Page 74 of Wings Above the Mallee

‘If you want something carved, you should get Justin Hein onto it.’

‘Hi, Indi,’ Amelia said, and Heath turned to reluctantly include the newcomer. ‘Back already?’

‘Don’t mind me eavesdropping,’ the young woman said. ‘I popped back in because I left the dog rego papers next to the library computer. How ridiculous is it that I have to come into town to use an unsecured public system to pay bills because the wi-fi is so bad out here? So much for NBN.’

Heath snorted. ‘Tell me about it. Or rather, don’t. My daughter’s got those complaints fully covered.’

‘Heath Brennan, Indigo Jaensch,’ Amelia introduced.

‘You’re Charlee’s dad, right?’

‘Got it in one.’ And, for the first time in two years, he wasn’t embarrassed to admit it.

‘Could you let her know that Paul Schenscher said the dogs are ready to go.’ She turned back to Amelia. ‘And I was butting in to say that Juzzy is your go-to if you want something carved. Maybe not so much out of stone, though.’

‘He’s the guy that has half the girls in Settlers swooning?’ Amelia said.

‘Half the girls being about three, though Sharna was the only one he was ever into. Built like the proverbial, but with the soul of a dreamer and the hands of an artist.’

‘We’ll keep him in mind, yeah?’ Amelia looked at Heath.

‘Okay, well—library.’ Indigo pointed to one of the other rooms. ‘Then I’ll be out of your hair.’

‘You’re not coming to the RAG meeting?’ Amelia asked.

‘Honestly, you could put a Disneyland-sized theme park in Settlers and I wouldn’t have time to notice it,’ Indigo called back. ‘Hence why there aren’t four girls in Settlers panting after Justin.’

‘Fair. Just pull the door shut when you’re done, please,’ Amelia said to her retreating back, then turned to Heath. ‘Indi and her dad share farm together.’

‘That’s not Dave Jaensch, is it?’

Amelia shook her head. ‘Nope. Though Dave is maybe her great-uncle, if I’ve got it right.’

‘Look at you, just like one of the locals,’ Heath teased. ‘You and Sean are a pair.’

‘Then you’d better up your game if you want to hang around with us.’ Amelia flicked off her computer, then strode to the door. Although the room was large enough to give him a wide berth, her hip brushed his hand, her faint perfumeteasing him with its lingering evidence of her nearness. And he was quite certain there had been both offer and challenge in her words.

Heath was a little disappointed to discover Charlee had saved Amelia a seat, but without the distraction of her alongside, he could focus on the meeting. Although he was certain Tracey had caught him looking at Amelia more than once. And the way Charlee was grinning like a Cheshire cat, so had she. Still, it could be worse. At least Charlee was holding to her overly loud and overly public declaration that she would not stand in his way. The fact both intrigued and concerned him. Charlee missed her mum so much, it seemed inconceivable she’d be okay with Amelia moving into that space. Which, of course, she wasn’t. No one could ever replace Sophie, who’d given up her life to save her daughter. But where Sophie would be forever in his heart, Amelia was increasingly on his mind.

With Sean chairing, the meeting went as smoothly as could be hoped, considering Dave’s constant interjections. Although, after the first few arguments, even he had settled down once Ethan tabled what Heath could now admit was an impressively comprehensive cost analysis.

With the prevailing mood in the room excitedly in favour of the development of the skatepark once the donation was announced, Dave contented himself with pursuing a muttered interrogation of the ‘womenfolk’, keen to discover what they’d brought for afternoon tea. ‘Maybe you should get together and divide up who’s doing savoury and sweet,’ he proclaimed. ‘We’re very heavy on the cakes tonight.’ He patted his stomach, as though everyone should be concerned for his expanding waistline.

‘Maybewe should look at bringing salad platters as the weather warms up,’ Christine observed. She turned back toSean. ‘As we’re agreed on moving ahead with the skatepark thanks to this donation, what are the practicalities? I mean, exactly how do we proceed?’

‘I suggest we form sub-committees for the different facets of the project.’

Heath was surprised at the anticipatory silence; normally a flood of protests would accompany such a proclamation. These people were actually keen for the opportunity to be involved.

‘We’d have a different chairperson for each subcommittee?’ Christine said consideringly.

‘That would be wise.’

‘But one person could potentially chair several committees?’

As Heath’s gaze met Amelia’s across the table, she winked. He knew it was acknowledgement of their amusement at Christine’s transparent intentions, yet the implicit camaraderie, the inference that they shared something, made him feel …good. And that was something he hadn’t felt for a while. Far longer than two years.

‘What happens to the Regional Action Group if we all break up into sub-committees, though?’ Dave asked, his concerned gaze on the food.

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