Page 62 of Return to the Waratah Inn

“She’s doing a little better today. It’s just the flu. Duncan’s with the kids now. He said I should get out of the house for a few hours. So, thanks for agreeing to meet me for lunch. I really needed a change of scenery and to do something for myself.”

“I’m glad you called,” Bindi said. “I haven’t seen much of you lately.”

They each ordered a drink, and then Bindi leaned back in her chair to enjoy the ocean breeze. The day was milder than usual, but the heat still left a coating of sweat down her back. The wind whipped across the ocean, onto the shore, helping to cool everything down.

“How is Duncan?”

“He’s great. He’s really enjoying his work, and he’s planning his next trip overseas for Doctors Without Borders. He’s also enjoying foster parenting. The kids respond far better to him than they do to me, which seems entirely unfair since I’m the one spending all of my time with them.”

Bindi offered her a sympathetic look. “Sorry to hear that. I think it’s probably part of being a mum.”

“Do you really believe that? Or am I just terrible at it?”

Bindi snorted. “Come on. Of course you’re not terrible. That’s impossible. Don’t you remember how we were with Mum? You used to give her such a hard time.”

“Me? Really? I don’t remember it that way.” Reeda frowned.

Bindi shook her head. “I recall a lot of arguments between the two of you. And then when Dad came home, you’d be easy as.”

Reeda grunted. “I guess maybe you’re right. Why is that?”

“Mum’s the safe place for kids to land. They want Dad to like them, but they already know Mum does.”

“But I’m not really their mother. At least, that’s what Simone keeps telling me, anyway. She’s adamant about it. Doesn’t want there to be any confusion on the matter.” Reeda pursed her lips.

“I realise they have a mother, but you’re playing that role right now. And maybe they’re testing you—to see if you’ll still be there for them, or if you’ll push them away when things get difficult. You have to remember, they’ve been given up on too many times now. It’s going to be hard for them to trust.”

“How did you get so wise?” Reeda asked.

“It’s a gift,” Bindi said with a solemn shake of the head. Then she laughed as Reeda playfully slapped her arm. “No, really—this is basic psychology. I took some classes at university. I vaguely recall them teaching us something along those lines.”

“It makes sense, I guess.”

The waitress brought their drinks and set them on the small table between them. Bindi took a sip of her margarita, and then the two of them ordered their lunch. While they waited, they chatted about the inn, and baby Noah—both agreed he was adorable and couldn’t wait to see him again. And both wondered what was going on with Mima.

“She’s been so quiet lately, which is completely unlike her,” Bindi said.

Reeda shrugged. “I wouldn’t worry too much. She’s bound to tell us if it’s anything important. She can’t keep it to herself for long. And how are things with your studies? Have you started yet?”

Their food arrived. Bindi had ordered the battered cod and chips while Reeda had a chicken Parmesan. Bindi covered the fish and chips with vinegar and extra salt.

“I went to my first class on Monday. It was strange to be back at university again. It feels so different this time around—I’m considered a mature-aged student, if you can believe it.”

Reeda huffed. “You’re getting so old, Bindi.”

“I feel it around all these teenagers. But it was good. I’ve already made a group of friends there.”

“Well done. That was fast.”

“Actually, there’s a man who knew me from my time in Melbourne. He approached me when I was on campus a few weeks ago.”

“Oh, really? What’s his name?”

“Brett Dunn.”

“Do you remember him?”

“No, I’m not sure how he knows me, I don’t recall meeting him. I think he probably saw me on TV.”