ Neve repressed a smile. They both knew she was the only person to live along this road. ‘Would you like a cuppa and a cupcake?’

  ‘That would be lovely. The first time I saw you I thought how much you were like your grandmother. She always had the kettle on.’

  Before Neve could reply, Edna strode towards the veranda. Neve trailed behind, inhaling the overpowering scent of the older woman’s perfume. Patch wagged his tail as they climbed the steps but didn’t leave his position beside Tanner’s boots.

  Tanner stood and Edna enveloped him in a robust hug. ‘So wonderful to see you … it’s been a while.’

  ‘Yes, it has. I haven’t been to town. What brings you out this way?’

  ‘Do I need a reason to see the daughter of an old friend?’

  Neve was sure Edna batted her eyelashes.

  ‘Not at all.’

  Neve waved a hand towards a spare seat on the other side of the table far away from Tanner. ‘Cupcake, Edna?’

  ‘I’d love one. Dr Fliss was so pleased with my last cholesterol results I’m allowed a treat every now and then.’

  Neve didn’t comment that every time she saw Edna in the Windmill Café she was having a piece of her favourite caramel slice.

  Edna’s smile contained none of her usual sharpness as she took her seat and looked across at Maya and Kait. ‘These cupcakes look delicious. Did you make them?’

  Mouths full, both girls nodded.

  Neve poured Edna a glass of iced water.

  ‘Thank you.’ Edna took a sip, her attention again focusing on Tanner. ‘Isn’t this nice?’

  He nodded.

  Neve hovered in the doorway. She should make Edna’s tea, but she wasn’t sure about the wisdom of leaving without defusing Edna’s curiosity. ‘It is. Tanner doesn’t usually stay.’

  The narrowing of Edna’s eyes was only subtle. ‘Well then, my timing was impeccable.’

  ‘It was.’

  The dry note in Tanner’s reply had Neve head inside before anyone saw her smile.

  When she returned with Edna’s tea the conversation had turned to the soon-to-be-finished adventure playground. After Kait grew restless Neve suggested that she and Maya play inside. The older woman watched as the girls waited for Tanner’s slow smile before they left.

  The front screen door hadn’t clicked shut before Edna looked towards the orchard. ‘So is that the pony and donkey?’

  From her tone it was almost as though she expected Bassie and Dell to sport devil’s horns.

  Tanner nodded.

  ‘They look so … sweet.’

  Neve gave a short laugh. ‘Don’t let their looks fool you. Tanner’s only back again this afternoon because Bassie got himself stuck in the fence.’

  ‘Again? You’ve already been out today?’

  Neve spoke quickly. There was a glint in Tanner’s now steely gaze. ‘Briefly this morning. Bassie was saddled for the first time. Another cake, Edna?’

  Neve may as well have not spoken. Edna didn’t look away from Tanner. ‘I hope your work here will soon be done girls can ride that pony the better.’ As if realising how insensitive her words sounded, she gave a saccharine smile. ‘Of course … after all they’ve been through they do need something fun to look forward to.’

  Tanner folded his arms. ‘Of course, but I’m not having the girls injured because I rushed through my work with Bassie.’

  This time Neve had no doubt Edna’s eyelashes batted. ‘That’s why you’re so good at what you do. I know when you work with Bethany on this project horse she’s picking up from the Hunter Valley this weekend that you’ll stay until your work’s done.’

  Tanner came to his feet and so did Patch. ‘I’m glad Bethany’s found a project horse, but it’s the first I’ve heard that I’ll be working with her. I’ll be off droving soon, but if she does need help tell her to give me a call.’

  Edna also stood. ‘She’ll need help all right. She’ll be giving you a call.’

  To Tanner’s credit his deadpan expression didn’t change. ‘Remember, until I’m finished with Dell and Bassie, I won’t be available.’ He looked at Neve as she left her seat. ‘Thank the girls for the cupcakes. I’ll see you all on Monday.’

  Neve made sure she told herself that the soft light in his eyes was just his appreciation that when it came to Edna they continued to be a united front. His warmth towards her didn’t mean anything more. ‘Okay.’

  The fixed intensity of Edna’s stare towards Tanner left Neve in no doubt that Edna’s reputation for being single-minded in a crisis hadn’t been exaggerated. She also hadn’t finished with the drover yet. ‘Before you go, Tanner, a little birdy tells me your name wasn’t on the small-hall festival’s ticket list.’

  His broad shoulders moved in a silent sigh. ‘No, it wouldn’t be.’ ‘That’s too bad. I do understand though how busy you are. I’ll tell Bethany she’ll have plenty of time to catch up with you when you’re working together.’ Edna turned to Neve, her expression smug. ‘Your name was on the list, so I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow night. Now I believe you haven’t met the Barton boys yet?’

  ‘You’re in trouble if Edna is intent on matchmaking you with Finn and Mac.’ Ella cast Neve a serious look as she drove along Rosewood’s driveway. ‘Just what were you and Tanner doing when she visited?’

  Neve
could feel a blush coming on. ‘Nothing.’

  Ella arched a brow.

  Neve laughed and then wished she hadn’t when the sound emerged more hollow than amused. ‘Do I have to state the obvious? We were with the girls.’

  Ella’s grin only widened.

  Neve shook her head. ‘Surely there have to be some other eligible bachelors Edna can obsess over besides poor Tanner? He can’t seem to do anything or be seen with anybody. What about the Barton boys?’

  ‘Edna has a longstanding feud with Clive Barton, so she won’t be allowing Bethany anywhere near his sons. They’re the only single blokes in the district who’ve never been invited to Sunday lunch at the Galloways’.’

  Neve was yet to meet Bethany, but she already felt sorry for her. ‘You’re single and know Tanner. Edna leaves you alone.’

  ‘She does, but I have a secret weapon—her husband. I was fair game until I helped Noel save his prize bull. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, even Edna listens.’ Ella paused to look past Neve out the passenger-side window. ‘You don’t know how happy it makes me to see Dell and Bassie doing so well.’ Neve looked to where Dell stood in a blue hula hoop. The donkey used her teeth to pull it forwards and backwards as she played.

  ‘You don’t know how happy I am to see them still in their paddock.’

  Ella’s laughter sounded. ‘How long have they stayed there now?’

  ‘Eight days. And yes, I’m counting.’

  ‘So another Tanner success story?’

  ‘Yes. I’ve learned to lunge them both, Bassie has been saddled and next week Tanner will bring Arrow over to lead Bassie around.’

  ‘Then the girls can have their first ride?’

  ‘That’s the plan.’

  Neve let the conversation lull as, deep in thought, she looked out her window. Beyond the road, paddocks rolled in golden waves towards the distant ridge.

  Geometric bands of red earth marked where cereal crops had been sown and awakened a memory of watching her grandfather plough on a rattling tractor. Whereas all her memories of her grandmother were clear and distinct, she had trouble picturing the gruff, angry man who’d smelled of beer and tobacco.

  She looked back at Ella. She didn’t want to sound too curious, especially after they’d already been talking about Tanner, but there was something she needed to know. ‘Have there been many … Tanner success stories?’

  ‘Let’s just say it’s not a coincidence how many single women have horses that need re-educating or breaking in, or who need campdrafting help. When he’s home, Tanner’s in demand.’

  ‘I can only imagine. Edna personally delivered the news that Bethany will soon have a project horse.’

  Ella shot her a quick look. ‘Trust me, it wouldn’t matter who Tanner helped; he’s never going to breach his professional boundaries.’ The vet pulled a face, half humorous and half sad. ‘Tanner has the look of someone not interested in a relationship even if Edna refuses to see it … I know because I see such a look every day in the mirror.’

  Neve touched Ella’s arm. When she’d worked overseas, she’d had her heart broken. Much to the disappointment of the local men, she continued to be in no rush for a new relationship. ‘There will come a time when you’re ready.’

  ‘We’ll see.’ Ella glanced over Neve’s classic little black dress that over the years had only seen a handful of outings. ‘That’s a gorgeous dress,’ she said, changing the subject.

  ‘Thanks.’

  Ella too wore a knee-length dress. Blue and fitted, the style showcased her long legs and honey-blonde hair. If Tanner had the district’s single women calling on him to train their horses, Ella would have all the single farmers needing veterinarian attention for their animals.

  ‘It will be a fun night.’ This time Ella’s smile contained its usual spark. ‘You think Bassie and Dell got up to mischief in your garden, that’s nothing compared to some of the things I saw when I lived in the Cotswolds.’

  For the rest of the drive to the remote village of Reedy Creek, Ella kept Neve entertained with stories about sheep dogs herding sheep into their owner’s kitchen and a pony escaping to participate in a local charity walk.

  Ella joined the queue of cars turning off to visit the corrugated-iron hall nestled in a clearing on the outskirts of the tiny community. Behind the rustic building wound the creek and to the left were two symmetrical tennis courts. Dusk cloaked the scene, causing the strings of white lights laced between the box trees at the front of the hall to gleam.

  Neve took a picture on her phone. ‘Fliss was right. It looks beautiful.’

  ‘It sure does. Wait until you hear the music and taste the mojitos, and as for the steak sandwiches …’

  Neve’s mouth watered. She’d been so focused on organising her mother’s collection of photographs she’d skipped lunch.

  Ella parked at the end of the furthest row of cars and they walked across the slashed grass. The aroma of steak and onion wafted from the small room attached to the back of the hall. When they reached the front alcove, Neve snapped a photo of the bookshelf that housed a book exchange. She still had a much-loved copy of a horse book she’d once found there.

  The hall that the community had worked together to build in the late 1920s had been a special place of her childhood. She’d spent many a summer’s evening listening to the thwack of balls on string racquets and the lighthearted laughter that lasted long after the final ball had been hit. It was here that her grandmother had always seemed to be so carefree. For some reason her grandfather had refused to come with them. In the days after they’d visit, his mood would always deteriorate.

  Neve followed Ella inside the bustling hall. Cressy waved from where she sat three rows from a makeshift stage. Music would soon replace the buzz of animated chatter. The small-hall festival was designed to bring folk and contemporary artists out to isolated rural communities. This year the international act was from Canada.

  Fliss and Taylor, the petite platinum-blonde hairdresser, sat on Cressy’s right while empty seats stretched to her left. Denham and Hewitt had to be outside enjoying the steak sandwiches. At least Tanner wouldn’t be there so she could relax and not worry about his smile sabotaging her social skills. She still was at a loss as to why it mattered so much that she didn’t make a fool of herself when around him.

  After hugs were exchanged, Ella and Neve headed for the food area. Denham and Hewitt were deep in conversation with Drew Macgregor over near the bar. Beneath the white twinkling lights, Meredith and Phil spoke to Taylor’s mother, Sue. Neve had only taken a bite of her steak sandwich when two men dressed in crisp cotton shirts, jeans and cowboy boots approached. From their similar broad grins and the twinkle in their blue eyes when they greeted Ella, Neve guessed they were the very single Barton twins.

  Ella introduced them as Finn and Mac. The laughter and conversation flowed as they too enjoyed their steak sandwiches. To Neve’s surprise, she found herself at ease and readily joining in with the jovial banter. As the group laughed at something she said, the suspicion grew that maybe it was only around a certain drover that she grew tongue-tied.

  When a young vet nurse and her giggling friends joined them, Neve took her leave. Telling Ella she’d see her inside, Neve headed around the side of the corrugated-iron hall. Before it became too dark, she wanted to visit the tennis courts. Her grandmother used to tell a story about how at the beginning of the Second World War the courts hadn’t been used and rabbits had burrowed beneath them. When they’d been repaired, hollows remained. A depression in the first court used to always form a large puddle when it rained.

  After a quick search, she found the familiar indentation. Memories rushed through her, quickly followed by a tide of sadness. She was about to bend and place her palm in the rough hollow when the deep timbre of a masculine voice sounded from the shadows to her left. Even before she turned, the flip-flop in her stomach identified the man who was pacing and talking on his phone along the courtside fence.

/>   Tanner had come to the small-hall festival after all.

  The gleam of red-gold hair and the pale glow of skin warned Tanner he wasn’t alone. He ended his tense call to his adoptive father. Of all the people privy to his uncomfortable conversation it had to be astute Neve.

  He returned his phone to his jeans pocket. He’d left a message first thing wishing Stewart a happy birthday and it had taken all day for his father to call back. Every time he thought the conversation couldn’t get any colder or any more brutal. Every time he’d been wrong.

  He stepped out of the shadows and counted on the gathering dusk to hide his expression.

  Neve walked across the court to meet him. The evening breeze tangled in the skirt of her sleeveless black dress and she lowered a hand to keep the material from lifting.

  ‘Hi. You made it.’

  ‘Yes. There’s a reason Meredith organises the church fete and has an army of volunteers … she’s impossible to say no to.’

  ‘Tell me about it.’ The warmth of Neve’s smile soothed his battered emotions. ‘When I arrived I was adamant I didn’t want to impose, and yet a week’s worth of dinners were already in my freezer.’

  ‘That’s Meredith.’ He looked to where Neve had been standing at the end of the court. ‘Reliving your tennis glory days?’

  ‘Not exactly. I used to come here as a child with my mother and grandmother. The dip is still there and it just took me back … to a very happy time.’

  ‘The same thing happens whenever I drive past the park near my childhood home.’ He paused. When Neve’s gaze searched his, he was even more appreciative of the poor light. ‘My father used to push me so high on the swing, I’d feel like I was flying.’

  ‘That was always such a great feeling.’

  ‘It was. Neve … I’m sorry about your mum. I didn’t realise she’d grown up here.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Neve bowed her head as her fingers pleated the skirt of her dress.

  ‘It will get better.’

  She again met his eyes and he answered her unspoken question. ‘My adoptive mother … to endometrial cancer.’