Page 19 of Third Time’s a Charm

“Well, you know, it’s tough for John to get away …” Louise murmurs.

There’s a wheezy laugh.

“I love your company spirit, Lou. But you and I both know he’s not interested in getting his fancy shoes dirty. Not that it makes a difference to us. We’d rather see your smiling face than some stiff in a suit.”

There’s silence for a moment before Louise responds. “I have high hopes for this guy, Phil.”

A wave of guilt sweeps over me. It’s not in my nature to lie to people, especially good people like Louise and Phil and Marty. But my hands are tied by that damn NDA.

I just have to hope the data I’m busy gathering and the numbers I’m busy crunching will mean I can convince Tate to give the business one last shot.

There’s a rumbling growl from Phil.

“He could do with the branch up his arse being taken out, but he does seem to know his stuff.”

I roll my eyes. If I had a bottle of wine for every time someone had said that about me, I’d have a cellar to rival Milestii Mici.

Louise giggles. “Yes, he does. And it’s early days, but I think he’s on board with our plans.”

“So he should be, lass. You’re a clever clogs, you are.”

That she is, I think to myself. A clever clogs, and so much more.

Chapter Eleven

Louise

By the time we’re finished for the day, we’ve visited four wineries and two gourmet food producers. The very generous boot of this four-wheel-drive is loaded with boxes, as I knew it would be.

I direct Jasper to the little weatherboard cottage a block back from the main road that I’ve booked us for the night.

I’m on the road a lot. I love Australian country towns. What I don’t love is soulless chain motels.

In the four years I’ve been making this trip, I’ve developed relationships with the owners of boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts. Restaurants and cafés as well as the wine and produce growers. Which means I almost never have to stay in a chain motel.

My favourite little cottage in Cowra normally has a two-night minimum, but since I’m generally here on a week-night, the owners let that slide.

We pull up in the short driveway next to the final remnants of the fat yellow roses that line the garden. One of the best things about staying here, apart from the wonderful scent of the roses, is the short walk to the main street of Cowra, where there are enough good pubs and restaurants to please all tastes. Or, since there’s a living and dining room, I can get takeaway, stay in and watch Netflix if I’m tired.

It’s not until we’re inside the tiny cottage that I realise I may have made a slight tactical error.

And no, it’s not that there’s only one bed. There are two bedrooms. Both with super comfy double beds—I’ve tried them both—but it’s small and there’s only one bathroom. I expect Jasper is used to much fancier digs. I can’t imagine the quaint and quirky décor being his vibe, but it’s too late to worry about that now. And I wouldn’t change it if I could. Because supporting my friends is important to me.

“Is there a reason we’re not staying at one of the many motels we passed on the way here?” he asks, stopping in the middle of the lounge room.

I try to ignore my burning cheeks.

“Well, I don’t really like motels, actually. Especially the big chain ones. I’d rather support local businesses. This one is owned by Phil’s cousin and her wife.”

Jasper doesn’t reply, but I track his eyes as they rove over the furniture, the artwork, the fresh flowers on the table. A handwritten note of welcome and an offer to catch up for breakfast tomorrow at our favourite café is propped against the vase.

“I’m away a lot. This is less like being alone. More like, I don’t know, visiting friends, I guess.” I shrug.

It’s impossible to tell what Jasper thinks of my explanation. He makes no comment, other than to ask which bedroom I prefer.

“Oh, either is fine. You take your pick. I don’t mind.”

Which is not true, actually. I do have a preference. On face value, the two bedrooms are almost identical, but one of them has a massive rose bush under the window. And at this time of year, the last of the blooms are giving off a magnificent fragrance.