Page 68 of Not So Very Sensible

He rolled his eyes. His sister insisting on calling her tiny farm an “estate” said a lot about her pretensions. “When?”

“This Saturday. I figured you might appreciate a break from the city. And look, okay, I feel bad about what’s happened, and I’m trying to make it up to you.”

Why did that comment raise his hackles? It felt like she was gas-lighting him. Making him feel guilty for a mess she had caused in the first place. Well, she and Lucinda. “I’m not really in a socialising kind of mood, just in case you couldn’t figure that.”

“Hey, there’s no need to be rude. But I do know you like the Southern Highlands, so this could be a good chance to escape.”

Hmm. It could be a good chance to escape. And a good chance to somehow miraculously find Ellie and explain—or try to, anyway—just what had happened. Surely she would be understanding. And if it meant he had to visit every single café over the weekend, then he would. Which was probably exactly what he should’ve done last weekend, instead of allowing himself to get embroiled in a tangle of lies that seemed to be gathering and thickening like a dust storm where the truth was no longer in sight.

He didn’t want to be that man. He wanted to be honest and true, and he knew that if Ellie had been so unfortunate as to see his supposed engagement, then she’d want nothing more to do with him. Which she’d be right to do. If the boot was on the other foot, he wouldn’t want anything to do with her either.

“Ethan? Are you still there?”

“Um, yeah. Okay. That sounds good. I can come down Saturday. Saturday afternoon,” he amended quickly. That’d give him time to scout out a few cafés on the way. Then he could try to visit as many of the others as he could on Sunday after church.

“Oh. Okay. I guess you’re still doing that youth group thing, aren’t you?”

“You know I want to be a youth pastor one day.”

“Please.” She scoffed. “You’d be wasted doing something like that.”

He didn’t have time for this argument again.

“Just make sure you’re here for Saturday night,” she pleaded.

“Why?”

“You don’t need to sound so suspicious. I thought you might appreciate a nice dinner. It’s my way of saying sorry.”

He frowned. His sister, like the rest of his family, rarely said sorry. Still, he was prepared to overlook the surprise. Maybe she was making an effort. He’d go with that, anyway. “Okay, well, thanks for thinking of me. It’ll be nice to breathe some fresh country air.”

“Without any of the horse dung you find on Macquarie Street,” she said. Where his law offices were, across from the state’s parliament.

“Give me something clean and clear, that’s all I’m asking. I’m still waiting for Lucinda to own up to the truth, by the way.”

“Oh, I’m sure she’ll say something soon. Maybe even this weekend!”

He sure hoped his sister didn’t mean that to sound like it did. “Don’t tell me you’ve invited Lucinda to stay as well?”

“Please. Would I do that to you?”

“Yes.”

“Ha. You’re funny. Just make sure you’re here by five. And wear something nice. After last Saturday’s harsh words, I need a chance for our family to feel normal again. Like we love each other.”

“That’d be nice,” he said softly.

“Then don’t be late.”

“I’ll be there. You know I’m a man of my word.”

“Oh, I’m counting on it. See you Saturday.”

“See you then.”

And hopefully he’d have a chance to finally find Ellie and explain things.

Chapter 13