narratorAUSTRALIA Volume Three

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  Placing the glass tumbler of pale whiskey and water on the patio table, Kate sat down and faced her husband.

  ‘There, darling. You look like you could use that.’

  ‘Thanks, Katie. You’re an angel,’ said Geoff. His handsome freckled face looked weary.

  He looked admiringly at his wife. She was lithe and still beautiful at fifty-six, with only a sprinkling of grey in her thick dark hair.

  Geoff stretched out his long legs and sighed, sipping from his drink. ‘Are you having one?’

  Kate smiled and reached across for the glass jug of water. Ice bobbed as she poured herself a glassful. She flicked out a small mint leaf with her finger.

  ‘Just water. It’s been so hot today I’m parched. Besides, the yoga teacher told us we should have at least eight glasses a day.’

  ‘Did you know that, on average, a person can go without food for weeks but cannot survive for more than three days without water?’ Geoff said.

  They sat in companionable silence for a while. The soft sound of water slapping against the sides of the pool was soothing. Kate relished these summer evenings, relaxing before dinner. It was a time to actually talk to Geoff, find out about his day and tell him about hers.

  Geoff was a senior engineer at the water treatment plant. Things had been tough lately, particularly following the bushfires. There had been some staff shortages which put an extra workload on Geoff.

  He tapped Kate’s hand. ‘Oh, I keep meaning to tell you, that old school friend of Tara’s started work at the plant a few weeks ago − Owen. Maeve Lockley’s son.’

  ‘Really.’ Kate shook her head ruefully. ‘He was a sad case. Alan left them when Owen was only nine. Poor Maeve fell apart. Started drinking.’

  ‘He’s working in my area. He’d expressed an interest in the filtration process and equipment. I’m glad of the extra help. He’s bright and keen to learn, asks a lot of questions. But at lunch he just sits by himself. No social skills.’

  ‘Maeve was so proud when he got into ADFA,’ said Kate. ‘He did Engineering there until he got kicked out. Something to do with his personality not suited to the military.’

  Kate got up to get dinner ready. She kissed Geoff on the top of his head. ‘Salmon patties, sweet potato mash and salad tonight.’

  He beamed at her.

  ‘I’ll tell Tara about Owen tomorrow,’ said Kate over her shoulder. ‘She’s calling by on the way to the coast in the morning. Ben’s there already − working on the house.’

  ‘Shack more like it. Can’t be fun not having water connected, especially now they have Luce,’ Geoff said.

  ‘Oh, they get by and there is a rainwater tank.’

  Leaning back in his chair Geoff finished his drink. He bent over and gently stroked Moe. The small curly-haired dog was gulping noisily from his water bowl near the table. His plume-like tail swung back and forth in friendly response.