Riverboat Point (20 page)

Ethan thought one man on his own could do it but it would take a while. He wasn't going to have that conversation with Savannah.

“I didn't help much, I know that.”

He smiled and the worry on her face softened. Her hair moved in the breeze. The blue of her eyes was highlighted by the blue of her t-shirt and her pink lips looked … kissable.

Ethan stepped back.

“I'll be off then,” he said. “There's a bit more prep to do for our meal.”

“Of course. I hope I haven't kept you too long.”

He shook his head.

“See you later,” he said and took off back to his place before he drooled.

He went up the stairs two at a time, Jasper plodding faithfully behind him.

Ethan had enjoyed the afternoon with Savannah. She'd shown no sign of her prickly side. They worked together well, just like they had when they'd sent the three houseboats on their way.

The delicious smell of curry wafted around him as he opened the door. He hummed to himself and set to work on the final meal preparations.

Savannah went outside as soon as she heard the vehicle. She hoped Belinda would be happy to eat at Ethan's. She hadn't wanted to admit it to herself but she'd missed Ethan as soon as he'd left. Preparing the houseboat had been hard work but he had made it bearable.

“Hello,” she called as Belinda's car rolled to a stop.

Belinda popped out from the driver's side waving her bottle of sparkling.

“Ethan's invited us next door for curry if you'd like to go.”

Belinda's eyes lit up. “Sounds like fun. Shall I drive us?”

It seemed silly driving out of one driveway and straight into the next but Savannah was happy to save her leg. There was another car already outside Ethan's place as they pulled in.

Belinda went ahead of Savannah up the stairs. Ethan greeted them and Belinda planted a kiss on both his cheeks.

“Hello again,” Savannah said then fell silent as she noticed the other two people in the room watching her.

Ethan waved them over.

“This is my brother Blake and his friend Jenny,” Ethan said. He turned back. “And these are my neighbours, Savannah and Belinda.”

They all shook hands and said hello.

“You're just next door?” Jenny said.

“I am,” Savannah said. “It's my brother's place and Belinda lives on the other side of us.”

“Let's pop the bubbles,” Belinda said. “Who else would like some? Savannah?”

“I've brought beer,” Savannah said quickly and pulled a sixpack from the plastic shopping bag she was carrying. “There's some cheese and crackers in there as well.” She handed the bag to Ethan.

“You didn't have to but thank you,” he said.

The smile he gave her made her stomach tingle. She turned away.

“I'll have a glass of bubbles,” Jenny said. “That'll do me. I'm the des tonight.”

“Des?” Belinda looked blank.

“Designated driver,” Blake said.

“Oh,” Belinda said.

Savannah was glad she'd asked the question. She hadn't understood the des reference either.

“I still can't drive with this crook arm so Jenny has to drive regardless,” Blake said.

“You have to rest that leg as well,” Jenny said. “It's not healing as quick as I'd like.”

“You want some bubbles to lift your spirits, Blake?” Belinda asked. “Bubbles make everything better.”

Savannah stared hard at Belinda. Had she winked at Blake?

“I'm a beer man but I'm on so many tablets I rattle at the moment.”

“I think you could have one tonight.” Jenny smiled at him. “Nurse's orders.”

“Are you a nurse, Jenny?” Belinda poured the sparkling into two glasses Ethan had put out for her, talking as she filled them. “I always thought I'd do nursing. All those dreamy doctors on tap. Then I realised I'd have to deal with blood and stick needles in people and it put me right off.” She gave Jenny a glass and raised her own. “Cheers everyone.”

Savannah, Blake and Ethan raised their bottles. Just for a moment there was silence again as everyone took a drink.

“This is a great spot, Ethan,” Jenny said. “Look at the colours in that sunset.”

Belinda spun around. “You have a much better view of the river than we do,” she said. She crossed to the sliding doors leading to the deck. “We're a bit obscured by trees.”

“You could remove some,” Blake said.

“Ashton prefers the trees,” Belinda said.

Savannah watched as her neighbour's eyes narrowed and her lips pursed. A steely look crossed her face. For a moment she looked sombre and then the tight smile returned. Perhaps she was under her husband's thumb.

“Take your drinks out there,” Ethan said, “before it gets too cool.”

“So what did you do, Blake, to get yourself into such a bust-up?”

Belinda put her arm through Blake's and guided him outside. Jenny trailed along behind with a slight smile on her face.

“Can I help?” Savannah asked Ethan.

“Not a lot left to do. I've just got the rice to cook and we're good to go.”

“It smells divine.”

“I've toned it down a little for Blake. He's not a huge curry fan.”

“I love it.”

Savannah glanced around. The room was not at all what she'd expected. It was a large rectangle with the kitchen taking up one end, a dining table close to the glass that made up the side facing the river and assorted armchairs and a couch took up the rest of the space. The floor was covered in large white tiles with a swirl of grey through them. There was a brightly coloured rug under the dining table and one large abstract painting on the end wall. Everything looked modern, almost minimalist. She assumed the bedrooms and bathroom were through the door off the lounge area.

She looked back across the long bench. Ethan had his back to her, checking the rice. Belinda's playful tones drifted in from outside, punctuated by Blake's deeper voice and the occasional chuckle from Jenny.

“Thanks again for your help today,” Savannah said. “I don't know how Jaxon does all those things on his own let alone how he thought I might have been able to pull it off. I don't know how I'm going to manage the other three when they come back.”

“I've been thinking about that,” Ethan said. “When are you expecting them?”

“The two big ones will be back late tomorrow afternoon. I gather most of the people on board have to be at work on Monday. The smaller boat won't be back until Tuesday morning.”

“I've got to help with shearing next week but I could do the two boats that come in tomorrow as soon as they get in.”

“That's very good of you but they don't have to go out again till Friday.”

“It's going to be a busy week. Blake can't do much so I'll be at the farm from dawn till dark.”

Savannah felt her spirits dip. It didn't sound like she'd see much of Ethan over the next week.

“I'll have to be back early on Friday if there are boats to go out,” he said.

“Actually, one of them is to go out first thing in the morning. The people will arrive Thursday night ready to set off early the next day.”

“Okay,” Ethan said. He scratched at his cheek. “I'll see them off before I go to the farm. Who knows, by Friday I might not be needed out there anyway. The shearing should be nearly finished by then.”

“I'm sorry,” she said.

“It's not your fault.”

“Nor yours.” Savannah felt her annoyance at Jaxon resurfacing. “My brother's going to owe us both big time when he gets back.”

Blake hobbled back through the door.

“How's that food going?”

“Ready now,” Ethan said and took the pot of boiling rice from the stove.

“I think I'm allowed one more beer,” Blake said.

“I'll get it.” Savannah took a bottle from Ethan's fridge. She was surprised to see how tidy its shelves were. Lots of containers and jars labelled and stacked neatly.

“Where do you want us to sit?” Blake asked.

“Anywhere you like, big bro.”

Savannah took the beer to Blake.

“How's the houseboat business going?” he asked.

“Busy.” She watched as Ethan began to serve the meal. “I'm grateful to your brother for all his help. I've learnt a lot in the last few days.”

“It's getting cold out there,” Jenny said as she stepped back inside. Belinda was right behind her.

Ethan brought the bottle of sparkling to the table and a bottle of red.

“Will you join us now, Savvie?” Belinda waggled the bottle.

“No thanks, I'll stick with my beer.”

“Jenny?”

“I've had my quota.”

“Looks like I'll have to drink the rest myself,” Belinda said and poured herself another glass.

She sat next to Savannah on one side of the table, Jenny and Blake sat opposite. The table was set and a variety of condiments were laid out in the middle. Ethan brought over a pot of rice then the steaming plates of curry and took his place at the head of the table.

“Okay if the wounded bloke has a medicinal red?” Ethan looked past Blake to Jenny.

“Just a small one shouldn't hurt.”

“I am here you know.” Blake looked from Jenny to Ethan with a smile on his face.

“Anyone else?” Ethan lifted the bottle.

The other two women declined and so did Savannah. She was enjoying herself and two beers were her limit.

They all began eating and complimenting Ethan on his cooking.

“A man who can cook.” Belinda draped a hand over his arm. “Where have you been hiding?”

Savannah felt uncomfortable at her friend's obvious flirting, first with Blake and now with Ethan. Still, if Ash wasn't much fun maybe this was how she enjoyed herself.

“It's very good, Ethan,” Jenny said. “What do you put in it?”

“This one's beef, of course. I like to start from scratch with all the basic ingredients.”

“I usually resort to a jar,” Jenny said.

“So do I,” Belinda added. “It's too much like hard work otherwise. What other talents do you have, Ethan?”

“He can half ride a bike.” Blake grinned at his brother.

“At least I can stay on it.”

“No guts no glory.”

“Does Jenny know what a health risk you are?” Ethan chuckled.

“I've got the idea.” Jenny gave Blake a gentle nudge.

“Well at least you've got your own personal nurse, Blake,” Belinda said, refilling her glass. She took a big mouthful.

“What do you do besides holiday here, Belinda?” Ethan asked.

“Call me Bel.” She leaned closer to him. “All my friends do.”

“So, Bel, when you're not here what do you get up to?” Blake's eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Since my mother died I've become my father's housekeeper, secretary, nursemaid … I'm the family gopher mostly. It keeps me busy. That's why I enjoy coming to the river so much. I can relax and have fun, make new friends.”

Savannah studied Belinda as she lifted her glass and downed the rest of its contents. It had sounded as if Belinda was bossed around by all the members of her family. No wonder she liked to let her hair down when she was out.

Ethan refilled Belinda's glass.

“My favourite occupation is fishing,” he said. “I'm happy to sit for hours on my own catching a fish for my dinner.”

Belinda began questioning him about fishing. Savannah and Jenny cleared the plates then brought the cheese platter to the table. Belinda was the centre of attention between Blake and Ethan. She was flirting outrageously and they seemed to take it in their stride. Savannah wondered what Jenny thought about it but she kept chatting to Savannah as if oblivious of the woman dallying with her boyfriend.

Finally Belinda paused. She tipped the last of the bottle into her glass then turned back to Ethan.

“So, you ride bikes. Are they the big ones that throb between your legs?”

She drew out the word throb. Blake burst out laughing. Savannah saw Ethan grin. She looked down at the table. Belinda was really going too far. What would Ashton think if he was here? Savannah was guessing Belinda only misbehaved when she was out alone.

“You're a dreadful woman, Bel,” Ethan chuckled and stood up. “Anyone for another drink?”

“We should go,” Jenny said. “We've got a long drive ahead of us. I'd better get this poor invalid home to bed.”

“Yes ma'am,” Blake replied with a twinkle in his eye.

Savannah stood up. She felt like the party gooseberry.

“I must go too.”

“Aw, Savvie.” Belinda gripped her hand. “The party's just getting started.”

“I've had a big day,” Savannah said. The tone in her voice reminded her of her teenage days when she'd made constant excuses to avoid the parties of so-called friends.

“I'll drive you.” Belinda wobbled to her feet.

“No, it's only next door,” Savannah said. She wouldn't have gone with Belinda even if she had been ready to leave. Savannah took no risks in cars no matter that it was such a short distance.

“Thanks, Ethan.” Jenny kissed him on the cheek.

“See you bright and early Monday, bro.” Blake gave Ethan a playful slap on the back and Savannah saw him wink.

Ethan turned back to Savannah.

“Are you sure you won't stay for a red?”

He had an odd look on his face, was it pleading? She wasn't sure. He was obviously having fun with Bel, as she called herself. It wouldn't matter if Savannah left.

“No, but thank you for the meal and for your help today.”

She turned to go.

“Wait,” Ethan said. “Take the rest of your beers.”

“Keep them,” Savannah said.

“No, please, you should take them.” He hurried to the fridge and returned with the remains of her sixpack, which he pressed into her arms.