Page 12 of Whispers of Sweetwater

She stood quickly, already halfway to the door, hope rising in her chest like steam off a mug of hot chocolate. It had to be Molly. Who else would drop in unannounced? When she swung the door open, relief washed through her like a warm breeze.

‘Evening!’ Molly beamed, framed in the soft light of dusk.

‘Hi, Molly.’ Brianna stepped back instinctively, her shoulders loosening. ‘Come on in.’

Molly swept into the cottage, her bohemian scarf trailing behind like a banner, her sandalwood perfume curling into the air like incense. ‘Have you eaten yet?’ she asked, her expression amused as if she already half-knew the answer.

‘Not yet. Why’s that?’

‘How about we head to the pub for dinner tonight?’ Molly proposed brightly, eyes sparkling with the promise of good food, small-town chatter and better company. ‘My shout.’

Brianna hesitated, but only for a heartbeat. The idea of warm lighting, clinking glasses and the comfort of someone who got her, even a little, was more appealing than she expected.

‘That sounds wonderful,’ she said with a real smile. ‘I’m tired as, but getting out might do me the world of good.’

‘That’s the spirit; you only live once.’ Molly linked her arm into Brianna’s. ‘Let’s go make some memories at the local.’

‘Yes, let’s.’ Energy surged from some hidden reserve within Brianna, awakening from its slumber and shaking off the day’s weariness as she began to anticipate the evening ahead. It would be a welcome change from her usual routine of solo dinners and reports to write.

A night at the pub with Molly might just be the spark she needed, a reminder of life beyond work and obligations. ‘Do I have time to freshen up first, though?’ she asked, her eagerness undampened by the prospect of getting ready.

‘Yes, of course.’ A smile flickered across Molly’s face, and she landed theatrically on the corner of the lounge chair. ‘Take all the time you need. There’s no hurry at all!’

After having a quick shower, Brianna swiftly towelled off then headed to her bedroom to get dressed. Deciding on speed over primping, she raked a brush through her wet hair as she rummaged within her wardrobe with purpose. She was grateful for this unplanned invitation, for the chance to shed her workday and slip into something more carefree, but the surprise of it left her slightly flustered and fighting to regain some sense of composure. She considered her options, shaking out tops and jeans as she pondered how much effort to put into the evening. Finally, she pulled an olive-green tee from its hanger and tossed it onto the bed, knowing she could dress it up or down depending on her mood. Her hands moved quickly, laying out a pair of dark jeans next to the shirt. The outfit was simple, casual, and perfect for a night out at the Gum Boot Hotel. Dressing, dusting on a little bit of make-up, including her favourite pink lip gloss, then glancing at her reflection in the mirror, she decided to leave her hair down. Why not? It was always tied up for work. A bit of mousse and some frantic fluffing, and she was ready as she’d ever be in such a short amount of time. She hoped her outfit wasn’t overdone, or undone. She hoped she looked just right.

Far out, why in the heck was she worrying so much?

It was just a night out at the local country pub.

Hayden expeditiously came to mind, but she mentally shoved his image away as she tucked Sherlock in for the night on his beloved blanket, before she made her way back to the living room. ‘I’m ready,’ she almost sung.

Molly’s eyes lit up at the sight of her. ‘Wowsers, looking good, Bri!’ she exclaimed with a grin. ‘The blokes are going to be liking the sight of you, especially being a newbie to town, and single, and smart, and the list goes on.’

‘Oh, stop it.’ Brianna returned Molly’s grin, feeling a lightness in her chest that had been somewhat absent lately. ‘You’ll give me a big head.’

‘You deserve the compliments, my friend.’ Molly stood, and led the way to the front door, a little skip in her step. ‘Follow me, and I’ll show you the way to fun times.’

Given Molly’s friendly, exuberant nature, Brianna didn’t doubt that for a second.

Ten casual minutes later, Brianna swung open the heavy wooden doors of the most popular pub in town, and the sounds and smells of the bustling establishment washed over her and Molly like an inviting wave. The air was thick with the mouth-watering aroma of sizzling steak and the earthy tang of tap beer, mingling with the joyful cacophony of laughter, clinking glasses and lively conversation. Eyes drawn to the three-piece band rocking it out on stage, she stepped eagerly into the heart of it all, pulled in by the buzz and laughter. In an instant, the music wrapped around them, and Brianna felt a rush of happiness flood her chest. Just like that, her earlier apprehensions dissolved. It was as if something unseen had stitched her into the rhythm of the room – the beat, the banter, the easy camaraderie. And she liked it. Even more than she’d expected. The warm glow of low-hanging lights cast a golden hue over the wooden tables scattered throughout. Along the walls hung photographs of Sweetwater through the ages, each one whispering tales of bygone years. It felt as though each sepia-toned image held within it the very heartbeat of the town.

And she felt blessed to be calling such a wonderful place her new home.

‘Feels like stepping back in time, doesn’t it?’ Molly remarked, her voice tinged with nostalgia as she led Brianna through the throng.

‘Uh-huh, or perhaps into a family reunion,’ Brianna mused, her gaze darting from face to face, each one a potential chapter in her unfolding story here.

With hunted and gathered vodka, lime and sodas in hand, they weaved between tables, their passage marked by nods and friendly acknowledgments. The pub’s patrons were an eclectic mix of sun-weathered farmers, sprightly elders with twinkling eyes, raucous groups of younger people ready to party the night away, thirty-something drifters who’d chosen quieter spots to just sit and catch up over a couple of cold ones, and young couples intertwined like vines in the first flushes of love. And in all honesty, Brianna didn’t know which of those people she’d slot in with best. The whole place just oozed friendly familiarity.

Thankfully, Molly made the choice of where to sit for the pair of them as she stopped mid-stride then perched up on a saddle-shaped stool, waving to Brianna to get comfy on the opposite one. Between them, a rickety tall table sat, the beer coasters already damp from the previous residents’ drinks. Settling on her seat then bringing her straw to her lips, Brianna glanced around while Molly rustled up a couple of menus from the people at the table beside them. Brianna began to run her gaze down the mouth-watering list of choices, and that was when she realised just how hungry she was, especially for a you-beaut counter meal. So much so that she was finding it impossible to choose just one dish. She needed a second, and then she’d pick one. Lifting her gaze, she scanned the sea of happy faces, and a shot of adrenaline sent her heart aflutter when she caught sight of her object of frustrating fascination over the past week.

Deep breaths, Bri …

In a cosy corner, shielded from the rowdy tide of good spirits, sat Hayden and Gavin – two equally burly figures who seemed to embody everything about rural life. It wasn’t just their jeans and tidy going-to-town shirts, nor was it the giveaway well-worn boots, it was an air about them, a landman energy that seemed to cling to them. Deep in animated conversation, they leant forwards, their hand gestures painting the air with invisible strokes as they presumably recounted stories about their day. She wondered what they were talking about and found herself wishing she was included in their seemingly riveting discussion. Hayden’s laughter suddenly broke through the barrier of chatter, a deep and melodic sound that seemed to resonate with the very timbers underfoot. He threw his head back slightly, and the light from the overhead lamps danced across the rugged landscape of his features. Completely captivated, Brianna didn’t realise she was staring until Molly nudged her from across the table.

‘He’s very easy on the eye, our resident horse whisperer, isn’t he?’ Molly’s tone was mischievous. ‘He’s fifteen years younger than me, but a woman can still admire a good-looking fella, I say.’ Her giggle was almost teenager-like.

Nodding, Brianna chuckled. ‘He does have a certain … presence.’