Time Will Tell (45 page)

‘Right,' she said, gathering herself back together. ‘Coffee? Still only instant, I'm afraid.'

‘That's okay. No idea why, but it somehow works in the country.'

‘Don't let Elizabeth hear you say that,' Emily said. They both laughed heartily.

It was four-thirty when they finished their second cup of coffee. Emily was feeling considerably fortified.

‘I'm just going to phone Barbara and arrange to get Grace back,' she said, getting up and retrieving the cordless phone handset from its charger on the bench. She was starting to dial when Jake got up and went to the window over the sink.

‘Are you expecting visitors, because there's a white dual cab pulling up out the front. And if I'm not mistaken, that's Grace right there on the back,' he said, heading towards the door.

Emily put down the phone.

Barbara and David were getting out of the ute when Emily and Jake appeared at the gate. They all hugged, and there was a gabble of jumbled voices as everyone spoke at once. Finally they calmed down.

‘So how's it all going?' Emily asked.

‘Good,' David said. ‘I've just brought the stubble rollers down.'

‘Great timing,' Emily said.

They all looked at Grace, who was wriggling and writhing to get free. At having their attention, she began whining. Emily went over and unclipped her. The dog leapt about, overjoyed to see her mistress; trying to lick her all over.

‘Ew,' Emily said, jumping back. ‘You stink like a real farm dog. What's she been into?' she asked, setting pretend glares on Barbara and then David.

‘Farm dog stuff,' Barbara said with a laugh. ‘She's been sleeping in the shearing shed with Sasha.'

‘Well, she'll have to stay outside tonight; it's too late for a bath today. But tomorrow, missy, your number's up,' Emily said, pointing her finger at the dog. Ignoring her, Grace hopped off the ute and went over and greeted Jake like a long-lost friend.

As he ruffled her ears and then darted back and forth in a game of chase, she saw further signs of the happy-go-lucky guy she'd first met a month ago. She smiled at them engrossed in their play.

‘How is he?' Barbara asked in a whisper close to Emily.

‘If you'd asked me two days ago, I'd have said terrible. But he seems to be coming out of it. Must be the country air.'

‘Or your TLC, more like,' David said.

‘Hey, what are you doing for dinner?' Barbara asked as Jake rejoined them.

‘No idea – haven't given it any thought.'

‘Fancy going down to the Hope Springs pub? Apparently they've got a new chef. You're welcome to join us, unless you're too weary.'

‘Sounds like a plan. Jake?' Emily asked.

‘Sounds good. I'm not too tired, but it's up to you – you're the one who did the driving.'

‘Well, it won't be until a bit later – say seven in Hope Springs. We have to go home and have showers. And seriously, we won't mind if you pike out between now and then – just call us on one of the mobiles.'

‘Actually, we'll come back via here and drop Grace's things off anyway.'

‘It's a bit out of your way,' Emily said.

‘Not
that
far. We'll see you in an hour and a half, give or take.'

‘Okay, we'll see how we're feeling then.'

‘Come on Barb, we'd better get cracking,' David said, moving back out the gate. ‘Great to see you again, Jake,' he added.

‘Are you sure you're not too tired?' Emily asked, after they'd gone.

‘Well, I'm not too tired to help you bath this stinky dog,' he said, pretending to dart away from Grace again.

‘Don't you think it's a bit too cold? They're forecasting thirty-five tomorrow; perhaps we should wait until then.'

‘I don't think she'll like being shut outside. Do you fancy listening to her whining all night to come in?' Jake said, looking at her with a knowing expression. ‘You've got a hairdryer, haven't you?'

‘Yes, but I've never used it on her before.'

‘I'm sure between the two of us we'll be fine. Come on, before we chicken out.'

Side by side they washed Grace in the bathroom at the end of the enclosed verandah. Emily had bathed her plenty of times on her own, and Grace generally relished the attention.

Today, however, sensing things were different, and perhaps showing off for Jake, she misbehaved. It was nothing major, just wriggling and pawing at the suds and splashing water everywhere.

Finally their mission was complete. But when they tried to lift the slippery dog out of the bath, both Jake and Emily found themselves on their backs on the wet floor with the border collie on top of them, pinning them down. They erupted into laughter as Grace licked one face and then the other, obviously enjoying the game. When they finally got her off them, Grace began to enthusiastically shake the excess water from her coat, spraying the entire bathroom and mirror.

‘Quick, shut the door!'

Jake rolled over and just managed to close it before Grace could escape.

They got to their knees and regained their composure. Grace, sensing the game was over, sat down and submitted to being towelled off.

Twenty minutes later, having been finished off with the hairdryer, Grace was clean-smelling and fluffy, her black sections sleek and shiny and her white bits like fresh snow.

Still sitting on the wet floor, Jake leaned over and opened the door to let her out. He and Emily sat side by side with their backs against the tiled wall and their hands clasped around their bent knees.

‘I'm exhausted,' he said with a deep sigh. ‘I had no idea how tiring it was to wash a dog.'

‘It's not normally that difficult. I think she was showing off for you.'

‘Playing up more like.'

‘Probably. Little monster. Thanks for your help.'

‘I'm sure she'll be grateful to spend the night inside.'

‘Hmm.' Emily suddenly realised how weary she was. She wasn't sure she could even get up off the floor, let alone get showered and dressed and drive the half hour over to the pub to be sociable.

‘Would you mind if we didn't go out for tea after all?' Jake asked. ‘I'm plum tuckered out.'

Mind reader.
‘Me too. I'm not sure I can even get up from here,' Emily said with a laugh.

‘Come on, before we seize up.' Jake got up and Emily accepted his hand.

‘Thanks,' she said, when back on her feet. ‘How 'bout you have first shower while I look in the cupboard for something to rustle up for tea?'

‘I should be the one to cook since I'm putting you to the trouble.'

‘I was going to pike out too, you just said it first. And anyway, you're the guest. I insist. You go shower, I'll sort out some food. Though I warn you, it won't be anything fancy.'

‘Simple fare would be great right about now,' Jake said, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. ‘Back soon,' he said, and disappeared out into the enclosed verandah and then in the direction of his room.

‘I'll leave a clean towel in the bathroom for you,' Emily called after him.

‘Righto, thanks.'

In less than ten minutes, Jake was back in the kitchen with wet, mussed hair and dressed in track pants and t-shirt.

‘How about a toasted cheese sandwich?'

‘Ah, that would really hit the spot.'

‘Are you sure it would be okay?'

‘Absolutely – it's one of my favourites.'

‘How about I add a mug of tomato soup from a can – one of
my
favourites.'

‘Even better. You know, I think we're going to get along just fine,' Jake said, beaming and drawing her to him. He kissed Emily on the forehead and released her. ‘Do you want me to phone David and Barbara?'

‘No, I think they shouldn't be too far away,' she said, checking her watch. ‘I'll have my shower and then get tea organised.'

‘I can do it.'

‘So we don't get into an argument, why don't we do it together when I get back?' Emily said with a laugh.

‘A fine plan.'

Emily had just reappeared in the kitchen when she heard the unmistakable sound of a vehicle pulling up outside. They went out and met Barbara and David on the path just inside the gate.

‘How much stuff does one small dog have,' Jake said with a laugh, relieving David of his armful of bedding.

‘Exactly!' David said, rolling his eyes.

‘I'm afraid we're piking after all,' Emily said, taking the pile of stacked bowls from Barbara. ‘We're going to have soup and toasted sandwiches – you're welcome to join us,' she added, shooting Jake a questioning glance. He nodded back. ‘Though we'd understand if you'd rather something more fancy.'

‘If it's tomato soup out of a can, count me in,' David said, grinning cheekily.

‘It is indeed,' Emily said.

‘Okay, sounds perfect,' Barbara said. ‘As long as we're not intruding. You're tired, remember.'

‘Too tired to drive all the way to Hope Springs, but not too tired to catch up with you guys for an hour or so.'

‘Well, we promise not to outstay our welcome,' Barbara said.

‘I just have to take a couple of tools down to the tractor. Forgot them last trip. Fancy keeping me company Jake?' David said.

‘Sounds good. I'm keen to see what stubble rollers are.'

‘Okay, come on then. We'll be back in twenty minutes tops. Don't you girls get up to any mischief while we're gone,' David called, as they climbed into the ute.

Barbara and Emily waved them off before making their way up the path towards the house.

‘He really is lovely, Em,' Barbara said, as she closed the glass door behind them. ‘He's even looking brighter than an hour ago.'

‘Hmm, he's great. I've put him in the spare room,' she suddenly blurted.

‘Why are you telling me that?'

‘Because I don't want you and David getting the wrong idea,' she said with a shrug.

‘What are you – twelve?!' Barbara said, with a laugh.

Emily flushed with embarrassment. ‘Well, I just don't want you to think…' And then she wasn't sure what she was about to say. She frowned.

‘That you're taking advantage of him when he's fragile and vulnerable?'

Emily nodded. ‘We want it, whatever
it
is, to evolve on its own terms.'

‘Of course you do. But Emily, anyone can see you're both smitten. You're perfect together. As far as I can see, slow or fast isn't going to make one iota of difference. You're already friends; there is no threat of it being a whirlwind romance that will fizzle out.'

‘You think so?'

‘I know so. But you both have to do what feels right.'

‘Thanks Barb. I was just worried you might think we were rushing into things.'

‘What, after him visiting twice, you going to Melbourne, and
still
not getting it on yet? Darling, I'm not your mother! You just keep following your heart and you'll be fine, Emily Oliphant. And that's the end of my sermon for today,' Barbara added, making a show of wiping her hands together.

‘I think we could make a good team, Jake and I,' Emily said, wistfully, more to herself. ‘We seem to be in sync.'

‘My point exactly. And stop sounding so surprised.'

Chapter Fifty

Emily stood at the stove stirring the soup. Having constructed the sandwiches, Barbara was hovering beside her to make sure they didn't burn in the griller. Jake and David were sorting out drinks and cutlery.

God it's nice to be home and surrounded by friends
, Emily thought with a sigh as she stole a quick look around the room. Grace was lying on her bed on the floor, contentedly watching the goings-on.

Finally they were sitting around the table with bowls of soup and plates piled with toasted sandwiches in front of them.

‘Oh, that hits the spot,' Jake said, tucking into his soup.

‘Indeed it does,' David agreed.

Emily beamed. There was nothing quite like the sound and sight of happy people eating. Soup wasn't quite right for the middle of summer, but she was enjoying the comfort food.

‘So, you haven't told us anything about your trip. Come on, what did you get up to?' Barbara demanded.

‘Not a whole lot. I spent most of the time with Jake's sister, Simone, who is just lovely. She lives in a gorgeous old house somewhere close to the city.'

‘North Melbourne,' Jake added.

‘Thank you. North Melbourne. She's artistic – very talented and far too modest. You should see her paintings. And Jake's apartment is gorgeous. He lives right in the middle of the city. It's quite amazing. Though a little noisy for me with all the cars and trams and people…' She stopped. ‘I mean…'

‘So you're not ready to pack up and move to Melbourne then?'

‘Not quite,' Emily said, flushing red. ‘I quite liked…'

‘You don't have to like it, Em, just because I live there. I know the city is an acquired taste.'

‘Well I did find it a bit overwhelming, to be honest,' Emily admitted. Then she remembered. ‘But I finally got to see some of Jake's amazing photos.'

They all noticed Jake dip his head and blush slightly.

‘You know, one day we are going to demand a slide show – well, PowerPoint,' David said.

‘That's right, Jake. You can run, but you can't hide from us,' Barbara said with a laugh.

‘So how was Donald and Trevor's funeral?' Emily asked, changing the subject for Jake's sake.

Both David and Barbara shrugged. ‘Nothing out of the ordinary, except Tara Wickham – who clearly didn't know them from Adam – standing up and giving the eulogy was a bit of a surprise,' David said.

‘So what sights did you see, what else did you do?' Barbara persisted.

‘Hmm, not a lot. Simone took me on a walk past the Queen Victoria Markets. They're not far from her house.'