“Wow,” is all I can utter as I take it in.
“Beautiful, right? I was so lucky to have found this,” Fleur beams as she also gazes out, taking in the surroundings. “I’ll give you the tour.”
Walking through the house, it’s Fleur all over. Bold yet understated. No need to be over the top when the natural beauty is so present. The dark wood flows through the minimalist house, taking centre stage. We end the tour out the back at a large spa under the patio.
Fleur gestures with her hand. “You can change in the bathroom there. I’ll pop in and get some drinks.”
Stepping into the “bathroom” is ridiculous. Yes, it has a bathroom, but there is a long bench and storage, akin to a locker room setup. I set my bag down and change into my bikini taking a few steps around before Sophia comes in to change too.
“Insane, hey?”
“It’s amazing!”
“Go around that corner. Check it out,” she encourages.
I continue with my surveying and find a huge sauna and a room with a massage table setup.
Coming back into the locker room, Sophia is in her bikini and nods to me. “Brilliant setup, right?”
“Yeah! Sucks she has to leave this for majority of the year.”
Sophia nods. “It would definitely make it hard for me to leave. Guess that’s why she bought here. She can spend the most time of the year here; off-season, preseason, and the first month of the season here.”
“Makes sense.”
We hear the rattle of glasses being placed down outside, and head out to see Fleur setting out some juice, water, and snacks for us around the spa.
“Let’s get in and relax!” Fleur exclaims, already in her bikini and waving towards the spa.
The water is the perfect temperature. Even though it's February and warm under the Victorian sun, this is on the south coast of Melbourne, and the cool air from Antarctica ensures it’s nottoo hot.
The view is hard to pull your eyes away from. Rolling green hills surround the house. In the distance, moving black blobs of the far neighbouring cows mind their own business. I could get lost here.
“How has Riley been to room with?” Sophia asks.
“Great! We get along well, so it’s not been an issue,” I reply.
“Has he mentioned his sister at all?” Fleur asks.
“Just that Kiara is normally here with him. Did they have a falling out? Is that why she isn’t here?”
Fleur and Sophia share a look.
“It’s not our place to say. I’m sure he’ll explain what happened when he’s ready,” Fleur replies, and I can see a regretful look pass over her face.
“That was so sweet of him to offer you his spare room,” Sophia gushes.
“Yeah, but that’s Riley, right?” Fleur adds.
“I was wondering if he was legit with that. Like, who does that?” I ask.
“Riley is really considerate when he’s not being an annoying little brother-type,” Fleur replies and we all laugh in agreement.
“Do you have any of your family around here?” I direct to Fleur.
“Nah. I’ve never had a good relationship with them, so I stay to myself. Haven’t spoken to them since I was a teenager.” Fleur looks out to the rolling hills and squints against the sun behind her sunglasses, the silence falling thick between us for several minutes.
“Sorry. It’s all good. They just aren’t nice people. Better to keep them out so I can focus on myself and my career.”
