Read Online Tumble Creek by Louise Forster - Free Book Online Page B

baby? I can look after myself,’ Claudia announced, looking less like a capable teenager and more like a cute panda in need of rescuing.
    â€˜Of course you can.’ Jennifer ignored the state of Claudia’s face, swung an arm around her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. ‘But everyone likes a little company, especially at night. Calum will be gone a couple of days, he’s looking at buying another bull. Fresh blood he said. Poor Killer George, hope he won’t be put out.’
    â€˜Right, that’s it then. I’m staying here to look after Aunty Jen, and Mum’s going to sleep with—’
    â€˜ Sleep with Brock?!’ Sofie screeched. ‘Hardly, the man runs hot and cold. And besides, he’s not my type!’ Which was an absolute lie.
    Jennifer laughed so hard her bum hit the bed, and then she promptly flopped back on the mattress, hands on her belly. After catching her breath, she hauled herself up, swung her arms around Sofie and Claudia and pulled them both in for a tight hug. Stepping back she eyed her niece and said, ‘There’s no need to hide behind the Goth make-up, Claud. Your house got demolished, not your life.’
    â€˜Ooh, ouch!’ Sofie exclaimed. ‘That’s a bit harsh.’
    â€˜Claud knows I love her and wouldn’t say something like that unless she needed to hear it.’ She turned to Claudia. ‘Understand? You’re beautiful, you’re nearly sixteen, and your Aunty Jen would love to see you shine.’ Jennifer ran her fingers down Claudia’s cheek. ‘We’ve got a huge weekend coming up with Christmas in July celebrations. I’ve called on Fiona and Ryan to help as well.’
    â€˜But we have school holidays starting on the twelfth,’ Claudia muttered. ‘We’ll have heaps of homework as usual.’
    â€˜Don’t worry, I’ve planned it for the weekend before. After that, then you’re off my list, you and Michelle are free to have fun. And I promise, I’m recruiting staff, you’ll both be off the hook.’
    â€˜Wait a sec, Aunt Jen. We love working here and the pay is excellent. We’re saving to buy a car. Mum said she’d get me one, but I want to do it with my own money … mostly.’
    â€˜Aw, sweetheart, that’s lovely. Okay, but schoolwork takes priority, so as soon as working here becomes an issue, you have to tell me.’
    â€˜I promise we will.’
    â€˜Okay. And I’m not bullshitting you when I say you’re an amazing barista and our customers love both of you. You’re genuine, and friendly, and that makes a huge difference.’ She cupped Claudia’s jaw and squeezed her cheeks. ‘So don’t hide your beautiful face. Let everyone see your smile.’
    â€˜Barista, why me, I’m just a kid!’ Claudia complained.
    â€˜Funny how teenagers twist things around.’ Jennifer slid an arm around Sofie and walked her out of their room, leaving Claudia to clean her face. Loud enough for her niece to hear, she said, ‘One minute they can look after themselves and the next, when they think stuff is a little daunting, they’re suddenly “just a kid”.’
    Once in the kitchen, Jennifer became quietly serious. ‘Sis, do you really think I was too harsh?’
    â€˜I don’t know, Jen. It was a shock to see Claud hiding behind her make-up again. She has to know it’s not who she is. And you’re right, she can’t wear that stuff in the restaurant. What she needs is a big boost of confidence. It has to come from outside the family, otherwise she’ll just keep thinking we’re her Mum and Aunt and we’re supposed to say that sort of stuff.’ She kissed Jennifer on the cheek. ‘It’ll happen, I know it.’
    â€˜Don’t tell me, you can feel it in your bones.’ Jennifer giggled, then gave her a look that said she wasn’t finished with