Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns Page A

her.
    â€˜I’m taking over from Priscilla as Ms Alumna of the Year coordinator, and I wanted to touch base to see if everything was going okay. Are you on track?’
    Oh … just what I need . ‘Yes, it’s all going well.’
    As if Kat hadn’t heard her speak, she barrelled on, ‘Because if you need help or don’t think you can manage—sometimes people pledge on the night and then realise it’s not their thing—we can work something out.’
    â€˜No. It’s fine,’ Faith spoke through gritted teeth. On a scale of one to ten, Kat irritated her more than perfect Ruby. Pre-empting her next question, she added, ‘I’m organising a ball to fundraise for Dogs for Autism. I’ve just organised the invitations, and…’
    Kat cut her off. ‘That’s lovely. Sounds like you’re on the ball.’ She laughed and Faith realised she’d been trying to make a joke. When her giggles faded, she asked, ‘Is that lovely man of yours helping? How is he?’
    So consumed was she with thoughts of the ball, it took a second for Faith to realise who Kat meant. Here was her chance to say they’d broken up, but somehow different words fell from her mouth.
    â€˜Monty? He’s splendid. Really supportive of what I’m doing and willing to help in any way he can.’ Her thoughts drifted once again to his muscular arms offering warmth last night. What would it take to get that image out of her head? They were only arms for goodness sake! Curtis had actually touched her with his lips.
    â€˜That’s just fabulous,’ Kat said. Faith imagined her Botox smile. ‘I can’t wait to meet him.’
    â€˜And he you.’ As if that would ever happen. ‘Anyway, it’s been fabulous chatting Katarina but I really must go. My to-do list for today is as long as a freight train.’
    â€˜Alrighty then. You just remember I’m only at the other end of the phone line if you need any help or support. We’ll speak soon.’
    â€˜I look forward to it,’ Faith lied, more than happy to disconnect the call.
    Strictly speaking, she hadn’t made two phone calls, but two conversations had been had and that was good enough. She leaned back in her swivel chair and made the call she’d been dying to make all morning.
    â€˜I was wondering how long it’d take for you to call,’ came Monty’s greeting after only one ring.
    She laughed. ‘And a very good morning to you too. You sound better than I expected.’
    â€˜I’m fine. Disappointed of course, but there’s no need to worry, I’m not about to do anything stupid.’
    He knew her so well, but it was good to hear the relaxed tone in his voice. That was one thing she loved about Monty—nothing could keep him down. ‘What are you doing then?’
    â€˜What? Right now? I’m nailing floorboards down on the cottage verandah at Adam’s.’
    â€˜Hardy-hah. I meant, what are you going to do about your loan, about getting a farm?’
    â€˜Mack’s looking for properties farther afield. I can’t just sit around and wait for someone else in Bunyip to decide to sell.’
    She’d expected that. It was the advice she’d rushed to give him last night, but the thought of him actually moving away again made her insides ache. She swallowed, vowing not to let her feelings come into this. The last thing she wanted was to make her best friend feel guilty about following his dream.
    â€˜Of course not. Let me know if anything comes up,’ she said.
    â€˜You’ll be the first to know. I’ll talk to ya later.’
    â€˜All right. Bye Monty.’
    â€˜See you soon.’
    Faith smiled at the phone a moment after disconnecting, happy that he wasn’t going to let one setback get him down, and then she returned to her work. When another call interrupted her planning only five seconds later, she