Throwing back the doona Alex Ryan lumbered into the bathroom and turned the shower on.
Waiting for the hot water to come through properly he fronted the toilet and lifting the seat began to pee.
Flushing the toilet he waited again as the shower temp regulated itself and stepped in.
Lathering himself up he lets the water run its course down his body as it rinses suds into the swirling shower drain.
Although clean he stands with the steaming water pouring over him thinking about the day ahead.
...
Wiping the condensation from the mirror he shaves and brushes his teeth, applies deodorant and without much thought after shave.
In his room he dresses and hanging up the towel opens the door out into the hall.
An aroma of freshly brewed coffee lets him know Rhonda is already in the kitchen.
Alex laments ,he lives alone, sleeps alone, showers alone and dresses for himself at least he doesn't have to eat breakfast alone the housekeeper is here Monday to Friday and he likes her company.
...
Rhonda is in her early sixties and has been the Ryan family housekeeper since Alex was a young boy.
Rhonda probably knows him better than most people.
She's been his sounding board throughout his life and as the Mother of two daughters and three sons has a wealth of experience on all sorts of issues.
She has seen his anger at its worst but has never been on the receiving end.
Alex smiles to himself when he thinks of all the times she's calmed him with a few words or even growled at him instinctively knowing which tack to take with him.
...
Pushing the door open he grins and says "Good morning Rhonda."
Turning she smiles at him and says. "Good morning Alex. How are you today?"
He gives her a half grin and says "I'm ok."
Shaking her head she replies "We've known each other a long time Alex don't start lying to me now."
He walks over and pours himself a coffee and taking a sip he says "I'm lonely Rhonda really lonely."
As she walks past she gently rubs his arm.
...
"Pancakes this morning Alex! How many would you like?' She asks changing the subject.
"Just two thanks Rhonda." He replies his thoughts far away.
"How about four! A bloke your size can't survive on two!" She bullies.
He smiles and says "Right four it is."
Walking back over to the bench she chuckles and says "Remember when you and Nick would have pancake eating competitions?'
With a mouthful of pancake Alex replies. "I always won but he kept trying."
"Put some more in your mouth Alex I can still understand what you're saying." Rhonda quips.
He laughs at her chiding of his manners and says "Sorry."
She smiles at him.
...
Looking at him thoughtfully she offers. "I saw Stevie yesterday."
He stops chewing and looks at her.
"She looks well." Rhonda adds.
He looks back at his plate and pushes another piece of pancake onto his fork.
"I always liked Stevie. No nonsense kind off girl." Rhonda offers then adds. "Just the sort of girl you need."
He rises from the table with his cup and moves over and refills it with hot coffee, takes a sip and sits back down.
"Why would you think that?" He asks.
"Oh I don't know I think just the chemistry between you." She says.
"What you think we had chemistry?' He scoffs.
She frowns at him and growls "You know you did Alex. Plus your Father did everything in his power to keep you apart and that was because he knew she gave you the strength to be the man you should be."
He stares at her and asks "But aren't I already that man?"
She gives him a beautiful smile and says "I don't think you are Alex. I think there is so much more inside you."
She watches as what she has said registers and he smiles encouraged by the first positive thing he's heard in awhile.
...
Alex finishes his breakfast and takes his plate and cup to the sink.
Thanking Rhonda he walks into the living room.
Standing for a moment he surveys the area and feels the emptiness deep inside.
Fiona cleaned him out of furniture and emotions.
The house looks how his heart feels, empty with tiny pieces of evidence strewn about reminding him of happier times.
Alone he stands in silence, listening to the emptiness and decides it's time to fill his home and his heart again.
Turning he moves back into the kitchen.
...
"Rhonda!" He calls.
She pops her head around the corner of the pantry and says "Yes Alex."
He looks at her and then down at the ground and says "When you saw Stevie, did she ask about me?'
Rhonda's face beams and she says. "Always Alex. Every time I see her she asks after you. She tries to do it in a roundabout way but the conversation always swings back to you."
He smiles and nods and says. "I was thinking I need to buy some new furniture and I was wondering if you thought asking Stevie to help me would be a good idea?"
Rhonda smiles and replies. "I think that would be a lovely idea Alex it might take away some of the emptiness."
He looks at her and she grins and adds. "She knows you so well Alex and I'm sure she'll help steer you in the right direction."
He grins and says. "Thanks Rhonda."
"You're very welcome Alex." She replies.
...
Regan and Moira are sitting having their breakfast when Stevie returns to sit down.
"Who was on the phone?" Regan asks.
Stevie smiles but looks confused when she replies. "It was Alex! He wanted to know if I'd drive into Fisher with him as he needs to buy some new furniture and thought I could help him choose the right style."
Moira and Regan look at each other grinning as Stevie looks at the coffee in her cup.
Moira asks. "What did you say?"
Stevie grins and says "I said yes because I was too shocked to say anything else."
They all laugh.
...
"Rhonda!" Alex calls.
"I'm in the laundry !" She replies.
With his hat on his head, keys in his hand and a smile on his face he tells her. "I'm heading over to Drover's to pick Stevie up and we're driving to Fisher so I won't be in for lunch."
"Oh that's nice Alex. Tell her I said Hello." Rhonda offers.
He nods and says. "Yeah I will."
"And Alex there's a small parcel on the bench for her. I baked some of her favourite biscuits." She tells him.
"No worries."He calls as he moves outside grabbing the parcel on the way past.
...
Sunshine streams through the window of his car and Alex feels better than he has in months.
Glancing across at the parcel on the seat he grins when he realizes he's been railroaded.
Rhonda made the biscuits this morning before he rang Stevie.
She knew he'd ring.
Smiling he turns the Ute towards Drover's Run and Stevie.
...