CHAPTER TEN

Olive

 

Fuck him!  Fuck him with the four-inch exhaust of his Harley Davidson. 

Bastard.

“I didn’t ask him for anything!” I fume to Aubree over the phone.  I’ve just relayed my earlier phone conversation with Dek to her and it has me worked up once again.

“What an arsehole.”

“I know, right!?  It’s not like I called him up and asked for a new car, a holiday home in St. Tropez, and thirty thousand dollars to kick-start our kid’s education fund.  Jeez.”

“Well, at least you’ve told him now.  No more trying to find him.  He knows and he’s told you where he stands.  My advice: forget the fuckwad.”

“I plan to.  If I never see him again, it’ll be too soon.”

“So, enough talk about the fuckwad.  When are you coming home?”

“Tomorrow morning.  I have a date tonight.”  For the first time since I heard Dek’s voice on the other end of the phone line, a smile spreads across my face.

“A date?” Aubree screeches.  “Who with?  Oh, my god, I need all the details STAT.”

Of course, I fill her in.

 

Brooklyn helped pick out my outfit.  She wanted me to wear a denim miniskirt with a thick elastic band at the top to accommodate my growing stomach.  I said no.  In the end, we compromised on full-length maxi dress.  The top is so light blue it’s almost white, and the shade gradually gets darker until it’s almost black at my ankles.  It really is very pretty.  I borrowed a pair of Brooklyn’s strappy wedge sandals, and let my long, dark hair flow loosely down my back.

At five minutes after seven, I walk in the doors at the Cow and Calf.  The pub is the only one in town and is owned by one of my mum’s best friends, Sienna.  She inherited it years ago from her aunt when she was ready to retire.

“Hey, Oli, you look beautiful tonight.”  My Aunt Sienna rounds the bar and plants a kiss on my cheek before giving my stomach a little rub.

“Hey, Sie.  How are you?  Looks busy here tonight.”

“We’re flat out,” she agrees.  “Can I get you anything?”

“Um…” I look around for Hamish.  I spot him sitting at the end of the bar, sipping a beer.  “I’ll just have an orange juice, please.”

“Okay, sweetie.”

When Sienna hands me the glass of icy cold juice, I make my way down to Hamish.

“Hi.”

“Olive.”  He stands and kisses my cheek before taking a step back and letting his gaze sweep over my body in a slow perusal.  His whiskey-coloured eyes leave a trail of heated desire in their wake, leaving my blood hot and my cheeks burning.  “You look stunning.”

“Thank you.”

“Shall we go to the dining room?”

“Absolutely.”

His hand rests on the small of my back, sending tingles right up my spine.  I try not to shudder with delight.  When we reach the eating area, he pulls out a chair for me like a true gentleman.

“Is everything okay?”

I nod half-heartedly.  “Sure.”

“There’s a shadow clouding those beautiful eyes of yours,” he says gently.  “If you need to talk, I’m a great listener.”

“Thank you.”

“What can I get you guys tonight?” the waitress asks.

“Evening, Julissa,” Hamish greets her.  “I’ll have a steak, medium, veggies, and gravy.”

“No problems, Mr. Tyler.”  She turns her attention to me.

“I’ll have a steak, too.  Medium-well, with veggies and Diane sauce.”

“Won’t be long, guys.”

“Julissa’s one of my students,” Hamish tells me.

“Nice kid.  You seem like you really love your job.  What made you want to become a teacher?”

“My stepdad was a teacher and I always admired the joy he got from watching kids achieve their dreams, knowing he played a part in their success.  Originally, I was planning on playing professional cricket, but that fell through and I decided to pursue teaching.  I love sport, so being a Phys Ed teacher suited me.”

“From what I’ve heard, you made the right decision.  The school kids rave about you.”

“Good to know I’m doing something right,” he replies through a chuckle.  “So, tell me about you, Olive.”

Our food is placed on the table and my mouth waters.  Yum.

“Hmm, well, I’ve been living and working as a radiologist in Katherine for the past couple of years.  I really enjoy it, but I’d love to move back home.  I really miss everything about this place,” I say wistfully. 

“I only moved here last year, but I can’t imagine leaving.  Everyone’s so friendly and welcoming.”

“Where did you transfer from?”

“Hobart.”

“Oh, wow! I’ve always wanted to see Tasmania.  It must have been a shock to the system coming from somewhere so cold, to this stinking hot place.”

He laughs.  “It certainly took a lot of getting used to.”

The conversation flows easily as we enjoy our meal.  I discover Hamish is the eldest of three children and all are teachers.  He never knew his real dad, but his stepdad has been in his life since he was just a year old.  I tell him about my large and loveable family.  I’m surprised to learn that Hamish has gotten tattoos from my Uncle Zeke—Sienna’s husband—who co-owns the local tattoo shop, Premier Ink, with his brother Luke.

“I had a really wonderful time tonight,” I say softly.  We are standing outside the Cow and Calf, just off to the side from the main entrance.

“I did too, Olive.”  He reaches forward and tucks a loose tendril behind my ear.  “I’d love to see you again.”

“I’d like that.”

Leaning in, he kisses my cheek gently, lingering just long enough to have me instantly craving more when he pulls away.

“I’ll call you?”

I nod, a small smile tilting my lips. 

“Bye, Hamish.”

He touches his index finger to my nose.  “Later, Olive.”

Floating on a cloud of pure delight, I drive back to the farm.  I know I need sleep since I have to leave so early in the morning, but I can’t stop thinking about all things Hamish.  I lie on my bed in the dark, a wide smile on my face, and recount the entire date.  The way his voice sounds—smooth and raspy.  The way he looks at me, as if I’m the only girl in the room.  The way my skin sizzles when he touches me…

My phone buzzes and I reach for it, momentarily blinded by the bright light of the screen.

Hamish:  I had a really great time tonight.

I clutch my phone to my chest and do an internal happy dance before replying.

Olive:  Me too.

Hamish:  You got home safe then?

Olive:  I did.  I’m currently in bed trying to sleep, but some guy won’t stop texting me ;)

Hamish:  In bed, hey.  What’re you wearing?

Olive:  Ha ha!  Sweet dreams, Hamish.

Hamish:  I’ve got a feeling my dreams are going to be VERY sweet tonight ;)