Page 93 of Not So Very Sensible

As tempted as she was to try and distract Katie with thoughts about another man, she knew Katie probably wasn’t ready just yet. Who knew if Chris Brandon was even still single? Although he had seemed quite interested in Katie.

As the show continued, she went onto her social media sites and looked up Chris Brandon. Nothing. Which wasn’t surprising, considering he was a detective and probably didn’t want the world knowing his business. But still, he’d been a nice guy, and it would be good to touch base with him again.

Hey God, it would be great to see him again. But not my will but Yours.

The screen continued to flicker with images. And again her thoughts flicked back to Ethan, about whom she’d prayed a very similar prayer.

And although she’d prayed that God would take away her feelings for him, still they persisted.

Lord, I don’t know why I still feel this way. Please help me to get over him. It would be nice to see him again and feel nothing. And maybe one day it would be nice to feel like she could congratulate him on his engagement and actually mean it.

But that would take more faith than what she had right now.

She sighed, ate the last spring roll, and sank into the lounge.

“There are so many people here,” Katie complained as they made their way along the Opera House concourse to where the free concert was being held. After going through security, they found space on the steps, and quickly sat, claiming their spots. They were in the unticketed area, on top of the tiered steps, which allowed them to see the band probably a little better than some who had paid for the premium seats.

The band, one of the iconic Australian groups from the 1980s, might not be their usual cup of tea, but they’d grown up listening to a number of their songs, thanks to the music her parents played in the café kitchen. And it was a buzz to be here amongst the living—not dissecting memories of the dead like on Katie’s TV shows—and enjoying the sunshine in sight of the Harbour Bridge.

It was almost like she could finally relax, like God had gifted her this day to say Hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. I’m still with you. You can trust Me. She’d even seen Katie crack a smile or two as a particularly iconic song was played.

“Do you two remember Mum and Dad dancing to this one?” Emma-Jane asked as “Electric Blue” was performed.

“Dancing? Dad?”

“Maybe it’s because I’m older than you, but I still remember them dancing in the kitchen whenever this song came on.”

“Maybe I was too young to remember.”

“Come on. It wasn’t that long ago,” Emma-Jane scoffed.

“Nope. I’ve got nothing.”

“Me either,” Katie said.

“Do you think she’s making it up?” Ellie asked Katie.

“Probably. She and Liv like to do that, to pretend they know stuff and create false memories.”

“Hey, we’ve never done that,” Emma-Jane protested, grinning at Ellie.

She’d totally done that. And fair’s fair—Ellie had too. Because Katie was the youngest, they used to tell stories about some of the things they’d done on family holidays. Like going to Uluru on a bus trip, where they’d ridden camels. Katie had been too young to remember much, so they used to tell stories to help keep the experience alive in her memories. Which meant some of her memories might not be as grounded in fact as others. They had ridden camels, true, but Katie’s camel had not tried to kiss her, despite what they’d all said.

The song finished, they joined the thousands of others in applause, and Ellie realised she was thirsty. “Hey, anyone else want a drink? I need one.”

“I saw a fresh-squeezed lemonade truck back there,” Katie said. “Could you get me one please?”

“Sure. EJ?”

“I’m happy with anything matcha or green tea.”

Ellie made a face but nodded anyway, then carefully made her way to the aisle, sidestepping loose handbag straps and discarded jackets to avoid tumbling down the steps.

A short time later, she was lining up near the food and drink carts, along with a bunch of other hungry and thirsty patrons. She smiled at the couple ahead of her, who looked to be in their fifties, and they started chatting with her about similar nostalgia concerts they’d attended over the years.

“We saw Sting at the vineyards in the Highlands a few years ago. That was a good night.”

She nodded. “They often get some great performers there.”