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She was also Amanda’s best friend. And I’d been the little brother who’d tagged along, hoping for the attention of the girl next door.
Four years ago, her attention had turned red hot, and then we’d crossed a line, and we hadn’t been friends since.
“Rosie! Rosie! There you are!” Her mother’s voice made me jump back.
Rosie stepped away too, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “Mama, what’s wrong?”
“I meet new doctor. Harry. He is single, and he is perfect for Maria. He will be at Amanda and Stuart’s welcome party at the pub.”
My phone pinged in my pocket, and I fished it out.
Stacey: Dr Harry has offered to drive me to the pub. He also insists I should eat.
Me: you should eat. Food is necessary to do the things, you know.
Huh.Well, well, well.I’d sworn somethingwason with Stacey and Harry.
Me: Go and eat with the doc. I’ll find grandad cec and take him home.
Stacey: I checked with home. Ryan and mum said they are doing okay.
Me: go. Enjoy yourself. I’ve got this.
“We will go now. We need to meet consultant at the vineyard. Very sad about our neighbour Mrs Hughes. You will miss her.”
“I didn’t really know her. Not like Stacey did.” I paused, reflecting on a memory of being a tween boy intimidated by a confident, elderly woman. “To be honest, I was convinced she was a witch for most of my childhood and teens.”
Rosie spluttered a laugh, and my mouth twitched. “A witch? Amanda and I said she was a witch when you were like twelve or something.”
Rosie was right. It was the last bonfire BBQ our family had hosted because the fire came soon after.
“What?” Mama Z looked mortified. “Why do you say this, Rosie?”
“Mama, I was fifteen,” Rosie offered.
“Obsessed withCharmedre-runs on TV,” I added.
Rosie smiled. “Yes, I was. Best show ever.” She cleared her throat. “Mama, Mrs Hughes used to talk to her garden statues. Amanda and I thought she was a witch for years.”
That did not impress Mama Z. “You made fun of a lonely old lady!”
“No, Mum we didn’t. We were kind of terrified of her. But she did make the most sensational cakes.”
“Amen to that,” I murmured. “And I don’t think Mrs Hughes minded us thinking she was a witch. I believe she enjoyed it.”
Mama Z gave me a sad smile. “I remember I made you cake as a boy. These days I no see you.” She pulled me in for another hug, and I let her, stiff and awkward. “Come over and I make tea. We talk. Maybe I make you cake.”
I nodded, even though I wouldn’t visit. I hadn’t seen Mama and Mr Zanetti since I’d finished school and left for uni, except in passing at the shops or community event. Being at the Zanetti winery and home was too close to the memories of Rosie.
“Goodbye, Tom. Rosie, we go now. Say goodbye.”
I sucked in a deep breath, trying to stem the rise of panic. Although the wind was fresh, a bead of sweat formed at my temple. My cheeks flushed hot. This felt final. That the hot mess we’d made on my eighteenth birthday couldn’t be fixed. That there was no spell to reverse all of this and return everything to normal.
Rosie was engaged. She had a future ahead of her with a man she loved. And I needed to move on.
So I beat her to it. “Goodbye, Rosie.” My voice cracked on her name. I stared at my dress shoes that barely saw the light of day, unable to look her in the eye.
“Goodbye, Tom.”
