Page 62

Jumping into his truck, he headed for Molly’s. He’d apologise to her mother, beg for Hazel’s details and make it right. He’d fly down to Melbourne, grovel and apologise, win her back. He’d do long distance, anything, as long as he had her. He’d even sell his house and move if that’s what it took.

Sam had felt like a piece of him had died.

When he arrived at Molly’s, he hesitated before he got out of the truck. He’d hurt her daughter. Wincing at the thought of the wrath she was going to unleash on him, he climbed the steps and knocked on the door.

Molly flung the door open, a filthy look on her face. “She’s not here.”

“I know. Molly, I’m so sorry. I overreacted, then acted like a child. Please, I know she took the job in Melbourne, but I need to know her details, where she’s staying. I have to see her.”

Something flickered across Molly’s face, and Sam couldn’t quite work out what it was.

“Nope,” she said with a satisfied smirk, slamming the door in his face.

Sam knocked again, his voice desperate as he called Molly’s name. He would beg if he had to.

“Come back tomorrow, and I might tell you,” she hollered from inside.

Dejected, Sam hung his head as he trudged back to his truck. He’d be back tomorrow, bright and early. He just had to get through the night first.

Molly leaned against the door as she heard the truck door slam and the engine roar to life. She felt bad lying to Sam, but he’d hurt her baby girl.

Interesting that he thought she’d taken the job and gone to Melbourne. Molly wondered where he’d got that idea. She certainly wasn’t going to be the one to correct him and let him know Hazel was only thirty kilometres away at a health retreat with Josie. Besides, she was returning later that afternoon, and Sam would get a shock tomorrow when Hazel answered the door.

She loved Sam, she did. But the radio silence for days while Hazel tried to get in touch with him to explain the misunderstanding had broken her daughter’s heart, and hers too. He could suffer for a little while longer.

Heading into the kitchen, Molly began preparing dinner for Hazel and Josie. They were due back in the next hour, and Molly wanted to surprise them with some pasta. Apparently the food at the retreat was low-carb. Hazel had been messaging her at all hours, emojis of pasta, burgers and chips with crying faces.

Busying herself for the next hour chopping vegetables and frying meat, Molly was dishing up hearty bowls of spaghetti bolognese when Josie’s car pulled into the driveway. The two girls got out, giggling as they climbed the steps. The sound healed the cracks in Molly’s heart.

“Hey Mum,” Hazel called as she opened the front door.

“In the kitchen! I’ve made dinner.”

Hazel and Josie trotted in, both girls moaning with delight when they saw bowls of pasta on the table.

“Carbs!” Hazel squealed. She plonked herself down and immediately began to eat, Josie following Hazel’s lead.

“This is so good, Molly,” Josie managed, through forkfuls of spaghetti.

“Glad you like it,” she chuckled. Molly wondered if she should spill the beans about Sam’s visit, but decided against it. Hazel was chatting happily to Josie, laughing and making plans for the following day. Her girl had found the place she belonged, and with or without Sam, Molly knew Hazel was going to be okay.

Josie’s idea of a mini getaway had been just what Hazel needed. It had given her the space and distance to think. On a solo walk by the creek that ran through the expansive estate of Tides, Hazel had an epiphany.

Even though Sam had disappeared, even though his phone was off, she knew he was a good man. He had demonstrated to her time and again that he was. Everyone was allowed to make a few mistakes. Hazel certainly had. So, she’d give him time. After all, he had to come back at some point.

Following the water’s edge, Hazel balanced along the bank of the creek, watching a pair of dragonflies dancing together, skimming the top of the water. Dappled light filtered down through the canopy. Every so often, leaves would fall one by one, landing gracefully on the top of the water. There was a splash as something moved in the water. Standing completely still, Hazel narrowed her eyes, following the ripples that formed. She saw it then. A sleek brown shape duck dived, a broad, flat tail disappearing into the water. A platypus.

Hazel slowly sat down and watched the platypus hunt for food. It hadn’t seemed to notice her, so she stayed as still as she could, watching with pleasure. Elusive creatures, wild platypus sightings were not all that common. She sat for what felt like hours. It was so peaceful, tranquil even. If she ever told the story to anyone else, she knew there would be eye rolls and comments about cringe, but she truly felt the healing power of nature coursing through her.

She’d been angry. Anger had been quick to replace the pain at Sam’s disappearing act. But stepping away from it, being with her friend and taking time for herself had allowed her to marinate on it all.

If she put herself in his position, she probably would have jumped to the same conclusion. They had both avoided having conversations about things they should have, for their own good reasons. But Hazel had been standing on the edge of a life altering decision, and Sam had been right next to her, not knowing whether she was going to jump or not. She had to have sympathy for that.

And while he hadn’t given her the chance to explain the job offer, she could understand why he had reacted the way he had.

He’d told her that he had never been in love before. He’d taken her on romantic dates, showed her how he felt. He even noticed which sour worms she preferred. Sam had always worn his heart on his sleeve with her. He’d shown her his vulnerabilities. But when he’d overheard the phone call, she could see now he’d been blindsided.

The platypus swam up the creek, out of Hazel’s view. Standing, she stretched her legs and began the trek back to the main garden of the estate.