The next day, Matt walked down the dirt road towards Bluestone Ridge. It was almost four o’clock in the afternoon, and the air still held its heat. He’d spent most of the day unpacking the last of his boxes. Storage in his cottage was lacking to say the least and he’d had to get creative. A couple of days ago he’d gone to Bendigo and bought a couple of large bookcases. They were made of dark wood and had a ladder attached to it. Matt figured that they were the closest he’d ever get to having a library. They’d been delivered this morning and he’d set them up in the second bedroom, which he was converting to his office. With the last box of books emptied, Matt had stood back and admired his handiwork. It was a good job and the shelves looked great crammed with all his volumes. A little flash of pride had bubbled up inside him when he’d placed his own two works – Complicity and Paranoia – on the middle shelf.
With his library set up, he’d decided that he’d get some fresh air and maybe do a little vlogging at the same time. He made himself walk each day, even if his leg was aching – whether or not he’d ever be able to get rid of his bloody walking stick remained to be seen. All he knew was that the days he didn’t do his exercises and take a walk, his leg would stiffen up and give him grief.
He flicked on the camera as he walked along. The dried-up pastures of Bluestone Ridge spread out before him.
He aimed the camera at himself. ‘Hi everyone. Today I thought I’d show you how pretty it is out here.’ Matt turned the camera and panned it across the countryside. He spent a minute or two zooming in on three burly-looking sheep that were standing under a gnarled peppercorn while he chatted on. When he thought his viewers had probably had enough of all things rural, he turned off the camera and continued down the road.
In the distance he could see the tall ridge that ran behind the old Duprey house and the wire-fenced paddocks that seemed to roll on forever. The edges of the road were sparsely scattered with a handful of gum trees which gave some feathery shade as he passed. He’d been walking for about ten minutes when he saw his neighbour’s gate come into view. Where the rest of the property had a wire dropper fence, the garden around the house was different. As Matt neared it he could see that the old fence was made out of bluestone. Well, that wasn’t a huge surprise, given the property’s name. He turned on the camera again.
‘This is so cool – you’ve got to see this,’ he said as he focused in on the fence and then the amazing gate.
The gateposts were made out of the same stone and stood tall, thick and solid. On the top of each post sat a round, smooth stone ball. There was also a botanical image of a vine carved into the front of each gatepost. Matt went in for a closer look – maybe it was ivy . . . yeah, it looked like ivy.
A large black metal gate with fleur-de-lis finials finished off the whole look. Matt zoomed in again, this time focusing on the circular drive beyond the gate and the old two-storey house. The house was also made out of stone and encapsulated the elegance of a bygone era. It seemed odd that such a grand and imposing house should be here in the middle of nowhere.
‘What exactly are you playing at?’
Matt jumped and almost dropped his camera. He swung around and saw Bec Duprey standing in front of her ute with her hands on her hips. Funny, he’d been so wrapped up in what he was doing he hadn’t even heard her pull up.
‘Um, I was just looking at your great old fence.’
‘Really. Well, why don’t you go back to your place and film your fence instead?’
‘But your fence is so much cooler than mine.’ Matt held up the camera. ‘I’m guessing this is Rebecca Duprey and she’s pissed because I didn’t ask her permission to film her gate. And she’s right, I should have asked. Listen, I’m sorry about that.’
‘Generally an apology like that only means that you’re sorry that I caught you. You’re lucky it was me who sprung you – Dad would have set the dogs on you.’
Matt turned off the camera and walked towards her. ‘Hey, I really am sorry. I didn’t mean any harm.’ The setting sun cast a light on Bec and highlighted her dark blonde hair and the smattering of freckles across her nose. She was wearing a pair of well-worn jeans and a chambray shirt and had her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She looked so bright and vibrant, like she belonged to the landscape itself.
‘Folks around here don’t like strangers poking around. You need to ask before you go filming – especially people’s homes.’
‘Sorry.’
She raised an eyebrow at him before she got back in her car. ‘You’ve already said that.’
As Matt hurried up to the window he caught the scent of hay in the air. ‘But I am sorry. I just got carried away with the fence, that’s all. And thanks for not setting the dogs on me.’ ‘You’d better go home, Mr Harvey, before you get yourself into real trouble,’ Bec said as she fired up the car and entered the long driveway into her property.
Matt watched as her ute disappeared. Damn it, he always seemed to screw up in front of her.
***
It was just past 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night when Bec walked into the kitchen wearing a dark blue sundress that skimmed her knees and a pair of strappy sandals. Summer was long gone but the heat was still lingering on, although to be on the safe side she’d grabbed her trusty denim jacket in case it cooled down.
‘I thought we’d tackle the accounts after dinner,’ her father said, not bothering to look up from the kitchen table.
Bec took in a breath. Just once she’d like to be able to go out without having to face down her father.
‘Sorry, Dad, I can’t tonight. I’m meeting the girls for dinner at the pub.’
Jack raised his head. ‘Alright, we’ll do it afterwards.’
‘Nope, not tonight. I don’t know when I’ll be back.’
‘How long does dinner take?’ he said as he pinned her with his stare.
‘Don’t know – but the books are going to have to wait.’
Maggie breezed into the kitchen and managed to defuse the building tension.
‘Hello, darling, are you off somewhere?’
‘Just having dinner with the girls.’
‘Apparently it’s more important than the books,’ Jack grumbled from the table.
‘Well, of course it is. For heaven’s sake, Jack, it’s Saturday night and Bec should be out rather than poring over the blasted accounts. Come to think of it, we should be out as well. We could drive up to Bendigo and find a nice restaurant – it’s been an age since we’ve gone out to dinner.’
Jack pushed himself away from the table. ‘Not tonight, Maggie. Don’t worry about the accounts, Bec – we’ll tackle them on Monday. Have a good night,’ he said as he wheeled his chair out of the kitchen.
Bec went to open her mouth but Maggie held up her hand.
‘Don’t even think about staying in tonight. Go and have a good time and say hello to Sally for me. Remind her she still owes me her grandmother’s fruitcake recipe.’
Bec smiled at her mum. ‘I will.’
Maggie gave her a quick hug. ‘Now off you go.’
‘But Mum, what about Dad?’
‘Nothing for you to worry about. Just go and have a nice time.’
‘Thanks, Mum,’ Bec said with a smile before she walked out the back door and headed for her car.
***
Bec opened the window as she pulled out of the driveway and headed towards town. It was a balmy night and the wind felt good as it blew in her hair.
She parked the car under the old elm tree on the corner and walked up the old stone steps of the Black Sheep. The hotel had been the very first building to be built in White Gum Creek back in 1874 – which kind of said a lot about the town as a whole. For two long years the town had consisted of a series of tents and shanty buildings made up of uneven boards but the pub was fashioned in bluestone. Perhaps as an act of contrition the church had been erected quickly after the pub’s completion, followed by the bakery and the school.
Bec strolled through the hotel, which was filled with half a dozen of the regulars propped up at the long polished wooden bar. She gave Brett the publican a wave as she sailed past and into the dining room. The room had been decorated in a modern style that made the most of the elegance of the original Victorian architecture. Tash and Sally were already waiting for her and both of them waved as she stepped through the door.
‘Hey, I was beginning to wonder if you were actually going to show,’ Sally said as she gave her a quick hug. Sally had a small build which was balanced out by curly blonde hair that bounced around her shoulders. She always seemed to be upbeat and her husband, Davey, always said that she lit up any room she walked into.
‘I’m not late, you know.’
‘Yeah, but you bailed on the last couple of nights, so we weren’t sure,’ Tash added as she kissed her cheek.
‘Well, I’m here now.’
‘Good – because it’s been too long since you were sprung from Bluestone Ridge.’ Tash pushed a strand of straight dark hair behind her ear. She was the opposite of Sally. Whereas Sally had a bubbly quality about her and tended to wear her heart on her sleeve, Tash was quieter and more reserved.
‘God, Tash – you make it sound like a prison.’
Tash winked. ‘Hey, I call it as I see it. Anyway, I’m grabbing some drinks – what would you like?’
‘Just a white wine, thanks.’
‘Back in a tick.’ Tash headed to the bar.
Sally leant forward. ‘So, what’s been happening with you?’
Bec shrugged as she smiled at her friend. ‘Nothing – just the same old, same old. How about you?’
‘Just hanging out for the school holidays. I love my students but I have to admit I won’t be sorry when this term is over.’
Bec raised her eyebrow. ‘Hasn’t school just gone back?’
‘Yeah, don’t remind me,’ Sally said with a grin. ‘No, I’m just kidding. But I’ve had a couple of new students from outside the area move in and it’s changed the dynamics of the group. It’ll get better, it just takes time.’
‘Really? That’s weird.’
‘What is?’
‘People moving into town – I always assume that people move away and not the other way around.’
‘Well, so much for your town pride and all that. Why wouldn’t people move here? White Gum Creek is great.’
‘If you like tiny towns, quiet nights and the only bit of excitement being the next footy/cricket/netball game.’
‘Wow, aren’t we sounding jaded and sorry for ourselves?’
‘Who’s feeling sorry for themselves?’ Tash asked as she arrived back at the table carrying three drinks.
‘Bec is.’
‘I am not – I was only commenting on how quiet our town is.’
‘Well, thank heavens some people do move in. I always think they bring a breath of fresh air to the place,’ Tash said as she sat down and picked up her glass. ‘Here’s to the blow-ins – long may they, well, blow in. Present company included.’
‘Thank you. I sometimes forget I’m a blow-in – this just feels like home,’ Sally said as she clinked her glass with Tash’s. ‘How long before I’m regarded as a local?’
‘Um . . . at least another twenty years.’ Bec grinned as she added her glass to her friends’. ‘Cheers.’
‘Speaking of blow-ins,’ said Tash, ‘the rumour mill has it that your new neighbour is a writer of some sort, and I can confirm that he is very easy on the eyes. I caught a glimpse of him the other day when he came into the bakery. The man’s hot. Would you like to comment?’
‘Funnily enough, no thanks, Tash – I wouldn’t.’
‘So you haven’t met him yet?’
‘I didn’t say that.’
‘Aha! So tell us everything,’ Sally prompted.
‘There’s not that much to tell. He had a fire going the other day at his place and I told him to put it out – end of story.’
Tash blew out a breath. ‘That’s it? How bloody boring.’
‘I wonder what happened to his leg?’ Sally took a sip of her wine before she started looking at the menu.
‘What’s the matter with it?’ Bec asked.
‘He uses a walking stick – you didn’t notice when you were talking to him?’
‘I guess I didn’t.’
‘So why don’t you go over and try and have a normal . . . that is, friendly conversation with the man?’ Tash asked.
Bec stared at her friend as if she’d just hatched another head. ‘You’re joking, aren’t you?’
‘Nope, she’s not,’ Sally said. ‘I saw him the other day in town and it’s true – he is cute. You know, he’s got that whole tortured writer thing going on.’
Bec rolled her eyes. ‘Oh please . . . just stop, okay?’
Tash gave her a nudge. ‘No, just think about it – how often does a single, hot male voluntarily move to White Gum Creek?’
‘She has a point.’ Sally shrugged as she took another sip of her wine.
‘Look, if you’re so intrigued by Matt Harvey why don’t you go and talk to him?’
Sally raised her hands. ‘Hey, I’m happily married to my Prince Charming.’
‘I wasn’t talking to you.’
Tash raised her eyebrows in surprise. ‘Oh, you know that I can’t start anything. My heart’s already taken.’
Bec and Sally glanced at each other. They knew precisely who Tash was talking about, but neither had the heart to tell their friend that her dearest wish would never come to anything. Nicholas Langtree had moved to the area about seven years ago and bought property up on Winter’s Hill. He’d fallen for a local girl and just as they were starting a life together tragedy had struck and he’d lost everything. From then on Nicholas became a ghost of the man he’d once been. He stayed at Winter’s Hill and barely came in to town. It was obvious to Bec that he carried the past with him just like the burn scars on the back of his hands.
‘Um . . .’ she and Sally ventured in unison.
‘I know, I know what you’re going to say. There’s absolutely no way that Nicholas Langtree will ever look at me. But there’s something there – I swear it. When we do bump into each other, there’s something . . . really . . . I promise I’m not making it up.’
‘Sweetheart, the man’s a recluse – we hardly ever see him. You know that since the fire he’s just kept to himself.’ Said Bec.
‘Yes, he’s been through a terrible tragedy, losing his family and all – but that’s why I have to try. I can’t leave him mouldering up at Winter’s Hill year after year – I just can’t.’
‘Tash, he doesn’t want company. We all tried but he just wants to be left alone. That’s what he told everyone,’ Sally said. ‘Besides that – well, he’s a bit odd.’
‘He said that a long time ago. And you’d be odd too if you spent your life shut up with ghosts and shadows. There may not be any future in it for the two of us, but at least I can try to get him to join the human race again.’
‘Hmm, I just don’t want you to get your hopes up,’ Bec said.
‘Or get hurt,’ Sally added.
‘I won’t,’ Tash said with added conviction. ‘Besides, we digress. I don’t know how the hell we ended up talking about me when we should be concentrating on Bec’s doomed love life.’
‘What do you mean, doomed?’
‘Exactly what I said.’
Bec winced. ‘Come on – it’s not that bad.’
Sally let out a laugh. ‘Are you kidding me? When was the last time you actually went on a date . . . with a man . . . in the moonlight?’
Bec opened her mouth to protest but then shut it again. The truth was that it had been a while, she wouldn’t deny that, but surely only a few months – well, maybe six or seven.
‘It’s got to be a year, maybe even two,’ Sally answered for her.
‘Oh, stop it – it can’t possibly be that long,’ Bec said as she slumped back in the chair.
‘When then? When was the last time you went out, made out, or had some mind-blowing sex?’
‘Well, there was Steve . . .’
‘That was over a year ago. Besides, I seem to remember you saying that the whole thing was far from mind-blowing. Are you telling me that’s it? There hasn’t been anyone since?’
‘Um, I guess I’ve been busy.’
‘Oh bullshit,’ Tash said. ‘You’ve been hiding out at Bluestone Ridge and have been ever since that fiasco with Zane.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. Zane and I were over long ago and believe me, no one is happier about that than me.’
Sally reached over the table and took her hand. ‘We know, but you let him get to you. Even though you’ve moved on, the crap he put you through hasn’t. We’re just worried that you’re burying yourself in your work and forgetting to have a life.’
Bec blew out a breath and shook her head.
‘Look, you can ignore this and say we’re talking crap but just think about it, Bec – that’s all Tash and I ask.’
‘Okay, I guess there could be something in what you’re saying. But I am busy at home – ever since Dad’s accident I’ve really had to step up. Bluestone Ridge won’t run itself.’
‘I never doubted that. You’ve been running that place almost single-handedly for years, but . . .’ Tash said.
‘But you think I’m hiding behind it. Maybe you’re right, and maybe it’s just that I haven’t found anyone interesting enough to get my attention.’
‘Geez, Bec – that’s a bit harsh.’
She shrugged. ‘Well, it’s kind of true. Who in town is, one, available, two, dependable, and three, under the age of sixty-five?’
‘Our new resident writer – that’s who,’ Tash countered with a grin.
***
Matt walked up the stone steps of the old pub. There was something solid about the building and the way it sat on its plot. It exuded atmosphere, from the wrought-iron lacework to the freshly painted black door with the polished brass doorknob. The Black Sheep was a reminder of a time when White Gum Creek had been a rich and thriving town. The fortunes of the town may have taken a dip but the hotel was a proud testament to the past and even perhaps to times to come. Matt liked the idea that it had been a meeting place for more than a hundred years, a place to air grievances, to laugh, to commiserate and above all to find companionship. And that was what Matt needed tonight – a little companionship. It had occurred to him as he’d finished off the latest chapter of his manuscript that he hadn’t seen a living soul in three days. In fact, as he’d leant back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head, he’d realised it could have been four. His only contact with the outside world had been three phone calls: two from his sister and one from his best friend Nathan, who’d wanted to know how living in the sticks was working out for him. There had also been an email from his agent to see if he was still alive – which was nice. Matt guessed it was good to know that at least three people would miss him if he dropped off the edge of the earth – although in Nathan’s opinion, moving to White Gum Creek was doing just that.
As he’d driven into town he’d told himself that all he wanted was a bite to eat and maybe a beer, but if he was honest with himself, he knew there was more to it. Maybe for the first time in a long time, he didn’t want to be alone.
Matt pushed open the front door of the Black Sheep and stepped directly into the bar. The general buzz and hum of conversation stopped as people turned to stare at him. God, how awkward was that? Taking a breath, Matt forced his way to the bar.
A woman with short black shaggy hair looked up as she slid a beer over to the nearest customer.
‘Hey, you must be the blow-in. Welcome to the Black Sheep.’
‘Thanks – appreciate it.’
‘No worries. I’m Jackie, by the way. My dad and I run the place.’
‘I’m Matt, Matt Harvey.’
‘Good to meet you, Matt. Now what will you have?’
‘Just a beer, thanks . . . oh, do you do counter meals?’
‘Sure, seven nights a week between six and nine. The specials are on the board or I can grab you a menu if you like.’
‘Thanks.’
‘My shout,’ a man at the bar said.
Matt turned his head and recognised Davey Blackwell from the general store. ‘Um . . .’
‘Think of it as an official welcome to town,’ Davey said as he pulled out the stool next to Matt. ‘Take a seat.’
‘Well, if you put it like that – thanks.’ Matt grinned as he sat down.
‘So how are you settling in?’
‘Good, everything’s good,’ Matt said as he accepted the beer and a menu from Jackie. ‘Thanks.’
‘Glad to hear it. Is it just you in the cottage?’
‘Yeah.’ It was funny, but for an instant something inside him caught and he didn’t know why. Alone was what he wanted, wasn’t it?
Davey studied him for second. ‘Maybe you should get a dog. But as you don’t know anyone in town, you’d better hang out with us tonight.’
‘I’m sorry – what?’
‘It’s poker night and you’re invited.’
It wasn’t what he had expected. Hell, when he’d walked through the door he’d thought he’d grab some dinner and a beer and go straight back home to write another scene. But the more he thought about it, the more appealing the idea became.
Davey continued, ‘You see, my better half is out with her friends tonight. So, it’s poker night at Freddy Carmichael’s place.’
‘Thank you . . . he won’t mind?’
‘Nup, the more the merrier. Besides, Freddy always likes the chance to win.’
‘I’m not that good at poker – I think I’ve only ever played it once before.’
‘Don’t tell Freddy that – he’ll try to cheat. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.’
‘If he cheats . . .’
‘That’s half the fun – trying to catch him out. Oh, and don’t worry about dinner, the guys are picking up the pizzas from Violet Falls.’
Matt gave him a questioning look.
‘It’s a town about half an hour away – great takeaway. Anyway, I’m meant to grab the drinks and meet the guys in about twenty minutes,’ Davey said as he glanced at his watch. ‘Are you in?’
Matt nodded. His writing could wait. ‘Yeah, why not – thanks.’
‘Great. Freddy’s place is on the other side of town, about five minutes away. Do you know Sailor’s Gully or Moonlight Plateau?’
‘Not really – I’m afraid since I moved in I haven’t ventured far from the cottage or town.’
‘Not to worry, you can just follow me. We’ll leave in a few minutes,’ Davey said as he stood up. ‘I just need to go and kiss my wife. Come on, I’ll introduce you.’
***
Bec’s heart sank as she watched her new neighbour walk over to the table, partly because the more she thought about their first meeting the more she had to admit that maybe she’d been a bit of a bitch. Not that she hadn’t had a valid point – only an idiot would have lit a fire on a day like that – but still, perhaps her delivery could have been better. But then again, she had also caught him filming her house, which was kind of creepy. Who did that? This was going to be awkward.
So far, Matt Harvey hadn’t noticed her. His attention was either on the floor as he negotiated his way between the tables with his walking stick or straight ahead at Sally.
He was cute – yeah, she may as well stop trying to pretend that she hadn’t noticed.
Tash leaned over and whispered, ‘Are you seeing this?’
Bec glanced at her just in time to catch a widening grin on her face.
‘Oh, shut up – honestly I don’t know how we can still be friends.’
‘Because we started preschool together. You’re stuck with me for the rest of your life, so just accept it. So, how about that gorgeous new neighbour of yours?’
‘Shhh . . . he’ll hear,’ Bec whispered as she felt heat infuse her cheeks.
‘Evening, ladies,’ Davey said as he dropped a kiss on Sally’s forehead. ‘I just came over to kiss my wife and introduce you to Matt Harvey. Sally, this is Matt. Matt, this is Sally, our friend Natasha, and of course, Rebecca Duprey.’
‘Hello, it’s nice to meet you all. Ms Duprey and I have already met.’
Ouch, Bec couldn’t remember the last time anyone had addressed her like that. She gave him a brief nod and tried not to look at his face. But in that moment when she was about to look away, their eyes met and locked.
‘It’s good to meet another blow-in,’ Sally said with a smile. ‘We have to stick together – there’s only a handful of us.’
Matt turned his attention to Sally, and Bec was relieved to be off the hook of his stare.
‘Well, I couldn’t think of any better company to be in.’
‘Ah, charming and handsome. I think the womenfolk of White Gum Creek had better watch out – wouldn’t you agree, Bec?’
Typical Sally – as subtle as blunt force trauma. Bec gave her friend a dirty look, which hopefully conveyed how much she’d like to kill her.
Matt looked at Bec expectantly, his brown eyes almost burning through her. She was more than uncomfortable and wished that the ground would open up and swallow her.
‘I wouldn’t know,’ Bec said quickly as she forced herself to meet his gaze and stand her ground.
‘So, how are you settling in?’ Tash asked, thankfully drawing his attention away from Bec.
‘Fine – I love the cottage and the town. The quiet takes a bit of getting used to but I like it.’
‘Are you from the city?’ Sally asked.
‘Yeah, Melbourne born and bred. So the big sky, open country and the stillness is very different, but in a good way.’
‘Sounds to me like you need a little company,’ Sally said as she arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow in Bec’s direction.
Yep, she was definitely going to kill her.
‘I mean, maybe you should get a dog.’ Sally smiled back at Matt. ‘Just so you don’t get lonely.’
‘You’re not the first person to suggest that. Maybe I should.’
‘Anyway,’ Davey said. ‘We’re off to play some poker at Freddy’s. So I’ll see you later, honey.’
Sally gave her husband a smile and squeezed his hand. ‘Okay, have a good time. Oh, and Matt, watch out for Freddy – he cheats.’
Matt nodded. ‘Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. Nice meeting you.’ Matt turned away but not before he glanced again at Bec.
‘Have a good night and we’ll have to catch up soon,’ Tash called out as Davey and Matt walked away.
Bec levelled an accusing scowl at her so-called friends. ‘I hate both of you.’
***
Matt had a good night. Freddy, Dean and Gary welcomed him straight away and the poker evening was easy, laid-back and fun. It had been a long time since he’d had any of that. Freddy had straw-coloured hair and a big laugh. He managed his family’s sheep run. Dean owned the stock feed shop in town. At first Matt thought he was shy, but as the night wore on he realised that Dean chose his words well and had a wicked sense of humour. Gary worked with his mum at their goat farm. Their goat’s cheese apparently was a triumph, winning several awards and being sought after in boutique restaurants and delis.
As they sat around the dining-room table, Dean explained the rules for the poker game. Whoever lost the most hands would have to pay for the dinner next time. Which was why Gary had arrived carrying four pizza boxes. Oh, he’d tried to bring goat’s cheese and crackers but the guys wouldn’t have any of that. Last time, he’d lost so badly – well, it had been pitiful, apparently. Matt had watched as Gary had tried to persuade him that it hadn’t been that bad but somehow he just couldn’t believe him. With a laugh Matt agreed to the terms.
He’d had a beer and a couple of slices of pizza, and developed a losing streak. At first he was putting it down to bad luck and not really knowing what he was doing. That was until he spied an ace and two queens sticking out of Freddy’s sleeve.
After much laughter and calling Freddy a ‘scummy bastard’, the friends deemed that next time Freddy had to pay for the pizzas and the drinks. They agreed to meet again in a few weeks. As Matt waved goodbye and walked to his car, he realised there was a sense of lightness within him.
He opened the front door of his cottage. The stretching silence and feeling of isolation that had been present before he’d left had gone. Matt shook his head as he remembered Freddy’s antics and attempts to explain how the extra cards had appeared up his sleeve. Yeah, it had been a good night, he thought as he made himself a green tea. He glanced at his computer as he carried his mug towards the bedroom. The novel could wait – he was tired and wanted only to fall into bed. Socialising was hard work.