AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I nodded to the crowd. “Well, you better go have a chat with Norah with an H. She’s about to get a fast-tracked membership to the left-handed society.”
He looked over and, sure enough, there was Norah, first in line with the crocs. Paul sighed. “Ah, jeez.” Then his eyes met mine again. “It’s good to see you again, Derek.”
Then he got up and went over to the crowd and I tried to catch my breath.
It hadn’t gone terribly. In fact, it was a miracle he’d even spoken to me at all, so I was taking it as a win.
I still didn’t know if he was seeing someone. Or hell, he could even be married for all I knew.
There was that sick feeling again.
Needing to distract myself, I got up and stood at the handrail. I figured if someone was going to lose a limb, then I’d want the best view possible.
CHAPTER THREE
PAUL
Derek hadn’t changed muchat all. He still had that dark gallows humour. He was still the brooding type, still a pessimist by nature, still pouty and still cute as hell.
I had so many questions to ask him.
He said he had an office job now, which didn’t seem like him at all. But there was something else in his eyes. A resignation, a sadness. He’d always been a wallower. His glass was always half empty. That’s just how he was.
He still had no tolerance for stupidity, and he never was a fan of people in general. But he’d always been insightful and thoughtful, and the few he let into his world, he treated like kings.
He didn’t trust easily, and I’d thrown that back in his face.
Well, inadvertently. I hadn’t meant to hurt him so much. But he’d trusted me, and I’d left him.
I could only imagine the wreckage I’d left behind.
He’d have put up more walls, maybe hated people a little more. And for that I was sorry.
He really was a wonderful guy—once you got past the prickles and barbs. I’d always said he was like a Bougainvillea: beautiful and sweet, thrived in the right conditions, but covered in thorns that would tear you to shreds with one wrong move.
He seemed even thornier now, and maybe that was my fault.
But still, it was so good to see him.
The crocodile cruise ended without any fatalities—thank god. We had some lunch where we got to know each other a little more. I got the feeling Marit spoke better English than Kari because she did most of the talking, and Norah became the mum of the group. She was nice enough, just had a very strong personality. Derek didn’t say much and kept himself a safe distance from conversations. He wasn’t rude, just happy to stick to his introverted self.
And we were soon back on the road, leaving the Arnhem Highway before we got to Jabiru and headed off-road. I gave the clients a bit of a guided tour, pointing out sights of interest and answering any questions.
My camp was a permanent campsite, with what one might call luxury or ‘glamping’ tents. They were technically eco-domes with solar power. Each had an elevated wooden floor, a camp bed or two, power outlets, and mesh walls that could open up to let in the breeze. They were spacious enough, had a small private bathroom each, and were decked out with fairy lights for ambience, with a small deck out the front to take in the spectacular view.
There was a common covered area where we’d do all our cooking and eating and a fire pit for the cooler nights. The campsite was on top of a ridge looking out over the wetlands, which weren’t too wet at this time of year. There were rocky escarpments to the right, quite a hike up to the top but worth it for the view. And there was a nice billabong and swimming hole further along the track to the left.
It was the perfect spot.
Not a soul for miles, which some people found a little worrying. I freaking loved it.
I had everyone grab their bags from the Cruiser with instructions. “Tent number one is a double so, Kari and Marit, that’s you. Norah, you’re in tent two. Derek, you’re in tent three. I’m in tent four if you need me. There is always fresh fruit, crackers, and water in the communal kitchen. Help yourself at any time.”
I gave them rules and instructions about safety and reminded them to never leave the camp without a backpack with water and emergency supplies. Even if they only intended to walk for five minutes. There was no room for mistakes out here.
None.
They all nodded and went off to their allocated tents. Giving them some time to get settled and freshen up usually gave me enough time to unpack the Cruiser. I plugged in the satellite phone to charge as I always did, and put the supplies away.
