His shoulders were hunched over the sink. Froth bubbled up past his wrists; he always used too much dishwashing liquid. He turned to her, his brow wrinkled and his face twisted as if he was in pain.

“Oh, no.” She backed away from the sink.

“It’s just a weekend.”

“Not Damo?”

Sean’s face screwed up tighter. “And Shortie.”

Kate shook her head. “No way.”

“Damo rang as I was getting out of the shower. Shortie’s had a bust-up with his girlfriend.”

“Why am I not surprised? If they spent less time with each other and more time with their women maybe they’d keep a girlfriend for longer than five minutes.”

“They want to get away for a few days.”

“Shortie’s a loose cannon, Sean. You know we don’t get on.”

“I know.” He raised his hands in the air and water dripped down his arms and onto the floor. “But he’s Damo’s mate and Damo’s my mate.”

“He’s not always the most reliable either.” Kate had never really forgiven Damo for the spray tan he’d organised for Sean at his bucks night before their wedding. It was almost five years ago but Kate was reminded of it every time she looked at their wedding photos.

“Just a few days fishing and drowning our sorrows.” He was watching her intently.

“And you really thought I’d like to be included in this…this…” She waved the tea towel in the air. “Bonding weekend.”

“It’s been a tough couple of months. We could do with a break.”

The fight slipped out of her in a long sigh. “I know, Sean.” She swallowed her disappointment that he was spending their first free weekend in months with Damo instead of her.

“You need a break too.” He pulled her in close, the wet from his hands soaking through her thin shirt. She nestled closer, not caring, then suddenly found herself at arms’ length with Sean smiling like a Cheshire cat.

“Why don’t you go home?” he said.

“I am home.”

“To your parents. Didn’t you say Laura was heading there this weekend?”

“Yes, but it’s a five-hour drive for me.”

“Stay the week. I’ll only be gone for the weekend and my runs next week are to Victoria again.” Sean’s look was eager. No doubt it would appease his conscience if she didn’t simply stay home alone while he went off with his mates. “You could leave tomorrow, come back when you’re ready next week.”

He was warming to his idea and so was she.

“I don’t know about tomorrow.”

“Might as well.”