It was almost nine o’clock in the evening when Matt hurried into the kitchen to grab something to eat. For the first time in a long time he had been swept up in writing the opening of his new novel. His attempts so far had been pretty dismal and he had deleted each one, but today was different. It was as if Matt had managed to catch hold of the old inspiration he’d had with his first two books.
He’d been at the cottage now for months, and during that time he’d been trying to write. But only some of it had been right or salvageable. A few weeks after moving in, ideas about different scenes and plot points for his new novel had begun to pop up in his head. That was nice, as they were basically the first ideas he’d had since the accident. Matt would spend time getting them down but many of them didn’t pan out. There were so many great ideas that either petered out or died a boring death and even worse, he kept writing himself into a corner. He found himself spending almost as much time hitting the delete button as he did trying to craft the bare bones of a story. It wasn’t as if he wasn’t progressing – but it had been hard work, and he seemed to be struggling more than he ever had before. Things changed when Bec came onto the scene; the ideas were stronger and Matt found that he’d been able to plot the entire story and it was solid. Not only that but as weeks went by he was able to write several chapters that he was really happy with. Whatever caused the change, he wasn’t going to question it – hey, maybe it was as simple as Bec was his muse. Matt found it was easier to just go with the flow and write scenes out of sequence. He knew that some writers started at the beginning and wrote in order but Matt liked to jump around from scene to scene and from one chapter to another. Some days it was still a struggle to get the words down but today was different. Today there wasn’t any struggle, the words not only flowed but kind of made sense, which was always a bonus.
He would have stayed at his computer all night, tapping out his story while listening to the steady patter of winter rain outside. But hunger pangs finally pushed him out of his chair and into the kitchen. He grabbed the large bowl of curry out of the fridge and put it into the microwave.
His mind was still on his story, and it took him a moment to realise that Boxey was barking and trying to tell him that someone was knocking on the front door.
‘Hang on – I’m coming,’ he called out.
Matt was surprised as he opened the door to find Nicholas Langtree standing on the other side. Of all the people in White Gum Creek who might drop by, Nicholas was the last Matt would have expected.
‘Hey, you said that I could come . . . I mean . . . oh, I don’t know,’ he said.
‘Good to see you,’ Matt said as he stepped back. ‘Come on in. I was just getting something to eat – are you hungry?’
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb your dinner.’
‘You’re not – come on, I’ve got curry and beer.’
Nicholas hesitated for a second before stepping through the door. ‘If you’re sure? Okay then – thanks.’
Matt led the way back to the kitchen.
‘Take a pew,’ he said as he went and grabbed another plate and a couple of beers from the fridge.
Nicholas took a seat and looked around the small kitchen. ‘It looks good in here . . . cosy. I remember this place; it always seemed to be run-down, but not anymore.’
‘Thanks, it’s a bit of a work in progress, but I like to think I’m bringing the old place back to life.’ Matt handed him a stubby. ‘There you go.’
‘I’m not sure why I came,’ Nicholas said as he put the beer on the table. ‘You know, when I saw you up on Winter’s Hill you were the first person I’d seen in almost two weeks.’
‘You don’t go out much?’
Nicholas shook his head. ‘I go into town every fortnight or so just to grab some supplies and maybe go to the bakery, but other than that I keep to myself.’
‘Your choice?’
‘I guess it is. When I lost Sophie and the baby, people kept coming up and trying to help. I appreciated it, I really did – but basically all I wanted to do was be by myself. After a while, people stopped coming and I never went looking for them.’
Matt looked at Nicholas. He’d been there too, and if it hadn’t been for Jules he’d probably still be holed up in his old apartment with the curtain drawn.
‘I get it,’ he said.
Nicholas looked up. ‘I reckon you do.’
‘Well, I’m glad you dropped by. Here, help yourself to some curry, if you want,’ Matt said as he pushed the large bowl towards Nicholas.
‘Thanks.’
‘So any particular reason for the visit?’ Matt waited for Nicholas to say why he’d turned up tonight but was met with silence. Well, that was awkward, but Matt didn’t want to push him.
Nicholas ate his dinner, drank half of his beer, but said nothing. Matt cast his mind back to the days and weeks after his accident. He’s sat in his room, not saying a word from sunrise to sunset – living inside his head. People came and talked at him, and then would finally leave after they hardly got a response, let alone polite conversation. Jules was different; she was the only one who had understood. She would sit with him in silence, reading or sometimes watching stuff on her laptop. Jules had never demanded his attention, but her quiet presence was comforting. She’d probably never understand just how much that had meant to him.
Matt figured that he’d do the same for Nicholas. The man would talk when he was ready. And whether he did or not, at least he was off Winter’s Hill.
The minutes ticked by, but just as Matt finished his meal and went to get up and put the kettle on, Nicholas finally spoke.
‘Like I said, I never look for company. I’m happy to keep my own counsel but tonight the emptiness started to close in.’ He shook his head and shrugged. ‘I don’t know why.’
‘It happens, usually when you least expect it. We all need to connect but sometimes it takes a while to realise that.’
‘Well, that’s just it – I realised that I didn’t have anyone to talk to.’
‘I’m sure that’s not true. I bet there’re plenty of people in town who would be more than happy to talk with you.’
‘Doubt it. They tried, you see, and I sent them away. I shunned the whole damn town, so why would they want me?’
‘You didn’t shun them, you just retreated, and believe me – everyone will understand that.’
‘Maybe, or maybe I’ve burnt my bridges and that’s why I’m sitting in a stranger’s kitchen eating his curry.’
‘Well, all friends were strangers once.’
A small smile tugged at Nicholas’s mouth. ‘Did you just rip that off from a greeting card?’
Matt grinned. ‘Maybe. Do you want another beer?’
‘Sure.’
***
Bec and Tash had already ordered their meal when Matt sauntered into the Black Sheep. He paused at the doorway and for a moment his gaze locked on Bec. She felt a tingly warmth wash over her as she met his stare. He gave her a slight smile and a nod before he kept walking towards the bar.
Tash grinned at Bec. ‘Oh, so now I know how it is.’
Bec dragged her eyes away from Matt. ‘What?’
‘You’ve been holding out on me.’
‘What are you talking about, Tash?’
‘Don’t give me that,’ Tash said as she took a sip of her white wine. ‘There’s something going on.’
Bec tried to form a convincing denial but couldn’t come up with a single thing.
‘Your silence is damning, you know.’
Bec shook her head and grinned. ‘Oh, shut up.’
‘Spill – I want to know what’s going on and all the juicy details.’
‘There aren’t any.’
‘Sure there are.’
Bec let out a long sigh. It was useless to try and talk her way out of this. Tash was right – she couldn’t hide anything from her best friends.
‘Matt and I kind of have a thing going on. It’s new and I just wanted to keep it low-key and private.’
Tash looked affronted at the suggestion. ‘Well, I won’t tell.’
‘I know that. We were both at a loose end and a bit lonely and so we’ve sort of gravitated towards each other.’
‘That sounds intriguing. So how long have the two of you been gravitating?’
‘A while.’
‘You’re a sly fox.’
Bec shrugged. ‘I just wanted to take it slow and I didn’t want the whole town sticking their noses into my business. I needed to keep this thing just between Matt and me.’
‘But why?’
‘Just because . . .’
‘Oh, give me strength. This is all because of that arsehole, Zane. You can’t possibly compare the two of them, that wouldn’t be fair. You know that they’re very different men . . . and Zane Turner is a total tool.’
‘I know. I know. As I said, I didn’t want people getting in our business. I don’t know if this liaison with Matt will go anywhere, I mean, let’s face it, it probably won’t. So I want to enjoy it while I can, without the entire population of White Gum Creek rehashing the old engagement story. I just wanted to have some privacy.’
‘Yeah well, to do that I reckon you’d have to change your name and move to a different town.’
‘Maybe I should,’ Bec said with a shrug.
‘Like that’s ever going to happen. You’d never leave Bluestone Ridge, you love it too much.’
‘I really do, but things have been difficult over the past couple of years.’
‘You mean with your dad?’
‘Yeah.’
‘I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for all of you. You and your mum holding things together and your dad trying to adjust to never walking again.’
‘Dad can’t control his legs so he needs to exert control over the farm. I just find it so . . .’
‘Difficult?’
‘That’s an understatement. He’s got to manage everything himself. I get it, but it doesn’t make it easier.’
Tash reached over and gave Bec’s hand a quick squeeze. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Why, what did you do?’
An easy silence fell over them and Tash took the opportunity to take another sip of her wine while Bec studied the menu. After a minute Tash put down her glass and levelled an unflinching stare at her friend.
‘I’m waiting.’
Bec placed the menu back on the table and frowned. ‘For what?’
‘For all the hot and steamy details about you and Matt, of course.’
***
‘Oh hey, Nick,’ Matt said as he opened the door. ‘How are you?’
‘Good, I was in town and I thought . . .’
‘No need to explain,’ Matt said with a smile. ‘Come through – there’s someone here I’d like you to meet.’
‘Oh, I don’t know. I mean, I’ve caught you at a bad time,’ he said as he took a step back.
‘Don’t be ridiculous – it’s not a bad time.’ Matt threw an arm over his shoulder, mainly to stop him from actually running away, and ushered him through into the kitchen. ‘Come on, it’s just my sister, Jules.’
Jules looked up from the kitchen table. ‘Hi,’ she said with a smile. ‘I’m Juliet, Matt’s keeper.’
Matt pulled a face. ‘This is, as I said, my brattish little sister. Juliet, this is Nicholas.’
Nicholas sat down, a slight smile tugging at his mouth. ‘Does he need a keeper?’
‘Oh, you have no idea. It’s a hard job but someone has to keep him in line. Isn’t that right, Boxey?’
Boxey’s ears picked up at the mention of his name, and his tail thumped loudly on the kitchen floor.
‘Now I’m beginning to regret introducing you,’ Matt said.
Jules ignored him. ‘So do you live in town?’
Nicholas shook his head. ‘No, I’m a bit out. I’ve got a farm up on Winter’s Hill.’
‘Oh, that’s a pretty name. It conjures up warm fires, icicles and snowflakes.’
Nicholas stared at her for a second. ‘I reckon you’re the only person I ever met who thought of it that way.’
‘Well, it’s all so romantic – I love winter, don’t you?’
‘Um . . . not so much.’
Jules gave him a grin. ‘Well then – maybe you should rename it.’
‘Maybe I should.’
Jules glanced at her brother. ‘I’m just going to run into town for a minute.’
‘Why? You’ve brought the equivalent of half a deli with you – what else could we possibly need?’
‘Well, there’s that great tomato relish from the general store and we could do with some of the dark rye bread from the bakery. Anyway, I’ll be back in a while.’
‘Okay, if you think it’s necessary.’
‘Oh absolutely,’ Jules said as she stood up. She turned to Nicholas. ‘If you’re not here when I get back, it was lovely to meet you.’
‘You too.’
Jules grabbed her bag and headed out the back door.
‘She seems nice,’ Nicholas said. ‘Sort of like a gust of spring air. Um, that sounded weird – I was trying to say that she’s refreshing.’
‘Well, I guess that’s one way of talking about her. But yes, she is nice and sweet; that is when she’s not bullying me into doing things. The truth of the matter is that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Jules. She supported me and kept me going, even when I didn’t want to. Anyway, would you like a coffee and a selection of about half a dozen different cheeses? I’m not kidding when I said that she brought half a deli this visit.’
Nicholas let out a small chuckle. ‘Coffee would be good but you can keep the deli. So, how’s the book coming along?’
‘Slowly. In fact I do believe Davey would say it’s like pulling hens’ teeth.’
‘That bad?’
‘Oh yeah – okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit. I’ve made progress, but because I didn’t write for such a long time, it’s taken a while for me to get back into it. Like everything, I suppose it just takes time.’
‘You might be onto something there.’
‘So is there anything I can do for you or is this just a social visit?’
‘I was in town and all of a sudden I realised I didn’t want to go home to the silence just yet.’ Nicholas shrugged. ‘Funny, for so long I’ve kept to myself and now, every now and again it gets too quiet.’
‘Perhaps it’s time to start looking forward, instead of back?’
‘Maybe.’
‘Good, because next Saturday is poker night and you’re coming.’
‘Oh, I’m not sure.’
‘Come on – it’s just beer and pizza, not a lifelong commitment.’
‘I’ll think about it.’
‘Good. You’ve got options, Nick, you just have to be willing to explore them.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘That life is out there waiting for you. Maybe it’s time to try and start living again, instead of just surviving? Rumour has it that Tash has a thing for you.’
‘I don’t know anything about that – but Tash is nice. She always takes the time to say hello when I go into the bakery.’ ‘Well, all I’m saying is that perhaps it’s time to join the human race again.’
Nick glanced up at the door through which Jules had disappeared before looking back to Matt. ‘I’ll think about it.’
***
Bec pulled up outside Matt’s cottage and frowned at the small bright blue hatchback that sat in the drive. She had decided to drop by on a whim; well, that wasn’t entirely true. The fact was she’d had Matt in her head for the best part of the afternoon and she couldn’t wait to get some quality alone time with him . . . preferably in his bed. She hadn’t expected him to have company. Bec got out of the car and shut the door. That wasn’t fair, was it? She should realise that Matt had his own life and that he wasn’t just waiting for her to come by. But there was something about the night that felt familiar and made Bec shiver. Perhaps it was the chill in the air, or the way the moon hung low in the sky, or how the light from the cottage windows spilled out into the darkness. Bec squared her shoulders and tried to ignore the tense feeling which was beginning to form in her stomach.
She opened the old iron gate and it squeaked softly as she pushed it back against the ancient rosebush. A woman’s laugh echoed from inside and Bec stopped dead in her tracks and stared up at the closed front door. She should turn around and go home. Matt was obviously entertaining, and the last person he’d want to see was her. She winced at the thought. They had no claim on each other but she realised that the idea of him with someone else stung. Bec went to take a step back but stopped. She was never one to run away. No, it was better to know what she was up against than to obsess over what may or may not be going on.
She took a breath, marched up the stairs and knocked on the door. She could hear the low rumble of Matt’s voice coming from inside but couldn’t make out what he was saying. Then the voices were drowned out by the sound of Boxey barking. After a moment or two the front door was yanked open and Matt stood there with the soft light pouring out around him.
‘Bec! Hey, I didn’t realise you were dropping around tonight,’ he said with a smile. ‘Come on in.’
Bec stood there for a second, confused. He sounded as if he was actually happy to see her. A man who has just been caught red-handed with another woman didn’t do that, did he? Boxey jumped up on her leg and Bec gave him a pat.
‘Hi, Matt. Sorry, I didn’t realise you had company.’
‘Oh, don’t be ridiculous,’ he said as he grabbed her hand and drew her inside. ‘In fact, this is perfect timing.’
He guided her into the kitchen. A woman with dark shoulder-length hair leant against the kitchen bench. She was wearing jeans, gladiator heels and a pale pink top. The girl was pretty, soft looking and feminine, and reminded Bec of a fresh rosebud. She glanced down at her own well-worn jeans and boots and wished that every now and again she could pull off shoes like that.
With a tug of his hand, Matt brought Bec in front of the girl.
‘Bec, this is my sister, Juliet Harvey. Jules, this is Rebecca Duprey.’
The tension in Bec’s stomach melted away. God, she felt like an idiot – she had to stop jumping to conclusions and assuming that everyone was a two-timing jerk. ‘It’s good to meet you,’ she said as she extended her hand.
Juliet wasn’t having any of it. She ignored Bec’s outstretched hand as she stepped forward and gave her a hug.
‘Oh, it’s so good to finally meet you. Matt’s told me all about you,’ she said, giving Bec one last squeeze before releasing her.
Bec was a little dazed. ‘Has he?’
‘Oh yes, Matt’s always talking about you and the town and your farm, Bluestone Ridge, isn’t it?’
‘Really?’ Bec cast a glance at Matt and saw that his cheeks were flushed. She smiled back at the girl. ‘That’s really interesting, Juliet – what else does he say?’
Matt recovered quickly. ‘Just that I really like living here and the novel is coming along. Oh, and that my neighbour is okay.’
Bec nodded slowly. ‘Okay?’
‘Well, I’d say great, but I don’t want it to go to your head,’ Matt said with a wink.
‘Okay, changing the topic before it gets awkward and I get weirded out. Have you always lived on the farm, Bec?’ Jules asked as she sat down on a kitchen chair.
‘Yes, the farm has been in the family for generations. It’s the only life I know.’
‘And you enjoy it?’
‘For the most part – yeah, I do,’ Bec said with a smile. ‘How about you – what do you do?’
‘I’m a . . . no, I’m going to be a primary school teacher. I’m at uni at the moment. Our parents wanted me to go into the business sector but even though I tried for a year, my heart wasn’t in it.’
‘Yeah, I was so proud of her. You should have seen the way she told our parents of her change of course. She was brilliant.’
‘They weren’t happy then?’ Bec asked.
‘No, or at least not at first anyway. It took them a while to accept it. They thought my earning capacity would be better in business, and perhaps it would have been, but I figure if you’re going to spend most of your life working, you should try to do what you love.’
Bec nodded her agreement. ‘I guess they’re happy that you’re a writer,’ she said to Matt.
‘Not particularly, but they’re coming around.’
‘Yeah, Dad doesn’t see it as a stable job. At least I’ve got one up on you there.’ Jules chuckled. ‘So is it true – has my brother actually made friends here or is he just spinning me a line, so I won’t worry?’
Bec smiled back. ‘It’s true, he’s done some male bonding over several consecutive poker nights.’
Jules glanced at her brother. ‘You play poker?’
‘I do now,’ Matt said with a wink.
***
Later that night Matt stood back and surveyed his handiwork. His couch, which had a pull-out bed, was now made up with mismatched bedding and a couple of fluffy pillows. Okay, he probably wouldn’t have won any interior design awards, but at least it looked comfortable.
‘Are you going to be alright here?’
‘Oh course I am,’ Jules said. ‘You worry too much.’
‘I suppose I shouldn’t have turned the second bedroom into a storage space and library.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous – of course you need a library. The couch is fine, stop fussing.’
Matt nodded. ‘Alright, if you’re sure.’
‘So how’s it going with Bec?’
‘Wow, that came out of left field.’
‘Spill.’
Matt sat down on the bed he’d just made. ‘It’s complicated.’
‘I’m not going anywhere,’ Jules said with a grin as she sat down next to him.
‘We’re seeing each other but it’s casual – no strings, no commitment.’
‘And Bec’s okay with that?’
‘It was her idea.’
‘Oh.’
Matt glanced at his sister and wondered why she looked so relieved. ‘Look, she was hurt a few years ago and she just wants to keep things light and fun.’
Jules slung her arm across Matt’s shoulders and gave him a half-hug. ‘And are you alright with that? I’m sorry that Bec was hurt, I like her, but you’ve been through hell too – so how do you feel about it?’
‘It’s okay.’
‘Oh, that’s leading. How do you really feel about it?’
‘That we’re hiding in the dark.’ Matt shrugged. ‘Oh, I don’t know – I suppose that sounds dramatic. She finds it hard to trust people . . . well, lovers, anyway. I don’t mind but I hope that if it continues and progresses maybe we’ll stop sneaking around and be open about it.’
‘I thought you said that it was casual?’
‘We’re only seeing each other – there’s no one else.’
‘So what you’re saying is . . .’
‘We’re together, but I’m not sure if Bec will ever allow it to become something more.’
Jules tightened her hug. ‘You want more?’
Matt was silent for a second. ‘You know what? I think I actually do.’
‘Well, that kind of sucks.’
‘Yeah – I know.’
***
Bec felt that she’d managed to find some balance in her world. She worked hard, just like she always did – from dawn to dusk and beyond. But Matt gave her what she’d been missing for so long.
The days were long, especially as the winter lambing season started. The ewes had to be monitored and Bec made sure they had everything they needed, which included shelter, hay and enough water and feed so both the ewes and the lambs were taken care of. Most of the ewes were still in the two large paddocks closest to the house – that way Bec could keep an eye on them. There was something uplifting about watching a tiny lamb take its wobbly first step and Bec never tired of it. Life continued on Bluestone Ridge – just the way it was meant to.