‘Have a heart, Pete,’ he said. ‘Enough, already.’ And hehadlearned how to move on … that’s what he was here in Clarence doing. Moving on.
His mate gripped his shoulder. ‘Just think about it,’ he said. ‘Come to town more. Join the touch footy team, tell tall stories at the pub, flirt with women … what’s the worst that could happen?’
The worst? Well, that was an easy answer, because the worst had already happened. The worst was falling in love with someone and having that person leave you.
Pete slapped him on the back and headed out to the sunlit area near the wide sliding door. He raised his voice back to its normal footy-sideline-type volume. ‘The shed’s in surprisingly good nickon the inside. I’d recommend we replace that post with a steel one down the track, but no urgency.’
Joey dragged his thoughts out of the past. ‘Thanks,’ he said. ‘So, no immediate danger of a cave-in?’
‘None.’
‘Great. You hear that, Kirsty? The roof’s sound.’
He wanted to get out of there. He wanted to get on his tractor and ride up and down a few hills for a while and clear his mind.
‘We’d better get a move on,’ he said. ‘You right to give me a lift back to the house, Pete?’
Pete was leaning up against one of the posts he’d just inspected, looking like he was getting ready to stay all day and bring out the O’Connor charm manoeuvres. He sure had a short memory. ‘It’s not a long walk, mate.’
Joey narrowed his eyes. So much for his best mate since Year One having a heart. ‘It’s hot out, mate. Gus needs water.’
Pete sighed. ‘Okay then, let’s go. If you’re not busy one night, Kirsty, there’s live music at the pub. Great food, outdoor seating with firepits. Love to see you there.’ He turned and dropped Joey a wink before addressing Kirsty again. ‘You can tell me all about this war plane you’ve found. I love history.’
‘Maybe,’ said Kirsty. ‘Thanks again, guys. I appreciate you checking this area’s safe.’
Joey grilled Pete the second they were out in the sunshine. ‘Flirt with the woman, wasn’t that your advice, mate? Then three seconds lateyou’reasking her out?’
‘I think she liked me more.’
Maybe. Maybe not. Joey had eight weeks to find out.