It was a tempting offer – so why was she so reluctant to make the commitment to something new?
BY GLYNIS SCRIVENS
Could you please repeat that?” Denise asked. A noisy car had driven past as Janelle spoke. Surely, she hadn’t heard her correctly.
But no, she had.
“Why don’t we swap houses for a few months next year?” Janelle repeated. “You love autumn colours. Imagine having two autumns in the one year.”
They stood on the lawn outside the National Library of Australia. The deep blue of Lake Burley Griffin provided the perfect backdrop for the brilliant yellow poplars along its shoreline. In the opposite direction, liquid ambers and pin oaks clamoured for attention with their red leaves fiery against grey government offices.
“I’m quite serious, so give it some thought,” said her friend.
Janelle’s bus pulled in. With a quick peck on the cheek, she was gone.
Denise had arranged to meet another friend in nearby Manuka, so she decided to walk there to clear her head.
The leaves crunched underfoot, and the air felt crisp and clean.
Greg was waiting for her at the café. They’d worked together in the civil service in London for ten years before she’d set up her own software design business. He’d been appointed to the British High Commission in Canberra, so it was only natural to meet up while she was here for an IT conference.
As colleagues, they’d drifted into a close friendship which at one stage had seemed destined for a deeper commitment. But Denise had taken an step backwards, not feeling ready.
Two years later Greg had met someone else in Canberra. Today was their first reunion since he had become a widower three years ago.
“You look lovely,” he said, rising to kiss her lightly on the cheek.
A waitress handed them menus.
“The orange almond cake is nice,” Greg said. “And I’ll have an espresso.”
“Make that two, please,” said Denise.
Her phone beeped. It was Janelle.
We’d swap cars too. And pets.
Denise looked at the images of a Border collie, a Persian, a black Audi, and a brick bungalow with chimneys. There was a glimpse of Lake Burley Griffin in the background.
She showed Greg.
“An old friend wants to swap houses with me next autumn,” she explained. “She’s missing her family in Rudyard.”
“Three months?” Greg looked stunned. “That’s a big commitment.”
She nodded.
“And a big temptation. It doesn’t really matter where
