Page 93 of Outback Reunion

Judging by the number of vehicles, it looked like Grant had invited half of Bunyip Bay. So much for a small, casual barbecue! And even though it was January when many farmers were away on holidays, and the middle of the workday for anyone who wasn’t, he’d managed to pull quite the crowd.

Mark felt a sinking feeling in his gut as he parked between a police car and the local electrician’s white van, and not because he was worried that there might be a crime or electrical emergency in town.

‘I didn’t know there’d be so many people,’ Gabriela said as Luna jumped out of the car and dashed off towards the house on her mission to find Heidi.

‘Neither did I,’ he admitted, his jaw clenched.

Gabriela bit her lip, then sighed. ‘I’m not great at socialising.’

Her words pushed aside the anxiety he felt that this barbecue was going to be bigger than Ben Hur. He’d bet that was another thing Dante had led her to believe to keep her close and reliant on him, and although he reckoned it was probably bullshit—she charmed the circus audience every night—he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

He squeezed her hand. ‘We can leave if you want to.’

‘Are you kidding?’ She let out a dry chuckle. ‘Luna would never forgive me.’ She took a quick breath and undid her seatbelt. ‘I’ll be fine, I’m sure.’

‘I promise I won’t leave your side,’ he said as they climbed out of the ute.

They’d barely taken two steps towards the enclosed yard before Grant, who’d clearly been on the lookout from the front verandah, hurried over to greet them, Ryan in tow.

‘Mark!’ Grant pulled him into a hug and slapped his back. ‘So glad you could make it. And you must be the delightful Gabriela,’ he added, as Mark and Ryan shook hands.

Mark gave him a look telling him to tone it down as Grant air-kissed both her cheeks. He didn’t want to make this look obvious.

‘Thanks for coming to my party. This is my husband, Ryan.’

They exchanged niceties, then Grant asked, ‘Where’s your little girl? I hope you didn’t leave her behind at the circus.’

Gabriela shook her head. ‘She’s already gone off to find her friend, Heidi.’

Grant pressed a hand against his chest. ‘Ah, Heidi. The light of all our lives.’

‘I thoughtIwas the light of your life,’ said Ryan with a smirk.

‘You’re a close second.’ Grant patted Ryan’s shoulder, before linking his arm through Gabriela’s. ‘Now come on, let’s get you a drink and I’ll introduce you to everyone. What’s your poison? I make a toxic punch.’

‘Only the one for me. I’ve got to perform tonight,’ she said as Grant led them round into the backyard and towards a table that was set up like a makeshift bar under the trees. Country music blared from bluetooth speakers. Thankfully, it wasn’t too hot today, and the famous Geraldton wind was providing an almost cool breeze between the many trees in the Forresters’ garden. The misting system on the back verandah also helped.

Grant poured Gabriela a punch and handed Mark a bottle of beer, before leading Gabriela around the garden, interrupting every conversation to present her as if she were a single maiden at a Regency ball.

All the most important people were here. Adam and Stella, and Henri with Liam from the pub, Frankie and Logan, and Henri’s siblings, who’d brought their kids for Luna to hopefully click with. But there was also Ruby and Drew, which accounted for the cop car, and plenty of folks he could have done without.

So much for a low-key barbecue with close friends.

For all Gabriela said about not being great at socialising, she more than held her own, but as promised, Mark stayed close.

‘A little birdie told me your arm’s been twisted and you’re gunna coach the girls,’ said Adam, coming up to them when Grant had finished the introductions and dashed off to make sure the quiches were heating properly. ‘Heidi’s ridiculously excited.’

‘Yeah.’ He scratched his neck at the collar of his shirt. ‘Don’t know what I’m getting myself in for.’

‘They’re good girls.Mostly.’ Adam cackled, a teasing glint in his eye. ‘I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ll help whenever I can.’

‘You agreed to coach the girls?’ Gabriela asked when Adam went to grab another beer, leaving them alone for the first time since they’d walked through the gate.

‘I did.’ He’d sent Stella a message yesterday. ‘Thanks to some wise advice from a good friend, I decided to give it a shot. And I think I’m looking forward to it. You know I’ve felt sort of an outsider since coming home—’

‘I don’t know why.’ She gestured around them. ‘Everyone seems to adore you.’

That was true; as he and Grant had introduced Gabriela to their friends and acquaintances, everyone had been even friendlier than usual. It was almost as if they knew the real reason Grant had thrown this party and were trying to talk Mark up in front of her. Nah, he shoved that thought aside—Grant had promised total discretion. Probably they’d just heard about the coaching and were hoping he might eventually be convinced to coach the reserves team as well.

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