Guns 'n' Rose Read Free

good.’
    Billy disregarded Norton’s last comment, went back to his book and the night went accordingly. Members and their guests came and went, having a punt or a feed or whatever. Eddie arrived late in his black leather jacket and jeans, had a talk and a joke for a while, then went upstairs and stayed there. Before they knew it the night was over; the last punter was gone, along with the staff, the place was tidied up waiting for the cleaners and they were settled quietly in Price’s office having a drink. Price was at his desk, Les in front to his right, George next to him with Eddie and Billy on the other side. Les and Billy were drinking Eumundi Lager, George a Stolly and cranberry juice, Eddie a Light and Price had a tall Glenfiddich and soda.
    Price raised his glass. ‘Well, here’s cheers, boys. All the best.’
    â€˜Yeah, not a bad night,’ said Billy.
    â€˜Yep, it was all right,’ agreed Les.
    They all took a sip of their respective drinks and settled a little further into their seats. Before anyone got too comfortable, Price turned to George.
    â€˜Now, George, what was that we were saying to Les earlier?’
    â€˜About how we reckoned the big sheila needed a holiday.’ George gave Les a brief once-up-and-down.‘Yeah, he sure does. Have a look at him—he’s a fucked unit.’
    â€˜Well, there you go, Les,’ said Price. ‘Words of wisdom from a man who should know.’ Price took another sip of Scotch. ‘You have been looking a bit tired lately, Les. That baths things did turn out a bit how’s your father. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to take a break.’
    Norton laughed quietly and shook his head. ‘You know, it’s funny, Price, but that’s exactly what I was thinking earlier. I wouldn’t mind going away for a while. Bondi’s giving me the shits at the moment.’
    â€˜Then that’s it.’ Price raised his glass towards Norton. ‘Our boy Les is taking a week off.’
    There was a general hub-hub of compliments and laughter; Les almost felt like it was his birthday. When it settled down George was the first to speak.
    â€˜So, ah … where were you thinking of going, Les?’
    Norton shrugged. ‘I don’t know, George. I was thinking of going down the South Coast. I’ve never been there. I don’t want to go too far away.’
    â€˜The South Coast, eh,’ nodded George.
    There was a brief silence. Price tinkled the ice round his glass then looked at Les. ‘How would you like a week up in my place at Terrigal. That’s not far away.’
    â€˜Terrigal?’
    â€˜Yeah, you were up there not that long ago. You reckon you had a top time.’
    â€˜Yeah, terrific,’ said Les.
    â€˜And I stuffed things up by making you come back early. So this time I’ll make it up to you. You can have my joint for a week. And seeing as those low-lifes stolethat immaculate ute of yours, I’ll let you hire a car on me, too.’ Price looked around the room. ‘Fair dinkum. Am I a good boss or what?’
    â€˜The best,’ agreed Billy.
    â€˜Heart as big as Phar Lap’s and made of twenty-four carat gold,’ said Eddie.
    â€˜Well, what do you reckon, Les?’ beamed Price.
    Norton shook his head almost in disbelief. He felt that good he was almost embarrassed. ‘Shit! I don’t know what to say, Price. Thanks a lot, mate. I really appreciate it.’
    Price waved a hand dismissively. ‘Think nothing of it, Les. You’re family to us. And you’ll like the place now, too. I’ve had it all done up. I rent it to these corporate cowboys and rich dudes. You’ll love it.’
    â€˜Thanks, Price,’ repeated Les. ‘That’s terrific of you.’ Norton felt happy, relieved and glad to be amongst friends who appreciated the fact that he was feeling a bit down at the moment. It was like Price said—almost