Heart of Gold

by Fiona Palmer

  ‘Did you hear about what he did yesterday?’ said Dave as Lindsay joined their pow-wow.

  Her eyes opened wide. ‘Nup. What?’

  Dave lowered his voice. ‘He was driving home, probably stoned, and ploughed through the mob of sheep Russell Clyde was trying to shift. Russell had all the signs up but Marty was flogging along over the hill when he hit them. I heard he mangled nearly twenty of them. Russell had to shoot most of them.’

  ‘Damn, that’s gross,’ said CJ.

  ‘Did Marty do anything?’ asked Lindsay.

  ‘Dave laughed. ‘That’s the funny part. Marty went ballistic, as usual, shooting his mouth off about the damage to his car. But Russell could tell he was stoned and said he’d call the cops to sort it out. That shut him up. He got back in his car and left. Stupid idiot.’

  ‘Oh, poor Russ.’ CJ had worked Russell’s shed religiously every year for the past six or more years. He was a nice bloke, with kids about her age.

  They all shook their heads and packed up their gear.

  Lindsay put his arm around CJ. ‘So what do you say, good-looking? Shall we stop by the pub for a quick drink to celebrate, my hard-working shearer?’

  Lindsay was giving her one of his heat-filled gazes and she knew it wasn’t beer that was on his mind. ‘Hmm, sounds wonderful. Let’s get outta here, babe!’

  23

  IT was a surprisingly mild June day for Irene and Paul’s wedding. The sky was clear and the sun warmed the cool air. At the last minute Irene decided to have it outside on the number seventeen fairway at the Lake Moore Golf Club. Paul was a golf fanatic and the president of their local club. The club house came with a fully stocked bar and a large kitchen, which the local CWA ladies, who were doing the catering, put to good use.

  CJ sat in the old silver Ford GT alongside Irene and Jess, Paul’s niece’s daughter, who was happily fluffing her dress about like a princess.

  ‘I just love the GT, Irene.’

  ‘Yeah, I’m glad Mocka was kind enough to bring her out of the shed for us. It’s a beautiful car,’ said Irene.

  ‘Getting nervous?’ she asked, reaching across to hold Irene’s hand. Her nails were short but had been tidied up as best she could.

  ‘Hmm, just a tad. How about you, Jess? Remember what to do, sweetie?’

  Jess nodded.

  ‘CJ will be right behind you. I can’t believe the day is finally here,’ Irene said, squeezing CJ’s hand.

  ‘Well, enjoy it! You look amazing.’

  Mocka, a local farmer they shore for, drove the GT down the golf club road and onto the fairway, where the groom and guests were waiting. It was picture perfect, with a large granite rock on one side and weeping willows on the other. The fairway was splashed with green from the last rain.

  Mocka pulled up behind the sixty guests. Through the middle of the walkway, CJ could see Paul waiting with his best man.

  ‘Well, let’s do it.’ CJ opened the door and they climbed out. CJ adjusted Irene’s small silk train and brushed out a few creases with her hand, then smoothed her own dress. ‘I’ll see you up there.’

  ‘Crap, I need a ciggie!’ Irene fiddled with her small handful of lilies, then watched Jess make her way towards the crowd, followed by CJ.

  Lindsay had been waiting patiently but when he saw the car pull up his heart had skipped a beat. He couldn’t believe how excited he was to see CJ. He’d seen lots of girls in dresses but it was something special to know CJ would be wearing one for a change. He adjusted his red tie again before clasping his hands together in front of him. He watched Jess walk towards them, her strawberry-blonde hair falling down her back almost to the sash on her cream dress. But it was the flash of red that caught his attention. He focused his eyes and lost his breath. He knew she’d look amazing but he was still unprepared for the shock. The high-heeled shoes were the first thing he noticed, then her legs, which went on forever. Her dress – well, it was jaw-dropping. He’d never noticed her breasts so much before; the gathered silk held them perfectly in the halter-neck. Irene had done well to find a dress that accentuated CJ’s slender shape. Lindsay had never seen CJ wearing make-up before either. He could see her eyes so clearly from were he stood: all the colours that swirled together to make the special blend of blue that he loved so much, under her voluptuous eyelashes. And that red lipstick. He could think of a few places he’d like to have that. And her hair, he’d never seen it tied up like this with delicate curls cascading down. So sexy.

  The whole crowd was looking at her. He heard Dave next to him mutter ‘angel’ and ‘heaven’.

  She got to within a metre from him and asked, ‘Well?’

  ‘Sensational!’ he mouthed back, then turned his attention to Irene. She had scrubbed up a treat and looked perfect in her white, beaded gown. Lindsay glanced at Paul and saw him wipe away a stray tear. When Irene was by his side he held her hand and didn’t let go throughout the whole ceremony.

  But Lindsay couldn’t keep his eyes off his girl. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have met CJ. Just to think – if he’d never left the farm, they wouldn’t have crossed paths. As Irene and Paul exchanged vows, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of taking off CJ’s red dress.

  When they got back to the reception, everyone had a drink in their hand and the local DJ was pumping out the tunes. A loud cheer went up as the bridal couple entered.

  CJ saw Tess sitting by the front windows. ‘Hi, Tess. Hi, my girls.’

  Both girls gave her hugs around her middle.

  ‘CJ, you look so beautiful,’ said Bonnie.

  ‘Yeah, just like my Barbie doll,’ agreed Tara.

  ‘A real knockout, CJ. Lindsay can’t keep his eyes off you.’ They all turned to glance at Lindsay, who was at the bar. He saw them all staring, shrugged and mouthed, ‘What?’ They all laughed.

  ‘Well, I think Lindsay looks pretty hot himself,’ said Tess. ‘I wonder if I can have the first dance?’

  CJ threw her a funny look. ‘Hey, you! You’ve already snagged a Taylor. Leave that one for me, will you!’ she joked. ‘But I might spare him for one dance.’

  ‘Goodo, then. You can have Doug. He’s got two left feet.’

  ‘Cheers, Tess.’ CJ remembered the last time she’d seen her parents dancing. She would have been eleven and it was at a Cabaret at the local hall. She’d had to sleep in the car but the car was backed up to one of the hall windows so she could watch everyone dancing in their dress clothes. Her mum and dad had looked so in love as they waltzed across the floor and she remembered wanting to be just like them. Now she wouldn’t wish their life on anyone.

  ‘So,’ said Tess, getting CJ’s attention. ‘You practised your speech?’ Tess looked elegant with her silky black hair pulled back into a high ponytail. She was wearing a low-cut, navy-blue dress with matching jacket, which brought out her olive skin.

  ‘God, I hate speeches!’ she groaned.

  ‘You’ll be fine.’

  ‘CJ!’

  Irene was walking towards her with a tall, good-looking bloke at her side. CJ knew straightaway it had to be Irene’s son. He had the exact same green eyes and round face. He was lean and dressed in a sharp black suit and his light-chocolate skin looked soft and perfect. No sun spots or freckles.

  ‘CJ, I want you to met my son, Chris.’ Irene turned to Chris. ‘You don’t mind if I introduce you as my son?’

  Chris smiled and shook his head. ‘I don’t mind at all.’ He held out his hand. ‘Hi, CJ. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.’

  ‘All good, I hope.’ CJ shook his hand and marvelled at its smooth softness. Office-worker hands.

  ‘Irene didn’t tell me you were a stunner, though,’ Chris remarked.

  ‘I see he has your charm, Irene,’ CJ said, blushing a little.

  Irene went on to introduce Chris to the others. He seemed genuinely happy to be here and to meet Irene’s friends. CJ noticed how he always glanced at Irene, like he didn’t want to let her out of his sigh
t. He appeared so happy and fulfilled.

  ‘So how do you like it out here, Chris?’ she asked.

  ‘It’s quiet. All this open space and stillness is bizarre. I feel like I’ve fallen off the face of the earth into nothingness. And I never realised how much sky there is. You get a real sense of being on earth when you can see the horizon three hundred and sixty degrees around you. I’ve got to come here more often.’

  ‘You should. I know Irene would love that. How are you handling all this?’ CJ hoped she wasn’t being too forward.

  Chris smoothed back his brown fringe, which was long but well kept. He definitely knew about man-scaping! A bar of soap was all the blokes knew about around here, and a squirt of shampoo from time to time. Chris smelt like expensive aftershave, exotic body wash and hair products.

  ‘Um… well, at first it was a bit scary, I’ll give you that, but I’ve always wanted to find my real mum. My parents always told me how hard it had been for Irene to give me up, so it wasn’t like I needed questions answered. It was more about finding a family, seeing my genetics. One look at Irene and you know she’s my mum. It’s an amazing feeling to recognise yourself in someone. I hope to see a lot more of her.’ He smiled and CJ marvelled at his straight teeth.

  ‘Ah, you will. Irene’s the best. I’ve known her since I was young. I know she loves having you around. You being here today has really made it special for her.’ CJ and Chris exchanged smiles. She had a feeling they could become good friends. He seemed really down to earth. ‘I could tell you some good stories about Irene,’ CJ continued, before Irene swept him away again.

  Later that night CJ was called for her speech. She stood up behind the bridal table and nervously scanned the crowd. Lindsay gave her a nod for moral support, but when she turned to face Paul and Irene, all her fears disappeared as she saw how happy her best friends looked.

  ‘I have worked with Irene for a long time now and over those years she has become my best friend. She is strong, caring, has an amazing sense of humour, which never goes astray in a shearing shed, but most importantly she is always there for me. I love you heaps, Irene, and I know you and Paul will be happy. Paul, you’re a wonderful man and I am so glad you found Irene. There is this story I’d like to tell about Irene. It was five years ago; we were shearing out at Armstrongs’ and Cockie had lost control of his sheep. Irene just happened to be walking past as this ewe leapt from the raised board straight into her head. Poor Renie went down like a sack of spuds, sprawled out by this ewe. But she didn’t let it get the better of her. Up she jumped and wrestled it back into its pen. So Paul, if you ever try and run away, you know you haven’t got a hope in hell, as she’ll drag you back, kicking and screaming.’ CJ raised her glass in a toast. ‘Here’s to you both. I hope you have a long and happy life together.’

  Three hours later the diehards were left, drinking and dancing up a storm. ‘Did I tell you today how dazzling you are in that dress?’ Lindsay whispered into her ear as he whisked her around the dance floor.

  CJ pulled back so she could look into his deep blue eyes. ‘Hmm, maybe once or twice,’ she said before leaning in to kiss him.

  He sighed as he tightened his hold on her. ‘This is just perfect, you in my arms. Can we stay like this forever?’

  CJ rested her head against his shoulder and nuzzled into his neck. ‘That sounds like a great idea. I bet you’re glad Bonnie caught the bouquet and not me?’ she asked as he stroked her back and kissed her forehead.

  ‘It wouldn’t have bothered me in the least. But I think Dave was a bit shocked to get the garter!’

  ‘Yeah. Wonder if he’ll follow through on the bet to wear it to work on Monday.’

  Lindsay chuckled and CJ buried her fingers in his hair. If she were to die right now, she’d die the happiest girl in the world.

  But as for the rest of the crew, Dave had his tie around his head and was dancing like an overfed chicken, while Jules was dancing without his shirt. Someone had stuck the table decorations to his sweaty back and the little love hearts glittered under the flashing, coloured lights. Chris, Irene, Tess and Paul were sucking the helium out of the balloons while Doug was mixing up some shooters. There was talk of climbing the rock and watching the sunrise but Lindsay had whispered more attractive plans into CJ’s ear. Soon they were hugging everyone goodbye and heading for the door.

  24

  TODAY Taylor’s shearing team was out at the Cronin shed, but CJ didn’t think they’d see the day out. As she sat outside on an old chemical drum eating morning smoko the sky had come in very overcast and she could smell the approaching rain.

  ‘You think we’ll make lunchtime?’ asked Irene, who was perched on a drum beside her, smoking a cigarette.

  ‘I don’t know. Jason’s just headed out with his missus to get the next mob in undercover,’ replied CJ. She rubbed her arms, which were starting to chill, and untied her checked shirt from around her waist and put it on over her singlet.

  Irene watched CJ kick at the dirt with her workboots. ‘I bet you miss those red high heels, hey?’

  She pulled a face at Irene. ‘You know damn well I don’t. But I might just keep them handy as a self-defence item,’ she laughed.

  Lindsay and Dave walked over to them. Lindsay wasn’t that much taller than Dave but he was definitely half his width. He ran his hand over his cropped hair, and CJ thought how much it suited him. It was sexy really short and she’d taken over the job of cutting it with the clippers when it was needed. Both men wore their shearing singlets and pants; Lindsay had a collection from all the competitions he’d been in.

  ‘Hiya, fellas. Think it might take us a few extra days to finish Jas’s shed,’ said CJ.

  ‘Yeah, there’s a wager going around for the rain,’ said Lindsay. He squatted down so he was at eye level with CJ. ‘We’ve got some news.’

  ‘Please tell me Marty was caught driving an unlicensed car with heaps of cannabis and they’re going to lock him up and save us all from working with him,’ said Irene hopefully.

  ‘No, the news is that Dave here is back off to New Zealand for a few weeks.’

  ‘Yeah, my little sis is gettin’ hitched and my bro has just had a wee young’un, so it’s time for me to head back and catch up.’

  ‘Oh Dave, that’s great news.’ CJ knew his family meant a lot to him.

  Irene stubbed out her smoke. ‘Who’ll be taking your place?’

  ‘Well, we don’t know for sure but I’ve got a good idea,’ said Lindsay. ‘You can take his stand.’

  ‘Me?’ CJ squeaked.

  ‘Reckon Doug would go for it?’ asked Dave.

  CJ was lost for words. Could she? Would Doug let her? Wow. Full-time shearing. It was mind boggling.

  ‘Go for it,’ said Irene, nodding her head.

  CJ gazed at Lindsay. ‘You think I can do this?’

  He laced his fingers through hers. ‘I know you can. It’s perfect and Doug’s going to love the idea… once I convince him.’

  ‘I don’t mind picking up the slack in the shed, if it helps you out, CJ,’ said Irene.

  ‘Bloody hell, Renie. You’re not even supposed to be at work. You should be off on a honeymoon relaxin’.’

  ‘Paul and I are going away for a week later to catch up with Chris and his family. That’ll be when I relax.’

  ‘Then it’s set. We’ll see Doug tonight,’ finished Lindsay.

  CJ was nervous as they pulled up in Doug and Tess’s driveway. Tara was outside on the paving riding her scooter. She stopped and stared at them until they got out of Lindsay’s ute, then the scooter hit the ground with a clunk and she ran full pelt towards them.

  ‘Hello,’ she yelled with excitement.

  Lindsay scooped her up while CJ brushed her hair back from her face lovingly. ‘Hello, short stuff.’

  ‘Are you staying for dinner?’ Tara asked.

  Lindsay put Tara back down. ‘No, just come for a quick chat with your dad. Is he home?’

  Tara took one
of their hands each and walked with them to the house.

  ‘What are you two up to?’ came Doug’s voice from behind the flywire door.

  ‘Hey, Doug. How ya doin’? Just come for a catch-up,’ said Lindsay.

  Doug scratched at his dark stubble. ‘By all means, come in. I’ll get you a beer. Grab a seat in the lounge. I was just watchin’ the Eagles flog Collingwood.’

  Doug came back from the kitchen and handed out the beers.

  ‘Cheers,’ said CJ as they sat down.

  ‘So, I hear we’ll be a shearer down next week?’ Lindsay said.

  Doug shook his head. ‘Yeah, and stuffed if I can find a replacement. Just as well you shear like two blokes hey, Slick?’

  Lindsay leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. ‘What if I could find you a shearer?’

  Doug’s face lit up.

  ‘But only a novice.’

  Doug’s face dropped, then he twigged as Lindsay’s gaze went to CJ. ‘Ah. Are you up for that, CJ?’

  She didn’t get a chance to answer.

  ‘Of course she is,’ Lindsay jumped in.

  ‘We’ve thought about this,’ CJ added. ‘John can take over from me now he’s got his ticket and it’s way easier to find a replacement rousie than it is a classer or shearer. This way you can keep all six stands going and hopefully I’ll get a bit faster. What do you say, Doug? You can’t lose and I’ve been trained by the best.’

  ‘You know, when you put it like that, I’d be a fool not to. If you’re keen, so am I.’

  ‘Thanks, Doug.’ She could barely get the words out over her excitement.

  Doug smirked and said, ‘I was talking to the boys the other night and Jules and Dave were telling me about the runs you’ve been doing. In fact, they were quite impressed. Even Buck agreed and you know how hard it is to get anything from Buck.’

  Buck was the only Aussie shearer besides Lindsay. He was in his late forties or early fifties. He kept to himself, and would crack a warm king brown stubbie for breakfast, but no one ever said a thing as he could shear two hundred-odd sheep a day. Buck lived in the caravan park and if he wasn’t there, he was at the pub.