Forty-two
It was three days since Joe had seen Gill, and he needed to contact her. He was still reeling from Erica’s revelation she had called Briony, lacking her confidence that Geoff would never find out. He knew what families were like. Briony would tell Kieren, Kieren would tell Geoff. It was a no-brainer. He should probably have contacted Gill before now; as Erica’s solicitor, she deserved to know. But he was still trying to come to terms with his uncertainty as to their relationship and where he stood with her.
He had intended to call her today, to invite her to lunch again. It was a safe bet she’d agree to lunch. But a meeting with Cam when Joe was walking Coco reminded him it was her monthly lunch, the meeting of what Cam jokingly called Poppy’s coven. Evidently, it was Poppy’s turn to host today. Joe wondered what the women found to talk about.
He hoped he wasn’t a topic of their conversation today. He was pretty sure Gill wouldn’t say anything, but the others might not be as circumspect, and both Poppy and Liz had seen him and Gill together. He wasn’t sure how he felt about being the butt of gossip. It was a long time since anyone had had anything about him to fuel their gossip, not since Barb died. He flinched at the memory of the plethora of condolences, followed by the not-so-subtle advances from women in search of an available man, any available man. He’d soon put them right, told them he wasn’t in the market for a new wife, and they’d drifted off in search of more willing partners. What if it all started up again, this time focussing on him and Gill? She’d hate it even more than he would.
Unable to settle to writing the report for the next council meeting, and realising it was lunchtime, Joe took Coco for another walk, choosing to buy a sandwich and a bottle of ginger beer to have by the beach rather than enjoy his usual lunch in the café or the hotel. Coco was delighted with his decision, also with the crusts and remnant of roast beef Joe gave him. He’d call Gill tonight, he decided, tell her about Erica’s phone call and make arrangements to see her again. She had agreed to continue seeing him, only refusing to move their relationship to the next level… while she was still married. He respected her decision, even if it left him feeling frustrated.
*
Unwilling to risk Erica overhearing him talking to Gill, Joe waited till he took Coco for her evening walk. He stopped at one of the benches by the beach opposite Crossings to let Coco sniff around. The restaurant seemed to be doing a roaring trade, even though it was midweek.
He took out his phone and held it for a few moments, gazing out to sea to where he could see the outline of a large ship on the horizon, its lights barely visible through the darkness, then he pressed Gill’s number.
‘Hello, Joe.’
The warmth in Gill’s voice was music to Joe’s ears. He had been worried she might have changed her mind when she’d had time to think about what they’d discussed.
‘Gill, how are you?’
‘I’m well. You?’
‘I’m good.’ He shifted awkwardly. ‘This isn’t a social call… well, it is. I did intend to call you. But there’s something you need to know… about Erica.’
‘What’s happened? Is she all right?’ Joe could hear the concern in Gill’s voice.
‘She’s fine, but she went against your advice – mine too – and called Briony. Her daughter-in-law,’ he added, when Gill didn’t immediately respond.
‘I know who you mean. Oh, why did she do that? Okay, I know why, but it was such a reckless thing to do.’
Joe could imagine Gill frowning or biting her lip. He was beginning to know her so well. ‘I think she knows, but she was determined. Briony sent her a copy of the ultrasound.’
‘Oh, and now I suppose your son will know too, and it’s only a matter of time before her husband does.’
‘I told her.’
‘At least he’s in Perth. She did get a new number?’
‘So she says.’
‘And she withheld it?’
‘Yeah.’
There was a moment’s silence, then Gill sighed. ‘Well, I guess we can only hope for the best. If he does work out where she is and breaches the domestic violence order, he can be charged with a criminal offence and risks facing up to three years in jail. The prospect of that may deter him. What do you think? You know him.’
‘Not very well. We’ve never hit it off. I always thought Erica had made a mistake getting mixed up with him. There was something about the guy that made me distrust him. I doubt it would discourage him, if he thought he could get away with it… and guys like him do.’
‘Hmm, you’re right. I’ve seen it happen, and the woman often gets beaten up before the police can act. I wouldn’t like that to happen to Erica.’
Joe’s stomach churned. Even though Erica had told him Geoff had hit her – and he’d seen the bruises – he hadn’t considered he’d engage in more physical violence. Then he remembered Erica’s report of what Briony had said. ‘Erica told me Briony said Geoff was making threats about what he’d do to her. I thought it was all hot air, but maybe not.’
‘You can never tell what some men are capable of, Joe. If Erica hears anything more, let me know right away. I can alert the local police.’
‘Will do.’ Joe was suddenly afraid for his sister, glad he’d arranged the small car for her so she never had to walk home alone in the dark. He was silent for a few moments, picturing Erica bruised and beaten, then he gave himself a shake. It hadn’t happened yet, not here, and he’d do everything in his power to ensure it never did.
‘Now, about my other reason for calling. When can I see you again?’ He waited with bated breath for her reply.
When it came, it was with a tinkling laugh, which sent his blood pressure soaring. ‘When did you have in mind?’
Joe thought quickly. Today was Wednesday. ‘How about dinner on Friday? Since our secret’s out, we could try the yacht club again.’ He remembered she had met her friends for lunch today. ‘I hope your friends didn’t give you a hard time.’
‘It could have been worse. Poppy and Liz have already been there, and I know they only want me to be happy, but I wish they would mind their own business.’
‘I get where they’re coming from. You’ve known them a long time.’
‘Since Freya was a baby.’ Gill sighed. ‘They’re okay, really. I guess I have to get used to people knowing about us.’
Joe’s heart leapt. ‘You’re sure you’re okay about the yacht club?’
‘I think so. Everyone’s going to find out anyway, and it’s not as if I’m ashamed to be seen with you. It might put a few noses out of joint,’ she chuckled. ‘I’ve heard you’re regarded as quite a catch.’
It was Joe’s turn to chuckle. ‘So they tell me. But it’ll be good to know I’m no longer regarded as available.’ Even though he was no longer the target of advances from lonely women, he often caught the odd predatory glance being sent his way.
Coco pulled on her leash, impatient to continue their walk, no doubt wondering why her master had stopped for such a long time.
‘Sorry, Gill. I have to go. Coco and I are down by the beach and she’s eager to get moving again.’
Gill laughed. ‘Give her a big hug from me.’
‘I will. And I’ll look forward to seeing you on Friday. Can I pick you up at seven?’
‘Sounds good. I’ll look forward to it too.’
When he finished the call, Joe felt ebullient. There had been something in Gill’s voice that told him she’d been pleased to hear from him. After they’d finished discussing Erica, she’d sounded much warmer. He couldn’t wait to see her again. Friday couldn’t come soon enough.