Read Online The Reef by Di Morrissey - Free Book Online Page A

twisted banksias with their knobbly trunks and gargoyle seed pods, to the slick of blue sea and sky divided by the finger of land, the silent caress of wind on her face. The stillness almost overwhelmed her.
    But when she closed her eyes she heard the calls of birds, the rustling of leaves, and in her mind she could see the busyness of ants and insects, gliding snakes, the quietness of sleeping night creatures curled and furled into the crevices of trees and roots and rocks. She knew there were yachts and boats and homes and shops across the stretch of water, but they were just temporary brushstrokes on God’s great canvas.
    She fervently hoped this place would never change and she was glad she was involved with dedicated, admirable people who worked to protect areas such as this.
    She enjoyed sharing her observations and thoughts about these issues with the rangers as it wasn’t a subject she could discuss with Blair. She knew he wasn’t thinking about what she’d do when she got her degree because he was concentrating on his own career.
    And Blair’s future was looking bright. He’d made a big impression in the year he’d been at thehotel as assistant to the manager. He’d been given more responsibility as they recognised he had a flair for controlling staff and keeping them onside and motivated. His youth was seen as an advantage and he had solid marketing and administrative skills plus experience in hands-on hotel work from the kitchen to the front desk. Everyone predicted he’d achieve success in whatever direction he chose to direct his energies.
    â€˜Jenny . . . I’ve been thinking about your birthday.’
    â€˜Why Blair? It’s not till next week.’
    â€˜I was trying to make it a surprise but you’d better get time off over the weekend. I thought we’d go away.’
    â€˜Really? That’d be nice. Where? How long?’
    â€˜I could only get three days away at the moment, but there’s a fabulous boutique hotel up in the Hunter Valley. I can get a great deal through our hotel. How about it? All those wineries, nice restaurants, romantic suite . . .’
    â€˜How cool!’ She hugged him, trying not to let him see that her eyes were suddenly filled with tears.
    Jennifer’s announcement of her birthday plans was not well received by her mother.
    â€˜You’re going away for your birthday? With somebody?’ Christina’s expression was a marked contrast to Vi and Don’s beaming faces.
    â€˜Not somebody, Mum. Blair. We’ve been together for nearly a year now. He’s made the arrangements. It all sounds lovely. We’re going to the opera in the vineyards!’
    â€˜Since when have you been interested in opera? Be careful, Jennifer, I don’t want to see you get hurt by this fellow. He obviously comes from a better background than you and like sticks with like, you know.’
    â€˜There’s nothing wrong with Jennifer’s upbringing or family,’ said Vi smartly. ‘And how else are you going to grow and learn about things if you don’t experience them?’
    â€˜Well, I hope she appreciates these opportunities to experience things,’ sighed Christina. ‘It wasn’t done in our day, Vi. Going away for a dirty weekend with a man – and bragging about it!’
    â€˜Would you rather I sneaked off and said I was going with a girlfriend?’ asked Jennifer quietly. She was hurt, her mother had sullied the shine of the whole idea now. She looked at Don, hoping he’d step in and deflect her mother’s anger. She knew he wouldn’t tackle Christina by criticising her but he could diffuse the tension that was building among Vi, Christina and Jennifer.
    â€˜What say we have a little pre-birthday party? Go somewhere nice for dinner. Maybe do something a bit different . . . have a picnic?’
    â€˜That’s a lovely idea, Don,’ Vi jumped in.
    â€˜We are being