Page 14 of Andrew’s Outback Love

I tagged along behind Joe as he showed me through the various rooms. All had been meticulously restored with respect to the original era. Heritage colors of green, red and cream were prevalent throughout, not only in the painting of walls but also in the various fittings such as wall sconces. Large artworks hung from thick picture rails, it had been years since I’d been in a home with both picture and chair rails. They added detailed authenticity to the interior. Curtains were heavy fabric to guard against the heat of the day. Original floorboards were polished although chips and scratches had been left unrepaired and told tales of when women in stiletto heels, children in gumboots, men in heavy work boots had all crossed the floors. I was sure, each mark had its own story to tell. Would we ever know what they were? Probably not but we could imagine.

In the bathroom was an ancient clawfoot tub which took pride of place in the centre, a post emerged from the floor with dual taps attached at the top. The tiles were in green threaded with cream and all fittings were brass colored. We finished the tour and Joe led me back to the kitchen where the ladies sat at a large table, enjoying a chat over coffee. Edna stood as we entered.

“Coffee, Drew?”

“Yes, please.”

“Pull up a seat,” Joe instructed as he sat in the chair at the head of the table.

I sat beside Linda and waited for Edna to place my coffee and Joe’s tea on the table before us. Once she was seated, Joe leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table, cradling the warm mug in his hands.

“So, let’s get down to business, Drew. You want to buy and I want to sell my home to you.”

“Would you like us to leave you to discuss this in private?” Linda started to stand, I placed a hand on her arm.

“No, there are no secrets out here. People will find out in record time that Joe has sold and for how much.”

Linda relaxed back in her chair and Joe resumed speaking.

“When Gary rang and I told Edna you were coming to look at the property, she told me to sell to you for whatever you could afford. We’re old now and don’t need much so we aren’t wedded to the asking price. It was a ballpark figure the Real Estate gave me when I asked them what they thought it was worth. I knocked the thousands off that I knew they’d charge because I wanted to sell it myself. I guess in a way, you could say I wanted to audition the new owner. Like Edna, I was pleased as punch when I heard you might be interested. I hear the gossip about how good you are with people here, all people. How you waive your fees for those who can’t afford it. I know in my heart you would respect this land and take care of it how it should be. You’re a well-respected young man who fits into this community exceptionally well.”

“Thanks, Joe, you flatter me.”

“Not at all, son. I’d be proud to have you as the new owner so how about we settle on a million, even?”

“A million?” I could barely wrap my head around such a low figure. It would mean, when I decided to sell and move here permanently, I wouldn’t owe a cent. Problem was, there was no way I could let Joe and Edna sell their home for so little. “I appreciate that, Joe, but it’s too low.”

“Listen to me, young man....” Edna’s tone sounded sharp and I turned to meet her stare. We paid $22,000 for this place from Joe’s dad back when we were first married more than fifty years ago. It’s given us a good life, a good living. Our daughter married well, so she certainly doesn’t need our money.” All we need now is enough to buy a small place in town and a bit of money to travel, visit a few places we’ve always wanted to see. Providing Joe’s hip is good after the replacement, otherwise I’ll go without him.

We all broke into laughter at the horrified expression on Joe’s face at his wife’s statement.

“Anyway, like Joe says, a million is more than enough for us. We’d be honored to have you as the new owner, Drew. It would give us both piece of mind that the property is being taken care of. And, I could visit and see the old girl now and again.”

I didn’t know what to say. I barely knew these people and they were willing to knock hundreds of thousands off the price of their home for me. I shouldn’t have been surprised, it was how people were out in these parts. I glanced over to Ruby and then to Linda, both women had tears in their eyes and I felt a lump lodge in my throat. I stood, rounded the table to Edna, pulled her from the chair and into my arms. I planted a kiss on her cheek before shaking hands with Joe.

“Done. I’ll have the bank organize it all as soon as I return to Sydney. You’re both welcome here at any time, we can flash up the barbie. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am. This really is my dream come true.” My voice began to crack with emotion as I thanked them and when Edna pulled me against her, a tear slid down my cheek.

Joe banged on the table as he stood, causing Edna and I, and I suspect the two nurses, to jump in fright. “Champagne all round!”

Edna released me and went to search out glasses. Ruby and Linda both stood and gave me a hug. The time I had Linda in my arms was far too brief. Signals were ricocheting through me like a new form of Morse code with her touch and I found myself wanting more, much more.

“How about we all go out to dinner and celebrate?” I asked.

“Not us, you youngsters go and enjoy yourselves.”

“I can’t. Auntie and Uncle are coming over.” Ruby gave me a knowing smile.

“I guess it’s you and me then, Linda.”

“Looks that way.”

I was thrilled she’d accepted the invitation to eat with me. Just the two of us. Alone.

“Right, let’s have this champagne so I can get Ruby home in time for her visitors.”

Joe poured the amber liquid, we all clinked glasses and raised them in the air as he said – “to the property and her new owner.”

I took a sip of the bubbly liquid and smiled. I’d never been so happy.