Love or Money Page 8

  ‘But that said, Erin,’ she continued after a pause for breath, ‘you’ll have noticed Hamish isn’t short on hormones. The way his eyes wandered all over you that day you came to the office.’

  ‘Really?’ Erin would act innocent, draw Jenny out.

  ‘Didn’t you notice?’ The older woman smiled, sceptical.

  ‘Um, well since you ask, I did rather sense…something.’ Erin would choose her words like a quilter choosing her cottons. ‘I thought he was interested to meet the new owner of my grandmother’s place. I mean, he had a sentimental connection with the property.’ It wasn’t the right time to tell Jenny about the lifesaver who’d dragged her from the rip off Luna Bay twelve years before.

  ‘Hamish would be a great catch.’ Jenny continued. ‘For a girl who wants…depth. He’s so intense about what he believes in. Caring for the land, being there for his son. Keeping an eye out for his parents. They’re getting on a bit these days. Clem — that’s Hamish’s father — he has a gammy leg now. Can’t get around the property like he used to. And Nellie’s had blood pressure for years. Hamish loves to spend time on the farm when he can. A few hours on the tractor, a bit of chainsawing, fencing. After a weekend on the property, he bounces into the office on a Monday looking ten years younger.’

  ‘The dishes are all but done,’ Erin said, wondering if she should give her helper a chance to drop the subject. ‘Would you like to come and sit on the veranda?’ But Jenny was not to be put off. She picked up a cloth and began wiping down the bench, the stove.

  ‘We really don’t know what to do about Hamish,’ she said. ‘He just won’t leave Honey. He lets it all wash over him. Pays the bills, mows the lawn. And, you know, no one’s ever heard him say a word against her. The best we ever got out of him was “All relationships have their ups and downs. I’m in this for the long haul.” We all wish he’d find someone compatible. Someone who’d really appreciate his worth. Did you see how the Landcare gang just worshipped him today?’

  ‘I did.’ Jenny’s saga of Hamish’s tortured relationship had stunned Erin. She struggled to digest her new insights into his life, the handcuffs that held him to Honey. He’d as good as told her, in his passionate reaction to her kiss, that he was a normal red-blooded male. Why would he go on holding a torch for a woman who’d hurt him so many times — would go on hurting him? It was time to change the subject.

  ‘Hamish told me about Landcare a few weeks ago, then promptly set up my working bee,’ Erin said. ‘He did seem in his element today. It made me think of Napoleon directing a battle. Except that he didn’t exactly stand on a hilltop with his hand in his jacket.’

  ‘And everyone did a wonderful job.’ Jenny burbled on. ‘They just love your property. Don’t you dare sell it!’

  An hour later, Jenny began to collect her things. Erin followed her to the door, grabbing a broom on the way. She’d give the summerhouse a quick going-over.

  Now that Erin had seen Hamish’s partner in the flesh, heard his life story from Jenny, she understood him better. However things might appear on the surface, Hamish would be faithful to Honey. He would love her with that deep, despairing love you saw in the sombre-faced heroes who starred in old movies and turgid romantic novels. As she and Hamish had kissed in the dark during that oh-so-romantic night at the beach, she’d tasted a flash of his passion. Then, a second later, he’d told her it was all a mistake. She must respect Hamish for his principles — the very principles that put him out of reach. Whenever Erin met him around town in future, she’d be polite and nothing more.

  Alone in the backyard, Erin looked over her newly tidy garden, a mountain of pulled weeds, and a stack of firewood in the woodshed. She’d submerge herself in forget-about-Hamish therapy. The thought of him still gave her something deeper than goosebumps, and a lot more tingly — rather like a jab to the heart. The afternoon sun disappeared early under a bank of heavy grey clouds that sat like a frown above the Pembroke escarpment. The ocean sulked under the grey skies. It would rain that evening. At dusk, she took a glass of wine onto the veranda, listened to the light rain whispering onto the iron roof.

  Hamish, the guy she could truly love, was not available. If she sold Lovers’ Lookout, he’d hate her forever. If she married Todd, she’d lock herself into a life so horrible she could barely think about it. Her sick mother needed money fast, or she might die. And the ways of raising that money — both too dreadful to think about. She must find a path through the tangle of complications that had lately grown over her life like the rampant weeds invading the native flora of Lovers’ Lookout.

  That night, after too many sleepless hours, she slid into a nightmare. As she wandered through the dark catacombs of some ancient European city, she kept brushing by one or other of the characters who’d thrown her life into chaos. Hamish strolled into the dark ahead of her, almost lost in the gloom. Then her mother’s face smiled sadly from a shady recess to the left. Todd beamed an aggressive smile at her as he brushed past, evidently chasing Hamish. Haughty journalist Anna Kershaw walked towards her, face wreathed with a triumphant grin.

  After too many of these painful encounters, Erin stood at a fork in the dark tunnel, confused, lost, needy. Why didn’t someone take her hand and lead her upwards to the friendly light?

  She woke in the small hours, tired and defeated.

  Chapter 6

  On Monday morning, desperate for a coffee, Erin headed for Sarah’s. If she met Hamish, she’d behave as if they were casual buddies, nothing more. Soon her nostrils caught the teasing coffee smell wafting from inside the little café. As she closed her eyes to savour the scent, Hamish almost bumped into her as he stepped out onto the street, plastic cup in hand.

  ‘Hi, Erin.’ It was always the smile. Wide, genuine, telling her that he trusted her, wanted to share things with her. ‘Recovered from your Landcare Saturday?’

  Yes, until I saw you, Hamish Bourke. Why must you always look like a Greek god walking down from Mount Olympus? That stride, the way you hold your head. The golden sun lighting up your skin, your freshly scrubbed face, your…lips.

  ‘Well, yes. Thank you,’ she answered.

  ‘There’s lots more to do,’ he said. ‘We haven’t scratched the surface.’

  You’ve scratched mine, Hamish. And I’m still bleeding. From the heart, mainly.

  ‘Well, then. You must come again,’ she managed. You look so cute in jacket and tie. Why didn’t you wear it for me that first afternoon we met in your office?

  ‘Sure. But not for a while,’ he smiled. ‘There’s around a dozen families in the group, don’t forget. We have a working bee once a month, with every family taking turns to play host. So if you can wait about a year —’

  I’m having trouble waiting five seconds, Hamish.

  ‘Well, assuming I haven’t sold the place in a year —’.

  ‘Ah, but I told you,’ he grinned. ‘You’re not allowed to sell. Luna Bay Landcare Group won’t let you.’

  ‘Sorry. I forgot. I have to keep Lovers’ Lookout so you Landcare guys can have a fun day out there once a year.’

  ‘And a fantastic lunch. You did a brilliant job of following in your grandmother’s illustrious footsteps.’

  ‘Beginner’s luck.’

  ‘No. It’s in your genes. I can tell.’

  ‘Thanks. But you’re a busy man. And here I am wasting your time with country morning small talk.’

  ‘Busy? I wish.’ He waved a despairing hand. ‘I’d say Luna Bay’s the most law-abiding place in Australia. No one ever needs a lawyer.’

  ‘If I go and commit a terrible crime, would that help?’

  ‘Fine. What crime would suit you?’

  How about kissing you here, now, right outside Sarah’s? In full view of witnesses?

  ‘Um, not returning my library book on time?’

  ‘A dastardly act. Not sure I could save you from twenty years jail for that. But it could be fun trying.’ He grinned.

  ‘Okay. I’ll get on down t
o the library right now. When’s my first appointment with my lawyer?’

  ‘Mmm. This will be big. I’d better head back to my office and get organised.’ Flashing his trademark grin, he waved and headed along the street.

  While the lighthearted brush with Hamish relaxed Erin as she walked home, it fed her parched neediness for him. That night she barely slept. If it wasn’t the thought of his body, it was his mind, his principles. A man with his drive, his brains, could earn huge money on the Sydney legal scene. But his commitment to a cause came first, with money a distant second. And Erin had broken it off with Todd Archer because his obsession with money didn’t leave any space for love.

  A few nights later, Erin headed back to her kitchen after her evening drink on the veranda to find a message on her phone.

  Hi, darling. Todd here.

  She clicked her phone silent for a moment. Todd? After their last time together, when they’d visited the Pacific Towers penthouse with her mother, she’d felt her message that it was over had got through to him at last. Now he’d called again. She clicked her phone to hear the rest of the message.

  Been spending time with your lovely mother, Eri. She came up with this brilliant idea. A visit to Luna Bay. She told me she’s been a bit sad. Dying to see you, but feeling she couldn’t risk the bus trip with her heart condition. So — we’re heading down this Friday to spend a lovely weekend with you. I’m the chauffeur. And who knows what might happen over that weekend, darling? See you for Friday dinner. Bye till then.

  Love you.

  For a second Erin juggled with the option of heading them off at the pass, then changed her mind. She could hardly tell her mother not to come. She’d grin and bear it, try to stymie her mother’s matchmaking one more time.

  Friday arrived. After a day of frantic housecleaning, Erin put the finishing touches to the guest room where her mother would sleep, then plumped up Todd’s pillow on the lounge sofa. If he didn’t like it, too bad. A few minutes after six, as she waited on the veranda with ears cocked, Todd’s Porsche screeched to a stop outside the gate. After a loving hug with her mother, and dodging a kiss from Todd, she led them into the old cottage, wincing at the creak of the floorboards, the sight of the ancient kitchen. But Todd’s eyes were blind to such trivia.

  ‘Dinner, Ms Spenser.’ He took command. ‘Be good enough to escort us to Luna Bay’s finest restaurant. I’m starving.’

  ‘A tough call,’ Erin said. ‘Such a dazzling array to choose from. And I know you don’t like Chinese.’

  ‘Loathe it,’ he said. ‘All those noodly bits and pieces.’

  ‘Sorry, Your Highness. I’ll confess. Luna Bay has exactly one restaurant, The Golden Dragon. And it closes soonish. So it’s noodly bits and pieces or starvation. Your choice.’

  ‘For goodness sakes, Eri. Why didn’t you tell me?’ Todd’s growl showed his barely hidden bad mood. Erin shuddered. When Todd was tired and hungry, things could get ugly. ‘We passed a dozen decent eateries on the way down,’ he grumbled. ‘And I’m absolutely starving. You could have —’

  Clamping her jaw shut, Erin collected her mother and headed for the car. Todd followed.

  ‘Hi Erin,’ Andy smiled as they took a table at the near-empty restaurant. ‘Great to see you.’

  ‘So glad you’re here,’ Erin said. ‘We have a medical emergency on our hands.’ She waved towards Todd. ‘I think something quick and Australian would work best.’

  ‘Got it,’ Andy grinned. ‘Rump steak, well done. Fries with a dash of tomato sauce. Salad on the side.’ Todd allowed himself a tired smile. ‘And for the — other young lady?’ Andy waited while Helen flicked through the menu.

  ‘Combination short soup,’ she said eventually.

  ‘Thank you, madam. And your usual, Erin?’ Andy asked.

  ‘Of course,’ she said.

  Every time the restaurant door opened, Erin peeked towards it, bracing herself for Hamish’s entry. His reaction when he saw her with Todd and her mother didn’t bear thinking about. Seconds after their meals were served, he walked in. He spotted Erin and came over.

  ‘My lawyer, Hamish Bourke,’ she said, aiming to keep the meeting brief and lightweight. ‘Hamish, this is my mother, Helen Spenser, and Todd Archer — a — a friend of Mother’s.’ Todd’s eyebrows twitched, but he said nothing. The two men stared at each other, each suspicious of what might lie behind Erin’s lightweight introductions.

  ‘Sorry. I interrupted your dinner.’ Hamish backed away. ‘Have a great weekend in sunny Luna Bay, folks.’ He strolled to a table at the other end of the restaurant. From the corner of her eye, Erin noticed that he sat where he could keep their table in his sights. He finished his meal quickly and paid his bill. But as he opened the door to leave, he flicked a private smile towards her.

  Next morning the unlikely threesome gathered on the veranda to plan their day. Helen apologised, saying she felt tired, had better head back to bed, try to catch up on her sleep. Erin brought her mother tea and cereal with a generous serve of daughterly love. As Erin sat by the bed, they heard Todd shuffling towards the door.

  ‘Why don’t you and Todd go into town — let him treat you to a gourmet breakfast?’ Helen said. ‘He wouldn’t want to eat anything plain and healthy. That cute little café?’

  ‘Sarah’s Super Sandwiches. I’ll suggest it to Todd,’ Erin said, exiting her mother’s room before Todd barged in and destroyed their closeness. There was no option but for her to take Todd to a Sarah’s breakfast — as a twosome. Later, there’d be the awkward question of how to pass the rest of the day with Todd. She’d play that difficult shot later.

  They beat the late rush to Sarah’s and took an outside table with a view of the ocean. Mercifully, Sarah’s eggs benedict and coffee passed Todd’s fussy evaluation. He paid the bill and beckoned to Erin. As they stepped out through the café door, he slid an arm round her waist. Before she could brush it away, Hamish, arriving for his morning coffee, almost bumped into them. She saw his eyebrows flicker, his gaze take in Todd’s wayward arm. Then he smiled at them — a businesslike, formal smile.

  ‘Morning, Erin. Mr — Archer. Lovely day.’ He waved an arm towards the hills. ‘Have you thought about doing the district tour?’ He vanished through the café door as Erin pushed Todd’s arm away.

  ‘We should take Hamish’s advice, do the tour,’ she said. ‘Give Mother some space. The drive down must have drained her. She looked exhausted this morning.’

  ‘Fine. What’s the tour, then?’ Todd asked, not bothering to mask his bored expression.

  She pointed to the highest peak on the range. ‘Up to the lookout, then back to Luna Bay by another route. A circuit. It’ll take a couple of hours.’ She looked into his face. ‘And I trust you to keep your hands to yourself, Todd.’

  ‘Okay,’ Todd shrugged. ‘By the way, on the drive down Helen asked me to give you my professional opinion on handling your inheritance. It’ll be helpful if I get the big picture — the locality and all that.’

  ‘Sure you can afford to waste a few hours of your precious time?’ Erin asked.

  ‘Fine,’ Todd said. ‘I already told you, I have to make an objective appraisal of your assets before I can give you my professional advice.’

  The Porsche wound its way up through primeval forest. They reached the summit with its endless views of the coast. Todd walked around the parking space, silent, absorbed. As they headed back to Luna Bay, he lit up.

  ‘Fantastic! Thousands of hectares of millable eucalyptus. I have a client who’d die for this.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Asaka Chemical. Specialise in woodchips. My new Japanese client. Looking for new sites for woodchip mills.’

  ‘You don’t mean —’

  ‘Forests like this are hard to come by, Eri. And getting harder by the minute. Wow! I feel like Columbus discovering America.’

  ‘But…the forest is — special.’ Erin could hardly believe him. ‘It’s…I think it might be a nationa
l park or something.’

  ‘I’ll check that out on Monday. But there’s already a woodchip mill working down the coast at Eden. Only a few hours from here. A good sign.’ Erin drove back stunned into silence. If Todd realised his dream and the forest was trashed, it would be her fault.

  Back home, she disappeared to the kitchen to cook the Saturday night dinner she’d planned for days, leaving her mother and Todd to talk. After a good meal, her mother, sensing tension between Todd and Erin, managed the after-dinner socialising with skills Erin didn’t know she had. Still, it was a relief when, around ten, Todd stood.

  ‘We leave early tomorrow. Must beat the traffic. But before we go, Erin, walk me around the property. First thing tomorrow. My appraisal, remember.’

  At seven next morning, Todd wheeled Erin towards the garden. ‘Get rid of the place,’ he snarled as he eyed the weather-beaten cottage. ‘The garden too. It’s an eyesore. A bulldozer could take care of house and garden in a couple of hours. Leave the building site level and clean. Then a prospective buyer could stand here and look out to sea. Create his very own development in his mind’s eye. Nothing like a dream to make a guy reach for his chequebook.’

  ‘But…Grandma Spenser. She put her heart and soul into this place for nearly forty years.’ Erin reflected on the hours she’d spent with the old woman as they tended her flower garden, harvested the fresh vegetables they’d eat for dinner. Lately, Erin had come to prefer fresh produce in place of the over-sprayed, chemically fertilised stuff that filled supermarkets. She had her grandmother to thank for that.

  ‘Grandma Spenser is dead and gone, Eri.’ Todd faced her, hands on hips, as they stood in the old rose garden. ‘Let’s get real. I’ll keep it simple, so even you can understand it.’ He spoke slowly, as if talking to a five-year-old. ‘You are going to sell the property. You must aim to get as much money for it as you possibly can. That means you have to make it as attractive to the buyer as you possibly can. And a pile of rotting weatherboards is not attractive. I rest my case.’