Red Dust Dreaming (11 page)

Was she strong enough to defy them a second time and stick to it? Truly, she did not know.

Luke's little friend and his parents had been waiting for them when they landed. He trotted off chatting happily, delighted to see his friend. Elizabeth and Caden quickly forgotten. Once Luke left silence descended thick and heavy in the afternoon air.

“Richard will be here shortly to get us. And if anyone asks I have our permits.” Caden patted his jacket pocket.

“Permits? For what?”

“Yuendumu is on Aboriginal Lands, Trust land, so we need a permit if we want to stay overnight or longer. No permit is required if you just visit for the day,” he explained.

“You got those permits mighty quick!” Elizabeth was impressed.

Caden shot her a sideways look. “I've had them for a while. When I heard you were coming I applied for one in case you ended up coming to Richard's party.” He shrugged. “Better to be prepared.”

“Well, aren't you the Boy Scout,” she murmured secretly pleased he had intended to bring her all along.

He grinned. “There's Richard now.” A plume of dust sprayed up behind the four-wheel drive bearing down on them. The vehicle had seen better days unlike its owner. Richard stuck his head out the window the minute the car stopped.

“Hello stranger!” Richard climbed out of the car and as the two men exchanged greetings Elizabeth took a moment to study the newcomer. He was a fair as Caden was dark, as thin as Caden was muscular from life on the land. There was a Hugh Grant quality about Richard immediately endearing him to Elizabeth, Hugh Grant was a favourite of hers. So when Richard stepped forward, hand outstretched, to welcome her to Yuendumu she grinned like a fool.

“Fresh blood! Just what this party needs. And I can see you've dressed up too. Not much occasion for putting on the glad rags out here. We're a pretty casual mob as a rule but I thought I'd like a change of pace for my fortieth. Wear my old suit one more time before middle age spread has its way with me.” He threw their overnight bags in the back of his car as he talked. He then opened a door for Elizabeth and handed her inside with quiet gallantry. “Don't expect the Ritz,” he warned. “But we'll have a marvellous time all the same. Feet in?” He shut the door and climbed into the driver's seat. Caden was already ensconced in the passenger seat.

The two men exchanged news about people and events unfamiliar to Elizabeth. She watched the flat scrubby landscape fly past. The deep red of the earth contrasted dramatically with the intense blue of the sky and the green of the sparse vegetation of the Outback. The landscape offered no gentleness or softness yet it spoke to her, filled her soul with its silent expanse. The car bumped along the unsealed track, red dust plumes spinning in the wake of the wheels.

“Do you know much about Warlukurlangu Artists?” Richard asked over his shoulder.

“No, nothing at all.” She hadn't thought to ask, assuming they were visiting a friend not a community.

“Warlukurlangu Artists is one of the longest running and most successful Aboriginal-owned art centres in Central Australia. We are extremely proud of it. Are you familiar with Aboriginal art?”

“I'm afraid I know nothing about Aboriginal art,” she confessed.

“Well, you are in for a treat. I'll show you some of the artist's work tomorrow before you leave. I promise you'll fall in love.” He laughed and returned his attention to Caden and the road.

The last thing Elizabeth needed was to fall in love. She had enough on her plate without emotional complications. Even though Richard clearly referred to the artwork she wondered if it wasn't already too late. Her response to Caden had become increasingly complicated. He only had to come near her and fissions of desire sparked their way along her spine. Add the situation with Luke, stir with an attractive man like Richard, bake the lot under the hot Australian sun and she had a recipe for disaster and heartbreak.

She sighed and focused on a mangy dog who had appeared out of nowhere, running alongside the car barking its head off. The dog heralded the fringes of the township as Richard slowed the car and they began to pass houses. More dogs appeared, a variety of mutts in different hues of brown and white.

“So many dogs!” she said as several gave chase.

“Visit any remote community and you'll see a lot of dogs. Aboriginal people love their dogs. We've started a dog health program to help feed hungry dogs, take care of ticks, shelter sick and abandoned dogs, you know that kind of thing. Up until recently there wasn't a vet out here. You'll met the vet later tonight,” said Richard as he swerved to avoid a dog too close to the car.

“Do you have a dog?” she asked.

“Not me. I get enough doggy love in the community.”

“I've never owned a dog,” she confessed. “My mother always said they shed too much hair.”

“Never trust a person who doesn't like dogs.” Richard gave her a wink in the rear-view mirror. A blush stole across her cheeks. Was he flirting with her?

“Here we are.” Richard pulled up in front of a modest low set house. “My palace.”

Caden was first out of the car. He'd not said a word to her during the journey. He opened the door for her now and helped her down. She wondered if the gesture was made in response to Richard's earlier courtesy.

“Thank you,” she said. He simply looked at her and walked away, his face unreadable. The envelope in her bag burned like a hot coal. Knowing she had the power to change this man's life lent an awkwardness to everything she said. Her emotions tangled in her chest in an impenetrable knot. How on earth was she going to untangle it all?

Richard showed her to a small, modest room which would be hers for the evening. She stowed her bag under the bed so she couldn't see it, so the envelope wouldn't call to her read me, read me. She hadn't read the will as yet, not that it mattered given the enormous task her sister had left her. What could possibly be in the will that was any bigger or more complicated? She checked her reflection in the mirror. Cool, calm, confident – no shred of the turmoil hidden within. Perhaps she was a better actress than she gave herself credit for. Plastering a smile on her face she went in search of Richard and Caden.

She found them sitting with several other early arrivals at a long table arranged under the largest tree in the yard. A shambolic wire fence enclosed the house, a broken gate guarding the entrance. The yard itself was little more than red dirt stamped down hard with tufts of defiant native grass poking through in patches here and there. The table cloth looked as if it were made of old patchwork throws. Scattered down the table, jam jars containing tea lights sat ready for nightfall. Richard saw her and rose to his feet.

“Come and meet everyone Elizabeth,” he said. “One or two are yet to arrive. They'll get here before dark.” Richard held out a chair for her and she sat, letting him introduce her to the people on either side. She listen politely to the conversation hyper aware of Caden sitting a seat down from her. Drawn to him as a moth to the flame she found it hard to concentrate.

The sky grew darker after a spectacular sunset display. To her great surprise the tree above them lit up with tiny lights, like fireflies. “Oh, how beautiful!”

“Solar fairy lights,” said Richard taking an empty seat beside her. “Got them last time I was in Alice Springs. Fantastic aren't they?”

“Certainly not what I expected.”

“Loads of the unexpected here. I wasn't expecting to meet someone like you for example.”

“What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?” She smiled at her own corny reference.

“Something like that. Are you single?” He took her hand and heat suffused her face. Thank goodness it was too dark for him to see her embarrassment. Her eyes flickered to Caden who watched, his face shuttered.

“I…um…yes.” She didn't know how to give an urbane answer.

“Good. So am I. That makes us a pigeon pair. Let me get you another drink.” Mercifully Richard rose from the table and Elizabeth looked around wildly for someone to engage in conversation before he returned. As good looking as Richard undoubtedly was he came on far too strongly. She was used to being ignored for more glamorous, perfectly groomed, long legged society mavens. Usually with perfect hair. Not since college had she been the centre of a man's attention. Noticing Richard had been stopped by another guest, she slipped out of her seat and wandered beyond the circle of light seeking solitude.

It had been a mistake to come to the party. Caden wasn't speaking with her and she had no idea why. Richard was all over her which was equally alarming. And all she really wanted to do was curl up in bed and reread Angela's letter.

“Don't wander too far.” Caden's voice, deep and low, in her ear made her jump.

“You scared me!”

“I think you'll find there are scarier things here than me.” He nodded in Richard's direction.

“I thought you two were friends.”

Caden shrugged. “We are but that doesn't mean I can't see him for what he is.”

“And what is he exactly?” Elizabeth turned to face him, arms crossed over her chest.

“A womaniser, a seducer. I think that's pretty obvious, don't you?”

“Are you warning me off?” she asked incredulous. Was Caden jealous? A little thrill went through her at the possibility.

“I'm just warning you. You're my guest and therefore you're my responsibility.”

Elizabeth's heart sank. “Like a big brother or something.”

“If you like.”

Music drifted across the night air. People began to dance. The smell of food cooking wafted towards her. Hunger had gripped her earlier but now disappointment sat like a stone in her stomach. Caden, despite that one hot angry kiss, thought of her as a sister. Angela's sister. For a moment she'd thought, hoped… Elizabeth shook her head to dislodge any ideas she'd had about Caden.

“I'm hungry,” she said trying to regain some normality. Neither of them moved. He stood with his hands pushed deep in his pockets, his eyes intent on her face. She waited for him to say something, anything. Caden searched her face as if looking for something. She kept her gaze steady. Let him see what there was to see. She had no idea how she felt about anything. Confusion reigned supreme. The light played across his rugged face and she longed to kiss away the tiredness she saw there. This situation with Luke was as draining for him as it was for her.

Caden reached out his hand towards her as it to touch her, draw her closer. His hand stilled and dropped before completing its mission. Disappointment bloomed afresh. The ghost of her sister stood between them, an insurmountable barrier.

He broke the spell first, turning away and walking back to the party leaving her standing alone in the shadows. Elizabeth shivered. She'd been judged and found wanting. Caden's interest in her extended as far as Luke and Angela. Once she was gone he'd forget about her. Kirrkalan history would record her as the woman who took Luke away, nothing more. She drew in a shuddering breath of cool night air. A million stars danced overhead, uncaring. She wrapped her arms about herself and closed her eyes. Weariness overtook her. The will weighed heavily on her shoulders, her responsibility towards Luke, and her growing attraction to Caden exhausted her. Not to mention the mere thought of telling her parents she was the key to Luke's future. What she needed was a refuge, somewhere she could think in peace.

As if reading her mind Richard appeared. “Are you alright?” His face wore a look of worry and he touched her arm with concern.

She smiled limply. “I'm not feeling terribly well. All the travel, jetlag, you know the sort of thing.”

“And all the emotional stuff too. I know you're here for Luke. Everyone loved Angela. This can't be easy for you.”

To her dismay tears gathered quickly. She nodded unable to speak.

“Come with me. Let's get you inside. I'll deal with Caden.” Richard's gentle understanding threatened to bring her undone.

She glanced over to where Caden stood chatting with a guest. He raised his eyes as she passed but gave no other indication he'd seen her.

“I just need to sleep,” she sniffed.

“Of course you do.” Richard ushered her inside the house. “You know you might want to consider staying a day or two longer. Get away from Kirrkalan for a bit. You can visit with our artists, get your mind off all that family drama.”

Elizabeth stood before the door of her room. “Thank you,” she said softly putting all her gratitude into those two small words.

“My pleasure.” Richard lifted her hand and kissed it in a show of old-fashioned chivalry. “Sleep well and I'll see you in the morning.”

She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. Richard was polar opposite to Caden. Maybe a couple of days at Yuendumu would clear her head. Maybe a couple of days away from Caden would clear her heart. Ignoring the will she slipped out of her dress and carefully put it away before sliding between the sheets. Too tired to think another thought sleep claimed her.

“Good morning sleepy head.” Elizabeth stepped blinking into the kitchen where Richard sat nursing a cup of coffee. “Want one of these?” He raised his cup.

“Yes please,” she said sliding into a chair at the table. “Where is everyone?” She yawned and rubbed her eyes.

“Long gone. It's nearly noon Sleeping Beauty.” Richard laughed as he placed a mug of coffee in front of her.

“Thank you.” She took a sip revelling in the hot liquid as it slipped down her throat. “Caden?”

“Flew back this morning with Luke. Before you ask he was fine about you staying on for a couple of days. He said to call Kirrkalan when you're ready to return.” She sunk back in her chair with relief. The expectation Caden would be annoyed or upset with her gnawed on her nerves. Along with Angela's will, rereading her letter a dozen times, and having one-sided conversations with her. Add into the mix imagining Luke growing up in the Outback versus growing up in New York. Not to forget replaying Caden's kiss a million times.