much like Lakshmi at that moment.
‘Darling, what is it this week? Let me guess. He can’t decide between his X Box and his bong?’ Lou and Mitch were often on a break and every few weeks it was something different.
Ignoring my comment Lou spoke. ‘He doesn’t pay any attention to me. I could be chopped liver for all he cares.’ And then she cupped both of her hands around her small breasts, her face lighting up. ‘I’m thinking of having a boob job.’
‘Right!’ I said. ‘And that will fix all of your problems?’ I sat down beside her. ‘Lou, how about finding a guy with a car to begin with? A job would also be good! Not to mention a wallet. One with credit cards in preferably.’
Lou had had her fair share of dating guys who were hot but generally hopeless. However, Mitch was the one she had decided to have children with.
‘You could do so much better. You are worth more…’
She cocked her head to the side, blue eyes wide, and looked at me, brushing her long hair behind one ear.
I read her mind in a flash. Crossing my arms in front of myself, I looked away. ‘I know, don’t go there. I’m the last one who should be giving advice when it comes to relationships.’
Lou exhaled heavily and then wailed, ‘He never wants sex. It’s not fair.’ She pouted. ‘I’m thinking either a boob job or an affair.’
‘Lou,’ I admonished. ‘Don’t say that stuff. You don’t mean it.’
‘It’s okay for you. You’ve got the best boobs around…’
Wearily, I shook my head. ‘May I remind you they’re obviously not the answer to everything.’ I paused and exhaled heavily. I was in no mood for one of her tirades. Everyone knew Lou was a drama queen. So much so, her jersey in year 12 had it stamped across the back.
‘Look, you’re just going to have to forgive me, if I’m not that understanding today. The way I feel, I may never have sex again. The man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with is with someone else. So, you not having sex very often certainly does not stir any sympathy from me.’ I looked at her, shaking my head with frustration. ‘Lou, Lou, Lou it’s time to grow up.’
I noted the shocked look on her face. For the first time in my life, I felt not one ounce of guilt, however I leant down and kissed the top of her head, before turning on my heels and taking the steps two at a time.
The next morning, before I left the house for my appointment with Mr Carmody’s lawyer, I went in search of my mother to say goodbye. I could hear the sound of her voice coming from her studio downstairs. It sounded as if she was on the phone to Johnny. God love them, they were still the best of friends. We were an odd family. Johnny’s latest wife Patrice, she was number three, came along to every family gathering whether Johnny was coming or not. My mother told Johnny if he ever left Patrice, she would have her, she loved her that much. See, I told you… odd family.
Halfway down the stairs I stopped in my tracks. I could hear Bea talking. ‘She seems to be doing better. Johnny, honestly, I always thought Peach would be our stable one. But really, it’s quite the opposite. Look at Lou. I know we don’t love Mitch, but who would have thought she’d be so sensible and secure? You can’t pick them can you? Quite frankly, I’m not sure what Peach is going to do with her life. It’s all rather depressing. Of course I am hopeful she will head to Provence and spend some time there. You know she has to do it Johnny. She has been running away from it for years. Yes… I’ll give her your love. Give mine to Patrice.’
I raised my eyes to the heavens. Invisible again. Lou, the sensible one! Was my mother kidding? I left the house in a huff. My sister had only been seeing Mitch for three months when she fell pregnant. Right from the beginning their relationship appeared to be fraught with difficulties, with Lou often returning home to either Bea or Johnny, but that didn’t stop her falling pregnant with Bob, saying that she wanted more than one child, and therefore thought they should have the same father. Mitch was probably a nice guy, however it might have helped if he worked slightly more often. And now Lou was thinking of either having breast implants or an affair? Lou was stable alright!
The only thing giving me an ounce of pleasure at the moment was my new car. I pulled into the smallest parking spot out the front of Montgomery’s in Brunswick Street, where I was to meet John Scott to return Mr Carmody’s keys. My friend Chilli was co-owner of the restaurant with her son. I don’t know what I would have done without her words of wisdom these past ten months.
There was the lingering aroma of coffee and bacon in the air. Montgomery’s was already full and the busy hum of conversation greeted me. For a few seconds, I watched as Chilli crossed through the restaurant to me. I noticed how many patrons looked up and smiled at her as she passed. Briefly, she stopped, a warm greeting for first this one, and then another. Catching her eye, I winked and waved, indicating I already had a table as I had already spotted John Scott seated on one of the white leather studded banquettes. The lounge made quite a statement sitting against the backdrop of an ebony wall adorned with two enormous sparkling Venetian mirrors.
Sitting very upright, glasses on the end of his nose, Mr Scott was busy perusing paperwork, giving me a chance to observe him.
I hazarded a guess that he was perhaps in his early sixties. Dressed in a double breasted suit and pale blue silk tie and pocket square, he appeared a rather formal man, his silver handlebar moustache making him more so. Snapping a folder shut, he stood and pulled out the chair opposite for me. Yesterday, I had felt he was a man of little emotion, however today I observed that he gave a fleeting look of admiration at my attire.
I had never been a trousers girl, legs not long enough. Instead, I have always opted for a far more feminine look, and today I wore my favourite Alannah Hill red silk tiered skirt, with a red and white polka dotted ruffled blouse, along with my secret weapon, shiny nude patent leather heels. Nude heels helped the legs to look longer. I flicked my long dark curls behind one ear. The swishing of my silk skirt was audible as I sat, placing my monogrammed Louis Vuitton handbag on the chair next to me.
Mr Scott gestured to the waiter for two coffees. I must say I was a little disappointed we didn’t order anything to eat, as it almost seemed sacrilegious to be at Montgomery’s and not order their delicious fare. However, I was most grateful for the bite sized shortbread that escorted the fragrant brew. Mr Scott appeared to be a man who wasted no time on pleasantries, getting down to the task at hand.
‘Right,’ he briskly stated, clasping his hands together on the table in front of him. ‘I believe you’ve seen Mr Carmody’s property.’ He glanced at me over the top of his glasses. ‘What is your opinion?’ He was direct, I’ll give him that.
With my elbows on the table, I leant forward, resting my chin on my hands. I could feel my face light up. ‘I truly love it, and let me tell you, I’d love to buy it myself. However, I’m astute enough to realise that the price would be well out of my reach. Such a pity. A girl can dream though.’ I flashed him a smile.
I had tossed and turned all night over Mr Carmody’s property. I was realistic enough to know that I would never be able to afford something of that scale in the New Farm area. I was reminded of a couple of years ago, when a developer showed us a presentation of apartments he was seeking council approval for, in Hastings Street Noosa Heads, a small but very sought after prestigious holiday destination, an hour and a half north of Brisbane.
There were a dozen of us in the meeting. As soon as I saw the artist’s impressions, I instantly made an audible sound of lust. Surprised, all heads turned to look at me. I wanted one of those apartments. I wanted the ocean at my door. I wanted the life that went with it. And I wanted to be one of the people that lived that type of life. However, the price tag was exorbitant. So, realistically I got over my wanting. Yesterday, I had felt like that about Mr Carmody’s property. And just like the Noosa apartment, I’ll eventually get over it.
Mr Scott tapped his fingers on the table top. ‘And what is it that you would do with a property