Gold Fever

by Lyn Denison

  Kate couldn’t have spoken if her life depended on it. Desire surged through her, enveloped her, and she wanted to pull Ashley to her again, feel her soft, smooth skin once more, the captivating contours of her body.

  “I’m a pretty slow learner,” Ashley continued. “But I guess I’m suffering from — how did you describe it, Kate? — from being stranded emotionally in adolescence.”

  Kate took another sip of her wine as she drew herself together. “I don’t agree with that opinion.”

  “Neither do I, for what it’s worth.” Ashley shifted in the chair. The old springs creaked in protest, and Kate looked across at her. “All I know is that I love you,” Ashley said, holding Kate’s gaze.

  The seconds ticked by, intoxicating and intensely taut. And as they did a whole array of emotions jostled inside Kate. Love and adoration. Anger and outrage. Betrayal and disloyalty. Apprehension and uneasiness. And a burning need to bury the past, scatter her reservations to the four winds, and take Ashley in her arms, on any terms, as long as they were together forever.

  How long they sat there looking into each other’s eyes Kate couldn’t have told, but someone loudly calling Ashley’s name dragged them both back to the present.

  “Ashley. How’re you doing?”

  Ashley looked up and blinked in surprise. “For heaven’s sake. Mickey?”

  “Your cousin?” Kate followed her gaze, looking for their playmate from childhood. And then Kate stiffened, all thoughts of Ashley’s cousin driven from her mind. There across the room was Rosemary Greig.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Kate swallowed. What was Rosemary doing here? Kate wasn’t even aware that the other woman knew the Macleans.

  “Remember Michelle?” Ashley was saying, smiling a welcome. “She’s a couple of years younger than us.”

  “Oh, yes. Mickey.” Kate tore her eyes from Rosemary’s slim figure and noticed a young woman approaching them.

  She had Ashley’s coloring and build, and she wore faded jeans, fashionably torn at the knees, and a sleeveless leather vest that molded her full breasts. The legs of her jeans were tucked into long leather boots, and as she lifted her head Kate noticed the light catch a diamond stud in her nose.

  Kate’s eyebrows rose. She hadn’t seen Mickey since the other girl was about Jenny’s age.

  “Ash!” Mickey cried again and fell on Ashley, hugging her roughly.

  People turned to look, smiling, and Ashley’s mother, who happened to be passing, shook her head fondly and playfully slapped Mickey on the back.

  “Don’t you break my couch, Michelle Marie,” she said, and Mickey straightened and laughed before subjecting her aunt to a similar bear hug.

  “No doubt you remember your cousin Michelle, Ashley,” Patsy said, still laughing. “She’s home visiting her parents.”

  “Course she remembers me,” Mickey said and bent down and kissed Ashley loudly on the cheek, displaying a generous expanse of cleavage as she did so.

  “Wow! Aren’t you something.” Ashley laughed. “Talk about a head turner. Is this the same little girl who wore all those frilly dresses?”

  Mickey clutched at her heart. “For which I will never forgive my dear mother.”

  Ashley turned to Kate. “You remember Kate, Mickey?”

  “Sure do.” Mickey turned and grinned at Kate, and to Kate’s consternation she leaned across and planted a kiss on Kate’s cheek.

  Kate’s eyes went to the rise of Mickey’s breasts above the vest, and she flushed guiltily when Mickey caught her looking and winked outrageously at her.

  “I don’t know why you’re deigning to talk to and me, Mick,” Ashley was saying. “We used to do all sorts of things to dissuade you from playing with us.”

  “Yeah. Don’t think I’ve forgotten. Like playing hide-and-seek with me, and when I hid you two didn’t try to find me. And I thought I was being so clever. That was cruel,” she said with a mock glower.

  “I’m deeply ashamed,” Ashley said, looking suitably chastened. “Will you forgive us?”

  “We’re being rude to your friend, Michelle,” Patsy Maclean put in. “We’ve left her on her own.”

  “Oh, yeah.” Mickey turned and beckoned behind her.

  To Kate’s dismay, Rosemary Greig joined them.

  Mickey took Rosemary’s hand for one possessive moment, a movement that Kate saw didn’t go unnoticed by Ashley’s mother. Was Mickey a lesbian? Surely not. Kate was astounded.

  “Rosie,” Mickey said easily. “Meet my Aunt Patsy, the birthday girl.”

  Rosemary shook hands with Ashley’s mother and wished her a happy birthday. Then Patsy excused herself as Belinda called her from the patio.

  “And this is my cousin, Ashley, and her friend Kate,” Mickey continued the introductions.

  Rosemary smiled. “Actually, Mickey, we’ve met.”

  “You have?” Mickey was surprised.

  “At Kate’s last weekend. I sort of work with Kate.”

  “When did you get home?” Ashley asked Mickey quickly as the other woman’s eyes narrowed as she glanced from one to the other.

  “About a week ago. I work in Sydney, and I just changed jobs. I have about five weeks before I start the new one, so I thought I’d come up and see the folks.”

  “Not married or anything?” Ashley asked, and Mickey threw back her head and laughed.

  “Married? Not likely. I’m still enjoying the single life.” She slid a knowing glance at Rosemary, and Kate stiffened.

  There was no misinterpreting that look, Kate decided. Mickey must be gay. All the signs pointed to there being a relationship between her and Rosemary. But wouldn’t Mickey be too flamboyant, too obvious for Rosemary’s taste?

  “Besides” — Mickey winked at Ashley — “I’m not your usual team player. I’m sort of way out in the left field.”

  Ashley raised her eyebrows, and Mickey lowered her voice. “I’m into women. I don’t make a secret of it, but Mum and Dad prefer I don’t shout it from the rooftops or swing from any chandeliers at these family dos.”

  “Oh. I see.” Ashley glanced at Rosemary, and Mickey’s grin broadened.

  “I was lucky enough to run into Rosemary yesterday. We’re old friends. We met in Sydney a couple of years ago before she moved to the Towers. I couldn’t believe it when I saw her in the local cafe.”

  “Quite a coincidence,” Rosemary remarked and looked at Kate. She gave a faint shrug, part apology and part defiance.

  “Anyway, where’s this daughter of yours, Ash?” Mickey looked around. “Mum says she looks just like you. What about taking me to meet her?”

  Ashley’s gaze went to Rosemary, and she hesitated, undecided.

  “Rosemary can stay and talk to Kate,” Mickey said, totally misconstruing Ashley’s reticence.

  “Jenny’s probably out at the pool with Dad and the boys,” she said at last, standing up. Her glance went from Kate to Rosemary. “We won’t be long.”

  Rosemary immediately sat down beside Kate, taking the seat Ashley had vacated.

  “I think she’s a little jealous,” Rosemary leaned forward and whispered to Kate.

  Kate drew herself together, choosing to ignore Rosemary’s remark. “I … it’s a surprise to see you here, Rosemary,” she said as evenly as she could, and Rosemary laughed softly.

  “Me being here or me being here with Mickey?”

  “Both, I guess.”

  Rosemary sobered. “Maybe I am outing myself to those who happen to be looking. Mickey’s not exactly a closet dweller.” Rosemary gave Kate a crooked smile. “You look a little stunned.”

  “I suppose I am. Apart from seeing you here, I’m still trying to bring ten-year-old Michelle up to Mickey today.”

  “She certainly is a character,” Rosemary agreed. “But she’s bright and fun to be with, too. She looks a little like Ashley, doesn’t she?” She looked levelly at Kate. “So what about you and Ashley?”

  Kate felt herself stiffen defensively, and Rosemary s
ighed and shook her head.

  “Kate, don’t let happiness slip through your fingers because of old angers and mistakes.”

  Kate went to speak, but Rosemary held up her hand.

  “Hear me out, Kate. Stop and think about it. And forget about outdated social mores. I let that color my decisions, and it causes more grief than anything else. After the initial shock, what can happen? Some people will go on as they are now, and others might stop talking to you. The latter aren’t worth worrying about.”

  “I wish it was that simple, Rosemary,” Kate said with a sigh, and Rosemary patted her leg.

  “It is that simple. Or it can be. You can make it so.’’ She paused. You still love her, don’t you?’’

  Kate sighed again. “I don’t know, Rosemary”

  “As a casual, well, maybe not-so-casual observer, I’d say you both want each other desperately.”

  “That’s ridiculous.” Even as she said the words, Kate’s foolish heart soared.

  “I’ve seen the way you look at each other, Kate.” Rosemary laughed. “And I know what I’m looking for. So, as I see it, you have two choices. One”— she marked the point off on her fingers — “make a go of it with her. Or two, at least have a raging affair with her and get it out of your system.”

  For some reason, Kate felt tears well up in her eyes. She looked away.

  “No, perhaps the second point wouldn’t work,” Rosemary said gently. “I see she’s in your blood, Kate, and maybe that only comes along once in a lifetime. You’d be a fool to let it pass you by.”

  “It was all such a mess, Rosemary,” Kate said flatly. “And I’m terrified to take a chance again.”

  “I know. But consider the alternative.”

  Kate looked at Rosemary, and she smiled.

  “It’s a lonely life on your own, Kate.”

  “Hello. This looks like a so-serious conversation. Are you two trying to save the world?”

  Kate and Rosemary looked up to see Tim Maclean standing in front of them. He crouched down and sat on the floor.

  “Good to see you again, Kate,” he said with a grin, and Kate gathered herself together enough to make the introductions.

  “What a night, hey? It’s beautiful having the whole family back together,” he remarked after shaking Rosemary’s hand.

  Tim Maclean hadn’t changed all that much, Kate decided, apart from a few flecks of gray in his hair at the temples.

  Tim teased Kate with anecdotes from their childhood, and Kate began to laugh at his easy humor. Eventually when Tim started to talk about mutual childhood friends, Rosemary excused herself and went in search of Mickey. Tim took her place on the couch.

  There was still no sign of Ashley returning, so Kate made herself focus on Tim. He made easy conversation, happy to fill her in on his branch of the family business in Townsville. He then told her at length of his approaching fatherhood and how thrilled he was to be starting a family at last. By the time Baden and his wife joined them, Kate knew all about scans and breathing exercises and other associated baby information.

  By then the meal was served, and it was as delicious as any barbecue Kate had shared with the Macleans. Ashley was busy helping feed the large number of children present, but every so often her blue eyes would seek Kate out. She’d smile, and Kate’s stomach would turn over as fire raced through her veins.

  The birthday cake was brought out and Patsy Maclean blew out the candles before opening all her gifts and making a thank-you speech.

  Not long after that, some of the guests with young children started to leave. Jenny had come to sit with Kate, and Kate could see that her eyelids were drooping.

  Ashley appeared and gently shook her daughter’s shoulder. “Time for bed, Jen,” she said, and the young girl frowned.

  “Do I have to, Mum?”

  “I think so. And remember we have to go to the station to see Gran and Granddad off on their trip in the morning.”

  Jenny pushed herself to her feet. “Did you know Gran and Granddad are going on a second honeymoon, Kate?”

  Kate suppressed a grin. “No, I didn’t.”

  “They’re going down to Brisbane by train like they did when they got married. Then they’re going to the beach for a week. And then they’re flying down to catch the boat for their cruise. That’s why Mum and I, oh, and Josh, are looking after their house.”

  Ashley shrugged at Kate. “Jen and I are house-sitting. Belinda and Pat and the two older boys are going home in the morning too. Josh is staying with us for the school break.”

  “Uncle Tim said he’d come down one day and take us gold panning,” Jen said excitedly. “Where’s Josh, Mum? I should go tell him.”

  “Josh went to bed half an hour ago. Now it’s your turn, young lady. Say good night to Kate.”

  “Night, Kate.” And to Kate’s surprise Jenny wrapped her arms around Kate’s neck and gave her a hug. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Yes. Good night, Jen.” Kate’s eyes met Ashley’s, and she suddenly wanted nothing more than to be part of this child’s life. And her mother’s.

  The revelation shocked Kate to her very center. She’d never been interested in children, although she always enjoyed the storytelling sessions at the library. But to feel this enchantment with Ashley’s daughter filled Kate with dismay, and she sat quietly trying to come to terms with the enormity of the idea.

  Ashley went off to see her daughter settled in bed, and the rest of the guests began to leave. Kate supposed she should go home too, and she stood up, preparing to say good night to Patsy and Bill when they’d seen the last carload of guests drive away.

  “It’s been a great evening,” she said to Belinda, and she groaned.

  “Look at the time, though. Patrick went to bed an hour ago, the piker. This is way past my bedtime, let me tell you.”

  “You must be getting old, sis,” Ashley teased, as she followed her parents into the room.

  “We all are,” said her sister dryly, and her mother laughed.

  “Well, I’m going to take my old bones to bed,” said Patsy Maclean, and her husband looked wounded.

  “Calling me bones is bad enough, but I object to the old bit, love.”

  They all chuckled as Bill and Patsy said good night and left them.

  “Well, I’ll head off too,” Kate said.

  “Don’t forget your cooler.” Belinda hurried into the kitchen to collect it for Kate, leaving Kate momentarily alone with Ashley.

  And suddenly Kate felt burning hot. Ashley’s eyes played over her, and Kate felt as though she’d actually touched her. Her nerve endings tingled in anticipation, and she felt a dampness between her legs. She was totally attuned to Ashley, and if Belinda hadn’t been with them…

  As Belinda rejoined them and handed Kate her cooler, Ashley opened a cupboard and took out a flashlight.

  “Could you check on Jen on your way to bed, Belinda? I’ll just see Kate home.” Ashley held up the flashlight. “Her back light’s out.”

  “Okay.” Belinda turned back to them. “Take your key, Ash, and Mum won’t have to worry about you leaving the back door unlocked.” She rolled her eyes at what was a family drill.

  Ashley held up her keys, and Belinda laughed.

  “There’s no need for anyone to see me home,” Kate told them. “It’s quite moonlit out there.”

  “And there’s no need to risk falling over something and breaking your ankle or anything,” Ashley said firmly.

  “Had that much wine, have you, Kate?” Belinda joked with Kate. “Just don’t start entertaining the poor neighbors with dirty ditties like Baden used to.” She laughed. “See you later. ’Night, Ash. I’ll probably be asleep when you get back.” She continued down the hallway.

  “You don’t have to do this,” Kate repeated when they were alone.

  “I know I don’t. But I want to.” Ashley stepped outside and waited for Kate to follow her. “You did the same for me the other evening.”

  And Kate vividly
remembered what had happened that night in the shadows of the tamarind tree. And with the thought came that familiar burst of so seductive temptation.

  Ashley turned and locked the door before slipping the keys into her pocket. “Besides, I can use a bit of fresh air. Any more than two glasses of alcohol and I get a thick head. And I believe I’ve had more than two glasses. It feels like it, anyway.”

  They skirted the swimming pool, and Ashley slipped through the fence, switching on the flashlight so Kate could see.

  “Remember that party we went to, can’t remember whose it was, and I got sloshed? It was the one and only time I ever did that.”

  “It was at Mike Dunstan’s,” Kate said, remembering it well. She’d been really worried about Ashley. Dean had been working that weekend, and it was just after Ashley had been to the football club dance with him. Ashley had been so uncharacteristically reckless.

  “Mike Dunstan’s. That’s right.” Ashley laughed softly. “God, I was sick. But it cured me. I never drank too much again. Lucky you were there to get me home safely.”

  “And to get Belinda to help me sneak you into the house so your mother didn’t see you.”

  “Believe me, Belinda never let me forget that. She was a real pain back then. Funny how sisters improve with age. Brothers too, I guess. Baden and Tim are quite bearable now. And who’d have thought Tim would be so dotty over the baby they’re expecting.”

  “Tim told me they’ve waited a long time for this.”

  “They sure have. They were told they probably wouldn’t be able to have any children so it’s been something of a miracle for them.” Ashley laughed. “The baby will probably be placid like Gail, but I’m hoping it will be fractious so Tim will realize what he was like to live with. He was such a pain. Talk about tease! He was the bane of my life when I was ten.”

  Kate smiled reluctantly as they started up the back steps. “You had your disagreements with him, that’s for sure.”

  “Disagreements? It was all-out war. I don’t know how Mum put up with us. She must have wished she’d had four kids like you.”