Time Will Tell by Fiona McCallum Page A

buttons – must forget all about them. I was going to suggest a bottle of wine. I brought a selection of red and white, but I’m afraid the white will need a spell in the freezer. A nice light Yarra Valley pinot might go very well with this, though. What do you think? Would you like some?’
    â€˜That would be lovely, thanks.’
    â€˜Back in a sec then.’ He leapt up and Emily watched as he left the kitchen on a long stride, enjoying the shape of his behind in jeans that were neither too baggy nor too tight. When she realised she’d bitten her lip she told herself off.
    They enjoyed the rest of the meal in easy conversation punctuated by gentle silences, sipping on the wine, which went very well indeed with their sandwiches.
    Afterwards they took their glasses into the lounge and were just in time to catch the end of the ABC news. As she stared at the television and sipped her wine, Emily thought about what a nice Christmas it had been. She’d been a little afraid of facing her first Christmas without John. Mostly for fear of being reminded of how much her life had changed since last year. But it had helped that her mother hadn’t been there, she mused, instantly experiencing a twinge of guilt.
    Emily was feeling a little lightheaded, despite drinking very slowly. She insisted Jake pour the last of the wine into his glass and then politely declined his offer of another bottle while being careful not to discourage him from doing so if he wished. Though she liked that he didn’t; it showed restraint.
    John hadn’t had any restraint, even when he was driving. God, she really didn’t miss sitting home alone night after night waiting for the knock on the door from the police to tell her he’d wrapped the ute around a tree. She’d never told anyone; they’d have said she was paranoid and should seek professional help. But she wasn’t; knew in her heart of hearts that it was only a matter of time. He’d dodged that particular bullet so many times already.
    She’d given up years ago trying to make John understand that his cavalier behaviour could kill someone else as well, destroy someone’s family. She only hoped when it happened there would be no one else involved.
    â€˜Are you okay?’
    Emily looked up at hearing Jake’s voice, apparently a frown still upon her face.
    â€˜You look worried.’
    â€˜Sorry. No, just thinking about something I shouldn’t be. How does tomorrow’s weather look – okay for an outdoor barbeque?’
    â€˜Might be touch and go by the looks of the satellite map.’
    â€˜Oh well, we’ll just have to play it by ear.’
    Emily reminded herself she had to ring Nathan. She wasn’t looking forward to it. But she decided it was too early – they might still be having dinner.
    Ten minutes later, when Jake was engrossed in the Christmas movie and Emily was pretending to be, her mobile began to ring in the kitchen.
    â€˜Sorry,’ she said in a loud whisper, and raced to answer it. The number was unfamiliar.
    â€˜Hello, Emily speaking.’
    â€˜Hi Em, it’s Nathan.’
    â€˜Oh hi, I was going to call you later – thought you might still be having dinner.’
    â€˜Oh, cool. So you’ve made a decision then?’ he chirped.
    Stay firm , Emily instructed herself.
    â€˜I have, and I’m really sorry, but I’m not interested in having a flatmate at present. Sorry.’
    â€˜Oh!’
    â€˜You did say there was no pressure.’
    â€˜I know, and there isn’t, but I can’t say I’m not disappointed. But it’s your choice. No chance of changing your mind?’
    Stick to your guns, Em.
    â€˜No. I’m sorry, Nathan, I really am, it’s just that right now…’
    â€˜Don’t be. Doesn’t matter. I’ll find somewhere else. Okay, better go. See you round.’
    â€˜Okay then, see you,’ she said, but he’d