Page 49 of Nothing Without You

Soon she would turn twenty-eight. For some reason she felt a lot older than that, almost as if she had already lived a long life. The years with Bob had gone fast in one way, but they had also dragged in another. By now, most girls her age had children. She looked down at her slender tanned legs and trim body. There was no extra weight on her. Walking, working and being under constant stress put paid to that.

Although she felt years older than she was, she knew she was still young—in the prime of her life, as Matilda often told her. At least this weekend would give her a break and allow her to mix with others. Juggling a full-time job while enduring Bob’s relentless scrutiny had prevented her from forming meaningful connections. With time, as Bob grew more aggressive and life became increasingly challenging, she found it simpler to keep others at a distance, avoiding social connections or making friends.

Evie strolled leisurely along the city street, taking in the sights and stopping to look in some of the shop windows. A nearby hairdressing salon caught her eye and she decided to call in for a quick blow wave. Before she knew it, she found herself persuaded by the stylist to have her makeup done as well. ‘Just a little bit. I never wear makeup,’ she insisted.

‘You should. You have amazing eyes and your cheekbones are to die for. You don’t need to have it on heavy. I’ll do it light. The men will go crazy over you. I notice you’re not wearing a ring.’

Evie sat up straight in the chair, her gaze fixed on her reflection in the mirror. She could hardly recognise herself. The transformation was amazing, and now with the added touch of makeup, she felt like one of the women she had seen in the glossy magazines she flipped through while waiting. ‘No ring. No. I’m single,’ she affirmed, repeating it for emphasis. ‘Single.’ It felt empowering, and liberating, knowing that Bob wasn't here to dictate her words or actions.

The hairdresser had been chatty from the start, and Evie soon learned she was navigating through a recent divorce. ‘Men,’ she nearly spat the word out, ‘Who needs them? Look at me. I have my own hair salon, and I don’t have to answer to anyone. I don’t know why I put up with the dickhead I was married to for so many years.’

‘Why did you stay?’ Evie asked.

‘Kids. Four of them. They’re all older now, except for the youngest, and he's with me anyway. He’s fifteen, but the others are working and renting their own places. They’ve all done well. Thank goodness none of them took after their father. Knob, I call him. Well, amongst other names, you know like dipstick, deadshit, moron—the list could go on and on. Believe me, you’re lucky you’re single. It’s the nineties now and women are standing up for themselves and not putting up with any of their shit. We can work, run businesses, and do whatever we want. You’re one of the lucky ones. Make sure you don’t waste it on some knob.’

By the time she left the salon, Evie felt transformed, not just physically but also emotionally. A newfound confidence surged, and she walked with purpose. The hairdresser's words resonated within her. Everywhere she looked, women were forging their own paths with determination. They exuded confidence, their attire and demeanour projecting strength and independence. As she contemplated returning to Yeppoon, a bold idea took shape in her mind. Perhaps it was time to assert herself, to express her desires to Bob without reservation? And if he couldn't accept it... well, she could... she could take charge of her destiny.

Uncertainty gripped her, as she recalled the chilling glare and intimidating manner he treated her with when he was enraged. She swallowed hard, pushing thoughts of him aside. Tonight belonged to her. It would be a celebration of her mother, and the dawn of a new chapter in both their lives. She was determined to revel in the moment—to eat, drink, and perhaps even dance. Everyone deserved happiness, and tonight, she intended to embrace it fully.

Chapter Fifty-Six

There were more guests at the wedding than Evie expected, and she made an effort to blend into the crowd, hoping to go unnoticed. However, her mother spotted her the instant she arrived. The service and reception were set to take place in the same room, with a celebrant positioned at the front, patiently waiting for everyone to gather. Alongside the celebrant stood David and a couple of other men.

Evie waved back at her mother, who gracefully made her way toward her. She looked stunning, a striking transformation from the last time Evie had seen her. A captivating blue dress with puffy sleeves and a stylish low-cut bodice showed off her mum’s slender figure. The waist was cinched in elegantly with a white satin sash, while the skirt billowed out, showcasing her toned legs and exquisite white high-heeled shoes.

‘Mum, you look absolutely incredible,’ Evie exclaimed, kissing her cheek and embracing her tightly. She was reluctant to let go. Over the years, Evie had often been indifferent or even annoyed by her parents' struggles and emotional turmoil. Yet now, having dealt with her own challenges, all she could feel was overwhelming happiness. She was elated at the prospect of her mum finally finding that elusive joy, her true love.

‘I’m so glad you’re finally here, Evie. It’s been too long. You look gorgeous. Can you believe it? It’s really happening. I’m getting married. Your father sent me a lovely letter. I’ll show you later.’

‘I think they’re waving at you from up the front. Maybe they’re about to start.’

Mum grabbed her hand. ‘You’re coming up the front with me. David is there, and Chris. We want both of you to sign as witnesses. The other two girls, Rose and Lily, are sitting there in the front row.’

Evie could hardly breathe as her mother led her to the front. By now everyone was starting to take their seats, and she kept her eyes focussed on the celebrant rather than David and Chris, who was standing beside the groom, both dressed in black suits and white shirts.

It would have been nice if her mother had mentioned she would be standing at the front, as if she was in the wedding party. Thank goodness Matilda had helped her with the dress. The floral, strappy dress complemented her figure, and she sat neatly just above her knees. She walked with confidence in the new platform shoes she had found at the op shop in Yeppoon and smiled when David nodded at her. Her heart thumped hard when Chris also smiled at her. Nerves rippled in her stomach and she focussed on standing next to her mum, trying to look at ease. All of them now faced the celebrant, and the other guests fell silent as they waited for the ceremony to begin.

As the reception progressed, she managed to avoid Chris and mingle with some of her mother’s friends. Thankfully she was seated next to Rose and Lily, and she enjoyed catching up with them both.

Rose had already been married and separated. ‘Didn’t work out. The relationship just went stale. Now I’m a single mum. Davo’s only six and Johnny’s four. They’re pretty good kids. They go to their dad’s on the weekends, and some of the school holidays. We both live in Gladstone. He’s not a bad bloke. Trouble was, we got married because I was pregnant. Shouldn’t have. Anyway, you win some, you lose some. I’ll give you my address in case you’re ever passing through.’

Lily was different from her sister, and she reminded Evie of some girls she had hung out with up north. Her long blonde hair was loose, and she wore a band around the top of her head made from colourful beads. She was still single, although Rose said she had a fella in Mullumbimby, where she lived. Lily said he didn’t go to fancy social events, so it was better he stayed at home. Home was a commune in the hills behind the small town, and Lily told Evie that if she ever wanted somewhere to stay, she was more than welcome at their place. ‘It’s only a bit of a shack, but it suits us. The door’s always open.’

‘Thanks, that’s so kind of you, but I keep fairly busy in the shop.’

‘Chris said he saw you in Yeppoon,’ Lily said.

She wondered what else he had said. Trying to put on a brave face, she described the beaches and small town. ‘It’s a great town and a top fishing spot. People come from everyone to go to the islands nearby.’

Lily was staring at her in a strange way. ‘Your aura is out of kilter,’ she said, tilting her head sideways as she looked into Evie’s eyes. ‘You’re having an inner struggle. It’s written in your eyes. You need to realign the colours in your aura.’

Evie laughed. ‘You’d get on really good with the friends I lived with north of Cairns. In fact, some of them moved to northern New South Wales. How good is this dessert?’ She tried to change the topic, just as she glimpsed Chris moving towards them. Someone at another table stopped him though, and she breathed a sigh of relief as the music started up and Lily got up to go to the bathroom.

‘Don’t worry about her,’ Rose said. ‘She’s been living in Mullum’ for too long.’

‘It’s okay.’

Rose also stood up. ‘I’m just going to check with the caterers about when they want me to take the cake around to everyone. I’ll be back in a sec.’

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