‘It’s in the kitchen because you forgot you were cooking once and nearly set the whole place ablaze.’
Simon had the grace to look guilty.
For the next little while everyone told cooking stories as they settled back in their seats. Eddie scanned the table. Among the scrunched paper napkins were empty glasses, dessert plates and cutlery. The remains of a Peppermint Crisp and cream-topped pavlova sat in the centre of the table, alongside empty bottles of soft drink.
‘Can I help you clean up?’ Eddie asked, feeling the need to bring some order to the mess.
Claire waved a hand. ‘No, leave it. We can do it later.’
Harry got up and took Olivia’s vacated seat beside Eddie. He groaned and rubbed his belly. ‘I’ve eaten way too much.’
‘We always say that,’ Jenny agreed, ‘yet we keep coming back for more.’
‘It’s been a long time since we’ve all sat around and had a Sunday lunch together though,’ Claire said.
‘Too long,’ Jenny said, shooting a slightly accusatory look at Harry.
‘Without arguing,’ Claire added.
Harry looked apologetic. Eddie glanced at Jim but his head was down, his face unreadable.
Eddie felt the need to lighten the mood. ‘Who made the amazing quilt?’ she asked, pointing to a colourful quilt hanging on the wall in the adjacent lounge room.
‘Mum did,’ Claire and Harry chorused.
‘It’s gorgeous.’
Claire leaned across the table. ‘All you have to do is ask and she’ll make you one.’
Eddie glanced at Jenny. She smiled. ‘I’d be honoured to make you one. You just tell me what colours you like.’
While the women talked colours, Simon cleared the table and Harry left to make tea and coffee in the kitchen. When he returned he stood behind Eddie’s chair and massaged her shoulders.
Claire leaned forward, elbows on the table. ‘Harry said you’re a nurse, and also a volunteer with the SES.’
Eddie nodded.
‘What made you want to do that?’ Simon asked.
‘I wanted to help people.’ Eddie smiled. ‘I know that sounds clichéd, but if you ask ninety-nine per cent of volunteers they’d probably say the same thing. It’s certainly what prompted me to sign up. I considered becoming a paramedic once, but I would have had to go to Melbourne to study and that all seemed too hard. I got chatting to someone from the Beechworth unit of the SES at the Yallambah Show one year and thought it sounded like something I could do. Ten years on I can’t imagine ever quitting.’
‘It’s not really a job for women though, is it?’ Jenny asked.
Eddie was used to people thinking that but she didn’t hold it against Jenny. She could see she was genuinely interested. ‘Actually, it is. Traditionally the SES has attracted men, but increasingly more and more women are taking up leadership positions. When Steve asked me to join I think he wanted a tea lady, but I’m a peer support member now and I help out other volunteers across the North East region. I’m also going down the pathway of becoming a community education officer.’
‘But surely you don’t do all the heavy lifting after storms or floods?’ Jenny asked. ‘Like climbing on roofs or going up trees.’
Eddie smiled. ‘I do. Like all volunteers I did an eighteen-week training course and learned all the fundamental skills – everything from general search and rescue to traffic management.’ She chuckled. ‘I can use a chainsaw better than a lot of blokes I know.’
‘Don’t reckon Harry knows how to use a chainsaw,’ Jim muttered.
Jenny gave him a withering stare. Harry ignored his father’s comment.
‘Is it hard work?’ Claire asked. ‘I mean physically?’
‘Physically, mentally, emotionally. It’s demanding, it’s stressful, it’s tiring, especially after a major disaster like a flood or fire. But it’s also rewarding and hugely satisfying.’ Eddie glanced around the table. ‘Sometimes the best part is being thanked by someone with tears in their eyes because I’ve helped remove a tree branch and cover the hole in their roof with a tarp in the pouring rain. It’s humbling being able to be there for people.’
‘What’s the hardest part?’ Simon asked.
‘Being woken in the middle of the night and having to respond to a road trauma. That’s always confronting.’
‘I warned you my family would play twenty questions,’ Harry said when there was a long enough break in the conversation.
Eddie patted his arm. ‘It’s fine, I don’t mind at all.’
‘Sorry, Eddie. We promised Harry we’d be on our best behaviour and make you feel welcome,’ Claire said.
Eddie smiled. ‘You have.’
‘How did you and Harry meet?’ Jenny asked.
Harry groaned. ‘Mum, enough with the interrogation.’
Eddie glanced at him. It was sweet of him to be so concerned. ‘I don’t mind.’ She found his hand under the table, drew it onto her lap, squeezing tightly before facing Jenny. ‘Your gorgeous son came to my rescue on Christmas Eve and helped decorate the hall for the community dinner, then he rescued me again by playing Santa on Christmas Day.’
‘Of course, that’s right,’ Jenny said. ‘I remember now. Did it all go well?’
‘It did.’ Eddie turned to Claire. ‘And thank you for doing the catering. With everything that happened,’ she glanced at Jim, ‘I should have called to thank you and it slipped my mind.’
‘My pleasure. I’m glad Harry didn’t stuff anything up,’ Claire replied with a grin. ‘I took a risk leaving him with the food but he was a better option that Simon.’
Harry held up both hands. ‘I followed your lists to a T. Ask Eddie.’
‘He did exactly what he was told,’ she confirmed.
‘Just as well.’
‘Who wants another coffee?’ Claire asked, holding the plunger in the air.
Jenny twisted in her seat away from Harry. ‘Tell me about your family, Eddie. I met your grandmother at the hospital.’
‘My mum died when I was young and I live with my grandparents, Frank and Daisy. Not actually with them,’ she corrected herself. ‘I live next door to them in a little cottage on my own.’
‘What about your dad?’
‘I’ve never met him. He left before I was born.’
Jenny frowned. ‘Was he a local? I might know him.’
‘Mum knows everyone,’ Claire said.
‘He taught at the high school in Beechworth back in the early eighties.’
‘Do you know his name?’
‘William Armitage.’
Jenny screwed up her face in concentration. ‘Nope. Not ringing any bells.’
The conversation splintered then and any more questions about Eddie’s personal life were put aside.
‘Eddie, are you going to Melbourne for opening night of Les Mis?’ Claire asked suddenly.
Eddie turned to Harry. ‘I’m not sure. We haven’t talked about it.’
‘Would you like to? I hadn’t asked because I know you’re not a fan of musical theatre. I didn’t want to put you on the spot.’
Eddie touched his arm. ‘I’d love to see you perform.’
His eyes crinkled with pleasure. ‘I’ll arrange a ticket then. It’s not exactly a red carpet kind of thing, but they give the best seats to family and friends and afterwards we all go out and celebrate with the cast and crew. If you’re keen, I’d love you to be there.’
‘Are you guys going?’ Eddie asked Claire.
‘Not to opening night. Sime and I have tickets to the matinee the following Saturday so we can take the kids.’
‘What about you and Jim?’ Eddie asked Jenny.
‘We plan to be there on opening night,’ Jenny said. ‘Of course it will depend on Jim’s health.’ She shot him a weary look. ‘We’re looking forward to it though, aren’t we, darling?’
Jim’s non-committal grunt might have been yes or no, Eddie couldn’t tell.
Harry scowled. ‘It’d be good if you
could be there for one of my opening nights. You’ve missed all of them so far.’
‘There wasn’t much we could do about that, Harry,’ Jenny retorted. ‘That’s when your dad got sick.’
‘What about opening night of Dogfight? Rent? Dad wasn’t sick back then.’
‘Anyone want another coffee?’ Simon asked, shooting to his feet.
‘No, thanks,’ Eddie said. ‘But I’m happy to help do the dishes.’
‘No need,’ Claire said, also getting to her feet. ‘Simon’s always on Sunday lunch washing up duty.’
Eddie checked her watch. Her shift started in an hour and she’d already explained she couldn’t hang around long after eating lunch. ‘Perhaps I should get going. I still need to get home and changed for work.’
Harry stood. ‘I’ll walk you out.’
‘Thanks for having me,’ Eddie said, giving Claire a warm hug. She turned to Jim and Jenny who were still sitting at the table. ‘It was lovely meeting both of you. I look forward to seeing you again.’
Jenny flashed her a genuine smile. ‘Come back any time, dear. It’s lovely to see Harry looking so happy.’
*
‘Sorry that ended on a sour note,’ Harry said as he walked her to her car. ‘It always seems to happen.’
‘You goaded him.’
He sighed. ‘I know, but it’s so frustrating. It seems he has a different excuse every time I invite him to see me in a show.’
‘Has he never told you why? Do you think he’s ashamed of what you do for a living? Or does he just dislike musical theatre? What do you reckon it is?’
‘Mum says he just doesn’t want to see me fail.’
‘But you’re hardly failing! You have one of the lead roles. Surely he knows that.’
Harry shrugged. ‘I know. I can’t work him out. He’s as stubborn as a mule and because he’s refused for so long to hear me sing, I think now his pride’s probably gotten in the way. Mum says it’s just how he is and I need to accept him, but it hurts that my own father isn’t interested in what I do.’ He massaged the back of his neck. ‘I’m really sorry, I wanted meeting my family to be a pleasurable experience.’
She touched his cheek. ‘And it was. I enjoyed meeting everyone. Your parents are lovely, your sister and her husband are fabulous. And the kids are great.’
He smiled. ‘Yeah, they are.’
‘They’re all clearly waiting for you to meet someone and settle down.’
He smiled and pulled her into his arms and she felt the familiar visceral tug that always overcame her whenever he was close. The passion in his eyes held her in his grip.
‘I already have met someone.’
Chapter 26
‘I still can’t believe Harry got me a ticket to opening night too,’ Aimee said as they made their way through the throng of people gathered in the doorway to the foyer of the theatre. ‘He’s so sweet.’
‘He is,’ Eddie agreed. It was exactly what Nan had said.
Eddie had only seen Harry a handful of times during the entire month of February, when he’d dashed up between rehearsals for quick catch-ups with his family and to spend time with her. During his first visit back home, he’d met her grandparents properly and naturally they’d adored him. When he’d left after dinner, Eddie was positive she’d heard her nan humming ‘Here Comes the Bride’.
Eddie scanned the well-dressed crowd. Everyone was far more dressed up than she’d expected and she exhaled softly. Just as well she’d let Aimee talk her into buying this outfit. Beside her, Aimee bounced on the balls of her feet. She’d been childlike in her behaviour all day, excited about being at an opening night. Eddie was too distracted to be annoyed at her. Although she and Harry spoke on the phone every day, she was anxious about seeing him again in his environment. Would she be a fish out of water, just as Ashleigh had suggested? Would he leave her standing on her own while adoring fans congratulated him after the show? And what if she didn’t like the show? How would she tell him?
‘Will his parents be here tonight too?’ Aimee asked, interrupting her wandering thoughts.
‘No.’
Aimee raised an eyebrow. Eddie had confided in Aimee that Harry’s father had never attended any of his shows. ‘But it’s opening night. And it’s Les Mis. Doesn’t get much bigger than this.’
‘I know.’
‘Is he gutted?’
‘He sounded like he was when I spoke to him this morning, but I don’t think he can afford to let it get to him. He doesn’t want it to affect his performance. He just brushed it off and said he hadn’t expected them to be here anyway.’
‘That’s tough.’
‘Sure is.’
‘But surely Jenny could have come on her own,’ Aimee pushed.
‘I think normally she would have, but with Jim being unwell I don’t think she thought she could.’
‘Is he getting worse?’
‘No worse. He had a rapid decline after he was first diagnosed but he’s okay at the moment.’
While Harry was in Melbourne Eddie had made an effort to go out to Thornhill every few days to make sure his mum and sister were okay. Claire said Jim had good and bad days but from what Eddie could tell, the good days seemed to be few and far between. The strain was evident on everyone, especially Jenny, and Eddie wasn’t surprised she hadn’t come to Melbourne for the show – she’d barely left Jim’s side, which was totally understandable.
She scanned the rapidly filling foyer and chewed on a nail before remembering she’d just had them done. It would be a waste to bite off the expensive French shellac finish Aimee had convinced her to get.
Aimee squeezed her arm. ‘Relax and take a deep breath. It’s going to be fine.’ Aimee was always able to read her mind.
‘Check out how dressed up everyone is,’ Eddie said, eyeing the other women.
‘Your dress is perfect,’ Aimee said, ‘so stop worrying. You look hot.’
Minutes after arriving at the hotel and checking into their rooms, Eddie and Aimee had caught a tram to Chapel Street where they’d traipsed up and down, in and out of all the factory outlets, in search of the perfect opening night outfit. Eddie still wasn’t convinced she’d gotten it right.
According to the salesperson, the elegant Cooper Street dress with its sweetheart neckline and draping folds that fell to just below the knee was ‘sassy chic’. A far cry from Eddie’s favoured ‘country casual’ look. She’d walked out of the shop with an empty wallet carrying a dress that the saleswoman promised would leave Harry speechless. Eddie wasn’t concerned about Harry’s reaction because she could wear a chaff bag and he’d still tell her she looked sexy, but she hoped Ashleigh would eat her words when she saw her. Nothing dishwater dull about this dress, or the accessories Aimee had picked out for her.
Eddie smoothed the slim-fitting rose print fabric over her hips. ‘I think it’s a size too small.’
‘It’s not. You look like a million bucks. I can’t wait to see the look on Harry’s face when he sees you.’
They were meeting Harry at the stage door after the show, then Eddie was going out with him and the other cast members to a nearby nightclub. That was what Eddie was most nervous about. Aimee would head back to the hotel where Gus would be waiting for her. He’d driven down separately to Aimee and Eddie, and the two of them were looking forward to a romantic night without their kids.
‘Oh. My. Gosh,’ Aimee hissed, turning to face Eddie, who almost ran into her.
‘What?’
‘Over there. Look.’ She nodded her head sideways. ‘But don’t make it look obvious.’
A tall, stunningly beautiful woman stood surrounded by a bevy of admirers. Her smile lit the room.
‘Is that Delta Goodrem?’ Eddie asked.
‘Lower your voice. Of course it’s Delta,’ Aimee whispered.
‘What’s she doing here?’
‘She was in Cats not that long ago. Apparently she was ah-mazing and the musical theatre world love her. Word is she’s
going to get heaps more roles on stage now.’
Eddie frowned. ‘Since when have you been so interested in musical theatre?’
‘I’m not, but I’m a huge Delta fan.’
‘Judging by the crowd around her, so is half the Australian male population.’
‘Can I offer you ladies a program?’ A pimply teenager thrust a thick program in Eddie’s face.
‘Sure. Thanks. How much?’ Aimee asked.
‘Thirty dollars.’
‘Thirty dollars?’ Eddie spluttered. ‘Are you kidding me? What a rip-off.’
The teenager glared at her.
‘We’ll have one, thanks,’ Aimee said, reaching into her wallet and handing over a fifty-dollar note.
He thrust the money into his bum bag and pulled out change. ‘Enjoy the show.’
‘You can’t come to opening night and not get the program,’ Aimee said. ‘There’ll be photos of Harry in it. He can sign it for you afterwards.’
‘If I want to get Harry to sign a photo, I’ll use the one from the program from the concert.’
Aimee rolled her eyes. ‘That program was hardly more than a photocopied sheet of paper. This is something you can keep forever. Like a book.’
Eddie took the program from Aimee and fanned through the pages, noting all the photos of Harry. ‘It’s good quality but I can’t see how it’s worth thirty dollars.’
‘Worth every cent.’
‘Glad it was your money, not mine.’
A loud chiming sound filled the foyer and the noise level changed. People started moving towards the doors into the theatre and Eddie and Aimee found themselves caught up in the crowd.
‘Tickets, please.’
Eddie handed their tickets to the usher, who checked their seat numbers. She looked up and smiled. ‘Ah. House seats. You must know someone in the cast.’
Aimee grinned. ‘We’re friends with Harry Baxter.’
‘Lucky you. Harrison is such a darling,’ the woman gushed. ‘We all love him.’
They made their way down the crowded aisle to the front of the theatre, settling in to their places.
‘These seats are incredible,’ Aimee said. ‘We can see the entire stage!’
When the first note of the overture filled the theatre, Eddie felt herself finally relax.
One More Song Page 23
