The knight, p.13
No Place Like Home, page 13
Lisa squeezed Callie’s hand. “I’m glad you didn’t have to worry about that. You know I’m always here for them, and for you.”
Chapter 18
The aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the bakery and made Lisa’s stomach rumble. She wiped clean one of the small round tables, carried the dirty plates and cups back to the kitchen, pushing through the door backwards and almost tripping over a box of newly delivered sugar.
“Whoops! Sorry,” said Trina, quickly pushing it out of the way with her foot.
“Never mind,” she replied.
She set down the dishes and returned to the counter to serve another customer. Anthea had beat her to it and was chatting with the customer about the difference between whipped cream and thickened cream, in their cream buns.
So, Lisa hurried to clear another table. It’d been a busy afternoon at the bakery. She’d been run off her feet all day. But it was good. It felt good to be tired, to long to put her feet up. She’d missed the place, more than she thought possible.
“It’s good to have you back,” said Anthea when Lisa returned to the counter.
She smiled. “It’s good to be back. There’s no place like home.”
“And how’s Callie?”
“She’s doing better. They let her go home with Mum and Dad yesterday, and the kids are planning on visiting her soon. I think she’s going to be okay, but it’ll take a while for her to get back to her old self again.”
Anthea nodded. “It’s a miracle though. Isn’t it?”
“Absolutely. I tried to stay positive while she was missing, but deep down I wondered if I would see her again. I’m so happy. Every morning I wake up and it hits me again that she’s home and well. I can’t help grinning like a giddy kid.”
Anthea chuckled as she wiped down the glass counter.
“How is Bill feeling?” asked Lisa.
Anthea shrugged. “Okay, I think. He’s not happy about the changes I’ve made to his diet. He’s only allowed one beer on the weekend, and no fried foods. Makes him as grumpy as a rattlesnake.”
Lisa laughed. “Oh dear. I’m glad he’s better though. It seems to me you’ve been a rock for him throughout the whole ordeal.”
“I try.” Anthea winked.
“You two are pretty serious, huh?”
She could’ve sworn Anthea’s cheeks reddened at her words.
“I think so. I haven’t felt this way about a man before. He’s so constant, reliable, steadfast… It’s funny. Years ago, I would’ve called him square. But now he’s everything I need. I can’t imagine…” Anthea choked on the words, her eyes glistening.
Lisa wrapped an arm around Anthea’s shoulders. “He’s still here, though. So, you don’t have to worry about that.”
Anthea forced a smile. “That’s true. And what about you? Any young men in your life?”
Lisa chuckled. “No young men.”
Trina pushed through the doors behind her, carrying clean, empty trays.
“He may not be young but he’s very attractive,” said Trina with a wink. She pushed the empty trays into the glass display case and slid the door shut behind them.
“Oh, tell me about him,” said Anthea, her face lighting up.
Lisa sighed. “It’s nothing. Just a crush. Trina is exaggerating, as usual.”
“It’s that hottie who came in here a couple of weeks ago, remember Mum?” Trina crossed her arms over her chest. “Toni and Levi’s dad.”
“That’s right, I remember. He seemed very nice.” Anthea nodded slowly.
“But nothing can happen between us,” interjected Lisa. “Because he’s my sister’s ex-boyfriend.”
Trina faced her with eyebrows lowered. “How often does this kind of connection with someone come along?”
Lisa was distracted by the sudden sight of Peter Fischer, Trina’s boyfriend, waving both hands at her through the bakery window.
“Huh? Oh, not very often.”
She frowned, what was he doing? Now he was making a shushing movement, one finger in front of his pursed lips and beckoning to her.
“That’s what I’m saying.”
Lisa rested an arm around Trina’s shoulder and ushered her back into the kitchen. “You’re so right, and we should talk about this some more. But don’t you have some baking to do?”
“Well, I suppose I could get some things ready for the morning.”
“That’s perfect, and I have to run across the street to get something from the pharmacy. I’ll be right back, and we can continue this conversation then.”
Trina frowned. “Oh, okay.”
Lisa hurried outside and found Pete pacing back and forth on the covered footpath just out of sight of the bakery.
She laughed at the sight of him, red-faced and sweating. “What’s going on? You almost pulled a muscle trying to get my attention.”
He started at the sound of her voice. “Oh good, you saw me. Listen, I need your help. I’m going to propose to Trina, and there’s something I want you to do.”
Lisa squeezed into the pants and did up the button, just. She hoped it wouldn’t pop while she danced. That was another thing — she wasn’t a dancer. Never had been. It wasn’t her strong point, moving in time to music. Coordination wasn’t either.
Surely Pete had known her long enough to understand that. Still, he replied to her objections that he wanted her to be part of the proposal. She was, after all, Trina’s best friend. And she was glad, even if she would mess it up, that she could be there to see the look on her friend’s face.
Sally Hawk, her real estate agent, was there. Bill too, along with a host of other townspeople who Lisa knew from when they came into the bakery, or from Trina’s neighbourhood. Everyone was dressed in a navy police uniform and cap. They were in the police station’s small meeting room, crammed in like spring rolls in a Chinese takeaway box. There were about twenty people — all ages, all shapes and sizes — who stood awkwardly about the room in clusters, deep in conversation.
Pete was fussing with a television set and DVD player, trying to get a YouTube clip to play on it.
Bill sidled over to Lisa. “Do you know what we’re doing?”
She laughed. “A dance? That’s all I know. Are you up for it?”
He nodded. “Fighting fit. But don’t tell Anthea, no need to upset her. She’s trying to keep me in bed, but the doctor said I should get up and about.”
“I think she’s going to find out.”
His eyes widened. “Oh yeah, you’re probably right about that.” He tipped his cap back and scratched his forehead.
“Don’t worry, I’ll stick up for you.”
Pete cleared his throat and clapped his hands together. “Thanks for coming, everyone. I’m sorry it’s such a last-minute thing, but I didn’t want Trina to find out what we’re up to. And she’s got a nose for secrets.”
Lisa had to admit that was true. Although she wondered what kind of dance they could all learn in half an hour.
“We’re going to watch this video and learn some moves. It’s not difficult, and Sally here will be our instructor if we get stuck on anything.”
Sally waved to the group, her angular bob brushing her shoulders. “Just let me know if you need any help. That’s what I’m here for.”
“Oh dear, I’m pretty sure Pete is going to regret inviting me to do this,” muttered Lisa, as they all readied themselves to learn the dance moves.
“You’ll be fine,” replied Bill with a wink.
They spent the next half an hour spinning, stepping forward, arms up, back again, then to the side, another spin, front row squat, back row cross arms, and so on. The choreography was simple, as Pete had promised, and by the end of the session everyone was moving in time to the music and in unison.
Pete led them out of the police station, and they all tiptoed in a line towards the bakery. Then, when they reached the bakery, he set up a sound system in the middle of the road. Two police officers stopped traffic, and the dancers hurried to stand in a line directly in view of the largest of the bakery’s windows.
When the music blared to life, the dancers stood, motionless, waiting for their audience. Shoppers gathered on the footpath, smiling, and pointing. No doubt they were wondering what was going on. Within moments, Anthea and Trina stepped out of the bakery.
Trina tented a hand over her eyes and tipped her head to one side.
Then the dance began, with Pete out in front of the rest of them. They spun, they jived, they hopped and clapped. Lisa’s heart thundered against her ribcage as adrenaline gave her an extra bounce. She couldn’t help grinning at the look on Trina’s face as she covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes wide. Still, they kept dancing. Pete put everything into his moves — twisting his hips, grapevine, grapevine, then another jump and spin. Lisa had to admit, he looked comical, adorable, and handsome all at the same time in his tight-fitting navy uniform.
When the song wound to a close, the dancers all drew closer together in their line, leaning backs against one another, arms crossed over chests. All down both sides of the street, people clogged the footpaths and stood on the edges of the road behind parked cars. They burst into loud applause, cheering and catcalling. Trina was smiling, her lips pulled wide. Tears of laughter and of joy wet her cheeks. She whistled and cheered along with the crowd.
Then, Pete dropped slowly to one knee and pulled the ring out of his pocket to hold aloft. Dancers spun away from Trina to reveal letters printed across the backs of their jackets:
WILL YOU MARRY ME?
Lisa turned her head to watch over her shoulder. Pete tipped off his hat, letting it fall to the ground by his side. His ginger hair shone brilliant under the blazing sun. Trina walked towards him, measuring one foot in front of the other, her mouth agape.
“I love you, Trina Rawlings. Will you spend your life with me?” asked Pete.
Trina nodded, unable to form the words at first. Then she pushed out a yes, between sobs. He stood, slipped the ring onto her finger, and picked her up, pressing a kiss to her lips. He spun her around so that her hair fanned out, then set her on the tarmac to kiss her again while all around them the town applauded, cheered, and whistled their approval.
Lisa watched it all through tear-filled eyes. Her throat tight with emotion, she choked back a sob. She was so happy for Trina. After all the grief Trina had suffered in recent years, the losses she’d endured with first her son’s cancer, then her husband walking away from their family, she deserved some happiness. And Lisa couldn’t imagine anyone who was better suited to help Trina find that happiness than Pete.
He’d become a good friend to Lisa over the months that she’d known him. When she lived with Trina, he’d shown up at random times to fix something around the house, or to take them outside to point out a particularly brilliant sunset. He’d brought a smile back to her friend’s face when Lisa wasn’t sure it would even be possible again.
Chapter 19
Lisa flipped through the wedding magazine and marked a page, then set it on the coffee table. There was a pile of similar magazines and Trina had ignored every single one of them. Instead, she was banging around in her kitchen making coffee and most probably some kind of baked treat for the two of them to eat.
“Come and sit down with me,” called Lisa from the living room.
“Just a minute,” Trina shouted back to her.
“You know, you’re getting married. You should be happy to look at bridal magazines.”
Trina poked her head around the wall that divided the kitchen from the living room. “I’m not really the bridal magazine type.”
Lisa chuckled. “That’s an understatement. But still, you could do it for my sake. I’ll probably never get to do this myself, so I’m living vicariously through you.” She picked up one of the magazines and flipped to a marked page. “What do you think of this dress, isn’t it beautiful?”
Trina carried a tray with a coffee plunger, two mugs, milk, sugar, and a plate of macarons into the room and set them down on the table.
“You’re going to find someone, Lisa.”
Lisa sighed. “You can’t possibly know that.”
“True, but you’re one of the best and kindest people in the world. Someone else will realise that one day as well. It’s only a matter of time.” She poured the coffee, added milk and sugar, then handed one cup to Lisa.
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s for the best anyway. I’m happy the way things are. Finally content with my life. If I met someone now, he’d have to be pretty special to entice me to give up my independence. Maybe it’s too late, I’m too old to change my ways.”
Trina cocked her head to one side. “Hello. I’m older than you, and I’m doing it.”
“Yes, but you’ve been there before. You’re used to being married.”
“And it ended badly, so I’ve got plenty of reasons not to want to walk that path again. But then, there’s Pete…” She smiled a crooked smile that made Lisa laugh. “And here I am, doing it all over again, thinking about white lace and tulle, and what kind of flowers would work best in summer…”
“Aw, you two are so cute.” Lisa patted Trina’s arm. “Seriously though, maybe I should give up on the idea of finding someone and simply relax into this great life I’ve set up for myself here.”
“I think you should definitely relax and not worry so much about it.” Trina shot her a grin. “How’s Callie going?”
Lisa inhaled a long breath. “She’s doing much better. Dad’s moved back in with Mum, and they’re faking that he’s been there all along. They’re both taking care of her, which is great. I think they’re so relieved she’s okay, that they’d do anything, even live together again.” She laughed. “And the kids have visited her, and they spent some time in Sydney with Jay. I spoke to Callie about it, and she admitted that he had changed and was great with the kids. So, she’s letting them stay with him while she recovers.”
“It’s a long way between Marysville and Sydney,” pointed out Trina.
Lisa nodded. “I know. Too far, really. And when I spoke to Callie last, she’d said she wanted to move up this way to be near me while she figures out her next move. She doesn’t want to base herself in Sydney any longer, says she’s looking for somewhere quiet to settle down. So, I don’t know how that’s going to work if the kids are still with Jay.”
“Wow, I never thought I’d see the day when Callie would settle down.” Trina’s eyes widened.
“I know, me either. But I’m glad, and I told her she could stay with me, since I have that big empty house all to myself. I’m really looking forward to seeing her.”
“When does she come?”
“In a few days. And I can’t wait.”
Lisa stood outside the house, arms crossed, fingers tapping out a rhythm as the taxi pulled into the driveway. She clapped her hands together and hurried to open the car door. Callie paid the driver, then climbed out and fell into Lisa’s embrace. They hugged for several long seconds. Lisa could feel Callie’s bones through her thin cardigan.
“It’s so good to see you. I’m glad you came,” she whispered.
Callie pulled back, dabbed at damp eyes with her fingertips. “I’m glad, too. I wish the kids were here.”
“I know what you mean. I loved having them here. It’s very quiet now.”
Callie laughed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “They’re definitely noisy.”
“In the best possible way,” agreed Lisa.
She reached for Callie’s luggage as the taxi reversed onto the road. They walked to the house, side by side. Callie found Lisa’s hand and slipped hers into it.
She hardly spoke while Lisa showed her to her room, then made them a pot of tea. They sat outside on the back verandah with the tea and some scones Lisa had made that morning. Callie nibbled at her scone. She’d never been a big eater, but she loved scones.
“You’re not hungry?” asked Lisa.
Callie sighed. “Yes, I think so. I don’t know.” She set down the scone on her plate. “Sorry, it’s delicious. I don’t have much of an appetite at the moment. The doctor says it’s because of the stress of everything.”
“Have you talked to Jay about when the kids will move in with you again?” asked Lisa. She’d been wanting to ask this question for weeks but hadn’t felt comfortable over the phone.
Callie met her gaze. “Yes.”
“And?”
“He thinks I’m not ready yet.”
“What do you think?”
She shrugged. “I want to see them. But it’s true, I’m not ready to take care of them full-time yet. I don’t have a lot of energy, and I’m not much fun to be around. Plus, I’ve still got pain in various parts of my body from the beatings.”
Lisa bit down on her lip. She hated hearing about what Callie had been through. It sickened her to think of what her sister had endured. The first time she’d heard from Callie about her captivity, the feeling of nausea was soon replaced with anger. Then she’d disappeared into the kitchen to bake. She told herself she was trying out new recipe ideas for the bakery, but in the end all it meant was her neighbours got baskets full of muffins, scones, cupcakes, and bread rolls. She couldn’t keep it all in the house, since she was the only one there and her largest jeans were starting to feel tight around the waist with all the emotional eating she’d been doing since Callie disappeared.
“So, they should stay with Jay for a bit longer then. Or they can come here, and I can help you with them. I don’t mind. And they’re already enrolled in the local school, not that they attended for long.”
Callie took a sip of tea. “It’s something to consider. I’ll talk to Jay about it. But I don’t want to put you out, honey. You’re already dealing with having me here. If the kids come as well, you’ll be overwhelmed.”
“Not at all, I’d love it.”
Callie’s phone rang. She stared down at her pocket with a confused expression, then pulled it out. “I’m still not used to having my phone again. It feels so strange to be able to call anyone I want. How I would’ve loved to have it with me…”
