Page 13
Her smile was self-conscious. ‘I haven’t really been anywhere before.’
‘It’s been a while since I was here. Probably twenty-five years ago.’
Marion had wanted to see Ayers Rock back in the days before it was Uluru, and they’d hired a car and driven down from Alice Springs, and then continued down to Adelaide. That had been his first calendar contracted trip, and when his career had really taken off.
The taxi turned into the resort and pulled up outside the building that housed reception. The driver turned around, and Graysen handed over his business credit card before Sandra could reach for her purse.
‘Thank you for letting me share,’ he said. ‘This can go on my business tab.’
‘Thank you. That’s very kind of you.’
As the concierge wheeled a luggage trolley out to collect their luggage, they stood together, and for the first time, the silence was awkward. They’d exhausted all the social chit chat. When they walked into reception, the three receptionists were free.
Graysen turned to Sandra. ‘Thanks for the company. I hope you enjoy your stay in Alice Springs.’
‘Thank you, Graysen. You too. You made my arrival that little bit easier. It’s the first time I’ve travelled alone, and I’ll admit I was a bit nervous.’
‘Well, you’re here safely now. Enjoy your sightseeing.’ He couldn’t believe it when he winked at her. ‘And don’t bet too much on the tables.’
Her laugh was warm. ‘I won’t be betting anything.’
He lifted his hand in a wave as they each moved to a different end of the reception counter.
Chapter 4
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Alice Springs - Monday, June 8
Sandra deliberated over her choice of clothing for the Larapinta Luxury Trek welcome function. Finally, she slipped on the simple navy sheath that fell to just below her knees and added simple gold earrings and a gold chain around her neck. Dabbing on a splash of perfume, and checking her hair she’d put up in a French roll, she looked in the mirror for a final check.
‘You don’t look too bad for an old chook and a grandma,’ she said to her reflection. Since she’d been going to the gym, walking and eating well, she’d shed a few kilos and toned up. Her skin was clear and her eyes were bright, and despite her nerves about going to a function with a group of people she didn’t know, she thought she could hold her own. Picking up the small navy bag that matched her shoes, she made her way out of the room to the elevator.
Sandra was pleased that the function was being held at the hotel where she was staying. If she felt too out of place, once she had the information she needed, she could go back to her room and have a room-service dinner. She knew nothing yet about the rest of the group on the trek; only that there were nine people including her, and a couple of guides. She hoped she wasn’t the only single person; perhaps there would be another solo woman she could pair up with. Her nerves about undertaking a walk through a harsh environment were beginning to kick in. She’d been doing a lot of reading of the tourist brochures in her room, and it sounded challenging.
Maybe Ellie had been right. Maybe she should be lying beside a pool in a resort somewhere.
Pulling herself up straight, she waited for the elevator.
The doors dinged and opened and Sandra’s eyes widened as they settled on Graysen Hughes; it was hard to ignore her increased heartbeat.
Just nerves.
He was a good-looking man, and she had warmed to him yesterday.
‘Hello,’ she said.
‘Good evening, Sandra.’ The admiration in his eyes made her glad she’d made an effort to dress up. ‘You look very elegant.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Heading out for dinner?’ he asked.
‘No. I have a function to attend here.’
For a moment, his eyes narrowed, and she sensed a slight withdrawal.
‘A function?’
‘Yes, a meet and greet for a tour I’m doing.’
