Page 15 of King of Jokers

“The speed limit is there for a reason, Jacksby. What’s the rush?”

“You haven’t changed in all the years I’ve known you.” He said and I tapped the steering wheel, wondering if that was a good or bad thing. I’d never really fit in as a teenager. Other than Jack, I’d never had girlfriends or people who voluntarily wanted to spend time with me. Rather, I was more of a target for people in school. Someone to belittle or huff snide comments at as I passed.Cyborg,Robot BitchandWinter the Frosty Snowbitchsome of the more docile terms. And consequently, I was a loner, preferring to spend most of my time in the library or with those I trusted wholeheartedly to avoid having to face it all.

Needing a change of subject, the focus away from me before I wallowed in those memories, I took an easy out.

“I remember the day you were drafted. You couldn’t pack your bags quick enough.Jackie gon’ be a football star,” I sang loudly and off-key, remembering waiting for the news all day. He knew if he got a contract it would come with a call in the early evening, but we waited by that phone from lunchtime onwards. When he finally got the nod, Dean, Sharon, his older sister Darcy and I had swarmed him, unable to control our excitement.

“You always were destined for more.” I said wistfully because it was the truth. He was too big for Willow Bay and the success he had seen with the Hearts exemplified that.

“Remember how nervous I was when Andy and Coach knocked on the door to give me my jersey? I thought I was going to shit myself and you had no idea who either of them were and threw me shady looks when no one was looking because you were entirely miffed by my nerves.”

“They’re just people, Jack.” I repeated the same thing I’d said to him when I thought he wasn’t going to be able to even open the front door to let them in.

“It was a good day. There really is no place like home though,” he smiled, looking over at me. “When are you moving to Sydney with me?” He asked before singing just as loudly as I had, “Well then, there Winter, we oughta run off to the city…” and I laughed at his rendition of the John Mellencamp classic. Our song. We threw those lyrics in whenever we could but now, it seemed more realistic.

“Could you actually imagine me living in a big city like that? I would hyperventilate entering a cafe.”

“Of course I could. I’ve seen you push yourself out of your comfort zone so many times. You just doubt yourself. Although, I’m not sure Mike and Deb would like that too much.”

“Mum and Dad are hardly home these days anyway. Wait until I show you their latest pictures. They just got to Western Australia and you’d think they’d arrived in Las Vegas with their level of excitement.”

“How does Mason feel about them being there?” He asked, referring to my older brother who moved to the other side of the country because Willow Bay made him and his partner, Ethan feel claustrophobic. I was certain it was to avoid the meddling of our parents, but that was never something he would admit lest he hurt their feelings.

I laughed knowingly. “He is happy they will meet the baby once she is born, but he won’t let them stay at the house so I’m sure he will be happy once they leave too.”

“They mean well though.” Jack said, always looking for the positive.

“They do and that’s the only reason Mase is able to keep his cool. It’s the unsolicited advice which kills them. You know they told Ethan that he would need to have their cat rehoused in case it sucked the breath right out of the baby.” I flicked a side eye at Jack, my feelings around this old wives tale written all over my face.

“I can imagine Eth took that really well,” Jack retorted sarcastically.

“Mase said he chewed an ulcer into the inside of his cheek to stop himself from telling them to fuck off.”

Jack guffawed, slapping his thigh in the process. “How are they? I bet they’re excited to finally meet their daughter.”

“I have no idea. I’m actually the worst sister. I make no effort, which is understandable really given how busy my single life is,” I explained with a sarcastic wince. “But we keep each other updated on the important things. He sends me pictures of all things baby. Their house looks like a marshmallow threw up in it and honestly, it is my childhood dream.”

“Maybe you can send them those things you have hanging on your door.”

“Blasphemy. I will be keeping those forever. But I should definitely get her some of her own. Great idea.”

Ignoring his mockery I was already compiling a list of places I could find some. They were dual purpose. Girls loved them and my brother would hate them. Seemed like a no brainer. Inflicting irritation on your sibling was a rite of passage and it was something both Mason and I took very seriously, much to the distaste of our parents.

Mum and Dad had adopted us both at the same time and while Mase had some memories of the foster family he was with before he moved to the Bay, I did not. Which meant Mum, Dad, Mase and Willow Bay were all I ever remembered and unlike my older brother, I never had any inclination to find my biological family. I’d been one of the lucky ones who found my place with a loving family who raised me as their own. Fertility issues for Mum meant she couldn’t conceive and they’d been desperate for children which was why they wanted Mase and I. He didn’t find the transition as easy as I did and I loved him so much and was terrified of losing someone who finally felt like mine. So, in a desperate attempt to keep him out of trouble I would find new ways to gain his attention. Just not always in the most appropriate ways. This would now be something his soon-to-be born daughter would inherit and the anticipation was making me jittery, imagining the things I could do with a tiny little teammate. The possibilities were endless.

The local shops were small in stature but for the most part hosted everything we needed. The shop fronts were weathered from the salty breeze, bearing names that were more often than not synonymous with the family who owned them –Christerson’s Groceries, Billson’s Bakery and Cafe, Dickies Bar and Grill. Each unique in storefront and stock although all slightly faded from the coastal sun. Inside, they were purposefully brimming with personality and the staff were notorious for their ability to host a conversation lasting far longer than you ever needed, which meant you had to shop with intent.

Jack came around to where I was hunting through my purse for my phone and stretched sluggishly. Holiday mode already activated. I tried my best not to stare at the sliver of skin he was unknowingly showing as he lifted his arms over his head. Or the dark strip of hair which dipped below his waist band.

“What do we need?” He asked, shuttling me back to the sweltering parking lot. He was also aware if we didn’t have a set list, we would leave with thirty things we didn’t need and potentially be seconded to help fix, build or move something. None of which I wanted to do when it was at least 35 degrees Celsius today.

“I feel like pizza for dinner so you get the meat toppings and I will get the rest. Do you think you can avoid making eye contact because people know you’re back and will be vicious with their questions. Willow Bay is nothing if not lacking in tact.”

“Win, you know I can’t be rude. I’m as soft as a soggy tissue.”

“If you are not at the counter when I am, Jacky-Pie, you’re walking home and you’ll be stuck with the vultures. Your choice. Now let’s go.”

He looked partially terrified and I chuckled as we escaped the heaviness of the heat, pausing for the briefest moment while we greedily absorbed the chill inside the store. Pointing to the deli, I headed in the opposite direction, praying old lady Linda Christerson was busy and didn’t spot Jack. If she got her claws into him, we were going nowhere fast and he would be prodded with questions about the time he made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

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