Page 76 of So Steady

“Uh, yeah?”

Pink stained her cheeks and the way she was looking at him made him wish he wasn’t holding the box. “You’re not gonna jump again? I might break your clock.”

She smiled but her eyes were bright. “I’m going to go upstairs and empty out my wardrobe. Can you meet me with a new box?”

“Sure. I’ll have a smoke and head up.”

He headed outside and saw Nicole’s blonde neighbour was still in her car. She got out when she saw him, unlocking the doors so two kids burst from the back, shrieking and shouting.

“Come and get your things,” she called. The kids ignored her, rushing over to the fence.

“Who’s that?” one asked, loud enough to let him know he could answer himself. Noah opened his mouth but blonde mum beat him to it.

“Kids, get away from the fence!”

“But, Mum!”

“I mean it!”

She hustled her brood away from him and if looks could give cancer, she’d be a bigger health risk than durries. He gave her a wave, hoping to smooth things over, and pure fear washed over her features. She practically shoved her kids into the house, casting terrified looks behind her the whole time.

“Fuck.”

He’d been in Brunswick too long, he’d forgotten how white bread the burbs could be. Probably thought he was Nicole’s bad news side-piece. Mrs Harris’ curtains twitched. He sighed and lit up, thoughts of the condom crusted plate flashing through his mind. He bet Mrs Harris smiled and waved when she saw Nicole’s ex. It wasn’t fair. Yeah, he had tatts and a criminal record, but he’d never left a used dinger on a plate.

He smoked his cigarette to the filter, waiting for Mrs Harris to quit spying on him. She didn’t. Either that or her curtains were full of mice. He had a feeling if he didn’t get out of her eye line soon, the cops would be called.

“Welcome to the neighbourhood,” he muttered, flicking his butt on the lawn and heading to the van. He grabbed another box and headed inside and up the stairs. The off-white carpet was dotted with crumbs and streaks of black polish. God, Nicole’s ex was one feral asshole.

“Hey,” Nicole called. “I’m almost done!”

He followed the sound of her voice, nudging the furthest door from the staircase open. Nicole was standing over the bed arranging glittering dresses inside what looked like a big sports bag. “I forgot I had this! Helpful, huh?”

Noah grunted, taking in her old bedroom. It wasn’t too bad. There were hardly any personal touches. If it wasn’t covered in coffee cups, dirty clothes and electronic cords, it would have looked like a hotel room. “Your ex been redecorating in here, too?”

“Yeah, sorry. He’s so gross.” Nicole sounded satisfied. “Why didn’t he hire a cleaner? He can afford it.”

But Noah had known men with her ex’s attitude his whole life. The kind who wouldn’t wipe his arse if he could get his missus to do it. “Too lazy.”

“True,” Nicole said cheerfully. “But that’s not my problem anymore.”

There was a small painting hanging over the dresser. He put down the empty box and examined it. It was an owl flying into a snowstorm. It was a pretty thing, the snow fluffy owl was cruel-beaked and proud. The brushwork around the wings was a bit sloppy, but there was life there. Beauty.

Nicole got up and stood beside him. “I got it at a charity auction and I just fell in love with it.”

“It’s good.”

“I was worried you’d think it’s tacky.”

“Why?”

“Because you have such good taste.” She hesitated. “And because Aaron thought it was tacky.”

“I don’t think Aaron’s in a position to call anything tacky ever again.”

She laughed; a high, happy laugh, and he saw rose gold. She was so sweet, so fucking lovely. They looked at each other for a beat too long and Nicole cleared her throat. “I’ve filled the bag, could you maybe take it downstairs and I’ll start on the box?”

“No problem.”

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