‘Well this is why they say you can choose your friends but not your family,’ Jake said kindly, and passed her a clean but crumpled tissue from his pocket. ‘It’s just lucky you’ve got me, and Barbara and David, and your dad. We all love you just the way you are,’ he added, pulling her to him.
‘Thanks Jake,’ she said, hugging him. ‘I probably should phone her back,’ Emily said quietly.
‘Why not wait a while? Hopefully she’ll go off and think carefully about what you said. Maybe she’ll call you.’
‘I doubt it,’ Emily said thoughtfully, and fell silent.
‘Hey, wanna see the progress on your bright, shiny shed?’ he asked, getting up.
‘Oh, you haven’t finished?’
‘Almost, but not quite. Just a half-day tomorrow. So I’m afraid more food is required,’ he added with an apologetic shrug.
‘That’s no problem. Small price to pay for all everyone’s doing.’ She got up and allowed herself to be led outside.
As they were halfway across the expanse of rubble, first Steve, then Grant, and then Bob drove past. They slowed down and waved from their open windows. ‘See you tomorrow.’
‘Thanks very much. See you then,’ Emily called back.
When they got to the work site, Des and David were packing tools into big aluminium boxes and winding up extension cords. Emily stared at the huge shed looming up in front of her. They were almost done. If only everyone had stayed until dark, they might have finished. But she couldn’t be frustrated; a lot of people were doing her a huge favour. And it was probably safer to finish when they were fresh rather than rushing and working in poor light.
‘It looks fantastic,’ she said enthusiastically. ‘You’ve made great headway this afternoon.
‘Would have loved to have got it finished,’ David said.
‘Oh, well, there’s no great rush. Are you coming back tomorrow, Dad?’
‘Not sure. What are you cooking?’ Des Oliphant replied with a lopsided grin.
‘Oh, trust you,’ she said with a laugh, and playfully made a swipe at his arm. ‘Give me a chance to think about it. I’ve only just found out there’s more to be done.’
‘Well, whatever it is, I reckon it’ll be worth the trip Des,’ Jake said, putting an arm around Emily’s shoulders.
‘Add a bit of pressure, why don’t you,’ she said, turning her head and kissing him firmly on the cheek.
‘Oh, look at the time,’ Des said, checking his watch. ‘Better get home before her ladyship sends out a search party.’ He shook Jake and David’s hands and gave Emily a tight hug. ‘See you tomorrow around smoko time,’ he added, laughing as he got into his ute. They waved him off in silence.
‘Would you like a beer for the road?’ Jake said to David.
‘I’d offer dinner, but I’m sure Barbara is waiting for you.’ Emily said.
‘Thanks, but I’d better get cracking. I’ll pass on the beer, thanks Jake. It might go down too well. Better stick to the water. See you tomorrow morning.’
‘Okay, see ya. Drive safe,’ Emily said.
He got into his ute and they waved him off before turning and walking slowly arm in arm back to the house.
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, Emily and Jake enjoyed a light but lingering breakfast chatting about the cottage – they just couldn’t stop calling it that. They had finished tidying the kitchen and Emily had returned to flicking through magazines for ideas when they heard the familiar friendly toot of David’s ute. Jake kissed Emily goodbye, got up, and left the kitchen.
Emily watched him putting on his boots at the door, feeling dreamy and blissful. She finally had a great man in her life who respected her and treated her well. And they were about to embark on a great project together.
Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Grace get up from her spot under the cupboard to follow Jake. Emily called her back in a commanding tone. The downcast look the dog gave her as she trotted back in and lay back down made her feel mean, but she stuck to her guns. It just wasn’t safe for her to be out where there might be tractors driving, things being dropped, and size-ten boots stomping around. And it wasn’t fair on the workers to be keeping an eye out for her all the time. Grace could go with her when she took the food down, like she had the previous day.
‘Yoo-hoo!’
She tilted her head at hearing a woman’s voice. Mum? Emily frowned. She couldn’t bear Enid bursting her bubble now when she was feeling so good. She stared at her magazine, annoyed at how just one thought could send her mood plummeting.
‘Good morning,’ Barbara called, as her head popped around the kitchen door.
‘Oh. Wow. Hi,’ Emily said, leaping up and almost knocking her chair over backwards in the process. ‘I wasn’t expecting you. What a lovely surprise,’ she said as she embraced her friend.
‘Thought you might like a hand with feeding the chaps,’ Barbara said with a cheeky grin.
‘Thought you said I was on my own.’
‘Yeah, I might have said something like that. But the truth is, I’m avoiding doing the housework,’ she added sheepishly. ‘And I missed you.’
‘Well, I’m happy to have the company.’
As Emily reached for the tea and coffee things, Barbara sat down on the chair Jake had vacated. ‘What’s all this,’ she asked, peering at the paperwork strewn about. ‘Looks a lot more than just an office reno,’ she added, picking up the house plan.
‘We’ve decided to rebuild the cottage – only bigger. How cool’s that? Jake’s thinking of setting up an agency for his business here and he thought the building would be a good display to show people.’
‘Pretty hefty sample,’ Barbara said.
‘Well, I’m thinking I might run it as an art gallery – not that I know much about art. But I do know what I like and don’t like, and that’s half the battle, right?’
‘I thought you wanted to run a B&B.’
‘I’ve changed my mind. I decided I don’t want to be waiting on people hand and foot.’
‘Fair enough. Dealing with the public can be hard work. I didn’t work for long as a hairdresser, but it was enough for me. But I reckon it’d be different running a gallery, though,’ she hastily added.
‘I’m going to call it The Button Jar.’
‘Great name!’
‘You don’t think I’m taking on too much?’
‘Girl’s gotta have a hobby. And with all the antiques shops and cellar doors popping up, it’s only a matter of time before art galleries and homewares shops are in demand too. You’re smart to get in early,’ Barbara said.
‘Well, it might take up to a year to get it all set up.’
‘Everyone has to start somewhere. I’m sure it’ll be a roaring success. And it sounds like things are getting pretty serious with Jake.’
‘Yes. You don’t think it’s too soon, do you?’
‘Do you?’
‘Yes and no. I think it’s probably too soon, but it doesn’t really feel like it is.’
‘There’s your answer. Go with your heart. It doesn’t matter what I think, or anyone else.’
‘I feel like I’ve known him forever, and that I can totally trust him. I’m so lucky.’ She beamed at Barbara.
‘He sure is a lovely man. And you deserve to be happy.’
Emily reluctantly dragged herself out of her love-struck daze. ‘Can you look over the plans and see if there’s anything you think we’ve missed?’
‘As if you and Jake would have missed anything,’ Barbara said, rolling her eyes. ‘But I am a very inquisitive creature, so I’m dying to take a gander.’
They were silent for a few minutes while Emily got their teas and Barbara looked over the documents.
‘So, what do you think?’ Emily asked, putting their mugs on the table.
‘Brilliant. Can’t fault it. It gives great options for down the track – you could always rent it out if you decide you don’t like running a business. Or live there yours
elf.’
‘Well, I can’t take any credit – it’s all Jake, really.’
Barbara shrugged. ‘Whatever you say. I love it.’
‘I took a wee bit of convincing about polished concrete, but Jake assures me it’ll look great.’
‘You can always put carpets down if you don’t like it. Ooh, just the thought of shopping for Persians makes my mouth water,’ Barbara said, and actually wiped her hand across her lips.
‘We’ll see,’ Emily said.
‘Anyway, I bet it won’t take you long to get used to. And it’ll elevate it into chic rather than just country. Not that you need to. From the sounds of things, it’s going to be one for the pages of Belle or Home Beautiful. So, why an art gallery and not a homewares shop?’ Barbara asked.
‘I want to give Jake and his sister, Simone, somewhere to exhibit. She’s so talented. And I want to thank her for bringing Jake and me back together, and for all she did with the jam. You should see her work – gorgeous huge paintings of flowers.’
‘Like the ones we have in our hall at home?’
‘Not really – though yours are lovely too. Simone’s are very modern looking; bright, and unframed. She uses quite thick paint so they seem to almost stand off of the canvas. I think it’s what they call impressionist – I’m really going to have to bone up on art terms. Anyway, I just hope she doesn’t think it’s like charity or something,’ Emily added, sipping on her tea.
‘Have you told Jake? What did he say?’
‘He’s not keen to exhibit. But I’ve got plenty of time to work on him. Anyway, if one or both of them don’t want to show, I’m sure there are plenty of good unknown artists out there. I don’t think it’ll be a problem.’
‘Careful, or else Enid will suddenly be an artist wanting representation,’ Barbara said with a laugh.
‘Speaking of which,’ Emily said, ‘we had a bit of a moment.’
‘Oh?’
‘She and Dad dropped in out of the blue the other day. Jake and I had all this spread out on the table…’
‘God, I can imagine she was none too impressed,’ Barbara said, inclining her head slightly and raising her eyebrows.
‘She said it was a silly idea, blah, blah, blah. Jake, bless him, leapt in to say it was something he was working on, but something in me snapped and I let her have it.’
‘Really? What did you say?’ Barbara asked cautiously.
‘Oh, not a lot in the general scheme of things. I just pointed out that it’s none of her business how I spend my money or what I do with my life. You’re absolutely right; I’ll never win with her.’
‘And?’
‘And she stormed off, leaving poor Dad here with no ride home,’ Emily said with a tight laugh.
‘Wow. Well, well done you. Naughty Emily.’
‘I know you’ve been saying it for ages, but I think I finally see what you mean about her being insecure. It’s just so sad.’
‘Yep, sad but true.’
‘Anyway, Dad was really supportive – he’s even offered to sit and chip old mortar off the rocks!’
‘Golly, that’s dedication for you.’
‘Yeah, I told him to be careful what he offers,’ Emily said with another laugh. ‘Speaking of offers,’ she said, looking at her watch as they heard a number of vehicles drive in, ‘didn’t you offer to help me cook? We’d better get on with it.’
*
They were just delivering the morning tea when Des Oliphant drove in waving and grinning at them from his open window.
‘I don’t believe it,’ Emily said, shaking her head and laughing. ‘He turned up at the same time yesterday. Just in time for the scones.’
Emily and Barbara enjoyed a cuppa and slice of jubilee cake with the guys. They were expecting to finish just before twelve – in time for Grant and Steve to get to their afternoon games of sport. Emily offered to pack up sandwiches for them to take, but they refused. She suspected a crispy meat pie with sauce or a hotdog might be their Saturday ritual.
She invited Des to stay, but much to Emily’s surprise, he announced he’d been called up last night to fill in on the local men’s bowls team.
‘But you’ve never even played bowls!’ Emily cried, aghast.
‘Well, apparently I’m better than them forfeiting. And, for all I know, once you hit sixty you might be automatically programmed to be able to play – I’ve just never tried,’ he added with a chuckle. ‘Who knows, I might uncover a hidden talent,’ he said, miming an underarm throw.
Chapter Fourteen
The last few sheets of iron went up quickly, and then Emily, Barbara, Jake and David were tucking into sandwiches after saying goodbye to the guys.
‘Why don’t we go for a drive this afternoon?’ Barbara said to no one in particular. ‘Maybe look at a couple of antiques and second-hand shops for furniture for Em’s study?’
‘No, thanks,’ David said.
‘Ooh, yes please,’ Emily said, and clapped her hands together a couple of times. ‘Jake?’
‘Er, sorry David,’ he said, shooting David an apologetic glance, ‘but count me in.’
‘Jake Lonigan, you are a disappointment to the brotherhood.’
‘You don’t have to come,’ Barbara told him. ‘These guys could drive me home later,’ she said, putting a hand on his.
‘That’s okay. I know when I’m beaten,’ David said with a sigh. ‘Anyway, it might be wise to have a less emotional participant. And I can keep hold of your spending, missy,’ he said, tapping Barbara gently on the end of her nose.
‘Goody, it’ll be fun!’ Barbara said, clapping her hands.
‘I doubt it,’ David muttered.
‘Come on, show me this freshly painted room.’ Barbara got up and collected her handbag from the floor beside Grace. ‘I can’t believe you didn’t show me the other day.’
‘Too busy with the shed and cooking.’
‘Fancy a bit of antiquing, Gracie?’ Barbara asked the dog.
The border collie cocked her head as if contemplating the question and then began flapping her tail against the floor.
‘Great, even the dog’s ganging up on me,’ David said. ‘Thanks a lot Gracie. I thought we were friends.’
‘Ah, stop your whining,’ Emily said with a laugh, and threaded an arm through one of his. They all trooped down to her office and surveyed the room.
‘Wow, I love the colour!’ Barbara said.
‘It’s very pink,’ said David.
‘Isn’t it great?’ Jake said. ‘It’s quite a masculine shade of pink.’
‘You’re kidding, right?’ David looked incredulous. ‘There ain’t nothin’ masculine about that. Oh, what would I know?’ he conceded, throwing up his hands.
‘You know lots, darling, just not about interior design,’ Barbara said, wrapping an arm around her husband.
‘I’m keeping the bed – I’ll decide what cover later – but I’m thinking of adding a desk and chair and an armchair and floor lamp. So that’s our mission for today,’ Emily said, beaming at the others.
‘What are you doing on the window?’ Barbara asked.
‘I would love curtains and a roman blind made in the same fabric as whatever armchair I find, but after our trip to Port Lincoln the other day, I now know that will cost an absolute fortune. I think I’ll have to deal with window coverings later.’
‘It doesn’t all have to match, it just has to tie in and tell a story – isn’t that what they say on all those TV shows?’ Barbara said.
‘Hmm, just thinking about what would go with what makes my head spin,’ Emily said with a sigh.
‘Best not to over-think it. Let’s just go browsing and see what jumps out at you. Just pick pieces you love, rather than trying to follow rules,’ Barbara added.
‘Hmm, you’re probably right.’
‘Good advice,’ Jake said. ‘I think that’s how my sister, Simone, went about her decorating. She started with the big pieces first and worked everything else in around
them.’
‘Emily told me how gorgeous her house is,’ Barbara said. ‘It’s such a pity she’s not here to advise us.’
‘Right, so everyone take a mental picture of the room and keep that in mind while we’re traipsing through the stores,’ Emily said.
‘All I’m seeing is pink. And I think I’m scarred for life,’ David said, with a laugh.
‘Is it too pink? Seriously?’ Emily asked, looking from Barbara to Jake and back again.
‘No way, I love it,’ Barbara said.
‘I’m only messing with you,’ David said. ‘I’m sure it’s lovely – if you like that sort of thing,’ he added with a shrug.
‘So not helpful,’ Emily said, laughing.
They walked outside to where David’s dual cab ute was parked. ‘Perhaps I should drive since I’m the only sane one,’ he said. ‘And it sounds like we might need a ute for transport.’
They chattered the whole way to their first port of call, around twenty minutes away. The sign swinging from a pole outside read ANTIQUES, but inside they only found flashy designer homewares – throw rugs, bedspreads, old-style French armchairs in beige fabric with grey cursive writing all over it.
‘Not really what we’re looking for, huh?’ Barbara said to Emily as they all made their way across the car park.
‘No. Bit of a nerve calling them antiques; isn’t that false advertising?’
‘Probably.’
‘Hmm,’ Jake agreed. ‘It’s everywhere in Melbourne, this French provincial look,’ he said. ‘I’m a bit sick of it.’
‘Can you believe they wanted three hundred dollars for that birdcage with the faded paint out the front?’ David said incredulously, shaking his head.
‘Yep,’ said the others at the same time, and then laughed at their synchronicity.
‘What would you do with it? Surely not use it for storing fancy cups and saucers like they were – they hardly need securing,’ David said.
‘It’s just decorative,’ Jake explained.
David frowned.
Barbara laughed and put her hand on David’s shoulder. ‘My darling, ever the practical one,’ she cooed.
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