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He ascended the last few steps quickly. ‘What’s wrong, Ava? Are you hurt? Is Duke okay?’
Ava wasn’t just crying; she was sobbing and struggled to catch her breath in between. Finally acknowledging his presence, she sat up, first wiped her hands across her cheeks and then patted down imaginary and wayward strands of loose hair.
‘No, everything is fine.’
‘Really? I know men are not very perceptive, but I’m pretty sure you don’t cry like that unless something has upset you. What’s happened?’
And man, while he was concerned, she was damn cute with her bright pink cheeks and swollen eyes.
Uncertainty swam in her eyes, but he saw a switch, the moment she decided to confide in him.
‘It’s so stupid! I’ve just dropped Duke at his prep orientation morning for school. I thought I was ready but he’s so small and doesn’t know any of the other children yet and, and … how can I be sure he’ll be okay?’
Noah sagged with relief. ‘That’s not stupid. I think I was more nervous on my daughter’s first day of school then she was. She woke, dressed and basically skipped away from me at the classroom with a cheery wave. I’m not going to lie, I was heartbroken. Me, her protector, and she was prepared to wave me off like the postman!’
Ava laughed and his chest puffed out a little. It was a sweet sound. The intensity around them broke and dissipated with the chuckle.
‘You have a daughter?’ Her left eyebrow arched.
Did he just admit that? Wasn’t like him to let his defences down and talk so openly. The situation was relatable, he guessed.
He nodded. ‘Yep. Emily was in prep last year and will be heading into year one this year.’
Noah gazed out into the distance with a slight rising panic. If Bellethorpe Primary was having their orientation day, then Emily’s first day was fast approaching. He was annoyed with himself that he didn’t know. With the living arrangements currently undetermined, he guessed Emily would be starting a new school in Brisbane. Another advantage to Lisa. His daughter should be here, in Bellethorpe, her home, returning to school. At each turn, Emily was being drawn further and further away from him.
After speaking with Lisa, she had agreed Emily could spend this coming weekend with him. School must commence after that. The glare of the sizzling sun made him squint and he refocused on the deck. He resolved to find out. He’d double check with Lisa next time they chatted; try to avoid an argument.
Would he go to her first day this year? Make the three-hour trip to and from Brisbane for a few minutes? Where once again, she might run off and not glance backwards? Yes, he would, of course he would.
Ava regarded him strangely, as if she could tell he was miles away. It’s very hard to reveal only a little information. ‘My wife and I are separated. Emily is currently living with her mum in Brisbane. I miss her desperately.’ Bugger, his voice hitched on that last word. ‘Your son has recently moved into a new area, a new house, tell me, has he adjusted okay?’
Ava reached out and cupped his hand. He froze. It was a gesture of solidarity between parents, wasn’t it?
‘He’s adjusted better than me. We hold on to more memories, don’t we? His only concern is the toys we didn’t bring or, missing the donut we used to buy from the corner bakery where we lived. Simple things like that. Where we as adults, hold on too much more.’
Noah nodded.
Did Emily call Brisbane home? Her new bedroom her preference? What did she think of Lisa’s boyfriend? An ache shot through his chest. Covering up his distress, he removed his hand and went to sip his coffee and remembered he was holding a take-away cup for Ava. He offered it. ‘Make us both feel better?’ She gratefully accepted.
‘It’s a standard latte, nothing fancy.’
‘Nothing fancy is wonderful, thank you.’ She took a deep sip and used the paper napkin that accompanied it to wipe her face dry.
Then she startled, eyes wide like saucers, looked down, around. ‘How did you get here?’
‘Um, I drove. The gate is locked, so I parked the truck and walked up.’
Her shoulders relaxed. ‘Okay. If you’d let me know I would have opened it for you.’
He shrugged. I don’t have your number.’
‘I’m not very organised this morning, sorry. Given you’ll be working here, I’ll give it to you.’ She recited it and was already on the tenth number when he tugged his phone out of his pocket. ‘I’ll punch it in,’ she offered.
Noah unlocked the phone and handed it over. His favourite image of Emily beamed up at him before fading.
‘Thanks. There’ll be tradies coming and going, so might be best to leave the gate unlocked and open.’
She flinched and chewed on her lower lip. He wished she wouldn’t do that; it made his insides start somersaulting. But, more importantly, what was she frightened of? He scanned his surroundings expecting someone might jump out at them. Was it country seclusion? Well, don’t get him started … if you can’t hack the country, don’t live here, or, alternatively live in town. There were other options. But what if it was more …
