by Iris Blobel
****
Sam returned to her parents’ house only a few minutes later. The door hadn’t even been closed yet when she heard the phone ring. When neither her mother nor her father was around, she answered it.
“Auntie Aileen, how are you?”
“Sam darling, I’m sorry, but the doctor poked and peeked at me, and now I’m sore all over. How about we have dinner tomorrow night, love?”
Sam leaned her forehead against the wall next to the phone. “That’s okay, Auntie Aileen. Is everything all right, though?”
“Yes, it's all okay, just a routine check-up.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. You take care of yourself.”
Sam hung up and closed her eyes. She had been looking forward to seeing Aileen. Startled by some noise behind her, she opened her eyes and turned to see her father getting ready for a walk.
“Here you are. What are you up to?”
“Off for a walk.”
“Care if I join you?”
He gave her a wide and delighted smile. “Not at all. Come on then, Sam.”
She slipped back into her shoes and followed her father outside for his routine walk. She enjoyed her father’s company and the fact he didn’t ask any questions. They strolled through the streets and quickly arrived near the seashore. When she saw the strange man from earlier in the day out on the water again, it was she who broke the silence.
“Dad, do you know this lad over there?”
Graham shaded his eyes with his hand and glanced over to the shore. “The solid one?”
Sam nodded.
He shook his head. “No! Should I?”
“No, it’s just because he kept staring at me this afternoon when I was at the café. It was a bit eerie.”
Graham placed his arm around his daughter. “I have no idea who that is, but I wouldn’t worry too much about it.”
Sam had another look at the stranger, but quickly forgot about him when they passed a group of young children about to board a bus. She placed her arm around her father’s waist and enjoyed the walk. The fresh sea breeze did her good, even though the temperature was still low, and icy wind made her skin tingle.
But she couldn’t help herself and had another peek at the man in the water again.
“He appears to be a good surfer, considering his size.”
Following her gaze, Graham asked, “His size?”
She choked back a smile. “Well you know, a bit like a cute teddy bear with a tummy.”
Graham pulled her closer and placed a kiss on her forehead. “It’s a bubble you live in, love, and it’ll soon burst. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of a tummy.” He smiled, not knowing he had hit a nerve with Sam, who remained silent for the rest of the walk back along the beach road.
They both kept on walking in silence along the boardwalk when Sam suddenly grabbed her mobile and got Tony’s business card out of her pocket, but was startled by someone talking to her.
“Excuse me, is this your bracelet?”
Sam turned around and accidently dropped the business card.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to give you a fright.” The stranger leaned down to pick up the card. “I found this bracelet over there and was wondering whether it’s yours.”
Sam stared at the stranger while her father inspected the bracelet. “Love, that looks just like yours.”
Her gaze went down to her wrist. “Yes, that’s mine,” she mumbled. “Or at least it seems to be…I didn’t notice…” She hesitantly took the bracelet. “Thanks.”
The man raised one eyebrow. “I know what you’re thinking. I’m sorry! I hope I didn’t make you feel uncomfortable this afternoon, but you somehow remind me of someone I know. A bit scary.” He scratched the back of his head. “By the way, if that’s the phone number from the guy this afternoon, he’s over there with a blonde chick.”
Sam had no clue what he was talking about. “Pardon me?”
“Woman with blonde hair,” Graham said with a rascal smile on his face and bumped her in her ribs.
Sam frowned. “I don’t think it’s any of your business.”
Grabbing the business card, she turned around and kept on walking. Behind her, she heard her dad thanking the stranger again for the bracelet, but just shook her head. As she dialled Tony’s number she turned around towards the man the stranger had pointed at during their brief conversation—the phone rang and the man, who turned out to be Tony, was about to answer. She quickly hung up. Anger crept up in her, as well as disappointment. Blinking away the threatening tears, she was about to say something to her dad, but he was quicker.
“Australian.”
She raised one eyebrow. “What?”
“Your teddy bear. He’s Australian,” Graham explained with a smug expression on his face.
“Honestly, Dad. Who cares?”
He shrugged. “I like Australians and thought he was rather nice. Unlike you.”
Sam’s eyes focused on the beach. “I’ve got a lot on my mind, Dad.”
“I know. But that’s no reason to be unfriendly to other people. I thought I taught you better.”
“He’ll get over it,” she heard herself saying, though regretting it immediately.
“I’m sure he will, but I wonder whether you will.”
Her expression stilled. “Not sure I’m following you?”
“No, love, you’re not. You’re on your own path.” He came closer, placed his arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead. “So, how long do we have the honour of having you with us?”
“I’ll be heading back early Monday morning.” She put her arm around Graham’s waist again and enjoyed his nearness for the moment.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Oh, hi, Hollie. I was under the impression you’d be with David at the coast,” Linda said as Hollie came down the stairs that afternoon.
“No, the headache was too intense. I had a rest and told him I’d come in a couple of days. I’m sure there’s a bus or train going to the coast,” Hollie replied, trying to swallow the lump that lingered in her throat.
She took a deep breath as she watched Linda placing her shopping onto the kitchen table. “So, I suppose I will check out the Irish television today and just give myself a rest.”
“That sounds like a good idea. Steve actually has a good collection of DVDs in the lounge. Feel free to check them out.”
“Thanks!”
“When are you thinking you’ll follow David?”
“Not sure, yet. I suppose I have to find out tomorrow when and how I can get there.”
“I don’t think you’ll have a problem. I’ll talk to Steve tonight, and I’m sure he’ll help you find the information.”
“Great. Thank you so much for all your help and hospitality. It’s so much more than appreciated.”
“That’s okay. We’re enjoying having you here! By the way, I’ve got an appointment for a facial on Monday with my friend, but Connie is sick. I was wondering whether you would like to join me instead—all expenses covered.”
Hollie’s eyebrows shot up in delight. “Oh, that sounds awfully tempting. I’d love to come. Are you sure about paying?”
“Oh yes. No trouble whatsoever. Would be a pleasure.”
“Deal! I’ll make sure I leave on Tuesday. Thank you so much.”
Hollie’s apprehension began to subside, and she almost forgot about her troubles. But she had something to look forward to—next to the phone call with her dad.
****
Jeremy followed through with his promise to have her dad call her the next day. Excited to hear his voice, she was hardly able to hold on to her phone.
“Dad?” Hollie answered the call with some excitement.
“Love! How are you?”
She slouched back into the pillow of her bed. “I’m great. How are you?”
“Oh, you know me. I’m okay. Alex and Jeremy are fussing over me like I’m an old man, but I’m coping well.”
“I miss you, Dad!” She spo
ke in a broken whisper.
“Are you having a good time?”
Staring at the ceiling, she imagined him sitting on his couch at the farm and couldn’t help but smile at the way he tried to avoid the obvious comment she would have loved to hear from him.
“Yes, Dad. Ireland is great. I have to take you with me next time,” she said, knowing not for the life of him would he step into an airplane.
“Yes, love. But I think I’d prefer the travel shows on the telly rather than going there myself.”
Hollie grinned. She knew he would say that. They chitchatted for a little while, as she rattled off all the things she had done and seen. Murray listened, and here and there popped in a question.
“Love, I think I’d better go. I don’t want Jeremy to pay too much. This must be extremely expensive on his mobile. I look forward to seeing you soon.”
“I love you, Dad!”
“I love you, too, love.”
“Hollie?”
She sat straight up with her heart thumping in her throat when she heard Jeremy’s voice. “Hi there,” she said hesitantly.
“How are you?”
What am I going to say? “I’m…I’m okay. How are you?”
“Getting a bit bored without you.” He choked a laugh. “How’s your head?”
“What?”
“Davo told me you bumped your head the other day.”
Oh yes, she remembered! “Ohhhh. Yes, sore and slightly bruised. But not too bad.”
“How was the coast?”
Leaning her forehead into her hand, she thought about his question. She wasn’t prepared for this conversation. Not yet!
“I didn’t go.” The lump in her throat grew bigger and bigger. “That bump caused me such a headache, I decided I would follow Davo on Monday or Tuesday.”
Jeremy’s voice held some concern. “Hey, Twinkles. Are you all right?”
“Of course I’m all right. Why?” She tried her best to sound casual. Please don’t ask any more!
“I’m surprised you let a headache get in your way of going to the coast.”
She gently touched her sore spot. “It’s quite a ripper of a bruise.”
“Sweetheart?” Jeremy was digging now. “What’s wrong?”
Men! “Nothing’s wrong,” she replied, but her voice broke. “I…I don’t know. I think I’m homesick. And I miss you.”
“Me, too. I can’t wait to have you back here soon.”
She swallowed hard. “Yes. Three weeks is a long time.”
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes, really, I’m fine. Stop asking!”
“Better get going. I have a feeling your dad wants me to chauffeur him into town.”
With a glint of humour returning for a moment, she said, “Don’t spoil him too much!”
“I won’t! He’s such a dag and so much fun. I took him to Hobart the other day, and he and Dad had a great time chatting about all things farming.”
“I’m sure you must have bribed him that he was allowed to drive.”
“Actually, yes, I did. Hey Twinkles, I have to go. Still have a few things I need to sort out at the office. Miss you heaps.”
“Miss you, too. Don’t work too much—it’s not good for you.”
Hollie stood and went into the bathroom and gave her face a splash with cold water when she suddenly remembered Davo’s comment, Why am I here and not Jez? She picked up the phone, flipped it open and dialled Davo’s number.
“Davo?” she said softly.
“Hollie!” he said more with relief than surprise.
“I’m so sorry about what happened. I feel bad.”
“Me, too.”
“Look, bottom line is, I do love Jeremy. Nothing will change that, but yes, I do miss you. I hate having a fight with you.”
“I overstepped my mark, Hollie, and I’m sorry. I’m glad you rang. I think spending twenty-four hours with you nonstop and all of a sudden seeing you naked just got the better of me. I’m sorry.”
“I’m so glad you’re saying that. I can’t wait to come to the coast!”
“Hey, Hollie. I’m sorry I said the things I said about Jez.”
She hesitated, but knew he was sincere. Well, she hoped he was. “Not to worry.”
“So when are you coming down?”
“I haven’t decided, yet, but will let you know soon. Linda has invited me to join her for a facial. I think I deserve one.”
“Goodo. Let me know when to pick you up. I’ve got to go, but there’s something I’ve got to tell you.”
She was curious. “What is it?”
“Can’t tell you now, but I definitely will tell you on Monday or Tuesday. Thanks for ringing, Hollie. And enjoy the facial.” He laughed.
“Excuse me? What’s there to laugh about?”
“The thought of someone having to massage around your bruise.”
She rolled her eyes and gently touched her sore head. “Not funny.”
He chuckled. “Yes, it is. Gotta go.”
Hollie hung up with a sense of relief that everything seemed to be okay. With a smile on her face, she headed downstairs for dinner.
Why was she so excited about seeing Davo, though? He had kissed her, and she remembered the initial rush through her body. She shook her head as she made her way down the steps.
Stop being silly, Hollie. You miss him because he’s a good friend. What happened was an unusual situation, and it won’t happen again.
When she entered the kitchen, she thought she clearly was underdressed in her old trackies and hooded jumper. Both Linda and Stephen were still in their working outfits—she should have made more of an effort.
“Hope you like roast. How’s Jeremy? Such a shame he couldn’t come as well,” Linda said as she dished up the meat and vegetables.
Yes, such a shame. But why didn’t he come with me? Was it because he didn’t want to be the one in my dreams or…or what? Why didn’t he come with me? Hollie’s head spun around. She didn’t know what to think anymore and started to curse this holiday!
Chapter Thirty
“Hollie!”
Pacing up and down the little room, Hollie noticed the surprise in Jeremy’s voice when she rang on Monday. “Sorry, I can’t remember what the time difference is. I hope you weren’t already in bed.”
“Even if I was, I’d happily wake up for you. What’s up?”
She hadn’t completely thought this through and didn’t know what to say. An empty silence hung in the air before she heard his soothing voice. “Twinkles, what happened? Is everything okay?”
Sitting down, she leaned her head into her hand. “Sort of.”
There was silence again, before he asked, “Sort of?”
She felt the heaviness of her head and the mess inside it. “Well, I don’t know. I had this argument with Davo last week—”
Jeremy interrupted her. “Are you two all right? What happened?”
If you’d let me finish my sentence, I’d tell you, she thought, but knew not to say it out loud.
“We’re fine. I think we just spent too much time close together and said things in the heat which we shouldn’t have.”
“Like what?”
She looked up and gazed out the window. “Never mind. As I said, it’s all sorted, but there’s just one thing I can’t get out of my mind.”
Hollie paused for a moment, trying to find the right words.
Jeremy asked quietly, “Okay, I have an inkling it involves me. Shoot.”
“Yes,” Hollie said, though muffled.
“Believe me, Hollie, I have no secrets. I’m just not going around telling you my whole life story when, for the first time ever, I’ve found something special in you and I’m too afraid to lose you.”
“Do you genuinely mean that?”
“I love you, Hollie. I didn’t say it right away, but I do. It’s a bit of a scary thought, but now that I’m used to it, I like the idea and can’t wait to tell you in person.”
Her face broke into a sweet smile.
“Hollie? What’s on your mind?”
She took a deep breath and again let her gaze fall over Dublin. “Never mind.”
“Sweetheart. It’s obviously been bothering you. So spill it.”
“Why didn’t you come with me to Ireland?” The words just came out without her thinking about it.
“I told you. To make sure I’m not the person in your dreams.”
She stood and walked over to the window, fiddling with the curtains, uncertain of what to say next. “I know, but they have an Irish accent, and we know dreams sometimes are just a reflection of what the meaning is.”
Jeremy didn’t seem to understand. “I’m not with you, Twinkles. What are you trying to tell me?”
“Sorry. I’m sure it’s nothing. It’s just something Davo said—that he’s here and you’re not.”
“And that’s bothering you?” he asked slowly.
More fiddling. “I was just wondering why you didn’t come here. I don’t know. It’s just the way Davo said it.”
Jeremy was quiet, though she heard him breathing.
There was a deep sigh at the other end of the line. “Jeremy?”
“Not sure whether you want to know.”
“So it’s obviously not only that you think you might be the man in the dreams?”
“Out of all places, you had this dream in Ireland.”
Hollie heard the frustration in his voice. “Will you tell me?”
“Only if you don’t judge me.”
Crap! “I won’t.” She stepped over to her bed and flopped onto it. “At least I’ll try not to.”
Jeremy took another deep breath, before he slowly and carefully told Hollie why indeed there was another reason.
“Stevie and Linda were here two years ago and staying in my apartment, which you, thanks to Davo, now know I have in Sydney. Stevie went away for a few days to do a wilderness tour in Tassie. I had to go to Sydney for the weekend, got drunk and…”
“And what, Jeremy?” Hollie asked impatiently.
“Nothing happened,” Jeremy said boldly. “There was a lot of kissing and a lot of sexual attraction between Linda and me, but in the end nothing happened.”
