I watched as he continued across the road and disappeared down the unkempt track opposite, the same one the white cat had vanished into. I daresay this was not the first time the rider had used the track, leaving me to wonder if it posed a security issue.
I turned my attention back to the house. Although I could barely see a thing in the late afternoon light, a wonderful sense of peace washed over me. There was something enchanting about this house. I walked back to Bea’s home somewhat slower than I had headed out.
It was almost dark when I arrived back at Bea’s. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lou getting out of her car with her two children, Lakshmi four, and Bob two. I remember when she was born, Bea saying, ‘Lakshmi? It sounds like the name of some exotic food. What sort of name is that for a child?’
And although I agreed with my mother, I could not help but wonder if my nan had said the same thing to her about my name. ‘Peach? It’s a piece of fruit. What sort of name is that for a child?’
Lou had explained she wanted her baby to be named after the Hindu goddess of fortune and prosperity. She wanted her child to be the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. That was Lou for you. By the time she got to Bob, she chose his name because she liked it - go figure.
‘Aunty Peach, Aunty Peach,’ Lakshmi called.
‘Hello darling, what are you doing here?’ I cuddled the small blonde replica of Lou, kissing the top of her head before doing the same to Bob. I took in Lou’s face and instantly knew something was wrong.
‘Go surprise Bea-Bea, she’s in her studio,’ I urged the children, using their pet name for their grandmother.
Lakshmi ran off with Bob in tow. I frowned. ‘What’s up Lou?’
Wearing cut off denims and scuffed camel suede boots, she plonked herself down on the bottom step and crossed her long legs with a look on her face that said the world had come to an end. She was a gorgeous tall blonde, with a perfect lithe body - we still didn’t look anything like sisters. And I was still her protector. Some things never change.
She signed theatrically. ‘It’s Mitch.’ She shrugged and looked forlorn, looking very much like Lakshmi at that moment.
‘Darling, what is it this week? Let me guess. He can’t decide between his X Box and his bong?’ Lou and Mitch were often on a break and every few weeks it was something different.
Ignoring my comment Lou spoke. ‘He doesn’t pay any attention to me. I could be chopped liver for all he cares.’ And then she cupped both of her hands around her small breasts, her face lighting up. ‘I’m thinking of having a boob job.’
‘Right!’ I said. ‘And that will fix all of your problems?’ I sat down beside her. ‘Lou, how about finding a guy with a car to begin with? A job would also be good! Not to mention a wallet. One with credit cards in preferably.’
Lou had had her fair share of dating guys who were hot but generally hopeless. However, Mitch was the one she had decided to have children with.
‘You could do so much better. You are worth more…’
She cocked her head to the side, blue eyes wide, and looked at me, brushing her long hair behind one ear.
I read her mind in a flash. Crossing my arms in front of myself, I looked away. ‘I know, don’t go there. I’m the last one who should be giving advice when it comes to relationships.’
Lou exhaled heavily and then wailed, ‘He never wants sex. It’s not fair.’ She pouted. ‘I’m thinking either a boob job or an affair.’
‘Lou,’ I admonished. ‘Don’t say that stuff. You don’t mean it.’
‘It’s okay for you. You’ve got the best boobs around…’
Wearily, I shook my head. ‘May I remind you they’re obviously not the answer to everything.’ I paused and exhaled heavily. I was in no mood for one of her tirades. Everyone knew Lou was a drama queen. So much so, her jersey in year 12 had it stamped across the back.
‘Look, you’re just going to have to forgive me, if I’m not that understanding today. The way I feel, I may never have sex again. The man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with is with someone else. So, you not having sex very often certainly does not stir any sympathy from me.’ I looked at her, shaking my head with frustration. ‘Lou, Lou, Lou it’s time to grow up.’
I noted the shocked look on her face. For the first time in my life, I felt not one ounce of guilt, however I leant down and kissed the top of her head, before turning on my heels and taking the steps two at a time.
The next morning, before I left the house for my appointment with Mr Carmody’s lawyer, I went in search of my mother to say goodbye. I could hear the sound of her voice coming from her studio downstairs. It sounded as if she was on the phone to Johnny. God love them, they were still the best of friends. We were an odd family. Johnny’s latest wife Patrice, she was number three, came along to every family gathering whether Johnny was coming or not. My mother told Johnny if he ever left Patrice, she would have her, she loved her that much. See, I told you… odd family.
Halfway down the stairs I stopped in my tracks. I could hear Bea talking. ‘She seems to be doing better. Johnny, honestly, I always thought Peach would be our stable one. But really, it’s quite the opposite. Look at Lou. I know we don’t love Mitch, but who would have thought she’d be so sensible and secure? You can’t pick them can you? Quite frankly, I’m not sure what Peach is going to do with her life. It’s all rather depressing. Of course I am hopeful she will head to Provence and spend some time there. You know she has to do it Johnny. She has been running away from it for years. Yes… I’ll give her your love. Give mine to Patrice.’
I raised my eyes to the heavens. Invisible again. Lou, the sensible one! Was my mother kidding? I left the house in a huff. My sister had only been seeing Mitch for three months when she fell pregnant. Right from the beginning their relationship appeared to be fraught with difficulties, with Lou often returning home to either Bea or Johnny, but that didn’t stop her falling pregnant with Bob, saying that she wanted more than one child, and therefore thought they should have the same father. Mitch was probably a nice guy, however it might have helped if he worked slightly more often. And now Lou was thinking of either having breast implants or an affair? Lou was stable alright!
The only thing giving me an ounce of pleasure at the moment was my new car. I pulled into the smallest parking spot out the front of Montgomery’s in Brunswick Street, where I was to meet John Scott to return Mr Carmody’s keys. My friend Chilli was co-owner of the restaurant with her son. I don’t know what I would have done without her words of wisdom these past ten months.
There was the lingering aroma of coffee and bacon in the air. Montgomery’s was already full and the busy hum of conversation greeted me. For a few seconds, I watched as Chilli crossed through the restaurant to me. I noticed how many patrons looked up and smiled at her as she passed. Briefly, she stopped, a warm greeting for first this one, and then another. Catching her eye, I winked and waved, indicating I already had a table as I had already spotted John Scott seated on one of the white leather studded banquettes. The lounge made quite a statement sitting against the backdrop of an ebony wall adorned with two enormous sparkling Venetian mirrors.
Sitting very upright, glasses on the end of his nose, Mr Scott was busy perusing paperwork, giving me a chance to observe him.
I
