‘You never know,’ Richard says hopefully.
I decide to indulge him and unclick my seatbelt. He follows me up the gravel footpath to the front door. Instinctively I put my hand on the doorknob and turn it. When it opens I halt in surprise. Michael never used to lock it if he was in. I quickly and quietly close it again and then knock, nerves swirling around my stomach. I’m not prepared for this.
Moments later, the door opens and Michael stands there, his face registering puzzlement, recognition and finally, delight.
‘Lily!’ he booms. ‘Is it really you?’
I nod, smiling. ‘Yes, it’s me.’ Before I can speak the words he’s got me in a bear hug.
‘What are you doing here?’ He clutches my arms and beams down at me.
‘We came back for Kevin Stamford’s funeral. You know, Tammy and Shane’s dad?’
‘Aah, yes. Such a shock,’ he empathises, glancing at Richard.
‘This is Richard,’ I say, as he lets me go and shakes Richard’s hand.
‘Hello, there! I’ve heard all about you from my son. Did Josh know you were coming back?’
‘I haven’t had a chance to tell him yet. Is he going to the funeral?’
‘I imagine so. Come in, come in! Can I get you a cuppa?’
‘You certainly can.’ How could I refuse? ‘When I didn’t see your truck, I thought you must be at work,’ I say, once we’re seated in the kitchen around the same old table, covered with the same green plastic tablecloth.
‘No, Janine’s got the ute today.’
‘How is she?’ I ask.
‘She’s great.’ He smiles. ‘She’ll be sorry she missed you.’
‘Please give her my best.’
‘I will, darl.’ I don’t want to talk about the conservation park, so I’m horrified when he continues. ‘She never did understand why you quit work like that.’ I shift uncomfortably in my seat, ever aware of Richard’s presence beside me. ‘She always said you had a way with the koalas. I think she thought you’d return one day, but I guess you’ve moved on to bigger and better things. Josh says you work in publishing now?’
‘I wouldn’t say it’s bigger or better,’ I start to protest.
‘Sounds pretty exciting to me,’ Michael says.
‘I’m just a receptionist,’ I add lamely.
‘Just a receptionist,’ Richard scoffs, then to Michael, ‘she’s too modest.’
‘She always was,’ Michael agrees with a knowing look. ‘What about you, Richard? What do you do?’
I would give anything to ask after Ben, but I can’t.
‘Whydidyou quit?’ Richard asks when we’re back in the car.
‘I was starting school, it was no big deal.’ I brush him off. ‘What did you think of him? He’s nice, isn’t he?’
Richard nods. ‘Yeah. Really nice.’
‘I can’t believe my mum dumped him.’
He raises his eyebrows. ‘No comment.’
I grin, relieved I’m off the hook with the questioning. ‘Where to, now?’
