She could blame Rayne, who’d been the first one to mention the idea during their last chat, but never in a million years did she expect Jem to think the same way. When he’d asked her … thank goodness she’d been gripping the edge of the balloon’s basket because she’d been in dire danger of falling out.
Like a true gentleman, he hadn’t pushed her for an answer. He’d given her time to think about it, something she’d done for the rest of the day as he whisked her to brunch at a seaside café, then a long coastal walk and finally back to Acacia Haven where they’d spent the evening curled on the sofa watching quiz and comedy shows. She’d expected him to initiate sex and when he didn’t she’d been equally relieved and disappointed. She hadn’t wanted anything to spoil the amazing day, yet being curled under his arm as they laughed together, sharing a bowl of popcorn, had made her crave him more.
That craving had led to her momentous decision. She may not be cut out for grand adventures but with Jem by her side, perhaps she could do anything.
She’d wondered if the erectile dysfunction was preying on his mind and had wanted to discuss it. She’d researched prostate problems and the correlation with erectile dysfunction, and also knew he’d been right about the stress of selling his agency possibly being a contributing factor. They would talk about it but she didn’t want to push the issue, because he’d made it more than clear he still desired her when pressed up against her in the hot air balloon basket, which meant she was happy to take their relationship slower if that’s what he needed.
Besides, they’d have plenty of time for intimacy during their travels. He’d mentioned staying in motels, caravans and hiring a campervan, so they’d be living in each other’s pockets for the entire trip, which he anticipated being anywhere between three and six months.
She’d never contemplated doing anything so carefree and couldn’t contain her excitement. But she had to temper it until she hired a manager for the shop and if Meredith couldn’t do it she’d have to find someone else.
As for what would happen after their time away … she didn’t want to pre-empt anything or think too far ahead, but if they spent six months as a couple on the road it made sense to move in together on their return. She couldn’t have sold her house at a better time. She could invest the money while using some of it to fund her trip, then re-evaluate her living situation when they got back.
And now she’d cleared the air with Karly, she wouldn’t feel like an intruder if Jem asked her to move in with him. Having his granddaughter next door could’ve been too close for comfort, but Karly had been understanding when they had a chat at Summer’s dinner party.
Heidi remembered that day she’d yelled at young Karly so clearly. Finding out she couldn’t have children had felt like someone had taken a knife to her uterus and slashed it. She’d been bereft, Bert surprisingly stoic, and the more he tried to pretend like everything was fine the angrier she got. They never should’ve gone to that picnic. She’d begged him to go without her but he’d insisted they put on a brave face—people would gossip if he turned up on his own. That made her madder: the fact her husband didn’t want to stay home with her and comfort her so they could share their disappointment together.
She’d reluctantly given in and baked her famous lamingtons like a dutiful wife, but as she watched Bert drink beers with his mates and laugh at their ribald jokes like he didn’t have a care in the world, she’d inwardly seethed. She’d been snappish and offhand all day and word must’ve got around because most townsfolk gave her a wide berth. The kids hadn’t got the memo though because Karly had grabbed those extra lamingtons, and she’d snapped.
She could still remember the horror on the young girl’s face when she’d started screaming at her. She’d been ashamed of her outburst later and understandably Karly had avoided her since.
A loud rapping on the screen door, followed by a bellowed ‘Knock, knock,’ had Heidi smiling. Meredith never did anything by halves. Her new friend was loud, confident and boisterous: a real character who would draw customers to the shop with her extravagant personality.
‘Come in,’ Heidi called, sliding her hands into oven mitts to get the cannelloni out. ‘You’re just in time.’
‘Do I smell the delicious aroma of pasta and cheesy goodness?’ Meredith sniffed the air as she entered the kitchen and placed a bottle of merlot on the counter. ‘I’m not sure this friendship is going to last, petal, if you keep trying to fatten me up.’ She patted her rotund middle, hidden beneath a vibrant chartreuse top that fell to her knees. ‘I need to maintain this figure for all the hot farmers around these parts.’
Heidi snorted as she carefully placed the cannelloni on a ceramic place holder. ‘I’ve been living here my entire life and if you’re hoping for hot farmers you’ve come to the wrong town.’
‘They don’t have to be farmers. Boat builders, fishermen, agriculturists …’ Meredith winked. ‘I’m not fussy.’
Heidi joined in her laughter. ‘Would you like me to serve up so we can sit and chat while we eat?’
‘Absolutely. What can I do?’
‘The salad’s in the fridge, with the dressing in a glass jar beside it. Perhaps pop those on the table?’
‘Done. And I’ll pour the wine.’
They exchanged small talk as they moved around the kitchen together, their ease with one another reinforcing how much Heidi had missed out on when she’d turned her back on Rayne’s friendship. She’d been foolish and had wasted so many years. All the more reason to make the most of this opportunity with Jem.
When they were seated at the table, with steaming cylinders of cannelloni in front of them and salad on the side, Heidi knew the time had come. She wouldn’t be able to eat unless she asked Meredith first.
‘I have a big favour to ask you.’
Meredith snapped her fingers. ‘I knew it. Nobody makes cannelloni this good unless they’re buttering me up.’
Heidi smiled. ‘I’m happy to make my cannelloni any time you want. In fact, if you agree to my proposal, I’ll make a heap so you can stack them in your freezer.’
‘Petal, you’re nice enough but I already told you I want a hot farmer, so any ideas of matrimony you may have are wasted on me.’
Heidi burst out laughing at Meredith’s faux innocence after her witty comeback. ‘I’ll get straight to the point. Jem has asked me to go with him when he travels around Australia and I want to, but I need someone I can trust to manage the store while I’m away. And I’m hoping that someone is you.’
For the first time since Heidi had met the garrulous woman, Meredith was speechless.
‘It’s not that outlandish, is it?’
‘Well …’ Meredith waved her hand from side to side. ‘When I retired out here I didn’t expect to be managing a shop.’