Page 31 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“Tank-you.” She grips Jerry’s hand and drags him next door toThe General Store. They disappear inside.

“You know my brother doesn’t smile like that often,” a voice croons from beside me.

Finn reveals a dimple with his smile and stuffs his hands in the pockets of his black dress pants. Not a hat in sight, his sandy brown hair is swept back, revealing more of his tanned face. “Get the feelin’ he’ll be doin’ a lot more of it with you around.”

If my cheeks weren’t already flushed, they are now.What’s Jerry said to him about me?

“Hi, Finn. Where’s Daynah?”

“Daynah?” His smile drops and he visibly swallows. “Wasn’t feeling great. Some bug goin’ around.” He nods several times. “Yeah. Nasty.”

“Yeah, there is something getting around. I’ve had a few students off sick over the last week or two.”

Finn scratches at the side of his temple and rocks on the heels of his leather shoes. “So, you’re good? Settled in and everythin’?”

Is he nervous?

I smile. “Yeah, I am. My place is a bit old, but I’m hoping something more modern might come on the rental market soon.”

He nods. “Yeah, pretty tight for rentals here.”

“I’m guessing you live on the Station?”

“Yup. Daynah and I have ourselves a cosy little cottage.”

I imagine an old timber structure, corrugated iron roof and sticky sash windows with peeling paint. It makes me think of my grandparents’ property. I look down at the medals and smile.Miss you, Grandpa.

“He’s a good guy, you know.” Finn’s voice breaks my thoughts.

I glance up as his brows pull tight. “Who, Jerry?” I smirk, knowing exactly whom he’s talking about.

He bites on the inside of his cheek and nods.

“Jesus, Finn.” Jerry slaps his brother on the back. “I don’t need ya to do my biddin’ for me.”

Finn chuckles.

“I got a rainbow Paddle Pop,” Gracey yells, holding up her ice cream in triumph.

I laugh as Jerry slips his arms around my shoulders, drawing me to his side. “Who doesn’t love a rainbow?”

An older woman with wavy grey hair, wearing a faded green pant suit, walks up. Gracey grabs her hand. “Penny, look. I got a ice cream.”

Lines deepen either side of her mouth as a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. She places one hand on her rounded hip and pats the top of Gracey’s head with the other. “You gotanice cream.”

Gracey’s shoulders bounce up and down. “That’s what I said.”

Jerry presses his lips to my temple. “There’s someone I want you to meet,” he whispers.

The woman scowls, her eyes narrowing in our direction.

I swallow hard as the woman picks me to pieces with her gaze like an eagle sizing up its prey. The deep tan and spots on her hands and face tell me she’s lived a life outdoors, perhaps working the land.

Jerry guides me towards the woman. “Ma, this is Liv. Liv, meet my mum. Penny.”

She purses her lips and nods. “Hey.”

Hey? Oh, God. She already hates me.

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