‘Plenty. Come on, Ned.’ The dog who’d been curled on the front seat of Jesse’s truck while the work went on was now hoovering up biscuit crumbs, but at his owner’s call, he zoomed to Jesse’s side and began trotting happily along beside us.
This was another difference I’d noticed from the short while I’d been down here. Life was lived at a different pace from the hectic frenzy of the city. I’m sure in some of the bigger towns nearby, things were more amped up but in the pretty hamlet in which Paradise Farm sat, it was as though time moved slower and no one was in any particular rush. Jesse gave off the same vibe. He was calm and steady at the same time as getting things done, the perfect examples being last night and then organising everyone today. Even being in his presence had a calming effect.
‘That was a good thing you just did,’ he said, then turned to look at me. ‘I’m not sure if that came out as patronising. If it did, then it was unintentional.’
‘I don’t know you very well, but I think I’ve already grasped that’s not your style and not only because your sister would totally kick your arse if you tried it.’
His laugh was full and deep as he tipped his head to the clear blue sky above, his eyes closed, the enviable long lashes resting momentarily on his cheeks. ‘That is very true.’
‘But thank you for checking. I’m glad you felt it was the right thing to do. I’ll admit I was totally winging it!’
‘Then you should do that more often.’
‘That’s what landed me here in the first place!’
He turned his head. ‘And you think that’s a bad thing?’
‘Honestly, I’m still trying to work that out. It’s been… interesting so far, I can certainly say that.’
‘Yeah. You certainly know how to bring the drama.’
‘Not intentionally!’ I bristled.
His hand was on my arm, gentle. ‘It was a joke.’
‘Oh… right. Yes.’ I looked away from him and continued walking, annoyed with myself for bursting the bubble of easiness that had surrounded us, but something about the words had rankled.
Don’t be such a drama queen, Felicity! It’s not always about you! I’m far more the injured party here. How on earth will I ever be able to face anyone again! Your father’s ruined my life!
‘Hey.’ The deep voice prodded me back to reality.
‘Sorry, miles away.’
Jesse stopped and after a few more steps, I realised and stopped too.
‘What is it?’ I asked.
‘You.’
‘Me?’
‘Yeah. You’ve been like a different person all morning and whatever I just said was me putting my size fourteen right in the middle of something because now you’re back being as tightly wound as a roll of baling wire.’
‘Really, it’s nothing.’
He shoved a hand in his jeans pocket and studied me for a moment. ‘OK. But when you’re ready, I’m happy to listen.’
Jesse walked on.
* * *
‘This is the lower paddock.’ Jesse looked at the huge padlock that was looped on the end of an equally huge chain keeping the gate closed. ‘I’m guessing one of the keys you have up at the house fits that.’
‘That’s a fun job for later, then. Guess the key! Is that the stabling over there?’ I asked, my hand shading my eyes from the sun and pointing to a small block in the corner of the field.
‘That’s it.’
‘Do you mind if we take a look?’
