Page 94 of The Me I Left Behind

At around one o’clock that afternoon, Lilly suggested Poppy head home. There would be fewer people on the passenger ferry that time of day. “Besides…” she’d told her, “you’re coming earlier than normal tomorrow and you deserve a restful evening.”

They’d put Leo in his pram and strolled along, chatting softly while the baby napped. Lilly was glad to get out of the house. The weather was mild for May, getting cooler every day. All she’d needed was a light sweater, and Leo was fine wrapped in his blanket.

She turned to Poppy. “I’m glad you brought your jacket with you. The ferry might be chilly.”

Poppy waved her off. “I’ll be fine. I like the breeze and enjoy the sun when I can.”

Smiling, Lilly hooked her arm in Poppy’s. “You be careful.”

“I am always.”

They ambled along, enjoying the twenty-minute walk. Lilly knew that when the weather turned even cooler, she’d want to drive to the terminal to pick Poppy up and take her back. While the temperatures in Brisbane and the islands were subtropical, they would have their share of chilly days in the upcoming winter months.

But they’d talk about that in a few weeks.

Perhaps, even, she’d ask Poppy to move in with her for the winter. She had plenty of space. And Max had no interest in doing so.

They lingered at the ferry slip until the boat came, then Lilly gave Poppy a hug and she watched her toddle off down the ramp to get on board. She waved and turned for home, grateful Leo was still sleeping, and for the pleasant walk.

The exercise did wonders for her mood.

As she approached her home, she noticed a utility vehicle parked across the street in a place where no one usually parked. She pointed the pram toward the house and headed up her driveway.

A stocky young man wearing jeans, some sort of novelty T-shirt, and boots left the ute. “G’day, there. Miss Colling, isn’t it?”

She turned.This man knows my name?He stood behind her, a few feet back, waving a large envelope in his hand—she presumed to catch her attention.

“Yes?”

“Just a minute of your time, please. I’m looking for a Mr. Max Oliver? He lives here, right?”

Actually, he doesn’t. Just ask him.“And you are…?”

He shrugged, smiling, his longish bangs hanging over his forehead, where she could barely see his eyes. A bit unnerving, actually. “Doesn’t matter my name. Is he at home?”

“Max Oliver does not live here,” she told him.

He grinned wider. “That’s odd. I thought I saw him leaving earlier this morning. He’s the bub’s dad, right-o?”

Lilly sucked in a breath and turned, pushing Leo closer to the front door. “I need to get the baby inside. Good day.”

He rushed up beside her. “Wait.”

Lilly stopped and glowered. “You do not want to push me, Mr… What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t.”

“Then we have no business here.” She moved forward, her heart skipping beats as she pushed the pram. She wanted him gone before she had to pull out her keys and unlock the door.

“I’ll wait then.”

Lilly whipped around. “Long wait, I’d say. I do not expect him. But if you must, please do so in your ute.”

One corner of his mouth turned up in a mocking grin. He bowed and gestured, like he was tipping his hat to her. “G’day, ma’am.”

He left to go to his vehicle. She quickly unlocked the front door and pushed Leo inside, rapidly closing and locking it again behind her.

Her back against the door, she inhaled a deep, cleansing breath and then let it out slowly. Then again. After a moment, she lifted Leo out of the pram and headed up the stairs.