by Iris Blobel
Laguna Seca was a nice motorhome park, and Josh's request to stay for the night. He'd heard about it from Mark and hoped to be able to have a quick look around the next day. Even more so, he hoped for a nice race to watch. Unfortunately, they'd arrived too late and had to leave early in the morning. Still, he took a few photos of the track. Better than nothing.
Mia loved Monterey and its coastline. Luck wasn't on their side when it came to spotting any seals, but they laughed when traffic came to a stop because a mama goose crossed the road with her little three chicks. Later in the morning, they drove through the cypress forests and along the coastline to Carmel. Leaving the coastal town behind, the winding road took them past towering cliffs, through beautiful redwood forests and across the many stunning bridges of Big Sur. It was a constant click of the camera—except for Jared, who was glad for every break he was able to get. He loved the scenery, every little mile, but driving that road was testing his skills big time.
Malibu was their next stop. It'd been another big day of driving, including the couple of stops like watching the elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas.
Jared hadn't even hit the pillow, and he was asleep already.
****
Jared woke to the sound of pots and pans banging in the kitchen. Deep inside, he waited to hear Ivy's voice, but when he was finally awake, he remembered that she'd flown to Salt Lake City the previous day. He turned and closed his eyes again, missing her so much his inside ached. All these years he'd protected his heart by burying himself in his studies and then his work. Protected his heart against the consequences of love's loss and promised himself, he'd never be hurt like that again.
Until he'd met Ivy.
Jared envisioned her face and wished she could be still with him. He assumed that the whole immigration process would take about three months. Three very long months. Even though he was ready to spend the rest of his life with her, was she as well? Would she come for a few weeks only to return to the States?
With a big sigh, he slipped out of bed and got dressed.
"Morning, everyone."
Mia and Josh looked over.
"American bacon and eggs for the last time," she said, and Jared thought he heard some sadness in it.
He joined them at the table and sipped some of his coffee.
"How are you," Mia asked after a little while.
Looking up, he nodded slowly to acknowledge the question. Not quite sure how he was, he leaned back to gain some time to think about it.
"It's certainly been one kind of a holiday," he finally replied.
Both teenagers laughed, and it was good to see them happy.
"I think I'm good. There's a long way ahead of me, but I think I'm good." Leaning forward again to start his breakfast, he asked. "Can I assume that ya both have sorted your Melbourne issue?"
With her mouth full open, Mia mumbled an All good.
"Communication lines are open, but it seems we're heading towards moving to the big city."
Mia's head bopped up and down. Jared wasn't sure, whether that was out of excitement in regards to their decision or because she wanted to add something to the statement as well.
It seemed it was excitement of what lay ahead.
"I hope you guys had a great time."
The girl's eyes shot wide open. "Oh my, did we ever. Thank you so much, Jared." The smile spread across her face emphasised the honesty of her words.
"Sorry we mucked up your plans, though," Josh added.
Jared shook his head. "Nah. No harm done. I enjoyed havin' ya around."
"Will Mark be able to help with Ivy's visit?"
He looked up and met Mia's gaze. "Let's figure out first what kind of visit it's going to be."
"What do you mean?" she asked with some surprise.
Lifting his shoulder in a shrug, Jared took another sip of his coffee. Mia wouldn't let go and, when he felt her hand on his, he replied. "Mate, do I really have to spill me heart out? Let's not jump into something so life changin' is all I'm saying. I can't wait till she comes to Hobart, but there are a lot of if-factors to consider." Jared met Mia's gaze and cocked an eyebrow. "Like leavin' behind a life you know and start something new." He emphasised the words to make clear he was comparing the situation with Mia's move to Melbourne.
She nodded. "Got it!"
"Okay, guys. Let's finish breakfast and tidy up this thing. Time to say goodbye to this trusty old motorhome."
A big smirk suddenly came across her face. "If, by any chance, you travel with a motorhome again, would you consider taking us with?"
"Keep on dreamin'!"
They all laughed and started to prepare the handover of the vehicle that had been their little home away from home over the previous few weeks.
Twenty-Four hours later, they sat in the departure lounge in Terminal 3, ready to board the flight that would take them back to Australia. Back home.
A rush of sadness and gratitude spread through Jared, as he recalled his time in this wonderful country. And excitement filled him as he thought of fresh beginnings that lay ahead.
Epilogue
Fifteen months later.
Jared checked the time for the hundredth time as he paced up and down the Hobart airport. The plane had already landed thirty minutes ago, and he couldn't understand what took them so long to get out.
He still remembered the day he'd picked up Mia and Josh from the airport in Salt Lake City and a smile tugged at his lips.
It'd been over a year already!
"Jared!"
He turned to see Mia running towards him.
"G'day mate!"
"Sorry for being late," Mia said, "but Josh left the present in the plane." She let out a big sigh and continued, "You wouldn't believe the commotion we had to go through to get this present."
Jared looked past her and watched Josh stepping towards them with all the calm in the world. He knew from Mark that it was a pre-requisite for being with a Levesque girl.
"How's Ivy?"
"She's fine," Jared answered as he shook Josh's hand. "Mate, how are ya?"
Josh nodded and replied with a grin, "Let's say we've made it."
"How's Sophie?"
Jared knew she missed her sister dearly, but Mia had settled really well in Melbourne, and the visits home had become less frequent.
"She's fine as well." Jared pulled his car keys out of his pocket and said, "Let's get you home. Everyone's waitin'."
"How's little Ally?"
The name that had given him so much grief and so much guilt for so many years, now held a new meaning for Jared. His little baby girl had been born slightly pre-mature a few weeks earlier, but mum and daughter were now both well. When Ivy had told him about the pregnancy, he was both elated and scared at the thought of becoming a father. Still, he couldn't be happier to be a husband and a dad.
It'd been Ivy's idea to name the little baby ‘Ally' and when he'd asked Elisa and Ally's parents they'd been all delighted at the thought.
"She's fine," he finally replied. "Just as crazy as her mum, it seems."
Mia smiled. "Boy, I can't wait to meet her and be her godmother. Hopefully, Hope won't get too jealous."
Jared grinned and thought that Mia's little niece had to get used to the idea of not being the only baby anymore. There were more on the way, but he'd let Sophie give her the good news.
About the Author
Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she actually had met her future husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only recently emerged, but now her laptop is a constant companion. Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her beautiful two daughters as well as her dog. Next to her job at a private school she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.
Also by Iris Blobel
Chapter One
“My Mum is dead.”
Somewhat startled by this statement, Emma peeked over the reception desk into beautiful green eyes that belonged to a cute little girl with brown curly hair and a freckled button nose. She couldn’t help but smile. There was something in the girl’s eyes that held a hint of mischief and curiosity, as well as some sadness, and Emma was drawn to her instantly.
“Nadine!”
The stern voice of an elderly woman approaching the reception caused Emma to nearly jump out of her skin. The girl stiffened with eyes wide open.
“My apologies for that,” the woman said to Emma, though her expression didn’t actually reveal any signs of apologies. The woman’s face reflected a life of bitterness, the lines appearing deep and weathered.
Emma smiled. “No need to.”
An elderly man joined them, and after a brief nod of acknowledgment she asked, “May I help you?”
“Yes. We would like to check in. Gibbs. William and Teresa Gibbs,” the woman replied.
Emma typed the name on the keyboard, and while she waited for the details, she smiled at the girl, and asked, “Holidays?”
Nadine’s face spread into a small smile, but it was enough to show she had her two top teeth missing.
“And I see the tooth fairy has been to see you recently.”
“Excuse me–” Mrs. Gibbs glanced at Emma’s name badge. “–Emma. Can we proceed with the check-in please?”
“My apologies, ma’am.” Emma read the details on the screen, made a few notes and turned around to activate the automated door card in the back office. All the while, she felt Mrs. Gibbs’ glare on her and instinctively pulled on her navy uniform skirt feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Emma sighed inwardly. In her early twenties and she still lacked confidence in what other people thought of her. Tucking a lock of her curly, tawny hair behind her ear, she tried to keep a positive attitude because, after all, she loved working at the “All Stars” Hotel in Melbourne. It was something she always wanted to do – to greet people to this beautiful city, and make their stay as comfortable as possible. And she was often told how popular she was with staff and guests alike for her positive attitude, her generous heart and kind spirit.
“Ma’am, that’d be room five-o-two. If you go to the right over there, take the lift to the fifth floor and follow the hall to the near end, you will find room five-o-two on your right.”
Teresa Gibbs took the card from Emma and turned it in her hands.
“Ma’am, you slide that into the door instead of a key. I’m happy to ask someone to come with you and show–”
“I’ll be fine thank you.” And Mrs. Gibbs turned to go.
Emma leaned across the counter and smiled at Nadine. “Enjoy your holidays,” she said and winked. “And come see me sometime to tell me about the tooth fairy.”
“We’re not on a holiday,” the girl said in almost a whisper. “We’re here to meet my dad.” Then she hopped off after Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, who Emma assumed were the little girl’s grandparents.
Emma wondered about that remark and then remembered what the girl had said about her mother. She watched as Mrs. Gibbs rushed her husband and Nadine into the lift, and the door slid shut.
A familiar voice startled her. “Emma! Come on, stop dreaming.”
Emma turned around and saw her colleague Jack standing next to her. She smiled.
“Jack! Where’ve you been?”
He lifted one side of his mouth. “Morning tea.”
“Are you for real? You’ve been gone for an hour.”
Grinning, he ruffled her hair. “Another bad hair day?”
She gently pushed him away and rolled her eyes. “You’re avoiding the subject!”
With raised eyebrows he asked, “Which subject?”
She poked her tongue out at him. Why should I care if he gets into trouble!
“Miss Gallagher!” The familiar authoritative voice came from behind them.
Emma startled and with heat creeping up her cheeks she slowly turned, only to see her boss standing behind her. “My apologies, Mr. Morgan,” she said with a tilt of her head. Deep inside she cursed Jack. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him attending to a guest. Typical of him to leave her to vices.
Leo Morgan’s square jaw tensed visibly. A man in his mid-forties, he was still handsome with his olive skin. Even though the hair showing the first signs of grey around his temples, it suited him well and emphasised his blue eyes. He took a deep breath and stepped slightly closer.
“Listen Emma,” he whispered. “I only hear good things about you. People like you and you have a good–” he paused seemingly trying to find the right word, “–let’s call it repute. But there’s a certain standard here, and I need you to uphold that. Are we understood?”
She nodded. “Yes, sir”
“Good. Now, go and do your job and whatever it is between you two, keep it outside the hotel.”
She stood straight. “But there is nothing–”
“Miss Gallagher!”
“Yes, sir. Understood.”
Emma turned around and checked-in the next few guests. It was only after she had finished her shift that she was able to talk to Jack.
“Thanks for getting me into trouble again.”
Jack placed his arm around her, and gave her a kiss on her forehead. “Sorry for that. But you seem to attract this guy.”
“Yes, and it’s exactly every time when I muck up, his focus seems to land on me.”
“You’ll be right. How about dinner at my place?”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Jerk!”
He grinned, and held his arms up in defence. “What?”
****
“You’ve got to be joking,” Flynn said into the phone. “What do you mean you need to see me?” Pacing up and down his office he finally settled by the window. He looked out, and his gaze wandered along the Yarra River watching people strolling along the Southbank Promenade. He liked the view – seeing the people walking at different paces as they took in the sights, or looking for restaurants, or as they were simply in a rush to get to their next destination. His eyes wandered further up and took in the sight of the Eureka Tower and a small shiver came up his spine as he remembered what he gave up for being there, for making his life in Melbourne and for getting this job.
The conversation he was having wasn’t going well, and he let out a long breath. “Yes, I’ll be there. And this better be worth it.”
He walked over to the door and swung it open with such force his assistant Joyce almost jumped out of her chair.
“Joyce, could you please reschedule the appointment tomorrow afternoon with Harry? I’ve got some private business I’ve got to attend to.”
“Not a problem, Flynn. You’ve got your hair cut tomorrow at–”
“Slipped my mind,” he mumbled and cursed a few words, but looking at Joyce’s face he knew she ignored his small outburst, but patiently waited for an answer.
He exhaled, and while heading back into the office he said, “I’ll go by tonight and see whether Richard can squeeze me in.” And he slammed the door shut.
