‘That sounds so exciting!’ Sandra erupted. ‘Right up your alley, darling.’
‘You’re actually serious?’ Graham looked directly at Sarah, and she nodded.
‘Trust me, I wish we were lying.’ Matthew rubbed his hands over his face, then turned to Sarah. ‘This one’s been a lifesaver, so far.’
Sandra smiled again. ‘Oh, really?’
‘Honestly, she’s talented and creative and so enthusiastic. She’s going to do wonders.’
‘That’s our girl,’ Graham beamed.
‘Now, Matthew. There’s something you should know about our little Bumblebee . . .’ Sandra started.
‘Mum!’
‘Now, now. Shush, you. Let me speak. Matthew, darling, Sarah will work her fingers to the bone for you. She’s a super organiser, but she’s not great at saying no. Make sure she takes time to slow down.’
‘I’ve worked that out already.’
Sarah’s face was in her hands. ‘Please stop now.’
‘She’s been like this ever since she was a little girl. Did you know, when she was eleven, she intervened at my mum’s Rural New South Wales Women’s Association bake sale? Rearranged the entire floorplan, visual-merchandised most of the stalls and corrected a few baking mishaps. Even berated Mrs Lloyd, the president of the association, for omitting the peppercorns from her pickled cornichons.’
Matthew turned to Sarah, who was still cowering behind her hands. ‘Is that true?’
She nodded sheepishly. ‘I wasthatgirl.’
Matthew erupted in laughter and his hand found the back of her shoulder. Sandra’s grin tightened. ‘That is the best! So, what you’re saying, Sandra, is that she was always destined to boss people around and make things beautiful and delicious?’
‘From the very beginning.’ Sandra’s cheeks beamed with pride. ‘She spent a lot of time with my mum growing up, Matthew. Graham and I would do long days out on the property, and Mum, Sarah’s dear Grammy, was always there for her when she would come home from school. My mum was a master baker and rural cook, won hundreds of awards. Best strawberry jam in Australia in ‘92. Did you know that? There was nothing Mum couldn’t make or do. Taught us all the value of a properly set table, perfectly starched linen and the fact that anything can be either bottled or preserved, if picked at the right moment.’
Matthew couldn’t contain his smile. ‘You’ll be happy to know that your mum’s legacy is living on in this one.’ He gave Sarah a playful shove.
Sarah looked between her fingers at the screen. ‘Is it over yet?’
Graham suddenly piped up. ‘She made the costumes for her Year 6 Christmas pantomime, Matthew. Cut up all our tea towels to make the headpieces for the Three Wise Men. Did she tell you that?’
‘Ok. Enough!’ Sarah erupted, half laughing, half wincing. ‘Thiswas notthe point of the conversation today.’
‘I’ve got all day,’ Matthew said, pretending to stretch and crack his knuckles.
‘She’s great on a tractor too, Matthew!’ Graham added. ‘She’s not afraid of the rumble!’
‘Dad!’ Sarah’s neck and cheeks were hot.
‘We miss you, Bumblebee. That’s all.’ Sandra’s head dropped to the side as she surveyed her only child on the screen. ‘Proud of you, sweetheart.’
‘Anyway, it’s pretty late for you guys. I just wanted to touch base and let you know where things were at with us, and for you to meet Matthew.’
‘Thank you, it was great to meet you, Matthew. Take care of her for us.’ Graham looked at Matthew with genuine respect. ‘Look after each other.’
‘Will do.’
Sarah blew her parents a kiss then closed the laptop.
There was a moment of silence between them before Matthew said, ‘I can see where you get it from.’
‘Get what?’
