“I work atMaxwell’s, a burlesque club on K’ Road in Auckland,” Susan said in a firm voice while staring straight into the camera. “I take care of the accounts and wages and also dance on stage several nights a week.”
“You’re a stripper,” Nolan said.
“Well,” said Josie.
“I didn’t see that coming,” Eric said. “She looks like such a goody-two-shoes.”
The frisson of interest in Tyler grew and he couldn’t tear his eyes off the screen. This was the first woman to attract his curiosity since Rebecca stomped all over his heart. A snort escaped him, attracting a quizzical glance from Josie.
“Do you disapprove?” she asked.
Tyler shook his head, ears peeled to hear every word from the little lady.
“You really need to educate yourself about burlesque,” Susan said. “Burlesque is not the same as stripping.”
“But you do perform on a stage.”
“Yes, I do, and I’m rather good at it.Maxwell’sis a very busy place.” Her chin lifted and she spoke with pride.
“I like this woman,” Eric said. “I like her backbone. She’s a bit flustered, but she’s holding her own.”
Nolan stared at her for a long moment, and Tyler almost wished he was watching the show in the presence of his mother. She’d made her disapproval very clear when he’d announced Rebecca was pregnant. He could only imagine what she thought about this Susan’s announcement. His mother was concerned with appearances and still didn’t speak to Tyler, even though he and Rebecca had ended up getting married.
“I wonder if you’d find the countryside a little quiet,” Nolan said. “We don’t have shops or movie theatres or clubs.”
“I’m open to trying new things,” Susan countered. “I’ve never lived in the country, but I’m sure I’ll find things to keep myself amused.”
TheFarmer Seeks a Wifewent to an ad break, leaving Tyler’s mind free to wander. He could think of countless ways to help keep Susan amused, and none of them included his older brother.
“I like her too,” Josie said. “I’d love to meet her in person, although I don’t suppose we’ll get a chance after her bombshell.” She darted a quick glance at Tyler.
“Just say it,” he said. “Mum is probably having conniptions and stressing about what Reverend Jacobs and the rest of the churchie people are going to say.”
Eric let out a rude snort. “Clare’s morals police will get good mileage, that’s for sure.”
“My lips are sealed.” Josie made a lip buttoning motion. “I’m staying far away from the gossip vine. I’m not even going to give into the temptation to prune, although I hate to think about the character assassination of that poor girl. Anyone for more tea?”
“Not for me, thanks,” Tyler said. “I’ll just look in on Katey and make sure she hasn’t snuck out of bed to play with her doll’s house again.”
“I’ll pause the show if it starts before you come back,” Eric said. “We don’t want to miss a thing.”
Tyler strode down the dark passage leading to his daughter’s bedroom and pushed open the door. Katey’s nightlight, resplendent with unicorns, lent a warm glow to the room. His heart twisted on seeing her amidst a herd of soft toys and one semi-bald doll. Katey’s golden blonde hair—Rebecca’s hair—spread across her pillow and a quiet whistle sounded each time she breathed.
Rebecca.
The woman was everywhere even though she’d died two years ago now.
He sighed and backed out of his daughter’s room. So many memories…
“The show has just started,” Eric said when Tyler skirted the glass-topped coffee table to reclaim his seat on the couch.
“There are some attractive girls,” Tyler said as they watched the segment featuring a farmer from Otago and his group of women. “The city men must be doing something wrong.”
“Which ones do you think he’ll choose?” Josie asked.
“A blonde one,” Tyler said promptly and laughed when Josie prodded him in the ribs. “What? You haven’t noticed most of the women in his group are blonde?”
“Of course I noticed,” Josie said. “Which blondes will he choose?”
