Outback Secrets by Rachael Johns

Chapter Eight

Henri’s phone rang a couple of hours later while she was still working on the header and she wasn’t surprised to see Frankie’s name on the screen when she dug it out of her pocket.

‘Hey there,’ she said.

‘Don’t “hey there” me! Is it true what I’m hearing about you and Liam?’

Henri smiled—Frankie was never one to beat around the bush—but then her stomach dropped; it was one thing lying to her mother who was always pestering her, but could she lie to her best friend?

She glanced over at her brothers, who were trying to seem like they weren’t eavesdropping. ‘Look, I can explain everything, but not right now.’

‘So, there is something to explain?’ Frankie sounded ridiculously excited.

‘Yes, but—’

‘Dinner, tonight. You and me. Or will you be too busy with lover boy?’

Henri rolled her eyes. ‘Lover boy will be busy working late, as you know. I’d love to have dinner with you.’ She paused a moment. ‘Will it be just you?’ No way she was spilling her guts with Logan or anyone else there.

‘Yeah,’ Frankie said. ‘Sorry if I haven’t been very available since you came home, but it’s a bit of a crazy time.’

‘You don’t need to explain. It’s fine.’ Even though she had been feeling a little neglected, she wasn’t planning on admitting it. If she hadn’t been feeling so tender herself, she probably wouldn’t have even noticed. ‘I’ve been keeping busy.’

‘That’s what I’m hearing.’ Frankie laughed again. ‘Anyway, I gotta go, but I’ll catch you tonight at the pub. Seven o’clock, okay?’

‘Yep. I’ll see you then,’ she said, then sent a quick text to her mum.

Won’t be home for dinner tonight, meeting Frankie at the pub.

Is that code for meeting Liam? You know you don’t have to make excuses to me. Macy is staying over anyway, so we won’t even miss you.

Henri didn’t bother replying, but sure enough when she returned to the house later, she found her mother and niece making pizzas.

‘We’re going to have a Christmas movie marathon tonight,’ Macy told her. ‘Mum thinks it’s too early to start watching them, but Granny says it’s never too early. What do you think, Aunty Hens?’

I think I’m glad I’m going out tonight.Most festive flicks were far too cheesy for her liking.

‘Sounds like fun,’ she said, squeezing Macy’s shoulder before starting down the corridor to wash off the day’s grime.

‘Will you be staying at The Palace again tonight?’ her mum called, and Henri almost tripped over her own feet.

Shit. Of course she might assume that.

‘Um … yeah, is that okay?’ she asked, turning back. ‘I’m going to start teaching Liam to surf, so it’ll be easy to be there in the morning anyway.’

Fiona gave a knowing smile as she dropped a dollop of homemade tomato paste onto one of the dough bases. ‘You don’t need to make excuses to stay over at your boyfriend’s house, Henrietta. You’re a grown woman.’

‘Thanks,’ she replied, silently wondering why half the time her mother still treated her like a child then.

The nerves hit the moment she walked into her bedroom. What would Liam say about this? she wondered as she threw her toothbrush and toiletries into a bag. Granted, she’d already spent one night in his apartment, but as she’d been drunk at the time, this did not alleviate her sudden anxiety.

This hadn’t been part of the deal. And as far as she knew he only had one bed.

She gulped at the thought of them having to share it, visualising them perched right at the edges almost falling out so as not to accidentally touch each other.

Of course, she could just stay in Cecil. That way her mum would think she’d been with Liam, but she wouldn’t have to inconvenience him. Again.

Feeling better, Henri finished packing and hitched the bag on her shoulder, then headed out.

As it was Monday night, the pub wasn’t anywhere as busy as it had been on Saturday. Music played softly overhead; Mr Brady, Mr Porter, and another older man whose name she couldn’t remember, were playing cards at a table; two blokes in hi-vis uniforms were shooting pool; Sexy Rexy was the lone patron sitting at the bar, and Liam appeared to be the only one on duty.

He looked up and what was maybe surprise flashed across his face, before he smiled and lifted a hand to wave. Tonight, he wore his uniform of faded jeans and a cream T-shirt with the Toohey’s gold moose (or was it a stag?) on its crest. And he wore it well. A tiny butterfly somersaulted in her stomach as she remembered the broad chest, wide shoulders and delicious six-pack, only slightly obscured by the T-shirt. The kind of musculature you got from lifting kegs, cartons of bottles and heavy bits of wood, not from long hours pumping iron in a gym. Real muscles.

Henri swallowed and hitched her overnight bag over her shoulder. As she approached the bar, Liam stepped out from behind it and came up to greet her.

‘Well, this is a nice surprise,’ he said as he leaned forward to give her an awkward hug. ‘You’re looking lovely this evening.’

Pulling back, her whole body still flushed from the heat of him, she attempted her best love-sick smile—not that any of the patrons tonight would likely pay attention, but it couldn’t hurt to get some practice in for when they had a proper audience. ‘You don’t look so bad yourself.’

A shadow of a smile crossed his lips and then his eyes drifted to her bag.

‘I’m meeting Frankie for dinner. She should be here soon,’ she said, then lowered her voice. ‘When I told Mum I was coming here, she just assumed I’d be staying the night. Again.’

‘Ah, I see. That makes sense.’ But he looked like she’d just suggested he turn the pub into a shelter for feral cats.

‘It’s okay,’ she rushed to reassure him. ‘I’ve just brought the bag inside for appearances’ sake, but I’ll sneak out once everyone’s gone and sleep in Cecil.’

Liam pursed his lips a few long moments, then shook his head. ‘That won’t work.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘This is Bunyip Bay. Someone’s sure to notice either tonight or tomorrow morning. Janet arrives early and she might …’ His voice drifted off, but Henri didn’t need to hear any more.

Janet’s tongue was almost as loose as Eileen Brady’s.

‘I could give you one of the guest rooms—there’s a couple available at the moment—but she’d definitely notice that too.’

‘You’re right.’ Henri sighed. Already there were a zillion holes appearing in this plan, but, remembering her mother’s excitement this evening, she couldn’t bring herself to give up on it just yet. ‘I’m so sorry, but maybe I could sleep on your couch? I’m an excellent house guest. You’ll barely notice I’m there.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous. You can have my bed. It’ll only be a few nights, right?’

‘Yes … but no way. I won’t hear of it; you’re already doing me a massive favour. A sheet and a pillow will do me just fine.’

‘It’s non-negotiable,’ he said, folding his arms across his chest. ‘You have the bed or the whole deal’s off.’

Henri gave him a death stare; she didn’t like being told what to do. She should have told him fine, thanks for playing, it was a stupid idea anyway. But instead she found herself saying, ‘Fine. I’ll take your damn bed.’

‘Good.’ He grinned smugly, and then reached out to take her bag.

‘I can carry this,’ she said, tightening her grip. She wasn’t used to people doing things for her—especially not handsome men with ridiculously sexy smiles.

‘I’m sure you can,’ he whispered, looking intently into her eyes, ‘but if you were my real girlfriend, I wouldn’t let you lift a finger, so …’

She sighed and handed him the bag, which he carried over and dumped behind the bar, only a few feet from Sheila.

‘Can I get you a drink?’ Liam asked as she dropped to her knees to greet the dog.

‘Um … just a lemon, lime and bitters, please. I’ll have a wine when Frankie arrives, but I’m knackered after a big day on the farm, so I need to pace myself or I’m liable to fall asleep on the bar.’

‘Wouldn’t be the first time.’

She poked her tongue out at him, ignoring the buzz that zapped through her at his teasing and trying not to think about sleeping in his bed. She gave Sheila a final pat before taking a seat at the bar next to Sexy Rexy. Like Dolce, he hadn’t changed one bit since she was a kid.

‘Hey there,’ she said.

He made a grunting sound, slid off the stool and hurried towards the restrooms.

‘What did I say?’ Henri asked as Liam pushed her drink across the bar.

He chuckled. ‘Think you scared him—Rex isn’t used to pretty girls paying him attention.’

‘No one’s in earshot right now; you don’t have to call me pretty,’ she said, lifting her glass to her mouth, hoping it would hide her blush.

‘Just getting into character.’ He winked. ‘So, how’d you go telling your mom about us this arvo?’

‘Didn’t have to. Eileen had already done the honours by the time I got home.’

‘Why am I not surprised? And how did she take it? Your mom I mean. I bet she’d prefer you were with a farmer or something.’

He was quite possibly right—everyone knew there was still a class system in the country and farmers generally thought townies a rung (or two) below them on the ladder—but if her mother harboured any such thoughts, she hadn’t mentioned them. ‘She was ecstatic. But then again, she’d probably be happy if I hooked up with Sexy Rexy if it meant there was a possibility of me coming home for good.’

‘Let’s hope he remembers to wear his false teeth to the wedding.’

Henri snorted. ‘How’s your day been?’ After all, girlfriends were supposed to show such interest, weren’t they?

‘Good,’ he said. ‘I’ve been working on Dolce’s rocking chair. Almost finished. Just a little sanding and varnishing to go.’

‘That’s awesome.’

Sexy Rexy returned to the bar and Liam was refilling his pint when Frankie arrived. She leaned in and gave Henri a hug.

‘Sorry I’m late.’ She didn’t give an excuse. They both knew she was never on time and Henri was used to it.

‘No worries. What do you want to drink? My shout.’

‘I think you mean my shout,’ Liam said.

‘Way to go, girlfriend.’ Frankie grinned at her. ‘Didn’t we always say growing up we should either marry someone rich or someone who owns a pub?’

‘We did?’

Frankie nodded. ‘We’ll have a bottle of sav blanc, please. You can’t drink Guinness over dinner, Hens.’

Henri smiled—Frankie was the only person she’d ever allow to make decisions on her behalf.

They ordered Bunyip Burgers, because it was Macca’s night off and therefore the only thing on the menu, and then carried the bottle and glasses over to a table.

‘I’m so excited about you and Liam,’ Frankie said as they sat down. ‘What happened after we left on Saturday night?’

This was where Henri meant to tell her friend that it was all an elaborate ruse to get her mother off her back, but something stopped her. Maybe it was that she couldn’t help thinking about the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her, or maybe it was that suddenly admitting the game she was playing felt immature and desperate.

‘We …’ She shrugged and twirled the wineglass between her fingers. ‘We just got chatting. We hit it off and …’

‘One thing led to another?’ Frankie grinned as she took a sip of wine. ‘Oh, I remember that first flush of attraction. Don’t get me wrong, I still can’t get enough of Logan, but we’ve been together for almost two years … things change. I was so tired of waiting for someone, I thought I’d be alone forever, but now the thought of never experiencing that thrill of the chase again … well, it’s a little depressing.’

Henri smiled. ‘The way I recall it, yours and Logan’s chase was rather complicated.’

‘Oh boy, damn straight, but I guess that was also part of the fun. Anyway, enough about me. What was it like?’

Heat rose in Henri’s cheeks. ‘I don’t kiss and tell.’

Frankie snorted. ‘You don’t need to. The expression on your face tells me everything. I guess you’ll be staying at the pub again tonight?’

‘Probably.’

‘And your mum’s okay with that? I bet she gets a bit lonely now your dad’s gone?’

‘Yeah.’ Henri swallowed. ‘The house feels so weird without him there, but she’s got Macy staying over tonight. I’ve been crafting a bit with her, but the shows she watches in the evenings bore me to tears. She’s happy for me and Liam so …’

‘Crafting? You!’

‘I know, I know. Don’t worry, I’m not doing that much. I’ve helped her make a few Christmas gifts but mostly I’ve been working with the boys on the farm. So, what’s new with you?’

‘Well, I’m about to put the café up for sale.’

‘What? You serious?’ The café was Frankie’s pride and joy, although she had recently bought another one in Geraldton because she and Logan planned to settle there.

‘I’d hoped to keep both, but as you know we’ve been dividing our time between here and there, but we’ve realised it’s just not realistic. With Logan’s deteriorating eyesight, he can’t drive at night and it’s becoming a bit too much.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Henri said, unable to imagine how she’d feel in Logan’s shoes. Just before he and Frankie started dating, he’d been diagnosed with a medical issue, which meant he was slowly going blind.

‘Thanks. He’s got a great attitude and doesn’t let it get to him too much, but there are moments, and … we do have to make some adjustments. Besides, after the wedding we want to have a baby, so the sale and the move just makes sense.’

‘A baby. Wow. So very grown up,’ Henri teased just as Liam appeared to deliver two massive burgers with a side of fries to the table.

‘Thank you,’ they said in unison.

‘You’re welcome,’ he replied, brushing a hand over Henri’s shoulder as he departed. The skin beneath his touch tingled and she felt the effects all over her body.

She looked up to see Frankie frowning at her. ‘You still planning to leave again after Christmas?’

Henri nodded. ‘Of course, but don’t tell Mum.’

‘Won’t you miss him?’

‘I’ll miss some things,’ Henri said, playing the game. ‘But, Frank, we’ve only just got together. Who knows what will happen?’

‘Eileen said you told her you were crazy about Liam?’

Henri rolled her eyes, while silently berating her loose tongue. ‘You know she has a habit of over-exaggerating.’

Frankie laughed. ‘Too true. You better come back for the wedding though.’

‘You know I wouldn’t miss that for the world. I’ll be back in Australia after my Canada contract by then.’ She was thinking positively, hoping that she’d have actually made it into an aircraft at all. ‘And I’ve already given my boss the heads-up that I’ll need some time off.’

After that, they ate and talked about Frankie and Logan’s wedding plans. Although such things weren’t among Henri’s favourite topics of conversation, it was different when it was her best friend. She couldn’t help but catch some of Frankie’s enthusiasm.

Somehow Henri’s little flying problem never came up and she was having so much fun that she didn’t want to put a dampener on the evening by talking about it. Not yet.

Eventually, Liam called last drinks and Henri couldn’t believe how late it was.

She hugged Frankie goodbye and, ignoring the tightness in her stomach, crossed back to the bar. Sexy Rexy had long gone, but the hi-vis guys were still throwing back beers and balls at the pool table.

‘Good night?’ Liam asked as Henri approached.

She opened her mouth to reply but yawned instead, the events of the day finally catching up with her.

‘You know, you don’t need to hang down here and wait for me,’ he said as he wiped a cloth over the bar. ‘I’ll still be a while. You can get settled upstairs if you’d prefer.’

‘Okay, thanks.’ Henri jumped at the chance. ‘If you’re sure.’

As easy as Liam was to talk to down here, she was already anticipating the awkwardness of the two of them alone in his apartment. Better if she was tucked up in bed by the time he joined her upstairs.

Guilt again squeezed her at the thought of taking his bed. The guy was already doing her favour enough.

‘Are you sure I can’t sleep on the couch?’

‘Don’t even think about it,’ he said, pulling a key from his pocket and pressing it into the palm of her hand. ‘I’ll only carry you to bed if I find you there.’

She laughed nervously at the image, a weird ache passing through her at the thought.

‘You know where to go, right?’

She nodded. ‘Thank you.’

‘No worries. Make yourself at home. There’s coffee, tea and Milo in the kitchen if you want a drink before bed. There’s even a packet of Tim Tams.’

The strange pain in her stomach remained as she climbed the stairs, then walked along the hallway past the guest rooms before she came to a door with a sign announcing ‘Private Residence’.

It was only as she slipped the key into the lock and pushed open the door that she realised Sheila had accompanied her.

‘Well, hello, girl,’ she said as the two of them went inside. ‘Come to keep an eye on me, have you?’

There were a couple of lamps on in the living room and Henri eyed the couch on which Liam had slept on Saturday night—it was a well-worn, chocolate-brown leather one that looked much comfier than many places she’d slept. There were a couple of matching armchairs, a bookshelf, a big screen TV and a few woodworking magazines on the coffee table. Beside the couch was a dog bed, which didn’t look as if it was used much at all.

It was only the thought of Liam coming in and watching her sleep that had her venturing into the bedroom and dumping her bag there. His room was even tidier than she remembered. The bed was neatly made and the surface of the dresser now devoid of anything Liam. Most telling was the empty space where the photo of a family had been.

She frowned. Had she imagined it?

No, Henri clearly remembered standing right here and picking up the frame, gazing down at the four people, the adults smiling proudly and the little girl sticking out her tongue as the older boy held her in a pretend headlock. It was definitely a happy photo and although she hadn’t had long to scrutinise it, she remembered being unsure whether Liam was the man or the little boy. He had strong similarities to both of them, although she thought the man’s hair was a lot longer than Liam’s was currently. If it was him … did that mean the kids were his too?

He’d been in town about ten years, so the children in the photo would practically be adults by now. Probably unlikely, since he couldn’t be that much older than her, which meant he’d have to have had them pretty young. Eileen said he never had visitors, so, whoever these people were, what had become of them? And more importantly, why was the photo no longer here?

She’d noticed a period tonight when Tegan came out of the kitchen to serve behind the bar and Liam had disappeared for a while. Had he come up and removed it then?

Henri pondered these questions as she went into the bathroom and readied herself for bed. Yes, she checked in the vanity cupboard—although not exactly sure what she was looking for, she felt it was due diligence. It wasn’t that she was nosy, more that as she was staying in a strange man’s house, in his bed, it was sensible to check for any evidence that he could be a serial killer or something. At least that’s what she told herself.

But there was nothing bar a few bottles of shampoo, an electric razor, some antiseptic cream and a spare toothbrush.

Resisting the urge to snoop any further, she went back into his bedroom and climbed in between the covers. Sheila jumped up beside her and settled at her feet. Exhausted, Henri switched off the bedside lamp, lay back on the pillows and pulled the summer-weight doona up to her chin. Although the bedding felt clean—as if he’d changed the sheets when he came upstairs as well—eau de Liam lingered. She inhaled, long and hard, trying to work out exactly what scents she could smell, but just like him, the notes of his cologne were a mystery.

She fell asleep, wondering who Liam really was. Who were the people in the photo to him? And what had caused the scar on his shoulder?