Standing Strong by Fiona McCallum

Author:Fiona McCallum
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd

Chapter Twenty-three

Jacqueline’s legs felt leaden as she and her parents made their way across the road to Ethel’s for dinner. She’d have loved to be staying home and having a quiet night in – not that spending time with her dear friend and neighbour wasn’t relaxing. And it wouldn’t be a late night. But if she’d felt like cooking or had already pulled one of Eileen’s meals out of the freezer that morning, she would have invited Ethel to bring her leftover trifle to them and stayed put. She vowed to have a decent walk in the morning before work and stretch her muscles so she wouldn’t seize up completely. While she’d been enjoying her surfing lesson and wouldn’t have minded keeping going, she was now pleased Paul had called an end to it so soon.

‘Long time, no see,’ Philip said jovially as Ethel answered the door.

‘Yes, come on in,’ Ethel said.

Jacqueline’s antennae went up, noting Ethel’s lack of retort. As she retreated from Ethel’s hug, she scrutinised her friend a little more closely. Something wasn’t quite right. Perhaps she was just tired; she was in her seventies and they’d had a pretty packed day. Jacqueline wished they weren’t imposing on her for the second night in a row.

‘Hmm, something smells good,’ Eileen said. ‘Can I help with anything?’

‘No, it’s all under control. Nothing fancy, just apricot chicken and salad. It’ll be ready soon.’

Ethel took them straight through to the dining room, which Jacqueline thought was also a little odd. Usually they milled in the kitchen for a bit, especially when there were animals to make a fuss of.

‘Can I have my cuddle of the kittens, since I missed out earlier?’ Jacqueline asked, trying to lighten the mood. The atmosphere wasn’t gloomy, she thought, just different – not quite as light as usual.

‘They’re not here, I took them home to Damien.’

‘Oh, okay.’

‘Did all go well with …’ Philip started before Ethel cut in quickly.

‘So how was the surf lesson?’

‘Great. Apparently I’m a natural,’ Jacqueline said, rolling her eyes. ‘I told him I bet he says that to all the girls.’

‘He’s certainly a smoothie, that one,’ Ethel said.

‘And very dishy. I wouldn’t mind a surf lesson and having those arms wrapped around me,’ Eileen said, dreamily.

‘Mum!’

‘You’ve always got me,’ Philip said, making a show of wrapping his arms around his wife and kissing her.

‘Speaking of smooth,’ Eileen said, kissing her husband back. Jacqueline looked on with amusement while thinking that her father’s semi-retirement really seemed to be doing wonders for their relationship. She hoped that might be her one day – her and Damien.

They sat, but Ethel remained standing. Jacqueline almost stood up again. Things were becoming awkward.

‘So, where’s Paul from, what does he do?’ Eileen asked.

‘Well, he’s from up near Charity Flat – the other side of where the fire was the other day.’

‘Golly, no wonder he was keen to head off – he was miles from home,’ Jacqueline said. ‘Isn’t Charity Flat about an hour’s drive?’

‘Yes, but travelling long distances is part and parcel of living out here.

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