The Road Home

by Palmer, Fiona

  Lara didn’t comment, letting him take the time he needed.

  Jack rubbed the scar along his arm. ‘I rolled my car a few years later while I was wasted and the police found my stash, so that’s how I got my record.’

  ‘But you stopped?’

  ‘Yeah, I stopped. Finally grew a brain.’ He turned to face her now. The wind had gone from his sails, and her anger and judgement had deflated along with it. His eyes flicked to her and he smiled weakly. ‘It wasn’t until I got the job with your parents that things started to change. Angie and Dave were so giving and willing to treat me as their own son. And Noah … well, with him around, life just started to make sense again. The drugs were to get back at my parents and to make me feel better, although it didn’t do much of that.’ His face turned red and he dropped his shame-filled eyes. ‘Now I have the record to remind me of my stupidity for the rest of my life and that’s what I’ll always be judged on.’

  What could Lara say? She’d been one of those judges who’d been quick to point the finger. She felt her own embarrassment grow.

  Jack turned and walked back to his ute.

  ‘I’m sorry, Jack!’ she yelled but he climbed in and drove away. The breeze carried his dust away and blew loose strands of hair across Lara’s face.

  Once she could no longer see his ute, she rang the local police station and talked to Constable Peters. He appeared on her doorstep soon afterwards, in his crisp blue uniform, and she pointed out where the crop was.

  ‘Do you need any other details?’ she asked as he put his notebook away.

  ‘Please just try and keep away from that area, and go on farming as normal. I must warn you that it’ll probably be a few weeks before it’s all sorted. The drug squad will be called in to deal with it. That means catching them in the act and tracking down any other persons involved.’

  ‘So I just go on as normal?’

  ‘Yes, ma’am.’

  That sounded easy enough to Lara. The main thing was that it wasn’t her problem any more, and hopefully, for her sake, they would catch the culprit.

  25

  LATER that evening, Lara eyed her reflection in the bathroom mirror at the pub. The powder was still covering the tinge of pink from her sunburn. Trent had stopped round in the afternoon to ask whether she wanted to go with him and, after the day she’d had, she’d been only too pleased to accept. Now feeling confident in a pair of black pants with a silky blue and grey camisole top, Lara went back out to join Trent at their table. On her way, three kids stopped in front of her, blocking her path.

  ‘Hello. You’re pretty,’ said the oldest girl, who was around six or seven.

  ‘Come on, you lot. Out of the way, please.’ Jack moved through the chairs and tables and lifted up the littlest kid. He held the child against his black button-up shirt as a tiny foot found one of the many pockets in his tan cargo pants. He tickled the little bundle in his arms and she squirmed and squealed in delight. He started to usher the kids away but a woman appeared beside him with a baby boy in her arms.

  ‘Hello. I hope my kids weren’t being a problem.’ The woman held out her hand to Lara. ‘I’m Jack’s sister, Bec.’

  Lara was taken with Bec’s beauty. She looked so much like Jack, with her long dark hair and the same green eyes. She smiled and Lara liked her instantly.

  ‘Hi, I’m Lara. Are all these yours?’

  ‘This is my daughter, Michelle,’ she said as Jack swept back the girl’s brown fringe and kissed her forehead.

  ‘This is Ryan, who’s eight and the oldest. Little miss over here is Nina.’ Nina was clinging to Jack’s leg, smiling.

  Lara bent down to Nina, trying not to notice Jack’s perfectly fitted pants. ‘And how old are you, Nina?’

  ‘I’m six and I go to pre-primary and I can write my name the best.’

  ‘Oh, well, you’ll have to show me sometime.’ Nina nodded her head vigorously.

  ‘It’s nice to meet you, Lara. I’m guessing you’re Noah’s sister. Jack’s being rude not introducing you.’

  Lara felt herself blush. She hoped her light splash of make-up was enough to hide any redness. ‘Great to meet you, too. I can’t get over how alike you two are. Is the rest of your family the same?’

  Bec’s laugh was sweet. ‘No. The other two take after Dad’s side of the family. Brown hair and hazel eyes.’ Jack ignored them, far more interested in his nieces and nephews.

  Lara watched the squirming baby in Bec’s arms, who also had a shock of black hair. ‘And who are you, Mr Adorable?’ she asked, reaching out for his plump hand.

  ‘This is Joey. He’s nearly one but not yet walking. Nina likes to play mum and he gets carried around a lot.’

  ‘Well, don’t let us keep you,’ Jack cut in, obviously restless. ‘Don’t want to keep your date waiting.’ He glanced at Trent by the bar before motioning for the kids to go and play outside. ‘I’ll just check on the kids’ meals,’ he said before walking away. Lara stared after him with her mouth open. She wanted to correct Jack, tell him that it wasn’t a ‘date’ date, but he’d already gone.

  ‘Tell me, how are you finding farm life?’ asked Bec, turning to Lara.

  ‘I’m loving it, but it’ll take a while before I’m as good as Noah. Where do you live?’

  ‘We have a farm nearly two hours away near Katanning. We come up to visit Uncle Jack when we can. Not that I get to do much these days. Four kids keep me so busy.’

  ‘I can imagine.’ Lara touched the little boy’s hand.

  ‘You like kids, I take it? Joey usually doesn’t take to people he’s just met.’

  ‘I have a friend with a few kids, so I’ve had a bit of practice. Just need my own now.’

  Screaming came from outside and got louder as the child missile ran to her mum. Nina was sobbing and hopping on the spot with a bloody toe. Jack came out of nowhere and scooped her into his arms. The vision took Lara’s breath away.

  ‘What’s all this noise? Here, let me have a look at that toe.’

  Lara was absorbed as Jack rested Nina on the table. He grabbed a few paper napkins – one for Nina’s tears and the other for her injury. Quickly they ducked off into the pub kitchen. When they came back out Nina had a bright green bandaid on her toe. She handed Jack her snotty napkin and ran off to her brother. ‘Look what I’ve got!’ she yelled to Ryan, her sore toe forgotten.

  Lara’s eyes had been drawn to Jack and the easy way he had with Bec’s kids. There was no doubt about it: he was wonderful and loving. Whatever happened to the grumpy Jack she knew? He caught her staring and his eyes turned instantly away.

  ‘Well, I’d better go,’ she said as she noticed Trent coming back from the bar with their drinks. ‘Enjoy your meals.’

  ‘You too.’

  Lara and Trent fell into easy conversation as usual and their meal was delicious. ‘This is the best mushroom sauce I’ve ever had,’ Lara said.

  ‘Yep, cook’s own recipe.’ Trent put down his fork and knife. ‘So, are you still planning to clean out the dams soon?’

  ‘Na. Think I’ll try and do it next year. It’s not something I can do on my own and I don’t want to deal with Jack. Just because Noah asked him doesn’t mean I want his help, especially when I know he doesn’t want to do it.’

  ‘I don’t get why Jack’s like that with you.’ Trent raised his eyebrows. ‘I mean, who wouldn’t want to help a gorgeous woman? If you still want to do it, let me know, hey? I’m happy to help.’

  His comment made her blush. It felt slightly strange coming from him; she didn’t want their friendship to change. ‘Thanks, Trent.’

  Soon after their meal they started a game of darts and Lara was happy she found the dartboard each time.

  ‘Have you been practising?’ Trent asked, giving her a gentle bump with his shoulder. Jack was walking a short distance behind them with a couple of drinks. ‘Hey, Jack, wanna play the winner?’ called Trent.

  ‘I’ll play you any time, Smithy.’

  Lar
a swung around. ‘Hey, I might win! I could have beginner’s luck,’ she said, laughing. But sure enough, Trent won by a landslide. Lara handed over her darts to Jack, her fingers brushing against his. He was watching her with unaffected eyes but his jaw clenched tightly. She stepped back and took a seat over with Bec.

  ‘I suppose Jack is good at darts, too,’ Lara said flippantly.

  ‘Yeah, sorry. My brother can turn his hand to anything,’ said Bec. ‘Although he’s still rusty on doing dishes and washing.’ She laughed. ‘But he’s always been determined to accomplish things, you know? If he wasn’t the best at it, then he’d keep trying until he was. Drove Matthew nuts, as Jack was always that bit better.’

  ‘Is Matthew your brother?’

  ‘Yeah. Not that Jack’s talked to him in years.’ Bec shook her head sadly. ‘Matthew’s at home running the farm with Dad. He’s not as passionate as Jack but he’s more easygoing. Jack’s been put out ever since he was told he couldn’t stay on the farm. It caused a massive family rift.’

  ‘Wow,’ Lara said. Well, that certainly explained some of Jack’s behaviour. She also kind of sympathised with him. She knew how much it hurt to be told that you weren’t going to be the one to inherit the family farm.

  ‘We keep trying to get them to talk, but the Morgan men are all stubborn as mules.’

  ‘Really? Is that why Jack’s never gone home?’ Lara was fascinated. ‘It’s that bad?’

  Bec nodded. ‘It was an awful mess. Dad managed to get Jack a job on another farm but it was bad for him there. He resented Dad, blamed him for what happened, even Matthew. Dad felt responsible for how it all went down, but, being Morgan men, they’re absolutely crap at discussing their feelings.’

  ‘Oh, I see. Sounds like he had it pretty hard.’

  ‘Yep, and Jack, well, when he gets hurt, it cuts deep. He may look like a toughie, but on the inside he’s very vulnerable. God, he’d kill me if he knew I was telling you this.’

  ‘Then why are you?’ Lara asked curiously. ‘I don’t know anything about Jack, except that he’s Noah’s best mate and he doesn’t like me.’ Lara laughed.

  ‘Yeah, I noticed he was rather …’

  ‘Cold? Stiff? Unsociable?’

  Bec laughed and nodded. ‘Yep. That sounds like Jack. My brother wears his heart on his sleeve and if something upsets him, look out. But don’t let that fool you – he still has a gentle soul. He’s just a passionate person.’ Bec glanced at her children and then back to Jack, and it was obvious to Lara how much she loved her younger brother.

  ‘Would you have any idea why he’s like that with me?’

  ‘Again, I’d be shot if I told you. But I will say this. He’s doing it purely to protect himself. He’s trying to keep you away.’

  Lara screwed up her face. None of this was making any sense.

  Bec reached out and touched her hand. ‘But please just give him time to come around. I promise you he has a gentle nature. He’s not normally like this.’

  The boys cheered as one of them scored well. Lara watched Jack and Trent high-five. She studied them both. Trent was by far the friendliest but for some reason her eyes kept getting drawn back to Jack. She rested her chin on her palm and leant on the table. She didn’t know what it was about him. She was sure Bec was right, and that underneath his gruffness was a wonderful man. She could feel it, and the way her body reacted when he was around was a constant indicator. It was more than just him being gorgeous; it was the mixed emotions she saw bubbling under the surface of his emerald eyes. He was intriguing and mysterious. She never went all tingly with Trent.

  ‘Gee, the boys look a bit serious,’ said Bec with a smirk. ‘I think the winner really wants to play against you.’

  ‘What? How many wines have you had, Bec?’

  ‘Lara, you’re up again.’ Trent beckoned her over.

  She smiled to Bec and joined the boys. Trent gave her his darts while Jack started throwing his.

  As she took her stance, Trent came up and took her hand. ‘More like this,’ he offered, guiding her. His body was pressed up against hers and, for the first time, she actually felt like Trent was making a move. And it felt wrong. It also felt like Trent was doing it on purpose, to upset Jack or to show that she was his. She wondered whether Trent had been interested all along. Had she missed the signs? Well, they were clear as cling wrap now.

  Jack cleared his throat. ‘In your own time, Smithy.’

  Lara felt relieved when Trent stepped back. They began to play. Her eyes kept watching Jack, especially after what Bec had told her. She couldn’t stop trying to read him, to figure him out. He caught her watching more than once and often held her eyes, on one occasion letting out a small smile. She hoped he’d forgiven her for what she’d said earlier in the day.

  After slaughtering Lara in darts, Jack helped Bec gather up all four kids.

  ‘Hope I get to catch up with you next time we visit, Lara,’ said Bec, cradling a sleeping Joey. She glanced at Jack, who was heading to the door with two of the kids in tow. ‘And this thing with Jack … personally, I think he really likes you. Judging by what I’ve seen of him tonight, anyway. He just won’t admit it.’

  ‘You really think so?’

  Bec nodded wholeheartedly. Lara laughed as Bec waved and followed Jack, who’d stopped to hold the door open for her. Jack gazed over at Lara, pausing for a long moment. Could Bec be right – and Mel, for that matter? Heat flooded her body as she realised just how much that thought pleased her. It felt like seconds ticked by before he moved and the door swung shut.

  That’s when she saw Aaron watching her, staring up and down her body. He was such a creep. It was probably him who had grown the crop. He winked at Lara and it made her skin crawl.

  ‘Guess I should get you home before my car turns into a pumpkin, hey?’ asked Trent, coming up behind her and putting his hand on her shoulder. Straightaway she felt safe and she turned away from Aaron.

  ‘Please. Thanks for a great night.’ She grabbed her bag and together they walked to his car.

  When he dropped her off, he walked her to her door in the moonlight.

  ‘There ya go, milady. Safe and sound.’ Trent bowed.

  ‘Thanks, Trent.’ Ever so slightly she felt him move in closer. At the last moment, she put her hand on his chest, holding him millimetres from her lips. ‘Trent, I … I’ve just come out of a relationship and …’

  He kissed her cheek sweetly before stepping back. ‘So, I’ll catch you later?’

  That’s what she liked about Trent. ‘You sure will.’

  Dippa and Roy sat by her side as she watched him leave and then let herself into the house. She leant back against the closed door, listening to Trent drive away, but all she could picture was the deep green of Jack’s eyes.

  26

  LARA spent the following week working like a robot. There was always something that needed doing on the farm. And in the spare chook pen, she had six lambs, not including Gretel, that needed constant feeding. They bleated like mad whenever they saw her and she couldn’t wait to put them back in the paddocks.

  On Saturday she decided to wash Millie, as the dust was stuck to her like chewy to a shoe. She took the garden hose out through the gate and it just reached the car. Before she’d even started with the bubbles, she’d managed to get herself wet, half soaking her shirt. Holding the bottom of it out and off her skin, she got to wondering. She did need to do something about her mismatched tan lines … Ah, what the heck, she thought. She stripped off her shirt and instantly started to enjoy the early-morning sun on her skin. She looked down at her cream bra – the cause of even more tan lines. Oh, well, that would have to go too. She giggled as she hung it over the fence with her shirt. Already she felt closer to nature.

  She never would have done this in the city; her neighbours’ two-storey house gave them the perfect vantage point to see into her yard. But not today. Today she was on her own and loving it.

  Lara picked up the soapy spong
e and scrubbed till Millie shone. Ten minutes later she heard a vehicle approaching and looked up to see an unfamiliar ute heading her way.

  ‘What the hell?’ she yelped as she turned and sprinted inside the house, her arms across her chest. Frantically she got dressed, then headed back out and met a man inside the gate.

  ‘Don’t worry, I turned off the hose for you, Miss,’ the man said with a straight face, but there was a glint in his eyes. He was tall and wore a polo shirt and slacks with work boots. He held out his hand, and she noticed the gold wedding band on his finger. ‘Hi, Lara. My name’s Rhylee. I’m the local chem provider.’

  Lara wondered how long it would take for this tale to get around town. With a brave face, she thrust out her hand to shake his. ‘Hi, how are you, Rhylee?’ The smile was plastered on her face.

  ‘I won’t hold you up. I just wanted to drop by and introduce myself. I sold Noah all his chemicals and he told me you were taking on the farm. I won’t bombard you with things, but when you’re ready for an order, give me a call,’ said Rhylee, handing over his business card. ‘Or even better, drop round the shop for a drink and a chat.’

  ‘Oh, okay, thanks.’ She walked him to the gate, right past where her wet shirt and bra were hanging. She was sure she’d laugh about this later … just not today. ‘Noah’s given me a list of the chemicals he’s after so I’ll give you a call sometime soon.’

  ‘That’d be great. Have a nice day,’ he said with a teasing smile.

  ‘Thanks. Bye.’ She waved. As he left down the driveway she decided to finish washing Millie with her shirt on.

  By mid-afternoon she had taken the tractor out of the shed, hooked up the seeder bar and was checking everything well before seeding started. She’d done it all on her own as Noah still wasn’t taking her phone calls, even though he was supposed to be turning up at the farm tonight for his bucks’ night. As far as Trent knew, it was still on. She really hoped he would show up. She was desperate for the chance to try to talk to him at last.