Always and Forever

by Lyn Denison

  “Okay, we’ll change the subject. About eight weeks. She did want to postpone her trip, but Dad wouldn’t let her. I don’t think he could have sat in the plane for the long trip to the UK anyway. And, of course, we didn’t know then that I’d have to have this surgery. That’s what caused the problem, threw the spanner in the works, so to speak.”

  “You said Ruth hadn’t been home since she emigrated from the UK nearly forty years ago?”

  “No. And she’s been planning the trip all year. Her family was really looking forward to seeing her, especially her mother who will be turning eighty while Ruth’s there.”

  “In retrospect I can see we, Pat and I, may have made it difficult for Ruth when she married Dad.”

  “You were just kids, Shann, kids who’d just lost their mother. I’ve always felt Ruth could have handled the situation better and, let’s face it, Billy was a big part of the problem. Ruth couldn’t see her son was a spoilt little troublemaker. But what mother would want to see how unappealing Billy was.”

  They paused for a moment, each lost in the past.

  “Did I tell you I spoke to Janice, Billy’s second wife, when I went up to Darwin with Ruth for Billy’s funeral?” Liz asked, and Shann shook her head, not wanting to think about her stepbrother. “She said they’d actually broken up before he was killed in the accident. She seemed quite nice. Heaven only knows what she ever saw in Billy. I know I shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, but I never liked him as a child and that didn’t change as he grew up. And I use the term grew up very loosely. At least Janice and Billy didn’t have any children.”

  “Does Ruth ever see her granddaughter?” Shann asked carefully.

  “No. And Billy didn’t see his daughter either. His first wife remarried and now lives in New Zealand. Billy wasn’t interested enough to keep in touch with the poor kid.” Liz checked the time. “Oh, is it that late? I’d better get going or I’ll be late for my doctor’s appointment. I’ll be back before you need to collect Corey from school.”

  Liz went into hospital the next day and came through her operation well. The next week was busy for them all as they dovetailed looking after Shann’s father and visiting Liz in hospital. By the time Liz came home they were all organized. Gerard and Amy were a big help, and they settled into a routine.

  On Thursday Amy had a study day so she was at home, enabling Shann to run the few errands she had to do.

  “I’ve got my mobile phone with me so ring if you need me.”

  Liz was sitting on the back deck, and she assured Shann they’d be fine. “I’m going to stay out here on the deck and do some cross-stitch, and Dad can sit with me after Derek leaves. Amy will make us morning tea so take your time, Shann.”

  Shann drove down to the shopping center, paid bills for her father, bought a couple of school books Corey needed as well as a new school uniform. When she left the shopping complex she found herself heading toward Angie’s hardware store.

  It wouldn’t hurt to have a look around. She could pretend she was looking to buy something. An electric drill, suggested her inner voice, and Shann bit back a laugh. That should send the conversation in the right direction.

  She turned into the parking area and switching off the engine, she sat looking at the impressive building. Forklifts darted about loading and unloading, customers came and went. Tradesmen in utes, handymen in station wagons, couples in family sedans. If the fullness of the car park was any indication Angie had a successful business.

  Maybe Shann shouldn’t interrupt her. Angie was probably busy. And Shann should get back to Liz and her father. She checked the time. Perhaps just ten minutes wouldn’t hurt. She could have a look around and then leave.

  Shann climbed out of the car and bleeped the locking mechanism. She followed a couple of workmen in through the large entry doors. Inside, she was amazed at the range of merchandise. Gone was the small corner store selling bolts and nails. Signs designated areas for electrical, bathroom fittings, gardening, and, of course, power tools. The signs went on. And there seemed to be customers everywhere.

  “Can I help you?” asked a pleasant young man in a blue staff shirt with the name Joe embroidered on the pocket.

  “I’m just browsing,” Shann said quickly, and he frowned.

  “Aren’t you Shann Delaney?”

  Shann turned back to the man, really looking at him, realizing he was vaguely familiar.

  “I’m Joe Radford. Evan’s brother. I was a couple of years below you at school.”

  “Oh. Yes. Joe. I remember you.” He did look a little like Evan, although his hair was much darker than his brother’s. “Have you worked here long?” Shann asked politely.

  “Since Angie extended the place. I was working at a hardware chain on the other side of town so I jumped at the chance of a job closer to home.” He made a sweeping motion with his arm. “Bit different to what it used to be, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. Unrecognizable.”

  “How long have you been home?” Joe asked.

  “Nearly two weeks.”

  “Oh. That’s why I hadn’t heard. You would have missed seeing Evan and Leigh before they left for New Zealand.”

  Shann stiffened. “Yes. Angie said they were on holidays.”

  “Combined with one of Evan’s business trips. So what are you doing with yourself these days?” Joe continued as Shann tried to find an excuse to leave.

  “I’ve had lots of different jobs,” she said vaguely.

  “Oh. Married?”

  And they said women could gossip, Shann thought, and then felt a little ungracious. Joe was only being friendly. Shann shook her head. “No. Still single.”

  “Well, I can recommend married life,” Joe continued pleasantly. “Remember Kylie Farmer? I think her sister Jeanette was in your year. We’ve been married for two years. Had our first child at Christmas. A boy. Eight pounds. Joseph Junior.”

  “Congratulations.”

  “Are you staying in town long?”

  “No. I’m just here while my father recuperates from a hip replacement. Oh, Joe, could you point me in the direction of Angie’s office?”

  “Sure. Go down this aisle. Turn right and keep going. I can show you.”

  “No. That’s okay.” Shann held up her hand. “I’ll find it. And I don’t want to keep you from your customers.” She indicated an elderly woman hovering near them.

  “Okay. I’ll see you around, Shann.” He headed over to the woman.

  Shann breathed a sigh of relief that Joe Radford was a conscientious worker. She turned right and saw a group of offices along the end wall. Shann took a couple of strides forward and stopped. Should she approach Angie? Now might not be convenient. Perhaps she should simply leave.

  “Does madam need assistance?” asked a soft low voice off to her right.

  Shann turned to see Angie leaning casually against a rack of painting paraphernalia. She was wearing dark slacks and a matching jacket over a pale blue shirt, and her smile was full of welcome. That now familiar glow of awareness warmed Shann, and she shifted from one foot to the other. “I was just trying to decide if I should or shouldn’t bother you. I mean, if you’re busy—”

  “No. I’m not too busy to see you,” Angie said quickly. “Actually I came down to rescue you from Joe.” She pointed to the mezzanine level up above them. “I saw you come in and get waylaid. Joe’s a pretty good talker.”

  Shann laughed. “That he is.”

  “He’s a good salesman, but I sometimes think customers just buy whatever to get away from him. He’s a nice guy, though.”

  “Yes. I only vaguely remember him from school.”

  “Me, too. But do you want the promised tour or would you prefer a cup of our famous coffee?”

  Shann looked around. “I thought I smelled coffee.”

  “Come on.” Angie motioned for Shann to follow her. “I’ll show you our coffee shop. It’s only been running for a month, but it’s a big success. Especially at the weekend.”


  In the corner of the building near the offices there was a cordoned off area with a dozen or so small tables and chairs. Half the tables were filled, and a delicious aroma wafted on the air.

  “What will you have?” Angie asked as she indicated a free table away from the other coffee shop patrons.

  “Skinny cappuccino if you have them.” Shann reached for her wallet.

  “Put that away. My shout,” Angie said lightly as she walked across to the counter. She came back with two plates holding vanilla slices. “I hope you still like these. I can recommend them.”

  “Vanilla slice.” Shann took the plate Angie handed her. “They were my favorites.”

  “I know,” Angie said softly as she sat down opposite Shann.

  “You remember that?”

  “Yes.” Angie looked down as she cut her slice in two. “I remember a lot about you.” Then she looked up, and her clear green eyes met and held Shann’s.

  That heady tension surged between them, and Shann had to fight the urge to lean across the small intimate table and put her lips to the other woman’s soft, so inviting mouth.

  “You do?” she asked, and her voice sounded barely recognizable as her own.

  “I do.”

  The low resonance seemed to flow gently down the length of Shann’s spine, as though Angie’s soft fingers were moving physically over her.

  Angie took a bite of her vanilla slice, murmured her enjoyment and then swallowed. She wiped her mouth with her napkin. “You also loved netball, swimming, violet crumble bars, playing your guitar.” She chuckled. “But not mathematics.”

  “Definitely not math,” Shann agreed. “Unlike you. Do you know you completely humiliated me that afternoon I tried to help you with your homework.”

  Angie wrinkled her nose. “I was a bit precocious, wasn’t I?”

  “You were smart, I’ll give you that.”

  “Sorry about that not-so-attractive exhibition of my flawed character,” Angie said with mock seriousness, and then she sighed. “Truthfully, Shann, I took my anger out on you when it was Leigh I was mad with that afternoon. I was angry with her for not staying to help me when she was supposed to. And it was my biology and not my math. I just said math to get to you because I knew you hated that subject. Heaven only knows why I did it because you were always the one who was there while Leigh always seemed to weasel her way out of things.”

  Deep down Shann knew what Angie was saying was true. Leigh was very accomplished at getting her own way. But they had all allowed her to. It was part of Leigh’s charm.

  “So will you accept a belated apology?” Angie was asking with a smile.

  Shann smiled back. “Sure. What’s an ego dent anyway? It was probably very character building. And talking about netball, you were no slouch yourself.” Shann seemed to recall Angie was part of the winning team in the lower age group the year Shann left. “Did you continue playing?”

  “Until I did my knee. Once I got that patched up I decided not to chance more damage, and I changed to softball.”

  “Oh. Probably wise.”

  “Then I sprained my ankle,” Angie remarked derisively. “So I decided sport was far too dangerous and became a complete nerd.”

  Shann laughed. “But you didn’t give it up completely though. Didn’t you say you went running with the dog the other day?”

  “Mmm. But that’s only so I can guiltlessly eat the occasional vanilla slice.” Angie popped another piece into her mouth.

  “I don’t think you need worry about putting on weight.” Shann’s eyes slid downward, touched on the rise of Angie’s breasts and skated away again. When she looked up she knew Angie had seen her assessing regard, and she felt herself flush.

  “Oh, I can pack it on if I’m not careful.”

  Shann shook her head. “That I don’t believe. You’re just saying that to make me feel better because you remember too many of these go straight to my hips.”

  Angie pulled a face. “Okay. So I just don’t want to take the chance. But if you’ll cast your mind back I always told you that you were imagining the thickening hips thing.”

  A scene flashed into Shann’s mind, obviously the one Angie was referring to. Shann had just bought some new jeans. She’d saved up for a proper pair, as they called them, a name rather than a generic brand, and she’d raced over to show Leigh.

  A small frown gathered on Leigh’s brow and she pursed her lips. “Turn around. Did you get a smaller size?”

  “No. Why?” Shann glanced at her reflection in Leigh’s mirror.

  “Oh. Nothing.”

  “No. Why? Come on Leigh,” Shann persisted. “Don’t they look okay?”

  “Well, they make you look a little big in the hips, don’t you think.”

  “They look fine to me,” said Angie who was sitting cross-legged on Leigh’s bed. “Don’t listen to her, Shann. She’s only jealous because Aunt Ann said she couldn’t have a new pair.”

  “Don’t you have some study to do, Angelina. Or some boring book to read.” Leigh dismissed her young cousin and turned back to Shann. “I was only thinking you might have put on a bit of weight, that’s all. You said as much yourself the other day.”

  Shann had said that. She glanced again at her reflection, trying to swivel round to get a better look at her rear view.

  Angie gave an exclamation of disgust as she pushed herself to her feet. “You look absolutely fine, Shann,” she said as she left the room, closing the door firmly behind her.

  Leigh had then run across and flipped the lock. “I knew that would get rid of her. I thought she’d never leave us alone.” And she’d walked across and pulled Shann into her arms, nibbling quick kisses along Shann’s jawline.

  “I think my little cousin has a big fat crush on you, Shann Delaney.”

  “What are you talking about, Leigh?” Shann was suddenly flustered, recalling the clear green intensity of Angelina’s level looks. “She’s just a kid.”

  “Now don’t pretend you haven’t noticed. She hangs on your every word.”

  “Leigh! You’re being ridiculous.”

  “You wouldn’t kiss anyone else the way you kiss me, would you?” Leigh asked, looking up at Shann with a half-teasing, half-serious gleam in her eyes.

  “No. Never,” she said, and drowned in the feel of Leigh’s lips on her own.

  Shann drew her mind back to the present. Angie was watching her, and Shann was relieved the other woman couldn’t see into her thoughts. Or could she? Something flickered in Angie’s green eyes but was gone before Shann could define it.

  Just then the young waitress put frothy cappuccinos down in front of them, and Angie thanked her. “So what about you,” she asked, turning back to Shann. “Are you on the exercise bandwagon?”

  “I try to walk a couple of times a week. Occasionally I go for a run. And Corey and I like to play soccer in the park.” Shann took a sip of her coffee and then licked the foam from her lip. “Yum. This is delicious. I’m glad I called in.”

  “So am I.”

  There was that tension again. It seemed to Shann to hover just below the surface when she was with Angie, waiting to swell between them and set Shann’s nerve endings clamoring.

  “All this is quite impressive,” Shann motioned to encompass the store.

  Angie sipped her own coffee. “I’ll admit it was something of a gamble, but I thought it was worth the chance and, touch wood,” she lightly rapped the tabletop, “it seems to be paying off.”

  “But why hardware?”

  “Why not?” Angie laughed. “The Grossmans who owned this place taught me every aspect of the business when I was working for them and, besides, I loved fooling around with power tools. It always seemed so, well, butch.”

  Chapter Four

  The word reverberated between them, and Shann’s breath caught somewhere in her throat. Was Angie giving Shann the clue she was looking for? Or was it just an innocent comment? Shann had no way of knowing if Angie was aware of the
huge family drama that unfolded ten years ago. Possibly she didn’t know about it, but in all probability she did.

  Ask her, suggested a voice inside Shann, but she somehow couldn’t bring herself to do so. What would she ask anyway? By the way, Angie, did you know your cousin Leigh and I were supposed to have had a lurid sexual lesbian affair?

  “You remember the stuff I made for Ann and Mike in woodwork and metalwork classes?” Angie was saying. “I don’t think the house was big enough to hold it all. Your parents ended up with the second coffee table I made, and they still use it out on the deck.”

  Shann gathered herself together. “Yes, I do remember that. And the coffee table is beautifully made.”

  “I got an A for that one,” Angie grimaced.

  “I didn’t know you did metal work, too.”

  “Oh, yes. Can’t you see me with my face mask, my gloves, wielding my welder?”

  The trouble was, Shann thought almost hysterically, she could.

  “I did all that macho stuff, much to Ann’s horror. I even considered teaching the subjects.” Angie grinned. “But only for a minute. So, as you can see, all this,” she waved her arm around, “suits me fine. If I was a cat you’d say I’d fallen on my feet.”

  “It’s obvious how much you love it. I can hear it in your voice.”

  “You can?” Angie’s fingers fiddled absently with her empty coffee cup. “Am I that transparent?”

  “No. Definitely not generally. Only about your work. And you’re lucky to be working at something you love. Most people just have to put in their eight or more hours.”

  “That’s true. And I really do enjoy all this.” She paused. “Did Liz tell you about my grandmother?”

  “Yes. That must have been a surprise.”

  “It was. I didn’t even know I had grandparents. My mother certainly didn’t mention them. Apparently she ran away from home when she was sixteen, and they never saw her again. No one could tell me if my grandparents tried to find her, only that she was something of a problem child from the moment she was born. She had me when she was eighteen, and that didn’t work out for her either.”