A Distant Journey Read online

  Murray laughed and turned back onto his stomach so he was facing her again. ‘“Pub” is short for public house, but you’d call it a bar. A hotel, somewhere to get a drink.’

  ‘Oh, I see,’ said Cindy.

  ‘Speaking of which, how about I take you out for a drink when we get back?’ said Murray, giving her his slow smile.

  ‘Okay.’ Cindy felt a tingle of excitement at the invitation. ‘I can’t actually have any alcohol, though. I’m underage.’

  ‘How old are you?’ Murray asked, peering at her.

  ‘I’m twenty.’

  Murray shook his head. ‘What a crazy place. Back home it was legal for me to drink once I turned eighteen. Is there much underage drinking here?’

  Cindy nodded and briefly told Murray about her trip to Mexico, without mentioning Robbie, but then she regretted calling Robbie to mind so she ducked under the water, as if to wash him away, then resurfaced, shaking her red-gold curls. ‘How about we dry off and walk back to the car? I know a nice place to eat our picnic.’

  Cindy pulled herself out of the water and made her way across the rocks to lie down in the sun for a few minutes. She had only gone a few steps over a large rock when Murray suddenly spoke.

  ‘Cindy, don’t take another step. Stay where you are,’ he said calmly.

  There was something in his voice that made her freeze on the spot. ‘Why? What are you talking about?’ said Cindy.

  ‘Don’t panic, Cindy. It’s okay,’ he said. ‘There’s a rattlesnake about three feet from where you are. Just don’t move and don’t make any noise.’

  Cindy stood stock-still. She was so terrified that she couldn’t have moved or made a sound even if she’d wanted to.

  ‘I’ve found that if you leave snakes alone, they’ll accord you the same courtesy,’ said Murray gently. ‘So I just want you to walk very slowly towards me. Don’t look at the snake, just watch me. That’s the girl, one very quiet, slow step at a time.’

  Cindy looked at Murray, who was smiling at her encouragingly from the edge of the pool. Gingerly she started towards him. Suddenly she heard the snake’s rattle and froze. ‘Oh my God, it’s going to strike,’ she whimpered.

  ‘No,’ said Murray. ‘It’s just telling you to go away and that’s exactly what you’re doing. Just a couple more steps and I’ve got you.’

  Cindy felt as though her legs were made of cement, but managed to move forward until Murray was able to reach out, put his hands around her waist and lift her off the rock, putting her safely down in the water beside him. Cindy couldn’t stifle a frightened and relieved sob as he held her damp, trembling body close to his.

  Finally she caught her breath. ‘I thought I was going to die!’

  Murray tightened his arms around her as if to further reassure her, and said, ‘You handled it well. We have snakes at home. Best thing is to leave them alone.’

  ‘You saved my life, Murray,’ she said shakily, gazing up at him in gratitude.

  ‘I don’t know about that,’ said Murray, giving her a lopsided grin. ‘Even if you’d been bitten, we would have been close enough to town to get you quick medical attention. Still, it is nice to be thought of as a hero by such a pretty girl.’ With that, he tilted Cindy’s head up and kissed her.

  Cindy’s eyes flew open in shock. She was about to protest, but then she found that she was enjoying it, and started to kiss Murray back. It was the most delicious feeling. Her whole body seemed to tingle and for a moment she felt quite dizzy. In the back of her mind, she realised that Robbie had never kissed her like this.

  Suddenly, a voice called out from the top of the waterfall.

  ‘Hey, you two look as though you’re having fun. How’s the water, guys?’

  Cindy pulled away from Murray, embarrassed that a group of hikers had come across them in a rather compromising position, but Murray was not at all concerned. Still with his arm around Cindy, he called back, ‘Beautiful! Very refreshing. You can have it to yourselves, we’re just about to leave. Oh, and by the way, we’ve seen a rattlesnake, so keep your eyes open.’

  The hikers waved their thanks as Murray helped Cindy from the pool. ‘I don’t think we have to bother about drying off. It’s so hot, by the time we walk back to the car, we’ll be fine.’

  Cindy took Murray to a shaded spot near where they’d parked and they ate their lunch quickly. They agreed it was really too hot to enjoy a picnic.

  ‘I know Alice mentioned going out tonight for dinner with some of her friends, but really, I’d like a nice quiet dinner, just the two of us,’ Murray said, taking her hand. ‘What do you say I pick you up early, we go and watch the sunset and then have a nice meal somewhere that doesn’t have a lot of people, or music – or rattlesnakes,’ he said with his slow, engaging smile.

  Cindy was flattered. Murray was so rugged, exotic and interesting. Perhaps her aunts were right and she needed to get back out there. Maybe that would show Robbie that she didn’t care all that much about his leaving her.

  ‘I’d love to,’ she said, holding his gaze. He stroked her hand and she felt goosebumps rising on her skin at his touch.

  ‘We should be getting back,’ Cindy said.

  ‘Sure,’ said Murray. He let go of her hand and they packed up their things and headed back to the car.

  After she’d dropped Murray at his hotel, she drove back to Palm Desert. She couldn’t wait to tell Babs all about the day.

  ‘And Babs, he was so calm about the rattlesnake,’ she said breathlessly. ‘I was scared, but he was so in control. Half the boys I know would probably just have thrown rocks at it and then I’d have been bitten. And did you know that he lost his mother too?’

  ‘No, I didn’t,’ said Babs. She went on hemming a little dress.

  ‘Well, I don’t suppose that it’s something you’d talk about at a dinner party,’ said Cindy. ‘Anyway, we’re going out tonight.’

  Babs gave her a curious look. ‘So, you’re over Robbie, then?’

  Cindy sighed. ‘I don’t know, maybe. If I don’t think about him, I’m fine, but some days he’s all I can think of,

  and that makes me sad.’ She paused a moment before rushing on. ‘Murray is just so different!’

  Babs paused. ‘He’s quite a bit older than you are, Cindy.’

  ‘Murray is mature. I mean, some of the college guys are so juvenile. Not Robbie, which was one of the reasons I liked him so much. Maybe I just prefer older men,’ said Cindy.

  ‘Be careful, that’s all. I don’t want you getting your heart broken again,’ said Babs, frowning. ‘Murray is here for a vacation, so he obviously wants to have a good time. Just keep that in mind, won’t you?’

  *

  Murray took her to the terrace lounge of his hotel, where he ordered her a creamy concoction decorated with a tiny umbrella and a cherry on a spear of pineapple.

  ‘It’s not alcoholic, but I think you’ll like it.’ Cindy did, and so Murray ordered her another as they sat and watched the sunset. After that, he took her to an Italian pizza place for dinner. They chatted as they shared a pizza and time seemed to melt away. Cindy found Murray’s stories about Kingsley Downs fascinating and so different from anything she’d ever heard before. His tanned face seemed to crinkle with pleasure as he spoke to her. Cindy felt sophisticated and worldly just being in his

  company.

  When she got home, Babs was still up, engrossed in hand-sewing.

  ‘I just wanted to get the last of this smocking done before bed. How was the date?’ she asked casually.

  Cindy beamed. ‘Terrific. We went to a cute pizza place. Murray is so great. His home, Kingsley Downs, is thousands of square miles in size. Can you imagine anything that big? It would be like your own little country.’

  ‘I think there are ranches that big in the States,’ observed Babs.

  ‘I suppose, but it s
eemed impressive to me. Anyway, Murray’s asked me out again tomorrow,’ said Cindy.

  Babs looked up at her. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be working tomorrow?’

  ‘Yes, but only in the morning. Murray says he wants to play golf then anyway,’ said Cindy.

  ‘Mmmm,’ said Babs. She paused for a moment and caught Cindy’s eye. ‘Please remember what I said, Cindy; be careful about a holiday romance.’

  Cindy shook her head. ‘I’ll be fine. Besides, when I’m with Murray, I hardly think of Robbie at all, so that’s a good thing, isn’t it?’

  *

  Over the next week, Cindy and Murray spent a lot of time together. To Cindy, Murray and his life seemed colourful and exciting and the remoteness of Kingsley Downs made him like a heroic pioneer.

  Murray laughed at her romantic ideas of the sheep station. ‘We’re not all that primitive! The homestead has electricity and the phone works, although it’s still a party line. I find it far more interesting around here. I can’t believe the number of film stars and singers I’ve seen since I’ve been here.’

  Murray seemed as fascinated by what she showed him in Palm Springs as she was by the stories he told her about Australia. They seemed to fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Cindy was amazed at how quickly she developed strong feelings for him in such a short space of time. On the surface he seemed so relaxed and unhurried, but she knew from the incident of the rattlesnake that he could act decisively when he had to. He regaled her with funny stories about things that happened on his property that brought tears of laughter to her eyes, and he also shared tales of overcoming hardship and heartbreak that gave her pause for thought and admiration. But she knew he was going home in a few days and she had no illusions that her relationship with him was anything more than a fling, so when Murray pressed her for more than just a kiss and cuddle, she steadfastly refused. She wasn’t going to ruin her future chances for the sake of a holiday romance.

  Just the same, she was thrilled and surprised when one evening, as they enjoyed their ritual sunset drink by his hotel pool, he handed her a wrapped parcel.

  ‘This is for you, Cindy. Call it a memento of a very pleasant holiday,’ he told her. ‘I’ll miss you.’

  ‘I’m going to miss you, too. I’ve had so much fun this last week. I have no idea what I’ll do with myself when you’ve gone.’ She carefully untied the ribbon of the box and opened it. Inside was an Indian bracelet made of chunks of turquoise set in highly polished silver.

  Her face lit up with pleasure. ‘Oh, Murray, thank you!’

  ‘You know, Cindy,’ said Murray, suddenly serious, taking her hand, ‘I wish I could take you back home with me. I think we would make a very good team. You’re so young and pretty and so full of enthusiasm and energy. I’ve never met anyone quite like you.’ He stroked her hand.

  Cindy didn’t know what to say. Was Murray saying he wanted to marry her? No, you didn’t propose to someone you’d known for barely a week and take them to a country thousands of miles away to start a new life. Murray couldn’t be serious. What he’d said was flattering, but ridiculous.

  She smiled. ‘Murray, that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me, but I think we both know it’s a pipe dream. Besides, I have to finish college.’

  ‘Of course you do,’ said Murray, releasing her hand. ‘Why would you leave such a wonderful place as this to move to the other side of the world? Just a bit of wishful thinking on my part.’ He gave her a crooked grin and looked away.

  The two of them went to their favourite pizza place and the subject was not raised again. However, when Cindy got home and showed Babs the bangle and told her what Murray had said, Babs was horrified.

  ‘Whatever is the man thinking? Murray must be nearly ten years older than you are, and Australia is so far away. It’s ridiculous even to suggest that you leave your family and go and live on some isolated ranch!’ she said furiously.

  ‘It’s a sheep station,’ murmured Cindy. ‘I don’t know, I think I might like it there. It sounds wonderfully romantic, all those sheep and a huge lot of land and just the two of us fighting the elements!’ She smiled dreamily.

  ‘It’s nonsense!’ snapped Babs. ‘You don’t even know him properly. I’ll be pleased when he leaves.’

  Cindy was startled by her aunt’s vehemence, but she supposed Babs was right. It was all too far-fetched. Moving to Australia would be the adventure of a lifetime, but living in Palm Springs was good enough for now, and she was looking forward to her junior year in college, even without Robbie.

  ‘Don’t worry, Babs. I’m sure he didn’t mean me to take his suggestion seriously,’ said Cindy, giving her aunt what she hoped was a reassuring smile. Going into the spare room, Cindy took the bangle and placed it in her jewellery box. It would be a reminder of the blissful week with Murray that she would never forget.

  The following morning, Cindy was surprised by a phone call from her roommate Chrissie.

  ‘I hope I haven’t rung too early,’ her friend said.

  ‘I know you have to go to work and I’ve got to get to my vacation job as well, boring as it is. But I thought we should catch up. It seems like ages since we’ve spoken. How’re things?’

  ‘Terrific! I’ve had the best vacation ever,’ Cindy answered.

  ‘Oh good,’ said Chrissie. ‘I’m glad to hear you’ve got over that heel, Robbie.’

  Cindy froze. She’d told none of her college friends that Robbie had dumped her, not even Chrissie. When she went back to school she’d planned for everyone to think that splitting up had been her idea.

  ‘What do you mean, Chrissie?’ Cindy asked cautiously.

  ‘Honey, we all heard how he dumped you,’ said Chrissie, sounding surprised. ‘And in a letter too! It’s just shocking. All the sorority girls think he’s treated you really badly. I mean, he led you on for almost two years and then, poof, it’s all over. Not even the suggestion of an engagement ring! It’s just terrible! So humiliating and hurtful, you poor thing,’ said Chrissie kindly.

  ‘Well, I’ve found someone else now,’ said Cindy defensively. ‘He’s an Australian and we’ve had a wonderful time together, only he has to go back to Australia soon.’ And she briefly told Chrissie all about Murray.

  ‘That’s great, Cindy. I’m really glad he’s helped you get over Robbie. Well, I’ve had a good vacation, too,’ said Chrissie, her voice filled with excitement. ‘That’s what I wanted to tell you. I’m engaged!’

  ‘Oh my goodness!’ said Cindy, shocked by her friend’s startling announcement. Chrissie didn’t even have a boyfriend, as far as Cindy knew. ‘Who to?’

  ‘An old high school friend, Darren! We’ve known each other for years and this vacation we met up again and it was as though we’ve never been apart, and yesterday he popped the question. So now I’m going to be Mrs Darren Sinclair!’ said Chrissie.

  ‘That’s wonderful news, Chrissie. Congratulations,’ said Cindy warmly.

  ‘Thank you,’ said Chrissie. ‘The wedding won’t be for a while yet. I want to finish college. We’re thinking of having the reception on Darren’s family’s ranch.’

  Cindy was genuinely pleased for her friend, but as Chrissie prattled on about her fiancé and her wedding plans, Cindy couldn’t help but feel all of her hurt and disappointment about Robbie come flooding back more painful than ever. All that time she had spent dreaming about getting married and now it couldn’t be further

  away.

  ‘I’m sorry that your Australian boyfriend is going back home,’ Chrissie said, changing the subject. ‘It seems a pity. I’m not sure who you’ll go out with now that everyone is all coupled up, but who knows, you might still meet someone else at college …’ Chrissie’s tone was doubtful. ‘But there’ll be a lot of new freshman girls on campus this year. Much more fierce competition. Gosh,’ Chrissie laughed. ‘I’m so glad I’m engaged!’

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sp; Cindy drew in a breath sharply and Chrissie seemed to realise she’d overstepped the mark. She rushed on in a brighter tone. ‘Sorry, Cindy, what am I saying? You’re only twenty. You’ve got plenty of time. Gosh, if I can get engaged, so can you.’

  But the damage was done. Cindy started to cry. She was all alone. Chrissie was right about the dwindling number of available partners. Robbie had been the best of them and even he didn’t want her! She wouldn’t meet anyone like him again. She wouldn’t meet anyone at all, especially as Murray was going back to Australia as well. Tears coursed down her face.

  Holding herself together so Chrissie wouldn’t hear how upset she was, she said, ‘Chrissie, thanks for ringing and congratulations again, but I have to go, I’m running late.’ Cindy put down the phone. Her hands were shaking. Suddenly she had gone from the envied sorority sister to the odd one out. The unattached girl, the girl that no one wanted and now even Chrissie was engaged. Cindy was the only one left on the shelf. Her bright future was ruined; her hopes and dreams dashed. She went into her room and sat down on her bed. She reached for a hanky and her gaze fell upon the beautiful bracelet Murray had given her. Maybe it wasn’t too late.

  *

  As soon as she got to work, Cindy rang Murray and arranged to meet him in the foyer of his hotel when she finished work at lunch time.

  He was already sitting in one of the hotel’s comfortable chairs when she arrived, drinking a cup of tea and reading a newspaper. As soon as he saw her, he rose to his feet.

  ‘Hello, little Cindy,’ he said with a smile. ‘Can I order you a drink?’ She shook her head and sat, pulling Murray down beside her. Then she took a very deep breath and plunged into what she wanted to say.

  ‘Murray, you said that you wanted to take me back to Australia because we’d make a good team,’ she said. ‘Well, I think you’re right. I love you and I would like to come to Kingsley Downs with you.’

  For a moment, Murray didn’t say a thing, and Cindy was horrified to think that maybe his suggestion had not been serious and that she was making a complete fool of herself. But then he smiled his funny smile that went all the way to the crinkled corners of his eyes.