Page 40 of One Weekend in Sydney

He tries to stifle a grin. “Just to let you know, I’ll be expecting a return favour in bed, Juliet.”

“Okay.” I’m more than happy to agree.

We arrive at the foot of Lover’s Hill, and yes, the place is teeming with people. I look at Mason and feel guilty. He’s had a very physical day at the farm today, and he probably just wants to rest. Besides, he’s right. We love each other, and we know it. We don’t need a legend to boost our chances of staying together. That part is solely on us.

“You know,” I say as he switches off the car engine. “Let’s just go home. I see Lover’s Hill, and I see the blue moon. That’s enough.”

Mason shakes his head. “No, we’re already here. Let’s go.” He gets out of the car.

I follow suit, and we hold hands as we follow the trail up the hill. I eye the stream of people leisurely walking up like us. There’s another path, but it’s for buggies, so it’s longer and winding. Hardly anyone uses buggies except those with walking difficulties and council workers who maintain the place.

“Mayor Davies! Mason!”

I stop and see our fifty-something-year-old resident tourism guru hurrying towards us. Cutie rocks cute outfits to match her name, so tonight, she’s wearing a white blouse with a big pink bow in the middle and a matching pink skirt. Strips on her pink sneakers glow while she walks.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Cutie says.

“I thought we should join the crowd to watch the blue moon on top of Lover’s Hill,” I say.

“And, of course, touch Heart,” Mason adds, winking at Cutie.

Cutie cackles. “Of course. Well, there are so many people tonight, but everyone’s being respectful and not holding up the line. But I’m glad you’re here, Tara. There’s a reporter from Sydney up there who’d love to meet you. He wants to write an article about our legend.”

“Oh, sure,” I say readily.

“Why don’t you get on my buggy?” She gestures towards her small vehicle. “I drove it today because my knees were feeling funny. And I’ll call Agatha. She’s managing the people up there touching Heart. I’ll tell her you’re on your way so she can tell the reporter to wait.”

“Okay. What’s this reporter’s name?”

Cutie shrugs. “I forgot already.”

“No worries,” I say with a chuckle. “And thanks for the buggy. We’ll bring it back.”

“Take your time.” Cutie hands Mason her keys.

“Lucky that,” Mason says as we get on Cutie’s buggy.

“I know. See? We’re meant to be here tonight.”

He laughs. “I guess so.”

When we reach the summit, I step off the buggy and take in the breathtaking view before us. The blue moon hangs high in the sky, casting a soft silvery light over the river up ahead, the bay on our right, and the bushland on our left. Up here is the best vantage point to appreciate the peninsula.

I turn to where Heart sits proudly and find a line of people waiting to touch it. But no one is actually doing so right now. Strange. Even stranger is the fact that they’re all looking in my direction.

I glance behind me and only find Mason. Are we attracting attention because we drove up instead of walked?

“Come, babe,” Mason says, taking my hand.

I see Agatha grinning at me, and I let go of Mason’s hand to make a beeline for her.

“Oh, you have to go there!” Agatha points to Heart.

“Where’s the reporter?” I ask.

She shrugs.

I turn to Mason, who’s now standing next to the heart-shaped rock. What’s he doing there? We shouldn’t be jumping the queue.

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