Country Roads Read online

  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.

  Chapter 4

  Matt was tired. The day had been quite a drain and he probably shouldn’t have had that last glass of wine. He sat in the passenger seat and stared out into the rain. It was almost dark, with only enough light for him to make out the drenched, overgrown garden of Sage House. The raindrops slid over the shiny dark green leaves of the hydrangeas and rhododendrons and pattered lightly against the windscreen of the black sports car. They were parked in a small circular drive in front of a double-storey Victorian house. It was a white weatherboard with elegant lines and a balcony which was framed with wrought-iron lacework. He liked it but he had a sneaking suspicion that Leanne preferred the modern function room with the Asian-inspired garden at Olinda.

  He’d thought it was going to be a nice and laid-back sort of day, but his dreams of losing himself in a book had been put to an end when Leanne had announced they were spending the day at Mt Dandenong checking out wedding venues. To say that he was over table plans, menus and seating options was an understatement. His first novel Paranoia, was about to be released and he had given himself a few days off to celebrate, but this was not how he’d planned it. God, he wished that he could convince her just to elope – it would save an awful lot of time, angst and money. Unfortunately his fiancée had her heart set on a large wedding in the mountains – damn it.

  The fast click of Leanne’s heels on the wet slate steps drew his attention. As she opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat, the scent of her perfume and the wet garden blew into the cabin and wrapped around Matt.

  ‘Did you find it?’

  Leanne held up her plum-coloured clutch bag. ‘Yeah, I left it on the table. So, are you ready to go home?’

  ‘Oh yeah.’

  ‘You didn’t enjoy the day?’

  ‘I’ll just be happy to get home, that’s all.’

  A frown marred her forehead. ‘I just want you to feel involved in the wedding plans. I don’t want you to feel left out or that you don’t have any say in what’s happening.’

  ‘I don’t care where we hold the ceremony – as long as I get to marry you, I’m down with it.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Really.’ Matt leant over and gave her a quick kiss on her perfectly painted lips. ‘Now come on, take me home – the couch, pizza and a movie are calling to me.’

  Leanne gave him a quick smile before she flicked her dark brown fringe from her eyes. She turned the key in the ignition and eased the car around the drive and back onto the road which would take them down the mountain. ‘It’s really beautiful up here – you know, sort of peaceful.’

  ‘Yeah, it is, but I still prefer the city,’ Matt said as he watched the tall trees whiz by.

  They fell into silence for a few minutes and all that could be h
eard was the steady patter of rain on the windscreen and the swish of the wipers.

  ‘So have you decided which of the venues you want for the wedding?’ Matt said as he glanced over at Leanne.

  ‘I’m not sure, what do you think?’

  ‘That I’ll be happy with any of them.’

  ‘They all had something special about them. I mean, the last one was just beautiful, but I really like the one with the Asian garden.’

  Matt bit back a smile. Could he pick it or what? ‘Then it looks like we’re getting married in Olinda.’

  Leanne turned her head and gave him a grin. ‘Yeah, I guess it does.’

  The rain became heavier and Matt noticed that the wind had picked up as they drove through the tiny towns of Sassafras and Ferny Creek.

  ‘Do you think you should slow down a bit?’ Matt asked gently as he peered out into the darkness. The road was near empty but narrow, and one that neither of them was familiar with.

  She touched the brake. ‘Yeah, I suppose we should take it easy. It’s not as if we’re in a hurry.’

  ‘Except for the pizza.’

  ‘Well, there is that.’ Leanne smiled at him. ‘Hey, look.’

  Matt looked past Leanne to the lights of Melbourne below. ‘It’s pretty. You’d best be careful – isn’t that hairpin turn just up ahead?’

  ‘I remember. Don’t worry so much.’

  ‘Yeah, well, just remember that the guy at the second wedding venue referred to it as “the Devil’s elbow”.’

  ‘Nothing like being melodramatic. Relax, I’m on it.’

  As if to prove her point, Leanne slowed the car down as she reached the bend. The road was deceptive; a seemingly straight section morphed into an abrupt bend which turned back on itself at an acutely sharp angle. Matt never really knew what caused it – perhaps it was the rain-slicked surface or maybe oil on the road – but as they came around the tight turn the car slipped out of control. There was no time, and all he could do was call out her name as the car careened through the railing and down the mountain.

  Matt sat up in bed with the sound of Leanne’s scream still reverberating around him. It wasn’t a dream but a memory – one that came to him again and again, and that he would do nearly anything to forget. He ran his hands through his hair before propping his elbows on his knees and taking a deep breath. Matt threw back the doona and got out of bed. He knew there was no point trying to get back to sleep now. Maybe he’d grab a cup of tea and have another go at working on that tricky scene he couldn’t seem to get right. He pulled on his jeans and walked barefoot through the cottage towards the kitchen. Perhaps if he worked for a couple of hours he’d be so tired that he’d fall straight asleep. It was the only way he could avoid reliving the accident and Leanne, because it was in that place somewhere between waking and sleep where she waited for him most nights.