The Sunshine Potluck Society, page 2
For a moment, her heart ached. The thought that this was how their marriage would be from now on scared her. She had to do something to pull them out of this free fall, if it wasn’t too late already.
Chapter Three
By the time Debbie reached Joanna’s house on Bribie Island, the rain had stopped. The sun peeked out from behind a cloud at the newly washed neighbourhood across the road from Sunshine Beach. The house squatted low and quaint behind a white picket fence. The green grass was perfectly clipped beside a garden bed filled with vibrantly coloured flowers.
Debbie climbed out of her car and glanced in the side mirror. She used her hands to smooth down her sleek grey bob. Then she pulled her skirt into place until it reached below her knees. She quickly drew a dash of red lipstick across her lips, then rubbed them together with a smack. She carried her camera bag slung over one shoulder and the baked goods balanced on her palms as she walked carefully down the wet driveway in her heels.
At the door, she knocked then pushed it open. She slipped out of her heels and left them beside the door, then padded into the kitchen in her stockinged feet.
“I’m here! Hello!”
The kitchen smelled of delicious food, spices and marinated meats. But it was otherwise empty. She made her way into the dining room and smiled at the vibrant decor. Gwen always decorated for their themed weeks even though the potluck was held at Joanna’s. This time, she’d covered the room in bright colours—orange, pink, blue, green and yellow. There was a straw hat in the centre of the table, along with some beautifully coloured flowers in vases on either side. Each chair had a striped blanket hung over the back, and there was a piñata strung up in one corner of the room.
Debbie laughed. “Gwen, you’ve had fun this week. It looks great.”
Gwen was busy straightening the table runner. “Hey! You made it. Debbie’s here!”
Debbie kissed Gwen on the cheek. “Where’s Joanna?”
“She and Emily are in her room cleaning up. She had a mishap earlier—took a fall in the driveway.”
“Oh, no! Is she okay?”
“I think so. A little bruised. But she said she has something she wants to tell us.”
“Colour me intrigued,” Debbie replied.
She took her camera out of the bag and got to work taking snapshots around the dining room while they waited for Joanna and Emily to finish up. It was nonsense, really. There was no point in taking so many photographs other than as keepsakes for the four of them. But she liked to keep busy, and she loved photography. Outside of her work, it was her only real passion. She sighed—especially now that Caleb had lost interest in spending time with her.
She checked her phone. He still hadn’t called. Surely he’d have finished his round of golf by now.
Joanna hobbled into the room with a walking stick in one hand. “Debbie! How lovely.” She kissed her friend on the cheek.
Debbie held her at arm’s length to look her over. “Are you hurt? Should we go to the hospital?”
Joanna brushed her off. “I’m fine. I’m only two months older than you. You can’t treat me like an old woman yet.” She laughed. “But thank you. I appreciate it anyway.”
Debbie shook her head. “We’re never getting old. Right?”
“Never!…young at heart,” Joanna replied.
“Can I get you a drink, Debbie?” Emily asked.
Debbie embraced the young woman. “That would be lovely, honey. How are you this week? Is that nasty cold gone?”
Emily’s nose wrinkled. “Mostly. I have a little cough, but nothing much. The eucalyptus oil on my hankie helped, so thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome. It does the trick every time.”
They all returned to the kitchen, where they pulled the meal together. There were burritos and tacos to be eaten with rice and salad. The street corn, or corn off the cob, looked delicious as Debbie followed Joanna’s instructions to coat it in butter, mayo, cheese, scallions and salt and pepper. Her mouth watered as she carried the bowl to the table and set it beside a massive pitcher of frozen margaritas.
As they sat around the table, Debbie was overwhelmed by the sudden urge to cry with delight. These friends had been her companions for as long as she could remember. They’d started kindergarten together so many years ago. Their mothers had been friends and had taken them to parks, beaches and swimming pools for play dates. Then they’d done all their schooling together. They’d each gone their own way after university, but they’d come back together when Joanna and Gwen had children.
Debbie and Caleb had never managed to have a family—they’d been too busy with their careers in their twenties and early thirties. By the time they tried to fall pregnant, Debbie found it difficult to conceive, and even when she did, she lost the baby. These ladies were the only family she had left, besides her ever more distant husband.
“I’m so grateful for all of you,” was all she said.
She reached out her hands, and Joanna took one, Gwen the other, and squeezed. Emily sat opposite, and she held hands with the women on either side. They bowed their heads to say grace, and then the party began.
Debbie piled her plate high with corn, tortillas, pulled pork, rice and beans, and salad. She always ate a lot at these gatherings. She’d diet tomorrow.
“So, how are things going at the best law firm in the city?” Joanna asked her.
Debbie chewed a mouthful of rice and swallowed. “It’s okay, I guess. You’ll never imagine what Caleb asked me to do.”
Gwen arched an eyebrow. “Do tell.”
“He wants me to consider retiring.”
The ladies all cried out in astonishment.
Debbie laughed. “Can you picture me in retirement?”
“Not for a moment,” Joanna replied. “You’d drive us all crazy and have us organised into committees before we could turn around.”
“We’d be fundraising and writing and goodness knows what else. I’d be exhausted, I know that,” Gwen added.
“It might not be the worst idea,” Emily piped up as she held a glass to her lips. She took a sip. “You could slow down, finally use that beautiful beach house you bought down the street. Have some time to relax…”
“Now, there’s an idea,” Debbie replied, reaching for her own margarita. “Relax… What is that?”
They all laughed.
“Come on, Deb. You could spend more time with us,” Joanna said.
“And you could help me watch the grandkids,” Gwen added with a grimace.
“Heavens!” Debbie joked. “How’s that going, by the way?”
Gwen sighed. “You all know how much I love my family. My grandchildren are the light of my life. But lately, it seems as though I’ve become the family babysitting service. I know I did it to myself. I had four children and I spoiled them rotten, and now I must pay!”
Debbie chuckled. “Oh, come on. It can’t be that bad.”
“I don’t like to complain,” Gwen continued. “But one of them leaves their children with me most days of the week. They barely even ask anymore—just call to say they’re dropping them off because someone is sick and they can’t go to daycare or school, or they’ve got a meeting to attend, or they need some space… Whatever the reason, I’ve become the person they rely on. And I love that they need me. It’s nice to be needed. But it would also be nice to be appreciated.”
“I’m sorry, honey,” Joanna said, squeezing her hand. “That’s hard. I never see my grandchildren, so I can’t relate. They’re all so busy with their own lives. I wish they’d visit occasionally.”
“That’s why I shouldn’t complain,” Gwen replied. “It’s a good problem to have, I guess. I’m certainly never lonely. And I can’t take that for granted.”
There was a knock at the front door. Joanna looked up in surprise. “Now, who could that be?”
Debbie jumped up. “Stay right there, Jo. I’ll get it. You need rest.”
“Yes. I can’t believe you threw all this together when you’re injured,” Gwen said.
Debbie bustled to the front door and flung it open, expecting to see Caleb on the other side. She was ready to be forgiving that he was late and pile his plate high with good food. The other ladies hadn’t seen him in months, and she knew they liked him. Everyone liked him. He was fun to be around, charming and with a witty sense of humour. But lately he’d been so quiet and glum. She hoped it was only a phase.
When she saw who was behind the door, she frowned. It wasn’t Caleb. It was a young man who looked to be in his mid-twenties. He was dressed in Army camouflage and had a duffle bag over one shoulder. His cap was pulled low over sparkling green eyes, and there was a dimple in one cheek when he smiled.
“Hey, Deb. How’s things?”
She studied his face. Did she know him?
He shifted his stance. “This bag is getting heavy. Do you mind if I come in?”
She frowned. “Aaron?”
He laughed. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me already.”
She grinned and threw her arms around his neck. “I can’t believe you’re here. Jo is going to be so excited to see you. Come on in, soldier. What a surprise!”
Chapter Four
Emily Miller was refilling the pitcher of margaritas from a blender she’d set on the servery when she heard a man’s voice in the next room. It was probably Caleb. Debbie always invited her husband to attend their monthly potluck, as did Gwen. But neither man generally came. She couldn’t blame them; it was a monthly gabfest of four women, and the two men often found themselves tucked away in the den watching sports instead of at the table. Although the food was worth coming for, in her opinion. And it wasn’t big-headed to say so, even though she’d had a hand in most of it, because it was Joanna’s skill and expertise that got them here — she was the obedient assistant. Nothing more than that. She’d learned a lot since she first took on the job.
She set the heavy pitcher on the table and glanced through the doorway. The man wore camouflage. That couldn’t be Caleb. He always dressed in a dapper style, with impeccable taste but never in military gear.
“Who is that?” she asked.
Joanna looked up and let out a cry. She pushed herself to her feet and fumbled for the walking cane. “Oh, blast. Can you please help me, Emily?”
Emily gave Joanna the cane before she rushed out into the kitchen. She launched herself at the man, who laughed as he caught her.
“Aaron!” she cried as she cupped his cheeks between her hands and gazed up at his face.
He leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Hey, Granny. I thought I’d surprise you.”
“And you most definitely did.”
“What’s with the cane?” he asked, concern etched on his face.
“I fell earlier, but I’m fine. Come in and take a seat. We’re eating, and there’s plenty to go around. I hope you’re hungry.”
“I’m starved, but do you mind if I take a shower and change first? It’s been a long trip.”
Emily took a step back and hid behind the wall of the dining room. Gwen joined the other ladies in greeting Aaron, but Emily clutched her hands to her chest, heart thumping. Aaron was back in Sunshine. She’d had the biggest crush on him in high school. And yes, it was eight years since he’d graduated and joined the Army. He’d broken her heart when he left. But even though so much time had passed, it seemed like yesterday.
The familiar jolt of adrenaline, the sweating palms, the racing heart. She remembered it all. He’d been the best friend of her older brother, Tristan. The two of them had been inseparable. Aaron had spent most of his spare time at their house, swimming in the pool with them or playing table tennis. Watching movies or eating meals together.
He’d been the cutest guy in school, and she’d loved him from a distance for two heartbreaking years. Now he was back on the island and visiting Joanna, his grandmother. How long would he be there? Probably not long. Maybe he was on furlough. She hadn’t seen him since he graduated, but she always knew it was a possibility he would show up on Joanna’s doorstep. She’d mistakenly believed she’d have warning and could’ve made an excuse to be out when the time came.
He didn’t come into the dining room, and soon she heard the sound of the shower turning on. Her shower. In the guest bathroom, true, but it was the bathroom she used. All her things were in there. Her loofah, her pink tube of face wash, her razor. She pressed her hands to her cheeks. There was no polite way to get out of there. She’d have to face him when he was done in the shower. But how would she play it? Was she still annoyed with him? He’d left without a word. But then, he didn’t owe her anything. He’d stolen her first kiss, but that was an entirely different story that she didn’t have time to obsess about now. He probably didn’t even remember. He’d acted as though it didn’t happen.
The ladies returned to the dining room, chatting happily about how exciting it was to have Joanna’s grandson back after all this time.
“Were you expecting him?” Debbie asked as they sat again.
Joanna was beaming. “No, I had no idea. He could’ve called. But it’s very like him. He’s the impulsive one.”
“You were just saying how none of them visits, and now look,” Gwen said with a teary smile. “It’s wonderful.”
“Don’t get me started.” Joanna sniffled as she patted her cheeks with a cloth napkin. “I’ll run my makeup.”
“What’s he doing here? Visiting or staying?” Emily asked as she topped up everyone’s drinks.
Joanna shrugged. “I don’t know. We haven’t got around to talking about that yet. I’m sure he’s tired and hungry. He’s come right from Darwin. It’s not far on the plane, but apparently he had a long truck ride before that. And he hasn’t showered or eaten in two days. We’ll have to get some food into him before we bombard him with questions.”
By the time Aaron was showered and dressed, the ladies had finished their main course and were chatting over another glass of margaritas. He peeped through the doorway.
“Should I get a plate?”
Gwen hurried to help him. “I’ll get you one, sweetheart. You take a seat at the table. You must be exhausted. And your granny isn’t feeling her best.”
Aaron sat in the only empty chair, beside Emily. She did her best to smile and not let her jackhammering heart betray her. He looked better than in high school. He’d filled out in a good way. His hair was shorter, but still thick and dark, wet from the shower. His face had matured, and he had an even more athletic build than he had before. He wore a pair of board shorts and a T-shirt.
“Hi,” he said. “I’m Aaron.”
He didn’t recognise her. How was that possible? Surely she hadn’t changed so much. Although she’d only been fifteen when he left. So, she could probably cut him a break.
“I know,” she replied. “I’m Emily.”
“Oh, do we know each other?”
“Emily Miller… Tristan’s sister.”
Recognition flashed across his handsome face. “Oh, little Emily-Bug.”
Her cheeks flushed with warmth. “Yes, well, I don’t really go by that name anymore.”
He laughed. “Of course, sorry. Good to see you again, Emily. I wasn’t expecting you to be here.” He glanced up at his grandmother, confusion on his face. No doubt he was wondering how Emily fit into the Sunshine Potluck Society his granny held every month with her sixty-year-old friends.
“Emily works as my in-home carer, darling,” Joanna said. “I’m sure I told you that. She helps take care of me and with the cookbooks.”
“Cool. Maybe you told me. Sorry, I forgot.”
Great, she was unrecognisable and forgettable. A perfect combination.
“And sorry for not recognising you,” he whispered with a wink. “You’ve really grown up.”
She wasn’t about to be taken in again by the former bad boy of Sunshine High. She’d already gone down that path once, and she wasn’t about to fall for him again. It would only mean another broken heart.
Chapter Five
Debbie Holmes liked to sit and listen to the conversation going on around her. It wasn’t that she was quiet. She was a chatterbox most of the time. But when she was with her Potluck Society friends, she could enjoy taking in their banter while she ate. It gave her time to reflect. And there were things on her mind. Things she needed to think through. After their meal, Emily had left the table to go to her room, and Aaron was in the den watching TV. It was only the three of them, and she relished these moments.
“You’re deep in thought,” Joanna said.
“Am I?” Debbie asked.
Gwen smiled. “I’m usually the quiet one."
Joanna nodded. “You’re right, although I miss you when you’re not around, Gwen. I had to watch the finals of Australian Idol without you. It wasn’t the same. Emily was out for dinner with her family, so I was here all alone. It’s fun to cheer for people when you’re with friends, but it’s just plain kooky to do it when you’re in an empty house.”
“Who won?” Debbie asked.
“It was that girl with all the curls. I can’t remember her name.”
“Oh, good,” Gwen added. “I wanted her to win. Sorry I couldn’t be here. I’ve been so busy lately.”
“Completely understandable.”
Joanna didn’t get out of the house much. Ever since the incident with the restaurant, she’d become more and more of a recluse. Gwen worried about her. She needed to try to get Joanna to venture out more often, or one day she’d simply stop trying. She could see it happening in front of her eyes but wasn’t sure what to do about it.
“How are things with Caleb?” Gwen asked Debbie. “It’s a shame he couldn’t make it today. Please tell him hello from me.”
