The tell tale signs of rising dust from a four wheel drive could be seen before she could hear the vehicle approaching; one of the benefits of living on a massive station in the dry Australian outback. She had learned to live out here over the last 13 years since she had married Tom and new all of the local tricks. She was happy out here: 2 kids, now at boarding school, a hard working husband, and room to discover herself. However, lately she felt lonely, if not alone, and wondered how her girlfriends in Sydney were coping in their hustled world. Tom was still loving, caring and supportive, however it was so long since they had shared a passion for one another. The sex was still good and she loved Tom more than ever, but she could not stop thinking of her carefree girlfriends in Sydney skipping from one relationship to the next. A red dual cab 4 wheel drive came into view – it did not belong to any of the locals.
As the door sprung open, he jumped down from behind the wheel. All 6’2 strode towards her, dressed in the jeans and boots of the country, blond hair blowing in the breeze. “Hi” he said, a slow grin crossing his lips. After a brief discussion, it unfolded that he was the nephew of her next door neighbour who had asked him to “look after the place” for a few months while Old Bill had a well earned break. She felt herself brushing away her blonde hair from her face as she spoke to him in a manner she hadn’t since her days of single flirtation. As he headed back to the car, he called back over his broad shoulder “Oh by the way, my name is Glen ….and yours?” She felt embarrassed she hadn’t properly introduced herself; “Rachel”.
The following days saw her go about her usual chores, however she would often find herself thinking about the attractive neighbour who had entered her life. She had discussed the meeting with her husband, however he was more interested in what would happen to the neighbouring property.
Tom had to go to Sydney on farm business again and would be away for a week. As she waved him goodbye, she looked around the vast property she would manage by herself for the next week – the feeling of isolation smothered her. A brief phone call from an old girlfriend who candidly told Rachel of her varied (exotic?) sex life was too much. Telling herself it was neighbourly to take over a prepared meal for her new neighbour, she could not quite justify to herself why she had changed into her special lace lingerie before pulling on the usual jeans and button up cotton shirt. The perfume was even harder to explain.
As her car pulled into the drive and was greeted by a smiling Glen standing upright after working on a fence. “I was wondering when I would see you again.” he said. Rachel smiled, and felt like a teenager girl again. “I thought you might appreciate this” she said, holding out the casserole. As he took the dish off her, her eyes fell onto his large hands. “Drink?” he offered. As they sat on the dusty lounge they passed the necessary small talk. The chemistry was obvious. Rachel stayed for the evening meal and enjoyed a cold bottle of wine. “It’s getting late, will you stay the night?” Glen queried, the slightest smile passing his lips. Rachel froze – now the chase was on and she felt nervous. She had been faithful to Tom for over 13 years and didn’t know if she could do this. A string of thoughts raced through her mind; isolation, girlfriends’ romances, Tom’s trust, her age (34) and life passing her by. “Am I still attractive to other men?” she pondered. Feeling her snug jeans and pert breasts she new she was still in shape. But how many other chances will I get out here with a hunky guy like Glen, she thought? She was amazed as she heard herself say in a half whisper “Yes”.
Glen walked towards her and taking her by the hand, said “Let me show you around”. She followed closely. “…and finally this is the bedroom where you can sleep”. She looked at the large bed, huge window with a view of the distant ranges, en suite and full length mirror. Standing in the door way their bodies were almost touching. “What am I doing here?” thoughts of self doubt filled her head. Almost automatically, she reached up and kissed him on his thin lips.