‘There’s no good nagging,’ Andy had said and added, ‘In fact I consider this relationship is beyond repair.’
Three Pines Cottages was, surprisingly, even more inviting than the ads suggested. Only two hours from Brisbane and the two cottages were nestled either side of the large homestead.
Vivian had extolled the virtues of a weekend there to Andy, a chance to maybe resurrect their relationship. When Andy had rejected the idea so emphatically, Vivian had booked the cottage anyway. Not to lick her wounds, she decided, but more a chance to evaluate the time spent with Andy. If he came crawling to her when his new relationship cooled would she have him back? She thought not but the way he had brushed her off had certainly hurt.
Taking her binoculars Vivian had spent a most enjoyable morning birdwatching. A hobby that Andy had strongly discouraged. Vivian now realised she had given up far too many pastimes for the dubious pleasure of his company.
The next morning Vivian watched from her deck as Andy’s car pulled into the driveway. Two people, she noticed, and soon the car proceeded towards the other cottage.
Typical Andy, Vivian thought, to reject her idea and then claim credit for it. He would have told his new woman how he knew a great place for a romantic weekend away.
Later that morning a young woman walked towards Vivian as she headed out for more birdwatching.
‘Hi, I’m Jane. So sorry I didn’t bring my binoculars. There are so many birds. I just saw a Golden Whistler. One to tick off my list.’
‘That’s exciting. I’m Vivian. Walk along with me and you can share my binoculars if we see anything interesting.’
Vivian summed the girl up. Not classically beautiful but her expression was open and friendly.
‘Thanks, but I’d better not be too long. The guy I’m with didn’t like me mentioning bird watching. Apparently, he had an ex who talked of nothing but birds.’
‘I probably shouldn’t mention it,’ Vivian said, ‘but I recognised the guy when you drove in this morning. My sister was with Andy for quite a while before she woke up to herself.’
‘Really?’ Jane looked surprised. ‘He said he hadn’t been with anyone for ages.’
‘Well, I don’t think a few weeks is ages.’ Vivian was enjoying this. ‘Has he moved in with you or just left a few things there to test the waters?’
‘He did say it would be easier this morning if he stayed the night. I’m not ready to have anyone move in, not after just a few weeks.’ Jane sounded quite adamant.
Vivian pointed to a King Parrot on a near branch and handed Jane the binoculars. ‘Well, it’s too early for him to be borrowing money from you but don’t be surprised when it happens. I must ask my sister if he ever paid her back.’
‘You really don’t like him, do you,’ Jane said, handing Vivian the binoculars.
‘Well, he’s very personable,’ Vivian said. ‘And quite intelligent. I think he regretted not finishing University.’
‘But he did finish his science degree?’ Jane questioned. ‘He told me he just found sales more of a challenge than doing research.’
‘Yes, he told my sister that. He didn’t like her having teaching qualifications. “Anyone can talk to kids for a few hours and wait for the next long holiday,” Andy would say, and then burr up if she needed to mark papers at night.’
‘Well, I suppose I had better get back,’ Jane said.
‘I’m sorry if I upset you,’ Vivian said. ‘No doubt you can work things out for yourself. Come and borrow the binoculars later if you want.’
‘Well so much for a romantic getaway,’ Jane said later as she appeared at Vivian’s cottage.
‘Watching the Lions game, is he?’ Vivan asked. ‘It will be at least two hours so come and join me and have a glass of wine.’
‘I’m wondering if I’ve made a mistake coming away with Andy,’ Jane said as she settled on the verandah.
‘I’m sorry if it was what I said earlier,’ Vivian said.
‘Well not just that,’ Jane said. ‘We haven’t much in common and he’s pretty selfish. Anyway, I’m stuck here now till Monday.’
‘Not necessarily,’ Vivian said. ‘I’m leaving in the morning and I’m happy to give you a lift.’
‘That might be great.’ Jane sounded relieved. ‘If I hadn’t met you, I might have wasted a lot of time on a relationship with Andy. I’m heading for thirty and as they say, the clock is ticking.’
‘I understand perfectly,’ Vivian said. ‘If you decide to head home, just come around before nine. Now, let’s have another drink or two or three and we can discuss lucky escapes.’
© Tropical Writers Inc 2026