Lynsey Stevens - Close Relations

‘Try phoning Mandy again. She could easily be back here by Friday,’ Georgia told him, and Lockie threw his hands in the air.

‘I told you she wasn’t there. Don’t you think I phoned her as soon as I got the job? I did. Her mother says she’s gone off touring and then she’ll end up in the back woods somewhere visiting cousins. They can’t contact her until Sunday anyway, so there’s no way she’ll make it back.’

‘I’m sorry, Lockie.’

‘Georgia, you know all the songs. You know the band. You’ve jammed with us often enough. And I reckon Mandy’s costume would even fit you; you’re about the same size.’

‘Well, almost,’ Morgan put in amusedly, and Lockie shot a warning glance at her.

‘But I don’t care for singing in front of an audience,’ Georgia reiterated firmly, standing up so that her brother didn’t have the advantage of his height looming over her.

‘Look, Georgia—’ Lockie’s hands clasped her shoulders ‘—you’re great, if only you’d realise it. Haven’t we always said that? Almost as good as Mandy. Isn’t that the truth, Morgan?’

‘Better than Mandy,’ Morgan remarked, and Lockie decided to let that go and turned back to his other sister.

‘I know you can do it. You are great.’

Georgia shrugged her brother’s hands off. ‘Don’t try to sweet-talk me, Lockie. And don’t pressure me.’

‘Sweet-talk you!’ Lockie muttered something under his breath. ‘OK, let me put it like this, Georgia. Friday night is our big chance. And you know what Mandy said. No more two-bit jobs. Well, I’ve pulled off the best-an engagement at the Country Music Club.

‘But now I’ve got it we need a female lead. It won’t be Country Blues without one. Surely you can see that? You’re the only one besides Mandy who knows our arrangements. We’d only need to run through them with you tomorrow evening and you’d be right for Friday night.’

‘I can’t do it, Lockie. I’m sorry.’

‘Morgan, you talk to her.’ Lockie appealed to his younger sister. ‘Make her see sense.’

‘Don’t bring me into it, Lockie. She’s the one who has to get up in front of all those people and sing.’ ‘You’re a great help.’ Lockie ran his hand through his hair.

Georgia sighed exasperatedly. ‘I haven’t got the time, Lockie. And I have late shifts at the bookshop. It would never work.’

‘It’s only Friday and Saturday, Georgia. I know you only work late on Thursday nights.’ ‘Substituting singers doesn’t sound legal to me—’ Georgia began.

‘I’ll tell them at the club, keep it all above board,’ Lockie put in quickly. ‘And Mandy can be back for next weekend’s gig. So where’s the problem? Two nights only, Georgia.’ ‘Lockie, please!’ Georgia brushed her fingers across her forehead.

‘Yes, Lockie, I think you’ve badgered Georgia enough for one night,’ Morgan intervened with an uncharacteristic concern. ‘Why don’t you sleep on it, Georgia? And tomorrow, if you feel the same, then that will be it. Lockie will just have to find someone else. OK?’

Georgia acquiesced and with a heartfelt sigh Lockie did the same.

‘All right,’ he agreed. ‘I need a cup of coffee and then I guess I should be off too. I’ll have to put the other guys in the picture.’ With a last appealing glance at his sister he went into the kitchen.

‘What will you do?’ Morgan asked.

‘I’ve always held out on this with Lockie,’ Georgia said dispiritedly. ‘Ever since we were teenagers and he formed his first band he’s wanted me to sing with him. I enjoyed it for a while, but-’ She stopped. But then Jarrod had arrived back and singing with her brother’s band had faded into a very poor second behind being with Jarrod, being held in his arms, making love…

‘If getting up on stage makes you so nervous—well—’ Morgan shrugged ‘-there’s no point in making more hassles for yourself. Still, I can see Lockie’s point. It’s a pity Mandy had to be in New Zealand now, just when Lockie’s got the band such a big break.’

Georgia nodded and slowly followed Lockie into the kitchen to begin preparing the evening meal. Lockie sat dejectedly at the table, staring into his mug of coffee.

He glanced up at his sister. ‘Georgia, we need the money the Country Music Club will bring,’ he said in a low voice.

‘Now come on, Lockie, I know we aren’t rich but we’re hardly destitute.’

Lockie’s face creased in a worried frown. ‘I need the money, Georgia.’ He paused as she looked at him, surprised by his serious tone. ‘You know the van’s under hire purchase? Well, I’m behind with the payments. It will be repossessed if I don’t catch up with it.’

‘Oh, Lockie.’ Georgia shook her head. ‘Why didn’t you tell me? I could help—’

Lockie held up his hand. ‘No, Georgia. It’s my responsibility.’ He sighed. ‘And there’s Mandy. Do you think I like putting off our wedding? She deserves better than that. I want to be able to make it up to her for the last penny-scrimping year.’

Georgia could feel the tension in him.

“This is a big-time gig, Georgia, and it pays big time. We won’t have to be counting every cent if we can pull this off,’ he persisted. ‘Not Mandy and me. Not Andy and the boys. And not you. We’ll pay you for Friday and Saturday nights, and as you’re saving for a new car this will boost your bank account, believe me.’

‘Lockie—’

‘And Dad. Maybe we can send him on a holiday. He hasn’t had one since Mum died. Then there’s Morgan. We could help her out with a secretarial course. It would make such a difference; don’t you see?’

‘I see you using emotional blackmail,’ Georgia said tiredly.

‘Two performances, Georgia. That’s all I ask. I’ll talk to Mandy and she’ll come back. Please, Georgia?’

‘Oh, Lockie.’ She sighed. ‘All right,’ she agreed weakly. ‘But two performances only.’

Lockie’s thin face broke into a grin. ‘Thanks, Georgia. You don’t know how much this means to me.’ He stood up and gave her a bear hug. ‘I’m off to sort out a plan of attack with the boys. Just stick my dinner in the oven. See you later.’

And later, with the dishes done, she returned to the living room and her assignment. It was particularly extensive and she decided to take advantage of the peace and quiet of the empty house. Morgan had gone out with friends and Lockie hadn’t returned since their discussion about Georgia’s performing with the band.

Soon she was involved in her research and she actually jumped in fright when a decisive knock sounded on the door. She glanced tentatively through the lattice panel to check on the caller before she opened the door, and her heart flipped in her chest. Jarrod. What could he want? Slowly she unlocked the door and swung it open.

‘Hello, Georgia,’ he greeted her softly, the veranda light highlighting the slight wave in his dark hair.

‘I’m afraid Lockie isn’t here,’ she began, and sensed him stiffen.

‘That doesn’t matter. Can I come in?’ he asked levelly.

Georgia paused and then stepped back, leaving the door open and preceding him into the living room. Without looking at him she collected her books and papers together and stacked them on the coffee-table.

He picked up a book, glanced at the title and raised his eyebrows. ‘Heavy reading.’

‘Research for my course,’ she told him without elaboration, and sank onto the edge of her chair.

‘You’re studying business administration?’

Georgia nodded. ‘I hope to finish next year. Did you want to see Lockie about anything in particular? I’m afraid I don’t know when he’ll be home.’ And it would be just like Lockie to pick this evening to be late, she reflected silently.