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She turned to watch the children digging in the sandpit; they seemed like such a happy little family.
‘Let’s order. I’ve got a couple of hours before I have to go.’ Ellie shrugged. ‘It’s been a bit of a complicated week.’
‘Want to talk about it?’ Gina put her hand on Ellie’s arm. ‘I’m a good listener.’
And she was a good listener. As they ate, Ellie found herself opening up to this woman she had only just met. Mostly family stuff, and how she missed her sisters; nothing about her fears.
Binny and Andrew squabbled around them as the two women ate their lunch. Ellie stretched her feet out on the comfortable day bed and yawned as she handed her empty plate to one of the bar staff.
‘It’s going to be a long drive to Darwin.’
‘Do you have to go?’ Gina leaned back on her chair.
‘No, but I want to.’
‘Anything to do with that good-looking guy I saw you with in the bistro last night?’
Ellie sat up. ‘I didn’t see you there.’
Gina laughed and warmth ran up into Ellie’s cheeks. ‘From what I saw when we left, you weren’t seeing much past the guy who was with you. Boyfriend?’
Ellie shook her head. ‘Just one of the guys from work.’
‘Hmm.’ Gina’s voice was soft. ‘He’d like to be. You should have seen the way he was looking at you.’
Ellie’s face burned as a small tendril of hope unfurled in her chest. ‘We’re just friends.’
Gina had a pretty laugh ‘That’s what I used to say when I first met David.’
‘Seriously, I’m not going to get involved with anyone.’
Gina grinned at her. ‘Can I give you a piece of advice? When you meet someone and you have that instant attraction, don’t let go of it. Life’s too short.’
‘I’ve only known him a week.’
‘I knew David was the man for me an hour after I met him.’ Gina leaned forward. ‘Don’t make the same mistake I did. Don’t fight it, Ellie.’
Ellie squared her jaw. ‘I’m not strong enough to get involved with anyone, Gina. I don’t think I could stand the pain of losing them.’
Gina reached over and took her hand and Ellie stared down at their joined hands. Gina’s were soft and nicely manicured, very different to her square-cut unpainted nails.
‘You’ve lost somebody in your life?’
‘My father. I don’t want to risk that grief again.’
Gina looked up, and her eyes were sad. ‘Life is one big risk, but if you don’t take that risk, Ellie, it’s not living.’
Chapter 19
Wednesday afternoon
Darwin Hospital
‘I’m very sorry. I don’t think she will survive the night, Mr McLaren. Her body is too weak from the cancer and she had another myocardial infarction in the ambulance.’ The doctor’s eyes had been kind, but resigned, as though this conversation was one he was well used to. ‘If there is anyone else to call, you should call them now.’ The doctor nodded and left the room.
Cancer.
Kane leaned forward in the hard plastic hospital chair beside his mother’s bed as shock coursed through his body. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing easier now that she was on oxygen. He looked at her hands on the white cotton blanket. Thin and dry-skinned, her fingers plucked restlessly at the thick hem of the blanket as her chest rose and fell softly.
