Page 50 of Outback Reunion

‘Of course. We did promise a behind the scenes private tour.’ Gabi looked back to Stella and Adam. ‘That’s if you have the time.’

They nodded, then Adam said, ‘This feels like going backstage after a rock concert. Can I get your autograph?’

Gabi laughed. ‘It’s not as glamorous as you might think.’ She covered her mouth as she tried to stifle a yawn. ‘Sorry, I didn’t get much sleep last night.’

She’d managed a grand total of forty-two minutes before Luna had woken up demanding a morning trip to the beach. Once there, she’d almost drifted off in the early morning sun while lying on her towel. Somehow, she managed to stay awake until she could finally convince Luna it was time to go back and eat an early lunch before their midday show. She’d wondered if Mark might show up again, but after scrutinising every face in the audience to no reward, she guessed he must have taken her ‘no’ for an answer.

More disappointed than she should be, Gabi had never wanted a show to be over sooner. All through the performance she’d been dreaming of collapsing on her bed afterwards and catching up on much-needed rest, but for Luna’s sake, she had to be polite and friendly to their visitors.

The three adults followed the kids and dogs back into the Big Top to find Luna already trying to teach Heidi how to do handstands in the ring, hard enough without Russell and Princess trying to join in the fun. Eve and Lorenzo were also there, smiling at their granddaughter and her little friend. These days—aside from when he was in the ring or schmoozing with the audience—Lorenzo only smiled around his granddaughter.

Gabi introduced them all and Lorenzo asked Stella and Adam about their farm while Eve gushed over the baby.

‘Do you mind if I hold her?’

‘Course not.’ Stella unclipped the sling and passed Lily over.

‘Aw.’ Eve rocked the tiny girl in her arms as she gazed down at her. ‘Aren’t you the cutest little thing? I miss having babies around the circus.’

Eve had been a godsend when Luna was born, doting on her as if she were her own and helping and encouraging Gabi, who would have been a nervous mess without her.

‘Looks like we have another circus star in the making there,’ boomed Lorenzo, chuckling as Heidi tried to do another cartwheel.

Stella was laughing. ‘She’s not very coordinated,’ she said softly, ‘but what she lacks in motor skills, she makes up for in enthusiasm.’

‘Time for my afternoon nap,’ Lorenzo said. ‘Lovely to meet you both.’

Eve reluctantly handed Lily back and followed her husband, leaving Gabi and Luna alone under the Big Top with their guests.

As Adam started snapping photos of the hilarious lesson, Gabi smiled. ‘Are there any gymnastics or dancing classes for Heidi to do around here?’

‘Unfortunately, there aren’t many options,’ Stella replied. ‘Although she’s desperate to join the new junior girls’ footy team.’

Adam nodded. ‘We’re trying to convince Mark to be their coach. Maybe you could put in a good word for us?’

Gabi could already feel her cheeks heating in the way they did whenever she thought of him. ‘We barely know each other,’ she said, trying to sound nonchalant. ‘I doubt I have any pull.’

Stella made a noise through her teeth that was hard to decipher.

‘Luna,’ Gabi called, trying to distract herself and Stella from the topic of Mark Morgan. ‘Call the dogs off. They’re not really helping Heidi,’ she added, as Russell jumped up again as she attempted a handstand.

‘Russell.No.’ Luna’s voice was sharp, and the five-year-old Jack Russell immediately dropped his paws to the ground, looking chastised. Luna pointed at him and the rest of her canine crew, then thrust her finger to the back of the ring. Immediately, the four dogs trotted to the back and made an obedient line.

Adam whistled. ‘Wow. That’s impressive. Even my sheepdogs aren’t that obedient.’

‘She was born with a knack with animals,’ Gabi said. ‘She’s mostly self-taught although whenever we have an animal act join us, she pesters the trainers for tricks. She’s been doing some training with the Saad sisters and their camels recently.’

‘It’s hot in here,’ Heidi complained, wiping her hand across her forehead.

‘That’s why we take a month off in February, which tends to be the hottest month all over Australia—the air con really struggles then, although it’s been switched off now,’ Gabi added apologetically. ‘Why don’t we take everyone outside and show them the caravans?’

Luna grabbed Heidi’s hand and they disappeared through the back of the tent, Gabi, Stella and Adam following after them. They found the girls by the camels with Jasmine Saad, who’d offered to give Heidi a ride around the lot on their most amenable animal.

‘Are they safe?’ Stella asked, her gaze following as Jasmine led Luna and Heidi away on Lenore, a fifteen-year-old dromedary with sandy beige fur and a gentle spirit.

Gabi nodded. ‘Yes, Lenore’s a sweetheart, and they’re in good hands with Jasmine. Now, can I get you two a drink or something? I don’t entertain much, but I can rustle up a cold soft drink or a cup of tea.’

‘A tea would be lovely, thank you,’ Stella said.

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