Read Online Red Dust Dreaming by Eva Scott - Free Book Online

onslaughts on her emotions.
    The albums sat on the end of the bed singing their siren song: open us, come see what lies within. She really didn’t want to. It was too late to start a journey down memory lane especially when she wasn’t sure what she’d find or more importantly, how she’d react to it. She picked them up to move them then stopped. Just a small peek wouldn’t hurt. If she started with an early one where Angela was pregnant… just a page or two that’s all…

Chapter 8
    Caden couldn’t focus on work. Last night’s fight — and kiss — had kept him up most of the night. He’d castigated and congratulated himself by turns. The whole situation was a mess. If Elizabeth wasn’t intent on taking Luke with her he’d have insisted she leave immediately. He took a sip of steaming coffee and put the mug down a little too hard on the table.
    Thelma shot him a look as she buttered another piece of toast for Luke who sat munching away, oblivious to the tension in the room. “You got a problem Caden?”
    â€œWhere is Aunty Elizabeth?” Luke asked.
    â€œDon’t talk with your mouth full,” Caden said automatically. “I have no idea where Aunty Elizabeth is. Maybe New Yorkers like to sleep the day away.”
    â€œHey!” Thelma flicked him with the tea towel she perpetually carried over one shoulder. “Enough of that. Mind your tone around the boy.”
    â€œSorry,” muttered Caden rebelliously. He buried himself in his coffee, resigned to seething in silence.
    â€œShe’s just got a little jet lag is all, honey,” Thelma addressed Luke.
    â€œWhat’s jet lag?” Vegemite smeared Luke’s face.
    â€œGood question,” said Thelma. “Caden here fancies himself pretty smart. Why don’t you ask him?”
    Caden swallowed the barb with the last mouthful of his coffee. Thelma wasn’t giving him quarter this morning. No doubt she’d heard the argument and had her opinion. Clearly it didn’t favour him. “You know how when its day time here in Australia it can be night time on the other side of the world?” Luke nodded. “Well, when you come from the other side of the world you’re not used to being awake at this time. You’ve got to adjust. You get tired and sleepy. Eliz… Aunty Elizabeth is catching up.”
    â€œIt’s because of time zones, isn’t it?” Luke asked as he began devouring his second round of toast.
    â€œYes it is.” Caden couldn’t hide his surprise. When did Luke learn about time zones and from who?
    Luke nodded sagely. “Mrs. Pearce explained them to us when she went on holiday to China,” he said as if he’d read Caden’s mind.
    â€œAh! Mrs. Pearce.” Caden nodded as if he understood everything.
    â€œTeacher.” Thelma provided as she took his empty cup from the table and put it in the sink.
    â€œI know,” Caden said trying to keep the defensive note out of his voice.
    â€œReally?” Thelma checked the clock hanging on the wall. “If you’re not planning to do any useful work today maybe you can spend some time with Luke and Mrs. Pearce.” She didn’t wait for a reply. “Luke, go wash your face and brush your teeth. School will start shortly and Caden is going to help you today. Aren’t you, Caden?”
    â€œWoohoo!” Luke discarded his crust and jumped down from the table. “You never get to do School of the Air with me,” he said. “I am so happy.” He took off out of the kitchen at breakneck speed.
    â€œI guess I’m on school duty then.”
    â€œWon’t hurt you,” said Thelma as she filled the sink with hot water and detergent. “And while we’re on the subject of hurt how about you go easy on Miss Elizabeth?”
    Caden coloured slightly. “Don’t know what you mean.”
    â€œSure you do. I heard