The Grass is Greener Read Free Page A

temporary.
    Weeks had turned into months.
    Months had turned into years.
    Somehow, in it all, Claudia had become stuck.
    â€˜It’s never going to end, Bron.’ Her friend’s shoulders slumped now over her tea. ‘With Dad retiring completely this year because of his illness, I’m needed more than ever. I don’t know what to do. I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to leave Oak Hills to practice law again.’
    â€˜What about Jack?’ Bronwyn was surprised at herself for asking the question. Claudia rarely mentioned him and when she did, it was always with resentment.
    â€˜Are you kidding me?’ Claudia retorted. ‘We haven’t seen him in years. And I have no expectations of him doing the right thing anytime soon.’
    â€˜You don’t hear from him at all?’ Bronwyn asked tentatively.
    Claudia shrugged. ‘The occasional vague email. He contacts Mum sometimes. Probably because she’s the only one who doesn’t judge him.’
    Bronwyn smiled. ‘Of course.’
    â€˜No, it’s just not fair, you know,’ Claudia said crossly. ‘He gets to go off and tour Europe while I’m stuck juggling the business he was born to run. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive him for taking off when he did.’
    â€˜Jack did love Oak Hills,’ Bronwyn whispered.
    â€˜Not as much as he hates Dad.’
    â€˜I see.’ Bronwyn didn’t meet her eyes.
    â€˜Hey,’ Claudia eyed her knowingly, ‘what’s up with you? You always get like this when we talk about Jack.’
    â€˜Like what?’ Bronwyn tried to lighten her tone.
    â€˜Cagey as hell.’
    Bronwyn started. She had forgotten she was speaking to the most skilled cross-examiner on the planet. ‘You know, you’re right, you really are wasted on that vineyard.’
    â€˜And yet you still haven’t answered the question.’
    â€˜I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ She was never more glad that she had refrained from telling her best friend the full details of the tragic love story of her and Jack Franklin.
    Claudia’s eyes narrowed shrewdly. ‘It wouldn’t have anything to do with that kiss you two shared in the gazebo when everybody wasn’t looking?’
    â€˜Puh-lease.’ She tossed her head a little too indignantly. ‘That was a big fat nothing.’
    â€˜I don’t know.’ Claudia shrugged. ‘You were awfully upset about it at the time.’
    â€˜I was nineteen,’ Bronwyn scoffed. ‘And incredibly idealistic. Ripe for lessons in love.’
    Claudia laughed. ‘Oh, but now you’re all worldly and sophisticated. Nobody could pull the wool over your eyes.’
    Bronwyn shoved her shoulder playfully. ‘Stop it. That’s not nice.’
    â€˜I apologise.’ Claudia said with a grin. ‘The truth is, I’m jealous of your busy love life.’
    If she meant that Bronwyn dated a lot and no one ever stuck, she was right on the money.
    â€˜I don’t know what there is to be jealous of.’ Bronwyn rolled her eyes.
    â€˜Come on, you’re talking to the girl who hasn’t been out on a date in months. Don’t leave me in suspense when I’m supposed to live vicariously through you. Who’s the latest?’
    Bronwyn grinned helplessly. She knew Claudia was hopeful of a story involving longing looks and tantalising flirtation. However, the latest – if you could call him that – had been more her mother’s choice than hers.
    Phillip Bilson.
    Son of a judge
    Nephew of a QC.
    He was a federal court barrister who had been born rich but now earned enough to do without his inheritance. He was good-looking, if you liked slick, pale and well-dressed. Her mother had introduced them at court one day and gently but firmly pushed her in the right direction.
    â€˜Darling, if you want to marry well you have to date well, and