‘And if it’s a friend you’re looking for, I’m not very good at that either.’
‘We have that in common. I didn’t mean to come across like that. I don’t know anyone up here and thought I’d reach out.’
She sighs. ‘I know what it’s like to be alone in a new city. What are you doing this weekend?’
‘Actually, I thought I might head into the city tomorrow. Thinking about buying a mobile phone. I’d appreciate some tech-savvy company if you have the time.’
‘Fine. City hall. Two o’clock. Wear comfortable walking shoes. I’ll give you a walking tour while we shop.’
‘So no high heels?’
‘No high heels or strappy sandals.’
It sounds like something Annie would say.
When I hang up the phone, Pete walks in. ‘Take the ute tomorrow. The bus’ll take forever.’
So much for privacy. ‘Thanks.’
‘I think getting a mobile phone is a very sensible idea,’ Sue says, appearing behind him. ‘Every man and his dog has one nowadays.’
They may as well have stayed in the room since they heard every detail of that conversation.
‘I’m sure your dad would love to be able to call you,’ Sue adds, taking the pies out of the oven.
She has a sixth sense when it comes to family relationships. Plus she’s a fixer by nature. She’s managed to squeeze some information out of me over time, though they know only that my mum passed, I’m an only child, and that I’m giving Dad some space to work on himself.
Pete gestures for me to sit. ‘Hunter can decide who he wants to speak to on the telephone.’
Sue puts a plate in front of me. ‘All right, all right. I won’t say another word about it.’ She collects the other plates from the counter and hands one to her husband before taking a seat. ‘Family’s important is all I’m saying.’
‘That was six more words,’ I tell her. ‘Eight if you count the contractions.’
‘And I’ve made my point now.’
Pete and I smile down at our plates, then dig into our lunch.