Simon, a 65yo retiree, sat outside his favorite cafe by the river on a cloudless late November day reading the guardian online with his iPad and relishing the progressive wisdom of his favorite scribes. Unlike most folks in the valley he enjoyed reading about the environment and other political issues. Although he’d never used his master’s degree in sociology, after a strong coffee he liked to discuss and reinterpret new-age references, current political issues, or literary classics, comparing them with the talking points of his preferred intellectual warriors.
But on this idyllic Friday there were no wealthy retirees, professionals, or uni students to converse with. His wife, Sandra, was in Hobart at the funeral of their daughter, Jess’s, friend Lisa. Sandra had given up on the media and politics and only read fiction or focused on gardening.
A new Ford Ranger pulled up and parked right in front of his table, blocking the view of the rivers gentle outgoing tide and interrupting his train of thought. 2 tall, lean but broad 40yo women in blue jeans, boots, and flannelette shirts got out and nodded in acknowledgement. He forced himself to politely nod back. It was Bekky, aka Water hen, and Stacey, aka Cold Blue, both of whom were high school friends of his daughter, Jess.
They walked inside and ordered then came out and sat at the next table.
How’s things on the farm? asked Bekky
“Oh, it’s just a big garden really. Sandra loves her organic veges.”
“What about the 180 hectares and horses.”
“We sold them 2 years ago. Jess doesn’t ride anymore.”
“Shit, time flies. I never knew. Who’d ya sell em to?”
“Nobody you’d likely know.”
“A wealthy foreigner. We get it. That’s just the way the country is goin.” Stacey said.
Stacey smirked at Simon and he tried to remain expressionless.
“The way the country is going. That sounds a bit judgemental.”
“Nah, most people sell out for more money. Not just here.”
Simon straightened his posture and adjusted his reading glasses.
“That’s your summary of modern economics is it?”
“Hit a raw nerve?” Bekky smirked.
Both Stacey and Bekky stared at him
“Ah, got it, you’re calling me a hypocrite and a sellout.”
Stacey glared at him.
“You’ve slandered half the valley for years and I got word about what you’ve been saying lately.”
“My political views warrant disapproval of mining, commercial fishing, and the excessive drinking in this regions toxic pubs and clubs.”
“Ahhh, you’re just blaming us for Jess’s recent divorce and depression because she used to party with us. Been ages since we had a drink with her.”
“Stacey, we know bikers used to sell drugs at the pub you now manage.”
“They’re long gone now.” replied Stacey folding her arms.
“I thought your new-age greenie days were over and real estate is your new hobby”, said bekky
“I’ve always been a non-religious spiritualist and an environmentalist.”
“Easy to be picky if ya haven’t worked hard, Simon. But ya call us morons and bigots cos we don’t want too much immigration and our hubbies work in forestry and commercial fishing.”
“You’re damaging the nation and world by selfishly living in an unsustainable, right wing paradigm.”
“Gee, thanks, but we knew you always thought we were bogans. But…you’ve got; heaps of designer furniture, 3 expensive cars, 2 touring bikes, a big heated pool, a 38ft cabin cruiser down the marina, and a massive shed full of power tools our hubby’s would be jealous of.” retorted Stacey.
Simon shook his head.
“And ya inherited heaps of good land up the coast, then sold it all to a Pommy bloke for way more than market price.”
“Yet nothing illegal occurred, Stace, nor was the environment damaged. Oh, and he was half Welsh and Spanish and is an accomplished intellectual and horse breeder. Predictable bigotry on your part.”
“So easy to judge if you’ve never had to work hard.”
“I worked for council til Jess graduated uni when I was 51.”
“Never worked on a farm or with your hands. Inherited a great stable of good horses but never rode one. Never had your job taken or lost. A hard life eh, Simon.”
Bekky nodded then joined in
“Yeah, we and our hubby’s had to work cos we didn’t get into uni or inherit shit loads.”
“I think attitude more so than aptitude was the limiting factor, ladies. Bit of a valley tradition.”
“Wow, thanks professor.”
“I may not have used my masters in sociology in a professional capacity, but it’d be embarrassing for you to compare resumes.”
Stacey’s jaw tightened. They stared for 10 seconds then she exhaled. Her bright red hair made her pale skin look even more flushed.
“Yep, ok, my list of fuck ups is fairly long….. but at least I can have a chat to my daughter when she’s down.”
Simon went beet red and almost bit his lower lip. He picked up his iPad and held it close to his chest. With his immaculately groomed hair, designer shorts and polo shirt, he peered back, snarling.
“I have a candid and healthy relationship with both my kids. How dare you!”
“Lots of books but ya were never good with people. Maybe you should be in politics.” jibed Stacey.
Simon almost winced then rose his voice, almost yelling, “not mingling with criminals boosts my confidence though.”
The girls stood their ground as he quickly rose and hurried down the street towards his new, sky blue, C500 Mercedes.
15 minutes later, Simon was sitting on his verandah still feeling flustered and angry about being ambushed by Stacey and Bekky. He looked at Joe Biden’s book of presidential speeches “promises to keep”, that he’d borrowed from the library but felt too stressed to read, so he went to his stereo and put on ABC classic FM then went to the fridge and took out a cold bottle of Chablis.
“Fucking uneducated sluts” he whispered, while pouring a large glass.
He slowly sipped it for 5 minutes, peering at his wife’s immaculately spaced and maintained vegetable garden and the river just beyond. His phone started ringing. He glanced at the screen and realised it was his daughter, Jess, calling from Hobart.
“Oh, perfect bloody timing” he muttered before answering.
“Hello Jess, how was the ceremony?”
“Formal and depressing. Quite a few faces that didn’t want to be there.”
“To be expected when illegal drugs and alcohol were key contributors to the crash.” he said, with no emotion
“Yeah, but it doesn’t make it easier.”
“Of course. Terrible circumstances. She was doing 135km/h on a windy back road. The family and friends also suffered from her flawed decisions and recklessness.”
Jess stood outside the reception centre on it’s outdoor deck. She was a slim 40yo brunette, 5’8 tall in an elegant, plain red dress and modest black high heels. She swayed slightly and let her fathers comment sink in.
“Yeah, but that’s such a simple and cutting judgement.”
Simon breathed deeply as he uncrossed his legs in his chair.
“I never wish people ill but I don’t condone victimhood or abuse, and that includes self abuse.”
Jess put her left hand on the balustrade of the outdoor deck as her right hand unconsciously tightened her grip on the iphone.
“Ah, it’s that cut and dry is it? We don’t walk in others shoes, Dad. You knew her history.”
“Yes, a history of several chances but repeated bad relationships and behaviour.”
“So that’s why you didn’t come. Thought so.”
“I’m not going to argue with you, Jess. I didn’t like either of her parents or her brother. You knew that 20 years ago.”
Jess scrunched her face up and threw her left arm backwards in anger, losing her balance. She staggered 2 paces backwards from the balustrade and her lateral left thigh, just below the hip, hit the corner of a soild wooden table. She almost fell onto the table but had enough strength and balance to stay upright despite the pain.
“Oh, fuck.” she gasped.
“Jess, don’t be a drama queen.”
“I just bumped my leg. For fucks sake.”
Simon slammed his left hand down on his table and the wineglass fell off and shattered.
“Aaarrgggh” he groaned
“What is wrong with you?”
“I’ve broken a glass. Dammit.”
“Good to hear you actually express emotion though.”
“Jess, I won’t be bloody provoked. You’ve had a few drinks and you’re upset. We will chat tomorrow. Goodbye.”
Simon hung up abruptly.
“Yeah, thanks Dad. Thanks for fucken caring eh.”
Jess limped across the outdoor deck and back into the reception centre. Her head throbbed from the cheap chardonnay. She looked around the room and only saw some of her deceased friend, Lisa’s, younger work friends and relatives. All of the parents, relatives, and friends over 40 had sensibly left the venue.
Jess went over to the bar and ordered a double Jim Beam and coke. The barmaid was a short blonde woman with a fake tan in her mid 50s who moved rigidly and was painfully slow making the drink. When she placed Jess’s drink on the bar, her arthritic knuckles and wrinkled, sun damaged skin became more apparent. The younger barmaid in her 20s was a rabbit by comparison, darting around the bar and out to clear tables as well as serving drinks. Jess turned around and saw Trish, another high school friend, standing and talking to 2 younger guys in their mid to late 20’s. As she walked toward the group, the taller, leaner lad, with long blond hair and tattooed forearms, eyeballed her briefly.
“Baby, Jess, let’s get on it. Ya know she’d want us too.”
Jess noticed that Trish was swaying a bit.
“This is Jed and Walt.”
Jed extended his hand and smiled at Jess.”Great dress, real elegant eh.”
Jess smiled and quickly got a whiff of Jed’s copious application of aftershave. It was Davidoff Cool water. They stared for several seconds and Jess noticed he was quite broad despite his slim legs and narrow waist.
“Walt.” said Walt, sheepishly extending his hand and briefly maintaining eye contact.
“Walt’s just finished a masters in IT and starts a job on the west coast next month. Proud of my little cousie.” said Trish, putting her arm around Walt.
Walt was about 5,10, fairly slim and had an honest, clean cut face and eyes, but kept fidgeting with his hands and couldn’t maintain a good posture.
“Oh great, good onya. Good money, eh.” said Jess, pretending to be interested before quickly turning back to Jed.
“You a bit of a surfie, Jed?”
“Ah, only half the year. A mate on the Sunny coast said to move up there. Not much bloody rona up there either. I’m thinkin of it, eh. I’m having another bourbon. Want one?”
“Nah, I will wait til the next round.”
As Jed walked off toward the bar, Walt walked out towards the balcony.
“He’s only 26, babe.” said Trish
“Mind reading bitch.”
Trish put her arm around Jess and whispered in her ear.
“I’d fuck him if he wasn’t my cousins friend.”
“No secrets in this social circle.”
Jess laughed and Trish cackled at high pitch, drawing the gaze of a few middle-aged guests.
“How’d he know Lisa?”
“He did her gardening and….other things sometimes.” said Trish, raising her eyebrows.
“What, she was rooting Jed during the divorce?”
“Yeah, but Don was a screwing a younger woman in Glenorchy.”
Trish stared at Jess with a scrunched forehead and opened her eyes wider.
“Babe, seriously, I’ve reached a point where I don’t give a shit. Too many people break rules for me to have standards. If nobody is getting seriously abused, I just let it go.”
Trish swayed and rested her right hand on Jess’s left shoulder.
“You know what I’m saying. I know you do, babe. Most families and people are at least a bit messed up.”
Jess drew Trish’s body towards her and they hugged for about 30 seconds. Being only 5’2, Trish’s right ear pressed just above Jess’s breasts.
“Yeah, babe, I get it. It’s too shit to think about at the moment.”
Trish stepped away and pointed towards the entrance.
“I’m gonna go get somethin outta my car.”
“Ok, babe.”
Trish walked out of the function room and Jess walked over to the bar and stood next to Jed. He scanned her whole body then smiled.
“Gee, that was subtle.”
“Subtle doesn’t work.”
“Neither does being so obvious.”
“At least there’s no doubt now.”
Jess stared at Jed’s broad grin and tried not to smile back.
“I’m a cougar and it’s a wake, not a wedding.”
Jed nodded confidently and sipped his bourbon.
“Yeah, but Trish has gone to get some coke and we’re all going into town.”
Jess laughed. “Oh, okay, so I won’t be staying in the hotel with Mum tonight?”
“Because you don’t want to. Lisa would want us to party like demons. You know it.”
“Fuck you’re cocky. I’m 40 and recently divorced.”
“So, so was Lisa, but you don’t have any kids.”
“Ahh, so it’s true, and you’ve done your research.”
“Yeah, but her hubby was also seeing someone else.”
Things had happened so quickly that Jess felt she might be more drunk than she realised. The cool breeze from outside, brushed her slightly sunburnt legs and arms. She stared and then pointed to the door someone had left opened.
“Fuck it, let’s drink outside, surfie boy.”
As they got close to the door, Jess noticed haw taut Jed’s ass looked in stretch jeans and thought he was an attractive distraction. Every cell of her being felt like having a catharsis and unravelling. She adjusted her step and pivoted her left heel slightly then slapped Jed’s left butt with her right hand. Jed didn’t even flinch.
“Yes, mam.” he casually replied, almost as if expecting it.
They went around the corner out of sight from the reception room and stood near the balustrade then peered out towards the river. Walt self consciously hovered to Jed’s right and Trish arrived with a small tray with 8 shots of Sambucca.
“Fuck, babe, I can’t.”
“Nah, after these we won’t be drinking because we’ll all get a bit high.”
Jed nodded and smiled. “Where’d ya get it?”
“My neighbour knows a couple of bikies.”
“Hmm, ok, but do you know them?”
“Don’t be paranoid, Jed, if it’s as good as the last batch, you will be flyin.”
Jed laughed and Walt awkwardly mirrored his laughter and body language. He looked at Walt and asked “Ready to fly, champ?”
“Yeah, business class baby. Fuckin Cruisin.” replied Walt, almost as intensely as a teenager in a locker room.
Trish tried to subtly glance at Jess. She then took two very small sealed plastic bags out of her dress pocket.
“For the boys.” she said, handing one to Jed, “and ours” she said, putting her arm around Jess and waving the bag close to her nose.
Jed walked over to the tray of shots then handed everyone a shot.
“To Lisa.” he toasted, raising his shot with a devious grin and eyeballing everyone individually.
“To Lisa” they all said in unison.
Walt downed his shot without a pause. He was trying to hand out the next 4 shots before the girls were ready. Jed glared at him and raised his hand to signal him to slow down. Trish looked at Jess and started crying. They hugged and Jed walked over to Walt and whispered in his ear.
“Dude, be lower key and don’t rush things.”
Walt reluctantly nodded in agreement then frowned.
“Yeah, but you know you’ll probably get laid.”
Jed put his hand on Walt’s shoulder. “Maybe. But if you chill and don’t hit the wall, there will be some chicks in town later.”
“Yeah, ok, ok, I won’t be like last time.”
Jed nodded and stared out at the river, knowing that Walt’s Asperger’s would, as usual, restrict his ability to flirt with female strangers. Jed found it challenging that he was a landscape gardener who was average at school yet more capable than Walt in almost every situation. If it weren’t for one of Walt’s uni lecturers having a soft spot for him, and contacts in the mining sector, Walt would probably still be unemployed.
Trish had stopped crying and gathered herself a bit.
She slowly handed everyone the last shot. They all slowly raised their glasses and Trish looked at everyone.
“To one of the best chicks I’ve met.”
Walt observed everyone else and made sure he downed his shot in unison.
“Righto, let’s head into town. This place has an ok view but it’s closing and is ffaarrrkken boring.”
Nobody spoke during the short uber ride into town. It was a fairly quiet Saturday for late November. The air cooled very quickly as the sun set over the western hills. They all realised it was only due to Covid restrictions easing recently that whatever was open, wouldn’t be jam packed or open as late. The reception centre they’d left was just a big hall with a verandah and a good view. The cab pulled up at the waterfront bar near Salamanca. Trish handed the young Nepali driver a 20 dollar bill as a tip.
“Thanks, miss.”
As they got out and walked to the bars entrance, the bouncer eyeballed them suspiciously then smiled when he noticed Jed. It was Tommy, Jed’s school mate who used to be chubby but was now an MMA gym junkie.
“All under control, champ?”
“Yeah man, we’re not gonna be a hassle.”
“Enjoy, folks.” replied Tommy, relaxing his posture and stepping aside.
“I’m a lover, not a fighter.” said Walt, thinking he might get a laugh.
“Our next Errol Flynn, bro.” said Tommy, keeping a poker face.
Trish and Jess looked at each other, trying not to laugh.
The bar was a bit under half full and the crowd were mostly uni students, workers on visa’s, or Hobart’s millenial professionals. Jess could see that in 10 years, a Melbourne vibe had crept in to Hobart, the waterfront, and Salamanca. Although she just wanted to unwind she knew Lisa was an old school country girl that didn’t want more multi-culturalism or mainlanders, and thought most modern bars sucked. Some of the bar staff looked Latin and the 2 guys in the kitchen were Indian. Only the manager and 2 bouncers were Aussies. Despite covid and travel bans, the Aussie govt was still adept at exploiting foreigners with visas.
The music was a mellow, generic Latin dance mix, but not yet loud and bouncy enough to inspire people to dance. Jess’s phone rang and it was her mother, Sandra. She let it ring a few times but didn’t answer. She sent a text saying she was with Trish and would stay with her. Her mother quickly texted back advising her to be at the motel before 10am tomorrow.
“Who was that?” asked Trish.
“Mum. I told her I will stay with you. I can’t speak to her or Dad right now. Both into me about being unemployed. Dad’s got loads of money but won’t give us anything til we’re 50.”
“Oh babe, it’s been a fucker of a year. Deadset ruined things this fucken Chinese flu.”
“Our govt are also shit. How many people have died. Seriously, so over it.”
Trish swayed her hips and rolled her shoulders.
“Yep, but lets just focus on getting wired…right….now”
They both looked around and noticed Jed at the bar but couldn’t see Walt.
“Ahh, where is he?” groaned Trish.
Jed caught their eyes and gave a thumbs up then pointed to the mens bathroom. Trish pointed to the outside tables and a minute later they all sat at the table furthest away from the indoor tables and dance floor.
Jed sipped his beer then said “He’s just powdering his nose.”
“Give him much less than you, though.” insisted Trish
“He’s had coke a few times. He’ll be ok.” Jed assured them.
“No more booze for him either. I love him but I…”
“I get it Trish, I’ve know him since high school.”
“Ok, ok, chill.” said Trish, sensing Jed’s irritation.
A few minutes later Walt came back out and handed the small bag back to Jed. Trish eyeballed Jed intensely. They all could see that Walt had taken half a gram in one go. Jed quietly asked Walt why he took his half in one go. Walt peered around at everyone with a confused look.
“I thought it was half a bag each?” he asked, naively.
“I told you we’d spread our half over several hours, not all at once.” Jed said, trying not to seem annoyed.
“I thought you meant it would last several hours.” replied Walt, self consciously.
There was an uncomfortable silence for about 30 seconds. Walt then smiled and pulled out a tiny bag with 8 pills. Everyone looked at each other with mild shock.
“Walt, wtf?” hissed trish
“These are xanax 0.5mg. If this batch is too speedy, the chill factor is on standby.”
“Dude, why didn’t you fucken tell us?” asked Jed, pressing his palms to the side of his head.
“I didn’t think it’d be an issue, but now that you’re worried, I’m saying I had a plan B.”
“I’m not even gonna ask where you got them. Probably through a med student. Whatever. Go to the bathroom and take one or two now, Walt.”
“I feel fine.”
“You won’t in a few mins. Just do it, discreetly, in a cubicle.”
Walt stood up and shuffled off to the bathroom, struggling to realise he’d made such a bad decision.
“You said he’d done this before.” spat Trish at Jed.
“Ok, ok, my bad. I chopped some lines for him but that was a few years ago. Sorry.”
“If he loses it or does anything uncool, you’ve got to get him out of here.”
Jed exhaled and nodded. “Yep. I know.”
Walt returned within 5 minutes and sat at the table, pale and with his eyes lit up.
“You right champ?” asked Jed.
Walt looked at everyone and felt a surge of adrenalin in his chest. He couldn’t stop his hand shaking and soon felt short of breath as his heart rate almost doubled.
“Champ, we’ve gotta go. Now.” said Jed
As he tried to lead Walt away from the table, Walt was trembling with mouth agape and complete panic on his face. They made it to the door and Jed tried telling Tommy and the other bouncer that things were cool, but they knew Walt wasn’t drunk and made him sit down then called an ambulance.
“Get rid of your coke bag, Trish.” insisted Jess.
Trish quickly went to the toilet and flushed it. Outside as he sat next to Walt, Jed reached into his shirt pocket and took out the xanax tablets and coke bag while Tommy was focused on calling an ambulance. The other bouncer had gone inside and was quietly warning others about drugs, and reminding people to relax and be cool.
“I’m calling his family, Tommy.” said Jed, pacing away from the entrance and walking between two parked cars.
He stood over a drain and dropped the coke and xanax down it. Luckily there was a bit of water trickling through and it flushed the bags out of sight. When he walked back, Tommy was telling Walt to breathe deeply. Walt’s right nostril started to bleed a bit and he stared at Jed with a look of sadness and desperation.
Tommy hung up his mobile and gazed at Jed. His face hardened and his eyes almost squinted before he grit his teeth.
“Dude, the paramedics are only 5 min away. What did he take, man?”
“Nothing, bro.”
Tommy shook his head in contempt.
“This is fucken serious, Jed. He’s in bad shape. What did he take?”
Tommy, at 6’3, stood closer and looked down at Jed who was 5’11. Tommy’s shoulders tensed almost like he was about to get physical but his face appeared more worried than angry. Jed’s eyes couldn’t conceal his own panic as adrenaline pulsed through his body and his mind went into over drive, thinking about his criminal record for dealing a bit of pot and cocaine 3 years ago.
“Some Coke, bro. I thought it was just some coke. I, I gave him a bit earlier because he was drunk.”
“Oh great. You sit with him.”
“There’s none here bro. None on me or the ladies.”
“That’s between you and the paramedics, bro. As long as you didn’t take any here…..and if cops find out, I will have to tell the truth. This isn’t personal but…”
“I get it, bro.”
“No, you don’t, otherwise this wouldn’t have happened.”
The other bouncer approached them and looked at Tommy, wanting an update. Tommy quickly assured him the drugs weren’t taken onsite and that he would check the CCTV.
Jess approached Jed while Trish, despite her own anxiety, sat beside Walt to try and support him. Walt’s breathing became even more strained and his face looked terribly pale.
“We are in shit now. I’m gonna lose my job and get a criminal record. Shit he looks bad.”
“You’re cool. I’ve already told Tommy I gave him some coke. I just don’t want him to die”
Jed’s eyes welled up and he struggled not to cry..
“Walt’s had such a shit life. Bullied through most of high school, fuck all friends, nasty parents, and now…….”
Jess put her hands on Jed’s shoulders.
“Breathe champ. He will get through this.”
Jed looked at Jess’s face and despite her watery eyes and panic, felt a sweetness emanate from her blue green eyes. The ambulance sped down the street and stopped right outside the bars entrance. A paramedic about 6ft in her mid 30s and a younger guy just slighter taller approached Walt. The male paramedic and Tommy lifted Walt to his feet as the woman positioned the stretcher.
“Jed, you go with em.” ordered Tommy.
“What’s he had?” asked the senior female paramedic.
“Some coke. I gave him a few lines.”
” Do you still have any?”
“No, he had the last bit. He took too much.”
“Ahhh great, just get in the back.”
Trish came and leant against Jess as the ambulance drove off. Tommy glared at them and they knew they had to leave. Tommy and the other bouncer walked back inside and reassured other patrons that Walt’s drugs were not consumed on premise and that illegal drug use won’t be tolerated.
20 minutes later, Jess sat on Trish’s sofa. They both sipped on bottles of lime flavored mineral water, anxiously awaiting an update from Jed. Jess’s thoughts fluctuated between fear for Walt and the likelihood of her father finding out and making things even harder. Jess covered her face with her hands and moaned.
“Fuck, Walt’s parents will find out and they’re gonna let our parents know. They got the group email for the reception invite.”
“Nah Jess, not if Jed takes the heat or Walt says he was spiked.”
“Nah, Jed already told Tommy and the paramedic that it was his fault. He’s been in shit in the past but took the hit for us.”
Trish shook her head and took out a pack of cigarettes and lit one up. Her hands were moving almost robotically while her face was deep in concentration. She lit up, inhaled, sank deeper into the sofa and very slowly exhaled.
“Everything in the last 18 months has been wrong. Wrong people gettin in too much shit for fuck all and proper criminals and politicians getting a wrist slap for doing whatever they want. That pig property guy who owns the new estate, flew to party on some island in QLD on a private jet during last years lockdown. I get fined for driving out of range to drop off groceries to my 87yo aunt. I didn’t even go into her house. We just sat in the backyard wearing stupid masks.
“Ah, the primary carer bubble. You weren’t in it?”
“Nah, but I’m not gonna ignore an 87yo who’s lonely and depressed. Govt can go fuck em selves. Yeah, Jed’s a bit of a bad boy and will do almost anything for a root, but he often puts others first and always helps. 2 years ago, some wannabe on roids pushed me and a friend aside, so Jed jumped over a table and elbowed the dude in the head.
“Yeah, I can see he’s a wild boy but also has a heart. Won’t Walt’s folks just blame Jed?”
“Nice thought. They’ll know we were with them because people saw us get in the same uber and leave.”
Jess scratched the crown of her head. “Shit. I will be in shit too.”
Jess stared at Trish while processing the next thought.
“They will test Walt’s blood and see Xanax in it as well.”
Trish frowned. “Shit. shit. shit…let’s just wait. Out of our control now. Anyway, I thought your ole man was into yoga and was less judgemental these days.”
“Pppfff….the people I’ve met who do yoga by the river are snobs with too much money and time on their hands. His Latina instructor, Marcia, is 55 and separated from a hotshot lawyer in Melbourne. She’s probably the most stuck up bitch I’ve ever met. “
Trish laughed, easing the tension a bit.
“Geez! I bet Marcia is pretty hot though.”
Jess snickered “Of course, she still has an almost perfect ass.”
“Haaaaa haaa.” said Trish with a big grin.
Trish’s phone rang. “Jed, please fucken tell us it’s good news.”
“He will be ok, but he had some sort of panic attack in the ambulance. His blood pressure and heart rate are still nuts. It’s probably meth you bought.”
“Oh no. We’re in even more shit.”
“You’re not supposed to take drugs or heaps of booze soon after or before the covid vax, or any vax.”
“What, when did he take the vax?”
“He had his 2nd Pfizer, 3 days ago. Didn’t tell us though. He bullshitted that he got it off a stranger. His folks won’t believe it. His Dad knows I’ve done drugs before and will dob on us.”
“What, even though you’ve looked after Walt for years.”
“That’s the only reason he tolerates me.”
“Fark, he might reply to our oldies on that email invite.”
“Might? He will. He’s a hard core evangelical christian. When we were 9 he made Walt wash his mouth out with soapy water for swearing. How do you think he’s gonna react to Walt being hospitalised for meth.”
“That’s so hectic.”
“Anyway, I gotta go. Tell Jess you and her will be ok. Don’t stress, cousie.”
“Luv ya champ. Bye.”
Trish looked at Jess and shook her head.
“He says we will not cop any heat but I reckon we might.”
Jess peered back and gently bit her lower lip.
“Simon will punish me in some way if he finds out. Even without proof it will be guilt by association. He acts intellectual and spiritual but is so tight and judgemental.”
“Wasn’t his Dad a religious nutter?”
“Yeah, Grandad was old testament and had no friends. Soon as someone wronged him or wasn’t perfect they were goneski. So Dad had no friends until he left school.”
“Shit. My folks were just a bit useless and lazy. Kind of the opposite. When I failed the HSC, Dad went onto the verandah and lit up a joint and casually told me that I chose to fail.”
“Fuck, listen to us. We sound like depressed soap stars.”
They both smiled at each other and laughed in synch.
“I’m going to crash, babe.” said Trish, slowly rising from her chair.
“Am I okay crashing in the spare room?”
“Yeah, of course. Good night.”
Trish exited the lounge room and Jess slowly got up and headed to the spare room. After she lay down on the firm but narrow single bed, her mind raced through the potential scenarios and consequences. Although she was tired from the alcohol and stress of Walt’s drug drama, she didn’t fall asleep for 2 hours.
Just after midnight at the hospital, Jed sat near reception. The doctor was a Scottish woman in her late 30s, accompanied by a male Asian nurse in his 20s, The doctor said that Walt’s condition had stabilised and that the saliva and breath test revealed the presence of meth amphetamines and cocaine, but that Walt had also told the doctor he’d had Xanax. Jed sensed the doctor was suspicious as she stared intensely at him.
“He also has aspergers and had his 2nd pfizer shot 3 days ago.”
Jed tried not to change his posture and sat still.
“Even without the drugs, what were you doing getting him so drunk shortly after his covid vaccination?”
“He never mentioned it. Nor did he mention he had drugs. I thought it was only the same day as the jab we weren’t supposed to drink.”
“I find it hard to believe he’d buy drugs off a stranger . You’re his friend?”
“Yeah, yeah, I am. It’s hard to know what he’s thinking at times. He gets stressed that he can’t enjoy himself or communicate as freely as others.”
“I’m aware of that because I worked with autistic kids before I left Aberdeen. They don’t tend to go and score and usually dislike harder drugs where they aren’t in control.”
Jed gulped and shrugged. “He doesn’t have a history. I know that. Are cops involved here?”
The doctor smirked and the nurse just stared at Jed with a blank expression.
“No, not unless he worsens or dies. I’m sure they are almost as busy as us.”
“Look, I know this sort of thing annoys you because there are people who are dying thru no fault of their own, but I 100% respect the work doctors and nurses are doing.”
“Thanks. He’s sedated enough to sleep now, so you can go home, sir.”
The doctor didn’t look at Jed and abruptly walked off looking at her notes while the male nurse gave him a fabricated, formal smile.
Jess and Trish awoke at 8am on Sunday morning with hangovers. They sat in silence on Trish’s verandah drinking black percolated coffee and orange juice with soda. As the sun rose higher in the cloudless sky, they were wrapped in blankets and wearing sunglasses as a crisp southerly blew across the Derwent river.
_________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile at Rosevears, Simon peered out the big eastward facing window of Marcia Ortiz’s private yoga studio. He and 3 other students, all women in their 50s, prepared to do their final salute to the sun. The river was almost perfectly still at high tide and several rabbits played below the window on Marcia’s lawn.
With a background in jazz ballet and salsa, Marcia had more compact and muscular thighs than other yoga teachers Simon had studied with. At 55 she still possessed more spring and agility than most younger women. When Simon was in down facing dog, she instructed everyone to relax in the pose and gently assisted everyone to go a bit deeper. Simon loved having Marcia stand over him and press her palms into his lower back, making his hamstrings and glutes stretch and open up more.
After a 10 min guided meditation, Simon couldn’t relax and still felt alot of anger and tension in his jaw, neck and shoulders. He politely said goodbye to the other 3 women as they left. Marcia stared at him and could see the rigidity in his jaw and shoulders.
“Some stuff coming up?”
Simon exhaled.
“Oh yeah, I’m so angry with Jess and her toxic friends. She should have done way better at uni and married a guy with more ethics and class. This valley is full of losers still living in the 80s or 90s.
“Wow, I’m sensing you need some deep tissue work. Judgements like these get more embedded than we think.”
“Well, yeah, I’m thinking of distancing myself.”
Marcia put her right hand on his left shoulder and smiled. Simon felt a gentle surge of electricity in his neck and spine. Her long slender limbs and US Panamanian accent aroused him. Her facial features were sharp and her skin was an unblemished olive and caramel color.
“I have an hour now” she said, gently leading him to the door of the massage room.
Simon offered no resistance and walked into the room. There was a very large wooden massage table with a small tray of exotic oils beside it, and a double glazed window with a north facing view of the river and the small vineyard next door.
“Lie face down in your jocks or boxers and I will be back shortly.”
2 minutes later Marcia re-entered in Lycra pants and was topless.
“Marcia, I’m married and um…”
Marcia cut him off, “Simon you’re married and miserable and never spend any money. This isn’t a relationship, it’s a transaction.”
“But you’re not a prostitute?”
“Simon, I’m a seperated woman who will massage and screw you properly for a certain amount of money. Ive been around. I pleasured a few diplomats and rich tourists in Panama before I married and divorced that asshole lawyer from Melbourne.”
“Technically that’s prostitution.”
Marcia laughed at the seriousness of Simons response. She then took off her lycra pants, playfully threw them at Simon, then gently pushed him down on the table.
“Yeah but I shouldn’t.”
Marcia leant her body into his. Despite some fear and mild shock, he was overwhelmed by her physicality and guilt free prowess. She was the exact opposite of his wife in every way, and they both knew he only studied yoga to perve on her.
He took off his boxers quickly and clumsily and lay back on the table. She stood beside the table and slowly massaged some oil over her naked body.
“Gosh.”
Simon watched and admired Marcia’s body as she slowly and meticulously applied the oil, occasionally glancing at him with a furtive smile. After a few minutes, Marcia then applied oil to Simons body.
“God, what a surprise.”
“I prefer, Goddess!”
“Yes, indeed you are.”
For the next hour Simon tried to relax and not feel guilty as Marcia applied the perfect amount of pressure and alternated the tempo and positions as if she were reading Simons mind.
At the end of the session Marcia left the room, put on a bathrobe, then prepared green tea. Simon got dressed and walked out feeling a bit sore in his abs and deep pelvic floor. Marcia pointed to the plastic chairs and they both sat down.
“How do you feel now?”.
“Im a bit sore but my whole body feels recharged.” answered Simon, with vigor and enthusiasm.
Marcia just smiled and nodded.
“You’re a bit skinny but you’re still lean and fit for your age. Abs and back could be stronger but I’m happy with your flexibility and stamina.”
“I try to be the opposite of men in the valley.”
“A bit of snobbery there?”
Simon knew he couldn’t lie to Marcia. She saw mental and emotional kinks just as well as postural ones. She sat upright like a beautiful, observant cat.
“Yeah, I’m bored and rarely meet people who are intelligent. Thing is, I don’t like the uni arts or academic scene either.”
Marcia shrugged. “I didn’t like LA or San Francisco’s arts scene, nor the rich expats of Panama. I had fun but they were such arrogant wankers.”
“But half the valley can’t even read and are alcoholics.”
“Hmm, but they’re more honest than big city folks. You need to release the disappointment. There’s no perfect community or neighborhood. Quit looking or expecting it.”
“Quite right.”
Simon mulled over a few things and felt conflicted about how much money he’d pay Marcia. He felt so good that he’d consider paying thousands.
“Ah, money, I will let you decide.”
“Just relax and make up your mind after the next few sessions.”
“Oh Marcia, I can’t. “
“I was thinking 3 more before Christmas will help you be less judgemental. You’re so in your head.”
Marcia giggled like a school girl to help Simon lighten up. Simon adjusted his glasses.
“Wow, you’re not shy. Ok, ok, just let me know. I’m out of my depth here.”
“I will. Just relax and don’t judge.”
Marcia looked at the clock on the studio wall.
“Oohh, I’ve got a client in 10 mins.”
“Yes, of course, I will be off then.”
Marcia gave Simon a gentle hug and held both his shoulders.
“Relax, Simon. Don’t judge, and keep releasing.”
Simon smiled and walked out of the studio towards his car. His body felt more upright and oxygenated than it had for many years.
Back in Hobart, Trish dropped Jess off at the hotel her mother, Sandra, had stayed in.
“See ya, babe. Our secret, remember. Unless Walt’s Dad tells someone, say nothing.” said Trish, staring at Jess before she got out of the car.
Jess walked over to her mothers car as Trish drove off. She got in and sat in the passenger seat and her mother stared at her. Jess took off her sunglasses and looked back at Sandra.
“What, mum?”
“You’re 41 soon and you got completely drunk and took drugs after a funeral and a wake.”
Jess’s head throbbed and her chest flooded with anxiety.
“I didn’t take drugs and neither did Trish. I have no idea what that Walt kid and Jed were doing.”
“Well, you left the venue with them and went to a bar. The boy is a bit autistic. You’re supposed to keep an eye on some people. Your father..”
Jess folded her arms and exhaled.
“Dad always assumes the worst. So Walt’s Dad has emailed everyone?”
Sandra shook her head and raised her voice a notch.
“So would most parents. Even if you didn’t give him the drugs, it’s unacceptable. He could have died.”
Jess sensed that arguing was futile. Sandra’s face was flush and her throat was hoarse. Even with the seat all the way forward, her tiny frame and waif thin arms looked too small to be driving a subaru forrester.
“Want me to drive, Mum.”
“Jess, don’t take the piss. You’re hungover.”
“You’re more angry because dad found out.”
“Yeah, no shit. He’d boot you out if he had his way. I know its fucken harder gettin work than those pollies say it is, but he thinks the whole valley are just lazy morons.”
Jess snickered sarcastically.
“But he’s never done hard work. Such a snob.”
“I’m not arguing, Jess. I’m just listening to the radio on the highway. I don’t even want to talk.”
“Righto.”
Sandra slowly pulled out of the hotel and put on ABC classic FM. Jess reclined her seat slightly and stared out the window for almost 3 hours as they drove out of Hobart’s hilly and bland outer suburbs, then up the gently meandering highway through the valley between Hobart and Launceston. Jess couldn’t sleep or relax and felt a tinge of guilt about stressing her mother, but anger and anxiety about the inevitable confrontation with Simon.
When they arrived home, Jess could see Simon inspecting the expensive shrubs he’d planted along the fence beside their dirt driveway. He turned around to look at them as they drove past and peered at Jess with no expression then nodded at Sandra. Sandra parked just outside the garage and got out without saying anything then walked onto the wooden verandah and through the front door. Jess looked in the rear vision mirror and saw Simon walking towards her side of the car.
“Ah, fuck it.” she whispered, just before Simon reached the open car window.
“We will discuss things tomorrow. No doubt your mother is exhausted and so are you, but for the wrong reasons in your case.”
“If you’ve already decided to kick me out or punish me, just say it now. I’m not sleeping on it.”
Simon stepped back a step and put his hands on his hips. He looked at Jess and slowly shook his head then held his left thumb and index finger to his temples.
“I’m not going to argue. It’s not even debatable. A year of bad decisions and no respect for your mother or I.”
“We didn’t give him drugs Dad. There is no argument. His Dad is a religious nut.”
“What the hell were you doing getting drunk with him, an autistic lad, and that other surfie bum.”
“Trish needed to unwind. I just kept her company.”
“You’re almost 41 and they are in their mid 20s. Grow up for fucks sake.”
Simon threw his gardening glove and weeder on the ground in frustration. Despite his anger, Jess almost felt like laughing about how easily stressed he was.
“Dad, unless I gave an autistic lad drugs, which I didn’t, it was just another stressful and sad day with a few drinks to unwind.”
“Unwind? I’d say unravel and avoid accountability. After chatting to Walt’s father, Patrick, I was informed about Trish and Jed, the drug dealing surfie’s, sordid history. Yesterday, I also had the misfortune of copping a mouthful off Stace and bekky.”
“Ah, so that’s also my fault.”
“I gave you a good education and all you’ve done since just scraping through uni is hang out with ignorant losers, marry and divorce a lazy salesman, and work part-time.”
“I don’t look down on everyone like you. You live in this bubble of snobbery where nobody meets your expectations.”
“Rubbish, absolute rubbish. Just a bit of discernment and discipline would’ve made all the difference.”
Simon abruptly turned away and strode off with his shoulders slightly hunched. Jess just sat back in the car seat thinking about who else she could stay with. Sandra might also want her to move out, despite having more empathy than Simon and knowing that the job market was way worse than media heads and retired boomers claimed it was. Jess couldn’t hack being lectured about her lack of professional success and ambition when Simon had never worked hard.
Jess’s mobile rang and it was Trish. Jess didn’t feel like talking but answered thinking it could be important.
“Yeah, babe.”
“Take a seat, I’ve got really bad news.”
“Fuck, we’ve been through enough the last 24 hours. What’s up?”
Trish started crying and sobbed for about 30 seconds then stopped and regained her breath.
“Jed has drowned at Clifton beach.”
Jess almost froze and took about 10 seconds to process it.
“How? He’s lean and surfs.”
“He went for a swim with Walt but Walt got swept into a rock and broke 2 ribs and Jed got smashed into rocks after saving him.”
Trish breathed deeply and paused before continuing.
“The paramedics and clubbies said Jed drowned because he was knocked unconscious. He helped Walt get onto a tiny rock platform but then got washed into some rocks.”
“How did Walt get out of the water?”
“The surf club managed to rescue him with the rubber duck just in time.”
“Who told you?”
“Walt just rang me from the hospital. Jed picked him up this morning because he was afraid to go home and face, Patrick.”
“Does Walt’s dad know? He will contact Dad.”
“Yeah the hospital doctor has told Walt’s parents. The doctor is fuming that Walt went for a swim.”
“What the fuck were they thinking?”
“Walt said Jed swam way out the back and it was a solid 2m. Then Walt went in too far and the rip dragged him towards the rocks at the Eastern end.”
“Fucken boys, just can’t control themselves sometimes. I’m so sorry babe. I dunno what to say.”
“He’s dead. That’s it. Surf club said they didn’t see Walt until Jed waved and swam towards the rocks.”
“Dad thinks guys like Jed are losers yet he put himself in danger to save a mate. Fuck I’m angry babe.”
“I know, I get it. I’m cooked. I don’t wanna talk to anbody for a few days.”
“Just chill, babe. I’ve gotta deal with Dad and may need to crash at a friends. Just rest, ok.”
“K, babe, Speak soon. Bye.”
Trish hung up and Jess felt completely drained and sore in her head and shoulders.
Jess got out of the car and walked towards the house. Simon was pacing around on the verandah with his mobile and glaring at her. She knew who he was talking to.
“So sorry to hear this, Patrick. Yes, I agree it all could have been avoided. I hope Walt’s okay. Take care. God bless.”
Simon hung up and stared at Jess in disbelief. He spoke with almost no emotion.
“I’ve nothing left to say. I will give you a week to move out. It’s a bloody miracle they didn’t both die.”
Simon turned away and walked around the back of the house and through the garden towards his shed. Jess walked into her room, took off her high heels, and lay on her bed feeling numb all over.
The next day, just after 7am when he woke to do his yoga routine, Simon noticed a text from Marcia:
“Hi Simon, twas a great yoga session 🙂 Lets have coffee and a chat. See you at the Riverview cafe at 9am.
At 9 a.m he arrived at the cafe and saw Marcia sitting outside, smiling with her designer shades on. Simon approached the table and sat down. He smiled flirtatiously.
Marcia played a video file on her phone and held it up so Simon could see. Within several seconds Simon’s whole body tensed with shock. Marcia had secretly recorded their sex session and edited it to only include the most explicit and provocative parts. It appeared that Simon was dominating her and only included the positions where he was on top.
Simon stood up and paced around, struggling to control his anger. His mind accelerated through how Sandra and others would respond if they knew of his infidelity.
“I can’t believe this. Why didn’t you just ask me for money?”
Marcia smirked “Ah, Simon, that’s not what I really want or even need. I don’t even need the video. I know other things way more compromising.”
“Well why did you record us screwing, making me look like I’m dominating you…you manipulative bitch,?”
“Certain sources of mine have made me aware that you don’t use your considerable wealth to help your kids, and that neither your wife or kids know about some of your assets.”
Simon reeled back almost horrified.
“What…what, do you know my accountant or hedge fund manager?”
“Yes. I do. I also know you’ve not been paying much tax. Of course, none of this is in writing and is just word of mouth.”
“But if I go down, so will they, and you.”
“No, the authorities will just be tipped off anonymously.”
Simon shook his head in disbelief and stared at Marcia.
“You’ve got me all wrong. I was going to give Jess, and Luke who’s in WA, a million when they turn 50.”
“Don’t bullshit me, Simon. You’re a nasty, tight fisted asshole who never worked hard and inherited millions. You strut around as some sort of pious intellectual. For fucks sake, your daughter made a few bad choices and can’t get a really good job, but you don’t even help her. Your son doesn’t even talk to you because you live in such an arrogant bubble that you don’t even have empathy for your kids. I saw it more than a few times in Panama. Too much dirty and easy money.”
Marcia paused to regain her composure and resumed speaking more slowly while emphatically pointing at Simon with a snarl.
“I may be a manipulative ex whore but I also have a psychology degree and know too many men who’ve inherited money and never worked, yet they think most of society are peasants. Pincha pendejo, you remind me of my uncle.”
Marcia sat back and brushed her hair back over her shoulder.
“What do you want, Marcia? You’ve got the upper hand. I get it. I’ve been a bit too stern with Jess and also Luke.”
“Wow, only a bit stern.”
Stacey and Bekky appeared on the other side of the street and walked over to the table.
“Que pasa, chicas?” asked Marcia, playfully.
Stacey and Bekky beamed at Marcia and then stared gleefully at Simon.
“Oh, fuck, this has been some sort of team effort has it?”
“You can’t shit can the whole valley, be dodgy, and get away with it, Simon.”
Simon held his left hand to his forehead and exhaled.
“How much?”
Marcia took off her designer shades and leant towards Simon.
“Set your kids up, Simon. A house would be a nice start.”
“Oh, and 100k to upgrade the community centre. Since you’re a socialist at heart.” said Bekky, grinning.”
“Alright, alright, you win, ladies.”
Simon got up and walked slowly back to his sky blue, Mercedes. His posture was slightly stooped as he awkwardly got in his car and drove off.
Stacey stared at Marcia and smiled with gratitude.
“A year ago I thought you were a rich foreign snob, but your a fucken class act, Marci.”
“Thanks sweetie. I’ve been around a bit and been through shit, so I try to help others in my own way.”
20 mins later, back at home, Jess sat on the front porch feeling flatter than she had since her divorce 2 years ago. She watched Simon’s Mercedes coming up the driveway and her heart sank even deeper as gloom fogged her mind. Simon walked towards the house and up the stairs. He pulled up a cane chair and sat next to Jess. His body language seemed out of character but Jess still anticipated the worst. Simon put his hands on his knees then gulped.
“Look, I won’t waffle on. The last 2 days have been difficult but I realise I’ve been wrong in my actions and should have supported you and Luke more in recent years. I need to go for a drive and clear my head. I might be gone for a couple of days but I’ve decided to release some of the trust now, rather than when you and Luke turn 50. I should have helped you with real estate years ago. I will chat to Sandra this afternoon.”
Jess couldn’t believe Simon’s apology and complete change of heart. Simon walked back to his car and drove off. Jess’s head throbbed despite the sudden good news. For several minutes she felt like she was in a dream just before waking up. She cried with relief and released some of the pent up emotions and sadness about Jed’s death and Walt’s terrible parents. At 5pm that afternoon, her phone vibrated and a text from an unknown number appeared in her queue:
“Hi Jess, it’s Marcia, your fathers yoga teacher. I’ve had some recent discussions with your father about various things like family, politics, and wealth. He has had an amazing change of awareness recently and may have already spoken to you about this. I’ve also been spending a bit of time teaching yoga to Stacey and Bekky. Stace gave me your number. If you want to have a few wines with us at the community centre tonight, we’d be glad to catch up.”
Jess smiled then burst out laughing. She couldn’t wait to catch up and decided to walk the 5km to the centre to loosen up. She told Sandra she was catching up with the girls and set off in jeans, trainers and a T- shirt.
The crisp afternoon breeze and sunlight lit up the gently undulating walking trail from the river to the back of town. Jess was eager to catch up with the girls and to meet, Marcia, whom she historically viewed as a snob. She powered along feeling surprisingly energised despite recent dramas.
Entering the main bar at the community centre with her mask, she caught Stacey’s eye at one of the pool tables. Her face lit up and she raised her schooner. Jess had almost forgotten how tall and broad Stacey was. Stacey opened her arms and hugged Jess.
“You can take off your mask, Jess, alot of people in here think Omicron isn’t that dangerous. So fucken over being stuffed about when fuck all young people have died.”
“Yeah, I get you babe.”
Bekky walked over and wrapped her long arms around Jess.
“I’m not anti-social distancing either, little chicky babe.”
Marcia walked over with a smile and extended her hand.
“Hello, Jess, how are you?”
“I guess I should thank you. I got it all wrong.”
“Ah, you thought I was an arrogant Latin bitch?”
All the ladies laughed as Jess blushed slightly.
“Guilty.”
“Well, the girls have been updating me for a few months now. Your father has been working through his own stuff recently and agreed with me to be more generous and tolerant. I’m confident that will be benefitial to you too.”
“Gee, thanks so much. I need a drink. Need a refill?”
“Tell the barman it’s on my tab, Jess.”
“Thanks heaps.”
Jess walked to the bar feeling happier than she’d ever recalled being. She ordered 3 chardonnays and a bourbon and coke. returning to the table she looked at the ladies and raised her glass.
“To the toughest 2 chicks I’ve ever known, to a lady I underestimated, and to a surfie called, Jed.”
“Jed?” asked Marcia, curiously.
Jess tried not to cry but some tears welled up as she spoke.
“I’ve had the worst 2 days. I met this younger surfie guy, Jed, at Lisa’s wake, and his autistic friend, Walt, got rushed to hospital for having some coke that had too much meth in it. The next day they had a swim and Jed drowned trying to save Walt. Walt had had his second Pfizer only 3 days earlier but didn’t tell any of us. It’s so fucked up.”
“Fuck babe, that is hectic.” said Bekky.
Stacey and Marcia paused and nodded as Jess composed herself.
“I was shocked by Dads change of heart. Thanks, Marcia. He was gonna boot me out.”
“It’s okay, chica, things will improve for you.”
“To a surfie called, Jed!” said Stace.
All the ladies then raised their glasses and toasted in unison.
“To a surfie called, Jed.”
Dom Cochran 