The Sunburnt Country

by Palmer, Fiona

  ‘Hey, let’s get this Christmas party started,’ he said, putting an arm around each of them. Jonny was sure it was just an excuse to touch Renae.

  Zac took a seat next to Renae and Jonny felt a hand on her back. She didn’t have to look to know it was Dan. She’d recognise his touch anywhere.

  Dan chose to stand beside her. Her eyes ran up his lean form. He was wearing denim shorts and a singlet that showed off his shapely arms. Those arms had held her so tightly four days ago. Involuntarily, she shivered. With his sunnies on his head, she had a clear path to his hazel eyes, which brimmed with lust. She knew he was thinking about four days ago too. Her nightmares had now been replaced by strong lustful dreams featuring Daniel, but she was still waking in hot sweats.

  They’d hardly seen each other since that moment in her room. She had eventually woken from their nap and realised she had to get to the farm and start organising her visit to the hospital. She just walked out and left him. Well no, that wasn’t true. She had told him not to call, as she needed some space. Lots of space. It would take a universe full of space to help her get over him. Lucky she’d been busy helping at the farm and visiting her dad at the Narrogin Hospital and had only run into him at Gabby’s once. They’d behaved just like before: polite and strictly platonic, except for the eyes. The eyes always spoke the truth. Just as they were doing now. Simmering hot.

  ‘I’m here, I’m here,’ said Ryan, joining them at the bar. ‘You guys all remember Sienna? She was in town so I invited her along,’ he said, gesturing to the petite young woman beside him.

  They all welcomed her and then Zac suggested they move to a table.

  ‘So what are we celebrating?’ Ryan asked, after he returned with more drinks.

  Zac stood up. ‘Well, a few things really. We are celebrating Dad’s huge improvement.’

  Jonny smiled. Improvement meant they couldn’t reattach his fingers but had successfully cleaned up what was left and that he was healing just fine. Especially with their mum playing nursemaid.

  ‘We’re also having pre-Christmas drinks and saying goodbye to a few mates.’ He glanced to Ryan and raised his glass. ‘To Coop, who leaves behind his farm shorts and singlets for fluoro long and long, but who’ll also be back to give us the shits before we know it.’

  ‘To Coop,’ they all shouted.

  Zac remained on his feet. ‘And to Dan, the banker man, who’s also my boss . . .’ He laughed at his own joke. ‘Sorry to see ya go, mate. Just one week left and you’ll be rid of the flies, dust and feral country folk. But don’t be a stranger. Come back any time.’

  ‘Hear, hear,’ said Ryan, raising his beer.

  ‘To Dan,’ they all joined in. Dan waved them off, hoping to stop all the fuss. Maybe he would miss them after all?

  As Jonny sipped her beer, she kept her eyes on a scratch in the brown tabletop. She had known that this day was coming, that Dan’s departure was imminent, but it didn’t make things any easier, especially now she had such intimate knowledge of how good they could be together. Just the thought of it spread tingles throughout her body. It hadn’t been just a romp in the hay. If anything, it had been pure and tender. How could something so amazing happen between two people from such vastly different worlds? It was like giving a kid candy and letting him enjoy the delicious sweet taste before ripping it out of his mouth and expecting him not to scream for more. She’d been doing her best not to scream, but it was tough going. Dan’s hands rested on the table and she found herself staring at them, remembering their touch, the places they had travelled. Her toes curled.

  ‘Earth to Jonny,’ said Renae, bumping her shoulder.

  ‘What?’

  ‘You okay? You’ve been a bit weird these last few days.’

  ‘Yep.’

  ‘Sienna just asked what you are doing for Christmas. What were you just thinking about?’ Renae’s gaze fixed on her, as if scanning her brain for the answer.

  ‘Ah, sorry. I was just thinking that we’d usually have Rick and Gemma here too,’ she stammered.

  Their table fell silent at her words. It wasn’t that much of a lie. She had actually thought that when they’d first sat down. But she felt her face grow red with the lie. ‘Hey, I’d like to raise a toast to our mate Rick, who would be here with us if he could. Let’s hope he’s having a beer, wherever he is,’ she added.

  With sad smiles, they raised their glasses again for Rick.

  ‘I asked Gemma to come,’ said Renae. ‘But she’s already gone to Albany for Christmas with her family. I hope being with her family helps. She’s been so lost.’

  ‘Yeah, she’s taken leave from work for four weeks. You just wish you could do something to ease her pain,’ added Dan.

  ‘They’d been together for two years, and were lifelong friends before that. God, life is short,’ said Renae. Jonny caught her eyes flicking to Zac under her long lashes.

  Yes, life is short, she thought. All the more the reason why Jonny clung on to what she loved. It’s why she didn’t want her town to change, why she couldn’t lose her workshop. She wanted everything to stay the way it was. She liked Dan, but there was nothing she could do about that. He blew into town, and he’d blow right back out again without a backwards glance. It had been a sweet little encounter while it lasted; she’d have the memories.

  Jonny turned to face Sienna, who was sitting opposite. ‘Sorry for before, Sienna,’ she said, needing to distract herself. ‘We’re staying out on the farm for Christmas. We usually do, we’d still be harvesting on a good year. Dad will be back from hospital, he’s looking forward to coming home. Mostly for the food, I think.’

  Sienna smiled as she played with her glass. ‘I hope next year is better for the farmers. I’ve certainly had my work cut out for me.’ Ryan gave her a sheepish smile. ‘I’m just glad I can help. I’m off to my parents’ out on the farm too. It’s still home for me so I look forward to going back.’ She turned to Dan. ‘How about you, Dan? What do you do for Christmas in the city?’

  Jonny saw his jaw tighten and his hand fisted into a tight ball. He cleared his throat. ‘I, um, don’t really do anything for Christmas. Sometimes my dad and I go out for dinner. More often than not I just relax at home or tag along with a mate. It’s not that big a deal for me. I might not even go back to the city for it. What’s the point when I leave at the end of next week?’

  Zac plonked down his beer. ‘Mate, that’s sad. I’m not a religious dude but still, Christmas is the time of the year for family. You really were going home to sit by yourself?’

  Dan shrugged awkwardly.

  Zac shook his head and his sunglasses slipped a fraction. ‘Nah, that’s not happening this year. Come to our place for Christmas,’ he demanded. ‘You’ll spend it with us and we’ll show you what it’s all about. Right, Jonny?’ he said, giving her a wink.

  She rolled her eyes at Zac before turning to Dan. ‘You should. Mum goes way overboard. We have enough food to feed an army, and you’d be so welcome.’ Jonny plastered on a forced smile and tried to be welcoming. Part of her was thrilled to have him just a little longer but the other part of her thought it sounded like absolute torture. She was scared she’d cave and ask him to stay. But how awful did that sound, begging him to stay when she knew it was impossible. She’d just have to stay in control. And that was harder than it sounded.

  ‘Oh, I couldn’t impose . . .’ Dan’s neck had reddened and the blush was threatening to creep up his face as he squirmed in his seat.

  Zac didn’t let him finish. ‘Nup, that’s settled. You’re coming to our place for Christmas. No ifs or buts, it’s a done deal. Oh, that’s if your dad won’t mind?’

  Daniel sighed, looked around the table at them all, and then said, ‘Nah, I don’t think he’d care. Thanks, Zac. That’d be nice.’ Dan looked as if he knew he couldn’t fight Zac on this. His eyes flicked to Jonny and he smiled. Or maybe he didn’t want to fight Zac. Maybe he’d just got exactly what he wanted.

  Renae touched Jonny�
�s hand and leaned over to whisper, ‘Do you think your mum would mind if I came for lunch too?’

  ‘Nae, of course she wouldn’t. You know you’re always welcome. You don’t have to ask. But why? What’s your family doing?’

  Renae chewed the bottom corner of her glossed lip. Her skin looked flawless with only a hint of powder. ‘They’re going to spend it with Aunty Sue and Uncle Ken up north. They thought doing something really different wouldn’t hurt as much. Somehow I don’t think it will ease their pain, but I guess it’s better than being at home looking at his empty room. I didn’t want to go with them. I’d just rather spend it with you guys.’

  ‘I hear ya. Don’t worry. You know we’d all love to have you. The more people and noise, the better.’

  When Renae sat back, Zac asked if she was okay, his concern etched in the crease of his brow.

  Jonny’s mind wandered back to Daniel as his leg brushed against hers. But it didn’t just brush past; his leg lingered against her skin. She snuck a look at Dan, who smiled innocently.

  Having their legs touching seemed like the next closest thing to holding hands under the table. And they weren’t at that stage, couldn’t be at that stage. They were not boyfriend and girlfriend, going steady or anything remotely exclusive. She didn’t really know what they were, just two people who connected on a deep level but who could never be together.

  Knowing this didn’t stop the adrenaline coursing through her when he was beside her, or the fact that all she could think about was seeing him, kissing him, holding him, hearing him call her name. Neither did it stop the aching sadness of knowing she’d never see him again after next week.

  Jonny got up from the table and walked to the bar. ‘Dennis, I think I’m ready for that bourbon now.’

  Chapter 32

  DAN arrived on the Baxters’ doorstep at eleven o’clock on Christmas morning. Beside the door sat four pairs of adult workboots and another two pairs of tiny kids’ boots, all lined up against the rammed-earth wall amidst a strewn bundle of thongs. He felt nervous and excited as he put the box of wine down and raised his hand. The door opened before he could knock. And there stood Jonelle wearing her work overalls and a Santa hat.

  ‘Merry Christmas,’ she said before throwing her arms around him and kissing his cheek. She pulled back before he could bury his face into her shiny hair or crush her closer to him.

  ‘Merry Christmas, Jonelle. Um, why are you in your overalls?’

  She put her arms out and then twirled for him. ‘What do you think? Pretty snazzy, hey? It was my present from Mum. She’s patched up all the holes and fixed the missing press-studs. A few years back she bought me new overalls but I just couldn’t bring myself to wear them, not with this old pair of Coot’s still in working order. Besides, these ones are special,’ she said, hugging herself. ‘I saw Coot in them every day and I just can’t part with them. I guess Mum figured she’d better try to extend their life for me. Best–present–ever!’ She reached for his hand to drag him inside.

  ‘Hang on. I brought something.’ He picked up the box of wine by the front door and carried it in.

  ‘Oh, for me?’ she asked.

  ‘For your family. A thankyou for letting me gatecrash.’

  Jonelle touched his arm, giving it a little squeeze. ‘I’m glad you’re here. I didn’t end up getting you a personal present. It was too hard.’

  Her eyes burned bright, twisting his gut. ‘I had the same problem,’ he said. He was hoping she could be his present.

  ‘Come and meet everyone.’ She led him into the dining room. The huge table was covered with an embroidered Christmas runner, cloth napkins, fancy decorations and crackers. In the corner stood a massive tree decorated right up to its sparkling star on top, and underneath were unwrapped gifts and garbage bags full of wrapping paper. There was lots of talking coming from the group in the kitchen and two kids buzzed past at breakneck speed.

  ‘Dan’s here,’ said Jonelle, as she walked into the huge kitchen, which seemed cosy once you added the whole family.

  Zac, Renae, Jonelle’s parents, Ted and his wife, Monique, were all discussing how cooked the roast was or should be. Zac and his father had Santa hats on too. Sandra wore a red apron with a big festive tree on it and Monique was wearing one with Ho Ho Ho down the front.

  Daniel felt as if he had time-warped back into his childhood. He could remember his old family house, his uncles and aunts and parents clustered together like this with ridiculous Christmas outfits and food galore.

  ‘This is my other brother, Jonathan,’ said Jonelle, introducing Dan to a tall, well-built bloke.

  Jonathan held out his hand. ‘G’day. I’ve heard lots about you.’

  ‘All good, I hope,’ he said, shaking yet another hard, callused hand. His own must have felt so soft in comparison.

  ‘Daniel, welcome and Merry Christmas,’ Sandra said next, stepping in to hug him after Jonelle took the box of wine. Then everyone got in on the act.

  ‘Mate, good to see ya,’ said Zac, shaking his hand.

  It was loud, as everyone was talking and cutting in over the top of each other, laughing and having a great time.

  ‘Who’s going to give Dan his present?’ shouted Zac over the top.

  The congregation moved towards the tree and he was powerless to resist the tide. Dan felt the heat burst into his cheeks. ‘No, you guys shouldn’t have.’

  ‘Jonny and I thought it was appropriate,’ said Zac with a twinkle in his eye.

  Sure enough, under the tree was one wrapped box he hadn’t seen. Ted’s lanky dark-haired little boy dived under before anyone could bend down. ‘I’ll get it,’ he yelled.

  ‘Xavier!’ said Ted, trying to drag him back out by the feet.

  The eager boy’s big eyes lit up as he gave Dan the box with the pretty ribbon. ‘I can help you. I’m real good at unwrapping presents,’ he said.

  Monique pulled Xavier back. ‘It’s all right, Xav, he knows how to do it. Why don’t you go and shoot the birds in the fruit trees with your Nerf gun?’

  Xavier’s mouth dropped, as if he couldn’t believe he wasn’t already doing that, and then he ran off.

  Dan felt everyone’s eyes on him. He wasn’t used to being in the spotlight. Quickly he ripped apart the wrapping and opened the box to find a brand new pair of Redback workboots. ‘What?’ He grinned uncontrollably as he lifted out one of the leather boots.

  ‘Those are for the next time you visit, or in case you get sent out to another bush town. At least then you’ll blend in better.’ Zac smiled.

  ‘Wow, I don’t know what to say. Thank you.’ He was flabbergasted. Suddenly he’d wished he’d been born into this caring family as he watched them chatting and teasing each other. Jonelle’s dad put his good arm around his wife and kissed her cheek. His other hand was still bandaged up and he held it close to his chest, careful not to get it knocked. He saw Dan staring at his hand.

  ‘Don’t worry about that. It’s all good,’ he said, brushing him off. ‘I would’ve been disappointed if I’d had to stay in hospital for Christmas, though.’

  Sandra smiled at her husband. ‘We would have just brought Christmas to you, dear.’

  ‘Yeah, Dad. Wouldn’t be bloody Christmas without you,’ said Jonelle.

  Summer wove through all the adults to get to Sandra. ‘Nana, Uncle Rex is here,’ she said with glossy lips. Her eyes sparkled with glitter and her nails were painted different fluoro colours. She turned to Renae and tugged on her hand. ‘Nae, can we do my toes now, please?’ she begged.

  ‘All right, let’s go,’ she said, as Summer dragged her off.

  Renae was looking gorgeous in a long, slinky, red dress. Dan realised he wasn’t the only one eyeing her as she walked away.

  ‘Might want to wipe your chin, mate,’ he said to Zac quietly, but Jonelle overheard. Zac glared at them both but it was hard to take him seriously with the white pompom of his hat resting above his eye. He turned his back to them.

  ‘Ni
ce one,’ said Jonelle, holding up her hand for Dan to high five.

  But Dan held onto her hand for just a bit longer. He glanced at the box of boots. ‘Thanks for these. They’re perfect.’ Her smile was worth everything, even worth disappointing his father when he told him he wasn’t coming home for Christmas. John had just assumed he’d be home and he actually sounded disappointed. Dan had almost been touched until John revealed the reason for his disappointment: he had wanted to surprise Dan with the news that Dan had got the big job he’d applied for. He should have figured there was a work-related reason that John was upset he wasn’t coming home. It made Dan glad he’d decided to stay. It felt like a real Christmas at the Baxters.

  ‘Come on, you lot. Why don’t you move into the games room and play some pool while we get lunch organised?’ said Sandra, shooing them all with her hands like they were sheep.

  ‘Do they need any help?’ asked Dan, as Zac led him to the pool table and Monique and Jonelle headed back to the kitchen.

  ‘Nup. Old Baxter tradition. The girls put on their fancy lunchtime feast with all the trimmings and for Boxing Day it’s up to us fellas to fire up the barbie and organise a feed of yabbies. Not that we have any this year, we lost them all to the drought. Oh, and we do the dishes after lunch,’ he added before they stepped into the huge games room.

  ‘This is nice.’ Dan went from wall to wall, looking at old photographs of the farm, black-and-whites of older family members, colourful ones of the Baxter family growing up. Once he started with one, he had to see them all. It was like delving into their history. He felt like he knew them so much better. Zac with blond hair and no teeth. Jonelle with her hair cut boy short in her early teens. And so many shots of the kids playing football with their dad. Charlie was never absent. It said a lot about Dan’s family photos. His dad was only ever in the Christmas ones and that’s because the industry shut down on Christmas Day.

  Uncle Rex came into the room and greeted them with a firm handshake. He had on a festive red shirt, his belly stretched through the material causing it to gape at the bottom, and there was a Christmas hat covering his hairless head. His face seemed less wrinkled today, maybe it was his smile. And there was a spark in his eyes. He roughed up Jonathan and hit him up for a game of pool.