Ronnie checked her phone. A missed call from Reg, a text from her cousin and two texts from Mikey. Nothing from Rainbow.
“Why did you never have kids?”
“Reckon I never met the right person at the right time.”
Ronnie understood. Plenty of incredible people never met the right person at the right time. Being single wasn’t a reflection of any inadequacy or lack of desire—at any age. Nev’spajamas were buttery-soft, acid-washed chambray. Ronnie lay half-entombed by pillows, feeling lucky for this compassionate woman’s affection and pampering, like she was doing something illegal and getting away with it. Truly, she was the robber who had never left. Nev leaned over to turn off the light. Ronnie complained until Nev came close again. Under normal circumstances Nev would have teased her about having mommy issues, but not tonight.
Nev was warm and soft. She smelled like sheep, lavender, and vermouth. Ronnie was not completely clueless. If Nev had been twenty years younger or Ronnie had been twenty years older they would have tried to be lovers. They might have dated. Class and education differences had never created tension in their friendship, maybe because Nev was in a different stage of life.
Flat on her back, eyes closed, Ronnie tried not to think about Rainbow. It was a strange feeling. Nev’s hand was muscular and callous-rough in her own but smaller and colder. She didn’t need to say thank you. Sometimes she did. It was obvious that she was grateful. Nev knew that she admired and looked up to her, although every time Ronnie said so, she threatened to have Ronnie committed. Ronnie didn’t mind being the big dumb one who moved rocks. She knew she had the better end of the deal.
She couldn’t understand why a powerhouse like Nev hadn’t been scooped up yet. Ronnie’s boss was the ultimate package: looks, brains, and personality. Ronnie only had the face the genetic lottery had given her, and had an easy time finding lovers.
Nev sighed. “Do you want the pep talk now or in the morning?”
“Morning.”
“Love you, Dain’y.”
She smiled against the older woman’s flat chest in the dark. “Love you more.”
Ronnie woke to a pounding headache and the smell of coffee. Nev set the French press on the end table near her head: the older woman’s sense of humor in a nutshell, understated into oblivion, a nod to the years she worked for the French press.
“Take a leak and hop in the ute. I want to be back before noon.”
Ronnie peered at the table. “Cup?”
Nev returned, placed a ceramic mug in her palm. Ronnie levered herself upright onto her elbow and poured herself a cup of coffee. “Cream?”
“In the fridge. Help yourself.”
“Shitty room service.” She sipped the coffee black.
Nev returned with the cream, poured a generous splash in Ronnie’s cup.
“Ta.”
“Don’t get used to it. Up.”
Nev opened the passenger side door for her. Now that the sun was hot, pushing nine o-clock, Nev’s patience for what she called ‘faffery’ appeared to be in steep decline. “In case you haven’t noticed, you’re not a skinny little bird anymore who can fly loop-de-loops on a half-pipe and bounce off the ground like rubber. Gravity is not your friend. Your ex is out of line. Don’t let her treat you that way.”
Ronnie’s wrist hurt.
“You are winning at life.”
She felt a sudden pressure in her chest and swallowed. Maude would never hurt Rainbow.
“I feel better today.”
“Knew you would. Magical how that happens.” Nev glanced at her and back at the road.
Gum trees flew by the window.
“You’re young. From where I’m sitting, you’re a kid. I’m still bunging dings out at my age. You’re right where you’re supposed to be. Doing bloody well compared to other people.”
“You think?”
“You’re a hard worker, Dain’y. You’re reliable and honest. You’re a fantastic mum. You pay attention to your kid. It’s normal to be off the rails in your twenties. You think Barney or Ric-Rac have it all figured out?”
