I have mixed feelings as I pull up outside the Carters’ on Sunday afternoon for the regular family dinner. When I was a teenager, I loved getting invited to these dinners. The feeling of family, the laughing and teasing was something I never got at home. It was one of the things I missed the most when I was away.
The closeness the Carters have is something I never had with my family, having been an only child until the ripe old age of sixteen, when my brother was born courtesy of wife number three. In fact, I haven’t even called my father since I’ve been home. Or my mother. And they haven’t called me. I did send them both a text before I left London, letting them know when I’d be back in Sydney. All I got was a thumbs-up emoji from my father. Nada from my mother.
Tonight though, I feel uncomfortable. Greer will be there. I’ve managed to avoid Family Night, as it’s called, since I’ve been home, but after the auction, Will had given me a guilt trip, saying Harry and Stella would want to celebrate with me. So here I am. In reality, what I’ve been avoiding is spending too much time with Greer. The last thing a woman like her needs is a man like me. She needs someone who will settle down and give her the sort of family life she’s used to. And that sure as shit isn’t me.
Dinner is served outside, taking advantage of the unseasonably balmy weather, and as cold creeps in, the patio heaters are turned on to keep us warm.
“Tell us about this place you’ve bought,” suggests Harry as he scoops generous amounts of salad onto his plate. “Will says it needs a bit of work?”
“Yeah. A bit might be an understatement. I’d say a lot of work is more accurate. But it’s in a great location, and I think it has a lot of potential.” I’m happy to talk about my new house and avoid anything too personal. “Since it’s a deceased estate, I’m hoping to rush through settlement so I can move in sooner rather than later. I guess timing depends on how much work I decide to do on it.”
“What made you buy a renovator’s delight, Josh? I thought you’d rent a shiny new apartment to impress the women.” Ethan, who is making a rare appearance at family dinner, waggles his eyebrows and gives me a cheeky leer, which earns him a light slap from his girlfriend, Jessie. Ethan is working on his PhD and always seems to be away at some sort of conference or project to do with his work. It’s nice to see him for once, even if he is giving me shit.
“You know, I really don’t know. I started out looking for a place to rent. Standing outside the real estate office, I spotted this house in the window and somehow, when I went inside, instead of asking to see some rentals I asked to see the house.”
I came home to put down serious roots. I need a life. A real one of my own. Outside of work and partying. Although I took myself a little bit by surprise with the suddenness of my decision, this house feels like the right first step.
“What are you planning on doing with it?” asks Stella, passing a basket of bread.
“I’m not sure. The house is big enough for me, but because of the state it’s in I’m going to have to do some structural repairs. Greer suggested I do a bit of an extension while I’m at it for resale value.” As Greer rightly pointed out, it makes absolute financial sense, even if I don’t need the space. “She even did a preliminary sketch of some ideas, which was great.”
“Well, you need to look no further for an architect, you know.” Harry beams at his daughter. “Greer can take care of your plans. You won’t find anyone better.”
“Dad, don’t put Josh on the spot. He might not want me to do it. Maybe he wants someone more experienced,” Greer interrupts, then turns to me. “Don’t feel obliged, Josh.”
“Nonsense. Josh is practically family. It would save him a lot of money, which I’m sure would be welcome,” Harry blusters.
“You did offer after the auction, Gee.” Will reminds her of the white lie she told.
I can feel Greer’s embarrassment and her silent begging of Ethan for help.
“Dad’s right, you know,” Ethan agrees with Harry, “Greer’s got a really great eye and lots of ideas. You might as well take advantage of connections if you have them.”
“Josh, please. I don’t want you to feel …” I can see Greer is embarrassed by their insistence, but I know from what she said at the open house and the auction that she would love to get her teeth into making it a great piece of real estate. Or a home. And they’re probably right. Greer is smart and creative. It’s my fault the idea of having to work closely with her hits me right in the boxer briefs.
“I’m sure Greer won’t have time to look at a little project like mine. She’ll be too busy anyway when she gets a job.” I make one final half-hearted attempt, but Harry’s having none of it.
“Rubbish. She hasn’t found anything she likes yet, so she’s got plenty of time on her hands, haven’t you, sweetheart?” Harry pats Greer’s arm.
“Cut it out, Dad. It’s up to Josh.”
“Well, that’s settled then. I can’t wait to see the house and the plans.” Harry beams and tucks back into his food with his usual enthusiasm.
Greer gives me an embarrassed frown across the table. We’ve both been trampled by Harry, who is a force of nature, and used to getting his way. I don’t know how she feels, but I’m conflicted. Based on the sketches she’s already shown me and what I know to be true of the ability of her whole family, I know she’ll do a great job on the house. And a great renovation could make me a big profit when I come to sell. The problem is, being with Greer makes me nervous, and spending time alone together seems like a dangerous idea.
After we finish dinner, Greer catches me in the hallway while everyone else is clearing the plates.
“Look, Josh, about the house. Please don’t feel obliged. Dad put you in an awful position. I completely understand if you want to use someone else.”
“Yeah, I don’t think that would fly with Harry.” Which is the lesser of two evils? Upsetting Harry or spending time with Greer?
“Don’t worry about Dad. I can handle him.”
“I don’t want to take advantage—”
“Oh, please. I’d love to do it. I have so many ideas already. It’s up to you, though.”
“Well, if you’re sure? I’d love you to draw something up for me. I’ve got no idea what I want. I’ll probably be a nightmare to work with, but I really liked the sketch you did.” The words are out before I even realise what I’m saying.Shit. Am I crazy? I had no sooner decided I would call Greer tomorrow and somehow back out of the deal when suddenly I’m saying, ‘Yeah, let’s go.’ I should be jumping at the chance to escape. Too late now. Greer seems thrilled. And damn if it doesn’t look good on her. Fuck.
