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‘“See” is the operative word, hey. Letters and phone calls are all very well but it’s nice to see how you are. A bit of grey coming through.’ He playfully ruffled Alec’s unruly hair. ‘How’s things going?’
‘Pretty busy. Life at Uni isn’t what it used to be. It’s all ‘user pays’ these days.’
‘Sounds tough.’
‘Teaching staff is working its butt off. Day and night lectures, overcrowded lecture rooms. I’ve very little time for pure research these days. So much for the ‘clever country.’ Alec realised he sounded like a stuck record of complaints and hadn’t asked after his friends. ‘Sorry. How’s it going with you lot?’
‘I’ve also been busy. But lately the number of contracts has fallen away sharply. I’ve been doing some contract work in Indonesia. Gold exploration is picking up there.’
Shelley tried to change the subject. ‘Doesn’t Carolyn look stunning? Clever girl too. I hear she got her Honours degree at this year’s graduation. She has turned out well in spite of everything, hasn’t she? You must be very proud of her.’
Alec looked at his daughter bride as she mingled amongst the guests. She had much of her mother in her, including the blue eyes and ash-blonde hair.
‘Yes, I am, very proud. Not only Honours but First Class Honours, only one in the class.’
‘She’s done really well,’ echoed Petri.
Alec continued. ‘It’s hard for me to realise she is now a married woman. The years have flown.’
The three watched the bride for a moment. Then Shelley asked, ‘What about you, Alec? Never found anyone to take your heart in the last decade or so?’ It was a genuine and caring question. She still retained a soft spot for the man she almost married.
He smiled. It was a question that didn’t need an answer.
The string trio on the veranda struck up a tune.
‘Ah, Mozart,’ said Petri.
‘But do you know which?’ asked Shelley.
Petri cocked his head towards the group of musicians. ‘Mmm. It sounds like one of the movements from his Serenade in D, ‘Haffner.’ Am I right?’
Shelley patted his leg. ‘Spot on, genius. It’s one of the Menuettos. Not sure which though.’
Alec looked at his two friends. A more suited pair he couldn’t imagine. ‘I see it’s almost time for speeches. Carolyn is calling me over. Excuse me, see you later.’ Alec stood up, smiled at his friends and walked over to his daughter who was standing next Isaac.
The trio played on.
