Outback Heart

by Palmer, Fiona

  The cold wind was swirling around; the moist air from last night’s rain smelt fresh. If only it helped to calm her down.

  She had to be at work in an hour and she still had to get these to the Telecentre and help with the Waveline News. The local newsletter was made by volunteers so they all helped do up various pages on gossip, sporting news and town events.

  ‘Need a hand?’

  Indi turned to Troy as he walked through the shopping centre’s automatic doors, a paper under his arm. Just seeing him took the edge off her anger.

  ‘Please,’ she said as she began to round up all the fluttering sheets of paper. She picked up one that had landed in a muddy puddle. ‘Bugger. I’ll have to print some more.’

  ‘Busy Bee for Progress? What’s this for?’ he asked as he read one of the sheets.

  ‘I’m the secretary so it’s just a part of the job. But we’re calling for helpers to clean up around town after that windstorm the other day. Trees are down all over the place; we need to get it cleaned up. We’ve got a lot of tourists who pass through and the town has to look presentable.’

  ‘How did you get that job, then?’ Troy collected the last two sheets that had blown up against the verandah post.

  ‘I put my hand up for it,’ she said, doubting that Troy would really want to know. Troy never talked about his personal life and rarely questioned others about theirs.

  ‘Why?’

  Indi raised an eyebrow at his sudden interest. She tried to summon a reply as Troy handed her the sheet. ‘Um, Hyden’s my home and I want to help progress it. Kind’ve thought the title “Progress Association” may have given it away,’ she said smugly.

  ‘Ha ha. No really, why?’ he asked again.

  Indi hadn’t expected this level of questioning. She took a deep breath and glanced away, watching a local bloke pull into the tyre joint across the road. ‘I love this place. My life is here with my friends and family. I don’t want to lose the things I love so I need to roll up my sleeves and put in the hard yards.’ Indi pulled her shoulders back. ‘We have to do what we can to keep these small, shrinking communities alive.’ Indi felt a bit choked up on emotion. She couldn’t help it. When local businesses closed and people moved away it upset her. The way farming was, she feared for the country towns in the future. By the time her kids came along, what would they have left for them out here? ‘Look, I’ve gotta go. I still have to help at the Telecentre before work.’ She needed to shake her depressing thoughts.

  ‘You’re a tad busy, aren’t you?’ His hands sat on his hips, his work jeans tight around his long legs, and he made no move to leave.

  ‘No rest for the wicked. But the bright side of working through the night is that I get most of tomorrow off.’ Indi felt like yawning just thinking about it.

  ‘Ah. And what will you do with yourself then? Sleep?’

  ‘I wish,’ she said, jostling the papers in her hand. ‘I’ll probably be helping with the CWA morning tea.’

  ‘Seriously?’ Troy asked. ‘What? Are you like fifty years old?’

  Indi threw her head back and laughed. ‘Sometimes I feel it.’ Indi rubbed her forehead to ease the pressure from a headache she could feel coming on. ‘And then Jasper’s coming home from the hospital and he’s going to need a babysitter.’ Indi shook her head. ‘I’ve really got to go. I guess I’ll see you at training on Thursday.’

  ‘Righto.’

  She’d taken a few steps towards her ute when she stopped. ‘Oh, hey, actually,’ she said, turning back to Troy. ‘Can you get time off tomorrow? I could show you around, take you up to the rock. I’ve been meaning to do it for ages.’ She grimaced apologetically.

  ‘Don’t worry. I can see you’ve been busy.’ Troy glanced at his boots. ‘I’ll speak to Jen and see if I can get away, if you like.’

  Indi took that as a yes. ‘Great. You’ll love it. It’s so beautiful up there.’ She gave him a parting smile as Troy walked back to work. Her heart was racing. Alone time with Troy. She could hardly believe it. Real alone time, without a team of sweaty men. Chucking her flyers on the passenger seat, she backed out of the parking area and headed around the corner past the school to the Telecentre. When she got there her mind was still on Troy. For the first time, he had actually seemed interested in what she was doing.

  ‘I’m so sorry I’m late, Tegan,’ Indi said, as she rushed through the door. ‘But I got the newsletter done and here’s a copy of the Busy Bee notice to go in the Waveline. What’s left to do?’

  ‘Just the printing.’

  ‘Sweet. Hey, you look great today.’ Tegan was dressed up like she was heading for the city.

  ‘Yeah, well, Jaffa likes it when I dress up. He said I should always look pretty.’

  Indi frowned. ‘But you’re always beautiful, Teegs. Even in your PJs.’

  ‘Ha, only you’d say that. But thanks.’ Tegan reached for a pile of coloured paper.

  While the printer churned out the cover for the Waveline News, Indi put something to Tegan that she’d been thinking about for a while. ‘Hey, Teegs, you know how Jasper is coming home today?’

  Tegan closed her eyes and smiled, swinging her chair around to face her. ‘Yes, Indi.’ Indi smiled. Tegan could tell she wanted to ask a favour.

  ‘Well, he’s going to need some help, and with Dad now taking over Jasper’s work and me away so much, there’s no one to help Jasp during the day. Do you think you could keep an eye on him for me? And with the school holidays on I know you’re not needed at school so you’ll have time. Please? He can’t put any weight on his foot and won’t be able to drive anywhere. I just want someone to be there for him if he needs it.’

  Tegan tapped a pen against her lips. ‘I’d love to help, Indi, but I’ll have to run it past Jaffa.’

  ‘Why? He won’t mind, will he?’

  ‘Ah.’ Tegan frowned. ‘Sometimes he gets a bit funny about stuff like that.’

  ‘Yeah, but this is Jasper we’re talking about. He’s just a mate. Jaffa knows that.’

  ‘You’re right. I’ll ask him. It’ll be fine.’ Tegan gave a small shrug of her slim shoulders, dismissing it.

  ‘I don’t want to cause any problems.’ Indi was thrown by Tegan’s reaction. Normally this wouldn’t have been a problem. ‘Teegs, is there trouble in paradise?’

  Tegan dropped her eyes, her gaze pausing on the bruise on her arm before resting on her hands. Indi just about launched out of her chair. ‘Oh my god, did Jaffa do that!’ Indi reached for her friend but Tegan pulled away as her eyes grew wide.

  ‘No, no, he hasn’t hit me,’ she whispered, glancing around. ‘He wouldn’t do that. He can be a little rough when he’s drunk, that’s all. I’m okay, Indi.’ Tegan glanced away. ‘He doesn’t know his own strength when he holds me.’

  ‘You’d tell me if you needed help, right?’

  Tegan clutched her hand. ‘It’s nothing I can’t handle. Nothing more than any other couple has to work through. Jaffa’s sweet and brings me flowers. Who does that around here?’ she said with a smile.

  ‘O–kay,’ Indi drawled out. ‘Just as long as you’re sure. But come to me any time, with anything, right?’ She shot Tegan her best concerned-mother look. ‘Check it over with Jaffa and let me know about Jasper. Don’t do it if it will cause problems.’ Indi really did hope she could help out with Jasper. Tegan was the perfect choice: she worked as a teacher’s aide and had all the school holidays off. She was sure Jasper would prefer Tegan to someone like Mrs Bateson.

  ‘Will do. I’ll let you know tomorrow.’

  Indi glanced at her watch. ‘Righto, cheers. I best keep moving. Thanks again for doing most of the News. I owe you, big time.’

  ‘You just need to slow down. How about we have dinner at the Karlgarin Club some time soon? I hear they have a new cook.’

  ‘Now that sounds like a plan. We’ll talk. See ya, Teegs.’

  Indi left the Telecentre a little worried about Tegan but she just hoped she was overreacting. And a
meal down at the club would be great, give them a chance to have a proper chat. Karlgarin was a small town just a ten-minute drive south. Their school had closed years ago, merging with Hyden, but they had a great bowling club and groups from Hyden always went for the Friday night barefoot bowls during summer.

  When she came to the crossroads, Indi decided to head straight to Pat and Maddie’s house. She pulled over when she saw Maddie’s little red Lancer in the driveway. This visit had been long overdue. Sure they’d run into each other at the shops now and then but a quick ‘hello’ wasn’t the same as a proper chat.

  ‘Maddie, you here?’ she asked, banging on the front door.

  ‘Hey, little sis, come in. Good to see you. You on your way to work?’ Maddie opened the door and stepped back. She was in her hospital uniform, her hair piled up on her head.

  ‘Yep, you too?’

  ‘Na, not for a few hours yet. You got time for a cuppa?’

  ‘That’d be great.’ Indi followed Maddie in through the lounge area to the kitchen. The house was spotless – Maddie was a neat freak. Indi didn’t know anyone else who dusted twice a week. Indi hardly found the time to vacuum, and there was no way Dad or Jasper would do it.

  Indi sat on a stool at the breakfast bar; the soft grey tones of the kitchen and all the stainless steel appliances made it feel cool and modern.

  ‘So how’s things? I haven’t even talked to Pat lately either, besides training and game day. We never seem to find time to catch up properly,’ Indi said.

  ‘I know.’ Maddie picked up the whistling kettle. She chewed on her lip as she stared at the empty cups. ‘Things have been a little crazy here.’

  ‘It seems like it’s crazy everywhere. No one stops to smell the roses any more.’

  Maddie was stirring their drinks but her grin could still be seen. ‘Patrick and I are trying to have a baby.’

  ‘Oh my god, really? That’s wonderful, Maddie. I’ve been hoping —’

  Maddie held up her hand. ‘It’s early days yet, so don’t get too excited. It could take months.’

  ‘But still, I’m so excited. You’ll be great parents.’

  Maddie smiled. ‘Thanks, Indi. I’m ready to be a mum.’ At twenty-nine, Maddie was a few years older than Patrick.

  ‘So, tell me about you. Tell me something exciting,’ Maddie begged as she tucked her long fringe behind her ear. She wore little diamond studs in her ears and rarely changed them.

  ‘We won a game.’

  Maddie chuckled causing dimples to appear. ‘I know. Pat loves this Yoda guy. It’s all I ever hear. I’ll have to get to more games.’

  ‘Troy is really amazing. What he’s done with the team is just . . .’ She couldn’t help the smile that came with mentioning Troy.

  ‘Amazing,’ Maddie added sarcastically. ‘And I notice he’s hot and got all the girls talking.’ She raised an eyebrow at Indi. ‘You sure do like this bloke, don’t you?’

  Indi shrugged. ‘Hmm. Maybe a little. I mean, who wouldn’t, right?’ Maddie was her sister-in-law and Indi had no one else to confide in about this stuff besides Tegan. Indi hadn’t been ready to openly admit anything but since Maddie had brought it up . . .

  ‘Oh, yay.’ Maddie clapped her hands excitedly. ‘This is great. Oh, Indi, it’s about time you had a boyfriend and stopped all those rumours.’

  Indi took another gulp of her coffee before she replied. ‘I don’t care about what people say. And as much as I like Troy, I don’t think he’s interested.’

  ‘What! Who wouldn’t want you?’ Maddie asked.

  ‘He just seems to keep people at arm’s length. I don’t know, I keep changing my mind. One minute I think I have a chance and other times it feels like I’m invisible.’

  ‘Maybe he’s just got some heavy stuff on his mind?’ Maddie reached across and fixed the collar on Indi’s uniform. ‘Even in that hideous colour you’re still gorgeous.’

  ‘Now you’re just being silly. And it’s time I got to work. Enough talk about my non-existent love life.’ Indi got up and gave Maddie a big hug. ‘And you look after yourself, okay? Just relax and try not to stress and you’ll be a mummy before you know it.’

  ‘Who’s the nurse here?’ Maddie laughed. ‘Hey, can we do this again? Soon?’ Maddie’s family was in Perth and Indi realised how lonely she must feel without them close by.

  ‘Yes, we will. Let me know when you have an afternoon off. Maybe we could go out to lunch at the Wildflower shop?’ Indi finished her coffee and put the cup on the sink.

  ‘Sweet, I’d like that. See you, Indi.’

  Maddie walked her to the door and waved as she drove away. Indi felt tingles at the thought of becoming an aunty. It was the best news she’d heard in a long time. Regardless of whether they had a boy or a girl, Indi would help teach the kid footy. She grinned. Aunty Indi was going to spoil them rotten.

  18

  JENNY placed a paper plate of scones with jam and cream, caramel slice and sponge cake on Troy’s desk.

  ‘Here you go. Don’t say I don’t look after my staff,’ she said.

  ‘Oh, yum. Thanks, Jen,’ he said, grinning.

  ‘The CWA ladies had a fundraising tea. I’ve spent all morning drinking, eating and chatting away. It’s a hard life,’ she said with a smile as she rubbed her contented belly through her Farmworks jacket.

  Troy offered up the plate to her. ‘Oh, god no, I’ve eaten my share already. That’s all for you.’ Jenny sat on the spare chair beside his desk, leaning back with her hands on her belly.

  ‘Indi mentioned she was involved in the CWA. I though she’d be about thirty years too young.’ He kept his head down, as if he was just making a passing comment while he devoured the slice.

  ‘Yeah, well. That’s a sad story.’

  Troy glanced up at Jenny, hoping she’d explain. If anyone knew anything, it was Jenny, and she was always happy to share.

  ‘Indi was away at uni, studying to be a physio, when her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. She gave up her course, came straight home to be with her, to take her to appointments and help out at home. Indi was right by her side the whole time and Lizzy, her mum, was no quitter. Lizzy was one of those strong, get-up-and-go girls who helped keep our community together. She was on all the committees and involved in everything. Even in her sick days, she’d have Indi take her to meetings and fundraisers, wanting to do her part until the end. So when Lizzy passed on, Indi stepped right into all those positions. I think the poor girl is trying to be her mother. She hasn’t realised that she can’t do all that with a full-time job.’

  Troy had stopped eating, the slice melting on his fingers. He could only nod. No wonder Indi was always running late.

  ‘Indi has a heart even bigger than Lizzy’s,’ Jenny continued. ‘I think she’s kept herself so busy over the last two years that she hasn’t properly grieved. Well, that’s just my opinion anyway. Indi is stubborn and nothing we can tell her will slow her down. And now with Jasper out of action . . .’

  ‘Indi really loves this town. You don’t see that kind of dedication much these days,’ said Troy. Indi was a one-man band. He had to admire her passion. When he glanced back at Jenny, he noticed her watching him. ‘What?’

  ‘You and Indi? She’s a great girl,’ Jenny said with an eager nod.

  Troy’s hands automatically came up. ‘No, no, nothing’s going on there.’

  ‘Why not? She needs a good bloke, one to slow her down a bit. And you’re single.’ Jenny scrunched her brow. ‘What? She’s not your type? You don’t think she’s gorgeous?’

  Troy didn’t really want to have this conversation with Jenny. She sat there waiting, giving him the eye. Damn. ‘Of course she’s gorgeous and she’s great to have around at footy, but I didn’t come here to find a girlfriend, Jenny. I’ve sworn off women. Regardless of how amazing Indi is, I just don’t want a relationship, with her or anyone else.’

  ‘But you could have the pick of the town if you wanted.’

 
‘That’s just it, I don’t want to. I came here for the football. That’s how it’s going to stay. All right? I don’t want anyone trying to set me up,’ he warned.

  Jenny leaned forward. ‘Ah, you’re a hard nut to crack, Troy. I hope you change your mind, though.’

  That’s not going to happen, thought Troy.

  ‘So, what will you do about Jasper? Such bad luck. Who’ll fill his spot?’ Jenny asked. Troy was relieved she’d changed the subject.

  ‘The young lad that comes down from the city. I think he’s Jack Satterly’s son?’

  ‘Tyson, yep. Good kid. Plays a great game.’

  ‘Yeah, well, we’ll see how he goes. We kind of don’t have any other back-ups,’ said Troy.

  Jenny stood up and headed for the door. ‘I’m sure you’ll have it sorted by the weekend. You’re doing a great job with those lads.’

  ‘Thanks, Jen. I appreciate that.’

  A message came through on his phone. It was from Indi. Can you get time off at 3 for the rock?

  ‘Hey, Jenny?’ he called out.

  She grabbed the doorframe and popped her head back around. ‘Yeah?’

  ‘Do you mind if I take a few hours off around three? I’ve been dying to go see the rock.’ He couldn’t tell her he was going with Indi, not now. That would just add fuel to the fire.

  ‘Shouldn’t be a problem. Just check with Phil that there’s nothing major on. God, I haven’t been up there in years,’ said Jenny with a laugh. ‘But it is pretty.’

  After Jenny left, Troy replied to Indi. His hands shook as he typed out a text.

  I’ve got time off. Meet you at your place?

  He tapped his fingers against the desk after pressing send. He didn’t really want Jenny to see Indi pick him up.

  Troy picked up a pencil and started drawing circles on a page, until he realised it was an invoice for a customer. He put down the pencil and stood up, not sure what to do.

  The chime from his phone sent his heart racing. He had to stop himself from pouncing on his phone.