Out in the corridor she stopped to listen. No sounds from within the quarters. Owen would have left early and Bree was no doubt out with her father by now. She opened the door that separated the quarters from the house and was greeted by music coming from the kitchen radio. It wasn’t on the ABC so Milt had definitely gone. She made her way towards the kitchen in desperate need of a cup of tea, but just before she reached the door she stopped. The girls were talking.

“I suppose you’ll be inviting him for dinner again.” Bree’s voice had a teasing tone.

“He’s good eye candy.” Kate chuckled.

“Lay off, you two.” Laura’s annoyance was accompanied by the crash of cutlery in the sink.

“Dad thinks he’s it and a bit,” Bree said. “And he lives close. It’d be a match made in heaven.”

A chair dragged sharply. “Hey, watch it,” Bree called. “Mum won’t be happy if she finds you throwing wet dishcloths around.”

Natalie pressed a hand to the wall. They had to be talking about Jack. Laura couldn’t have feelings for him. He could be… her empty stomach churned and she pressed her fingers to her lips.

“It’s weird, don’t you think?” Laura said. “We’ve been neighbours of the Halbots all our lives and never had much to do with them till now.”

“Dad’s sure taken a shine to Jack. He’s like the golden-haired boy.” Bree’s voice was full of irritation.

“Perhaps he likes having another bloke around the place,” Kate said. “And we did see the Halbots back when Dad played tennis. It was before your time, Laura.”

“So why did it stop?” Laura asked.

There was a short pause as if they were all thinking about that.

“I don’t know,” Kate said.

“Has anything more happened about reviving the tennis court?” Laura asked.

“Dad’s thinking about it,” Bree said.

“I don’t think Mum’s keen on the idea,” Kate said.

“What’s Mum got against tennis anyway?” Laura said. “She’s always encouraged our sport but tennis is this big voodoo we’re never allowed to mention. Dad’s got a cupboard full of trophies.”

“You’re right,” Bree said. “I’ve never thought about it much but it’s been Mum who’s not wanted us to resurrect the tennis court.”

“Do you think she’s okay?” Kate asked.

Natalie leaned her body against the wall, worried her legs would fold beneath her.

“Now that I think about it she’s been quiet ever since she came back from having the tests in Adelaide,” Bree said.

“I said that the other day,” Laura huffed.

Natalie stayed where she was, unable to make herself move away.

“I guess it would be a shock to get the all-clear and then to discover your neighbour wasn’t so lucky,” Kate said.