Rival Sisters

by Louise Guy

  PinkFish88

  Forgetting things mainly, but also leaving the iron on and heading to social functions half-dressed.

  BrownDog40

  Half-dressed? What naked?

  PinkFish88

  God no! More that she’s put a nice shirt on and some lipstick but then she’s wearing her gardening trousers and boots. She’s done that twice now, well twice that I’ve noticed.

  LizaE

  She sounds like she might need some help. Can you take her to her doctor’s or get someone in your family to help?

  PinkFish88

  I thought I’d have a chat with my dad. She’s his mother. He’ll be discreet and not upset her, whereas my sister would have her committed if she got wind of this!

  BrownDog40

  Really? She’d move her straight out?

  PinkFish88

  She’d do everything in her power to try to. She’s not leaving her house, but my sister can’t see that keeping her there is the best thing for her. I do get it, she’s not trying to be mean, she’s genuinely worried for her, but she needs to understand that my grandmother would rather die tomorrow in her own home than be dependent on others. It’s like my sister can’t get her head around the fact that an old lady has her dignity. She’s a very proud and independent woman and doesn’t want to be pushed around.

  LizaE

  I never really understood people like that. Surely all of us want to make our own decisions and be in charge of our futures no matter how old we are. I get it if a person is ill and can’t make these decisions for themselves, but it doesn’t sound like your grandmother is like that.

  BrownDog40

  No, she sounds like an amazing lady. I would get her checked out though. You might find if there is something wrong it’s as simple as giving her the right medication.

  PinkFish88

  Thanks, I’ll have a chat with my dad and organise something. We’ll have to do it in some way that she doesn’t think we’re worried about her.

  BrownDog40

  You could check if she’s had immunisations for flu, shingles and pneumococcus. If she hasn’t had them, then you could convince her that that’s what she’s going in for. Have a chat with the doctor before the appointment to ensure he knows your real concerns. Just a suggestion.

  PinkFish88

  Great suggestion. Thanks, Suze. I’ll suggest to Dad that that’s what we do.

  BrownDog40

  And make sure he’s sworn to secrecy. You don’t want that interfering sister of yours involved!

  PinkFish88

  Will do. Now, I was thinking last night, Eliza. You said your brother lives in Toorak. Whereabouts do you guys live? You don’t have to disclose that of course. But I’m in Blackburn and figured if we’re nearby that it would be lovely to all meet for coffee or a drink after work one evening or perhaps even this weekend. My shout to say thanks for everything.

  LizaE

  I’m in Richmond, and yes, I’d love to catch up this weekend. I’d actually planned to suggest it myself. How about you, Suze, are you even in Melbourne?

  BrownDog40

  I am and would love to meet you guys. Can’t do the next few weeks but certainly down the track. Don’t let me stop you two meeting up though. Now, I’ve got to run. Have a great night and let me know if you do catch up, I’ll be so envious.

  LizaE

  Shame Suze isn’t available, but great you are. What do you say to this weekend? I’m having lunch with my brother on Saturday. Could meet you after for a drink? We’re having lunch in Richmond at a new restaurant called The Winery. They have some beautiful wines and cheese. Hubby’s taking the girls to his parents for the weekend, and I’ve got out of it, so I have the whole afternoon and evening free.

  PinkFish88

  Sounds great. Would love to. What time suits? I’m good for any time.

  LizaE

  Let’s say two. It doesn’t matter if we haven’t finished lunch. It would be nice to introduce you to Jacob. He’ll have an expensive bottle of wine on the go, so that will be the perfect place for us to start.

  PinkFish88

  Fantastic, see you then.

  Nat logged off the computer, a smile fixed firmly to her face. She was looking forward to meeting Eliza, and a restaurant was perfect. While her gut told her she’d made a genuine friend she knew that she still needed to be careful. At least in a public place she could call for help if Eliza turned out to be a crazy axe murderer. She loved that she didn’t have to hide anything from her chat room friends. Her phone pinged with a text message. It was Pip.

  Hear you’re kicking goals already at Endeavour. Knew you would. Proud of you, babe! P xx

  Nat sent her friend a quick text back, thanking her again for the introduction to Col and the glowing recommendation. She thought back to Pip’s reaction when she mentioned the online gambling. She’d been horrified. While she’d then done a wonderful thing and set Nat up with the job, the horror and disgust in her eyes that Nat had been gambling and lost was hard to forget. Neither Eliza nor Suze would be judging her. They both had their own problems to deal with.

  Nat applied her coral lipstick and stood back from the full-length mirror, admiring the wispy, floral, long-sleeved shirt with its V-neck. She’d dressed her jeans up by adding a thick brown belt with a large silver buckle and knee-high boots. She had no idea what to expect of Eliza and wanted to find the perfect balance of casual chic. She snatched up her bag from her bed and hurried down the stairs. It was already one and she’d said she’d be in Richmond by two. Not that it probably mattered, as it sounded as if Eliza and her brother would be enjoying a long lunch. She was intrigued by the thought of meeting both of them. She felt so close to Eliza and had a feeling they would be lifelong friends. Jacob intrigued her, as she’d never met a self-made millionaire before. She wondered if the salmon were still running for him.

  ‘Wow!’ Phyllie clapped her hands together as Nat entered the living room. ‘You look a million dollars. Where are you off to?’

  ‘I’m meeting Eliza, from the online chat room, for a drink in Richmond. We’ve decided to meet in real life.’

  Concern crossed Phyllie’s features. ‘Are you sure that’s a good idea? So many people portray themselves to be someone they’re not these days. Men posing as women, people befriending others to steal money from them. It’s awful.’

  Nat nodded. ‘I’m meeting her at a restaurant, so it’s a public place. If she turns out to be a guy, I’ll run a mile, don’t worry.’

  ‘Do you know what she looks like?’

  Nat shook her head. ‘No, she uses a cartoon image on her chat room profile. No one uses real pictures as it’s supposed to be anonymous. She’s booked a table in her name, so it should be easy enough to find her.’

  ‘You be careful, that’s all.’

  Nat leaned down and hugged Phyllie. ‘Will do. And I doubt I’ll be late. I’ll cook us dinner when I get home.’

  ‘Only if you’re home in time. If you’re not, I’m sure I can manage to boil myself an egg. Oh, and while I think of it, are you busy tomorrow? Hannah’s asked your father and Sue to have Amy for the weekend as she and Damien have something on. I thought you might have time to take her out somewhere. She might be bored otherwise.’

  Nat laughed. ‘Sue is anything but boring. She’ll have her doing something crazy, I can almost guarantee it. But yes, I’ll give them a ring as I did promise Amy I’d take her to the movies this weekend as part of her birthday present. I wonder what Hannah and Damien are getting up to.’ She winked. ‘Dirty weekend?’

  Phyllie shook her head. ‘No, I’m not sure, to be honest, but from what your father said it sounded like they were having some problems and needed Amy out of the house so they could sort out a few things.’

  ‘Really? Hannah and Damien having problems? I thought their life was perfect. I can’t even imagine what sort of problems they could be having. Perhaps Damien put the dishes in the dishwasher the wrong way and Hannah’s
prepared a risk assessment.’

  Phyllie tut-tutted. ‘Don’t be nasty. You should never make assumptions about another person’s life. You have no idea what they might be going through. Hannah did mention to me that Damien had been a bit down lately, so it might be something to do with that.’

  Nat would be down herself if she had to put up with Hannah any more than she currently did. Perhaps Damien had finally realised just what a pain her sister was.

  Nat hurried out the front door and up Phyllie’s path. She’d planned to catch the train into Richmond so she didn’t need to worry about how much she drank.

  A low wolf whistle stopped her in her tracks. She glanced up to see Leon grinning appreciatively at her.

  ‘Sorry, couldn’t help myself. You look fantastic. I assume you’ll be dropping in for unsolicited advice and that glass of wine I promised?’

  Nat laughed. ‘Not today. I’m meeting a friend in Richmond. Just hurrying to get the train.’

  Leon took his car keys from his pocket. ‘Let me drop you at the station. It’ll save you a ten-minute walk.’

  ‘That would be great, thank you.’ She followed him to a newish-looking Mazda 3 parked outside his house and climbed into the passenger seat. The car was clean and neat on the inside, not like her old bomb.

  ‘He’s a lucky guy, whoever you’re dressing up for.’ Leon gave her a sideways glance as he started the car. ‘He’ll probably fall off his chair when you walk in. He should anyway. Actually, if he doesn’t, you let me know and I’ll have a word with him.’

  Nat laughed, her confidence growing with every word he said. ‘That’s very flattering, but Eliza probably won’t be looking at me that way.’

  He raised an eyebrow. ‘More fool her then.’

  They both laughed as Leon continued towards the station. It was only a couple of minutes’ drive and they arrived far too quickly.

  ‘If you need a lift home later just let me know,’ he said, writing his number on a piece of paper. ‘I have a hot date with Rainbow later on, but she’ll forgive me if I cancel.’

  Nat took the paper, opened the car door and stepped out. ‘I wouldn’t want to be the woman that comes between you and Rainbow.’ She grinned. ‘Particularly not between you and those horns she wears so well. Thanks for the lift, I really appreciate it.’

  Leon returned her smile and she headed towards the station entrance. As she turned to walk up to the city-bound platform, she was conscious that his car hadn’t moved. She stole a glance in his direction, her heart racing as he raised a hand and waved.

  Nat’s cheeks ached as a smile played on her lips from Blackburn to Richmond. Leon was a nice guy. There was definitely a spark between them. Not one, according to Phyllie, she would be allowed to do anything about though, but it was still lovely to feel desired and have a man like Leon flirting with her.

  She was looking forward to meeting Eliza. A celebration seemed in order. Things in her life were improving. Her first week at Endeavour Trust had gone well, and she already felt part of the team. She was also on a weekly pay schedule and almost couldn’t believe it when she’d checked her account balance that morning and there was actually money in it. She immediately transferred half of it on to the credit card, leaving her the rest to live on for the next week. She didn’t have huge expenses but was still running a car and contributing to the food at Phyllie’s. It left her enough to be able to go out for an afternoon without worrying.

  She entered the bright foyer of The Winery, natural light pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows and large skylights. Her stomach suddenly fluttered. This was like a blind date. Except she did know the person on some level, and it was a woman, so definitely not a date.

  She told the maître d’ that she was joining Eliza Strawn and was quickly shown through to a table at the back of the restaurant. A woman, who she assumed must be Eliza, was laughing at something the blond-haired man with her had just said. She looked up, her smile reaching her eyes as she saw Nat. She leaped to her feet and threw her arms around her.

  Nat laughed. Eliza was nothing like she’d imagined. It was ridiculous really, but from the conversations they’d had, she had a picture in her head of Eliza being a biggish woman with brown hair. She thought she’d have a friendly face and be one of those mumsy types that people gravitated towards. She wasn’t expecting the petite, dark-haired woman who greeted her. Her make-up highlighted her blue eyes and high cheekbones. With Eliza wearing a tight black sheath dress, Nat felt underdressed in comparison.

  ‘I’m so glad you came,’ Eliza gushed. ‘I was telling Jacob all about you and Suze and how we met in the most unusual of ways.’ She elbowed Jacob. ‘And he said you were probably some internet predator misrepresenting yourself and that you either wouldn’t turn up today or you would – with some wonderful excuse for why you were a man and not a woman.’

  Nat laughed and looked at Jacob. ‘You must have been on the phone with my grandmother earlier. We had a very similar conversation before I left the house.’

  Jacob held out his hand and shook Nat’s. ‘A pleasure to meet you, Lia, and I’m glad for both your sakes that you appear to be who you’ve presented yourselves as.’

  ‘You’re exactly like I imagined,’ Eliza said as they sat down. ‘Except you’re taller than I thought and much thinner. Not that I thought you’d be fat, but I didn’t picture you looking so athletic. I’d kill for your figure.’

  ‘Really? I’d kill for yours!’

  ‘And I’d kill for another glass of wine,’ Jacob said. ‘Shall I order a bottle?’

  Eliza looked to Nat. ‘Do you mind if Jacob stays for one more drink? He can get us a nice bottle, and after he’s had one glass, he can leave us to get to know each other.’

  Jacob stood. ‘I’ll go to the bar and order a bottle and settle the bill at the same time. I did say today was my shout.’

  Eliza waited until her brother had moved out of hearing before turning conspiratorially towards Nat. ‘I think he wants to make one hundred percent sure that you’re not here to murder me. We’ll get rid of him after that one glass.’

  Nat laughed. ‘Fine by me. I’m not a killer, by the way. God, I find it hard even to kill a spider.’

  ‘It’s so good to meet you. I’ve so loved getting to know you and Suze through our little group. I wonder how Suze is going? She was planning on telling her husband the truth today, wasn’t she?’

  ‘That’s right, she was – poor thing. As much as I know she did it to support him, I’m not sure he’ll see it quite like that.’

  The waiter arrived with a 2015 bottle of Penfolds St Henri Shiraz. He held it out towards Eliza. ‘Your companion asked me to bring this to the table. Would you like to taste it or are you happy if I pour?’

  Eliza looked to Nat. ‘Are you happy with red or would you prefer white?’

  ‘Red’s good with me. With this fire going it’s perfect, in fact. I couldn’t get over how cold it is outside.’

  ‘Just pour please,’ Eliza instructed the waiter.

  They waited as he filled three large balloon glasses to the halfway mark, left the bottle on the table and retreated to the bar.

  Eliza picked up her glass and raised it to Nat. ‘To us. From online friends to real-life friends.’

  Nat clinked her glass with Eliza’s before sipping the wine. Soft, earthy, mocha-like flavours danced on her tongue.

  Jacob rejoined them and picked up his glass. ‘I love this vintage. It’s gorgeous. Now, Lia, tell us about yourself. Eliza mentioned what a great job you have and how much you’re giving back to the community. I’d love to know more about it.’

  Nat found herself doing all the talking for the next twenty minutes as Jacob asked her questions about her job and the types of people that used the community housing.

  ‘Sounds like they could use an injection of funds,’ Jacob said.

  ‘It’s like anything, not enough budget to get things working to their optimum. But it’s a wonderful service, so we
can’t complain.’

  Jacob nodded.

  ‘What are you thinking?’ Eliza winked at Nat. ‘I know that look. The cogs are turning.’

  ‘The company will be looking to donate some of the money it made from the current salmon run, that’s all. Something like the Endeavour Trust might be of interest. We’re always looking at ways to assist the community.’

  ‘That would be amazing. Eliza mentioned that you’ve had some success in the last few weeks with your investments.’

  ‘We have. It’s an unusual opportunity that occurs every two to three years.’ He laughed. ‘It’s like the stars align or something, but it’s never for long enough, of course.’

  ‘Do you think your run is nearly over?’

  He shook his head. ‘I’m confident we have more time, possibly even a few weeks. We make investments daily that turn over very quickly. It is a good way to invest manageable amounts without the risk being too high.’

  Eliza rolled her eyes. ‘His idea of manageable is eight hundred thousand or even a million.’

  Jacob smiled. ‘It is, but keep in mind that’s a tiny percentage of our overall portfolio.’

  ‘Your clients must be delighted when this happens.’

  ‘They are. It’s why we retain our clients for many years. What they earn in this short-term period is more than any managed fund could ever return for them.’

  ‘Would you allow Lia to invest?’ Eliza suddenly asked.

  Jacob leaned back in his chair, looking uncomfortable.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ Nat assured him. ‘I have nothing to invest. Today is the first day in weeks that I have a little money, and that’s only because I received a week’s pay. I have about five hundred dollars to my name. I’m not in a position to do anything.’

  ‘We don’t usually invest on behalf of friends, anyway.’ He looked pointedly at Eliza. ‘If things go wrong it’s never good for the friendship.’

  ‘Sorry,’ Eliza said. ‘Lia’s just going through such a horrible time, that’s all. I thought it would help a little.’

  Jacob finished his wine and stood. ‘I’d better leave you lovely ladies to it.’ He leaned down and kissed Eliza. ‘Good to see you, sis. I’ve left some money on the tab for you so you can order another bottle and have some dinner later if you want to.’