Page 47 of Perfect Three

“I do.It’s my one addiction.”

“My grandfather loved it, too.He was a real buff.I had to throw out a couple of cameras that had rusted, but there are still two Rolleiflex cameras.There is a Leica as well that was his favorite, and it’s still in perfect condition.”

Jack started laughing.

Sebastian just looked at him, puzzled.

“You think I’m bad with books, Seb.You’re worse with cameras.”

“I’ll have to show you my grandfather’s cameras.Sebastian, I’m sure you’ll appreciate them.”

“I most certainly will!”

“You can tell me if the two Rolleiflex are still in working order or not.”

“I’d like that,” he replied simply.

Jack looked up again at Lucy.“Have you always lived here, in the mountains?”

“Yes.Like I said, my family have lived here for generations.When I married, we lived in Blaxland and then when we divorced, I had this tiny two-bedroom flat in Katoomba.”

“You’ve never thought about moving?”

“No.I love it here.I love the summers because it doesn’t get too hot, although the bush fires scare me.Then in winter it’s kind of snuggly weather.”

“Nah, yeah, the fires are terrible.Looks like this place is pretty safe, though.”

“Yes, there’s never been a fire too close to this house.It isn’t as densely forested as some of the other areas, and sometimes in winter we even get a light dusting of snow.”She looked at Jack.“Sorry, Jack, it isn’t enough to ski, but you can have a great snowball fight.”

“I’ll remember that.”

They talked idly for another hour or so, then Sebastian spoke.“I think we should leave this lovely lady to think about things.”He looked at Lucy and took her hand.“It’s been a big day.We’ll give you a chance to decide about everything and how you feel without our distracting you.”

Lucy understood he knew the two of them were making her think of sex more than think about the relationship they were offering, and she was grateful.They all stood.

“If we may, could we see you again soon?”

“Please yes, I’d like to.”

“That’s great!Unfortunately, it won’t be tomorrow.We’ve got a new staff member coming.I’ve got to interview him, discuss his duties, then see how he works out.Jack, what time did Brad say that new waiter was coming in?”

“Twelve-thirty.”

Sebastian looked back at Lucy.“Okay.Normally, it would have been done through the week, but of course we weren’t here.Anyway, if it’s okay with you, can we see you for a meal on Wednesday evening?”

She nodded.

Sebastian still had hold of her hand.He gave it a little squeeze.“Should give you a good chance to think about things clearly without any, er ...distractions.”

Jack leant over to kiss her.“See you then on Wednesday, about six-thirty.”

Both men took a hand and they walked to the front door.

Lucy was a little disappointed they were leaving, but she was also rather grateful.She felt they weren’t pressuring her.Instead, they were giving her a chance to assimilate everything she’d heard.She could think through things over the next few days without the unsettling influence of having the two of them so close.

When they reached the front door, Jack opened it.

Sebastian wrapped his long arms around Lucy and held her tight.

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