Chapter 10

Maru

Harvey passed Jane her drink and suggested they find a table. Maru's ears pricked up and she said, 'That's a great idea, then we can order something to eat.'

Jane pointed out a table, one at the back in the dark. Maru wondered why Jane would pick such a gloomy corner to sit in. Surely the one near the bar was a better choice, and Maru did suggest it but Jane was quick to dismiss her input.

Harvey sat on the long bench seat and when he smiled up at her she took that as signal for her to sit next to him, so she slid on to the cushion next to him. Maru noticed he sat with his legs wide, and one of his knees brushed against her leg. She assumed that was intentional and felt warmed by his touch. Jane sat opposite them and stared at Harvey. She seemed rather moody, but Maru had seen her like that on more than one occasion so assumed that was just how her face looked when it was at rest.

Maru picked up the menu, unfolded it and leaned in closer to Harvey so that they could look at it together. 'Oooh, I might have some pasta. What about you Harv, what do you fancy?'

Maru looked up and noticed Jane's eyes watching her over the top of the menu. She lowered it slightly and asked, 'Oh, haven't you got a menu Jane?'

Jane's hand reached over and snatched the menu out of Maru's hands and said, 'It's ok, we can share.' Harvey looked up at Jane and suggested the cooked breakfast to Jane.

'Oh yeah, that's one of your favourites isn't it Harv. It is important to have a good breakfast, and those eggs are full of protein,' Maru's smile went wide when he looked at her with a grin on his face. His lovely green eyes gazing in to her hazel ones.

Harvey nodded enthusiastically. 'Yes that's right. Eggs are a great source of protein, and so delicious too.' He laughed and Maru giggled. Jane made a huffing sound as she studied the menu.

'I think I might have a pepperoni pizza for a change.' Jane handed Harvey the menu and he politely asked Maru if she could let him out from the table. She moved her legs to one side and Harvey squeezed past her, his jeans brushing past her knees. He went over to the bar to order.

Maru smiled across the table at Jane, and then looked down at the farmer's attire. She wondered why Jane hadn't changed out of her denim overalls which looked grubby. Her boots were worse; there were clumps of thick mud caked on to the soles and scuff marks around the toes. She guessed Jane didn't take pride in her appearance. She tried not to stare too closely at Jane's hands, especially her fingernails which had grit and dirt under them. Ewww, yuck! She felt like throwing up!

Jane broke the silence by asking Maru, 'how long have you worked for Dr Harvey?' She seemed genuinely interested.

Maru smiled. 'Oh I've worked for Harvey for about three years, but I've known him longer. I first met him when I was sixteen. I was at the river with Dad, I was helping him with his field research when I slipped on a rock and went under the water. Dad can't swim, but luckily Dr Harvey was out feeding the ducks that day and heard my dad's yells for help. Dr Harvey dived in to the water and saved me. He carried me back to the clinic and took care of me. After that, I started helping out where I could, you know... to return my gratitude.'

Jane seemed amazed; she laughed and looked in Harvey's direction. 'He dived in to the water? Wow, that's incredible!' Harvey returned with three drinks, a glass of wine for Maru and beer for himself and Jane. Both Jane and Maru thanked him, and Jane said, 'Maru has just been telling me about another one of your heroic adventures.'

Harvey looked from Jane to Maru and then back to Jane. 'Huh?'

Maru picked up her drink, took a sip and then said, 'I was telling Jane how you saved my life when I was a kid. I could have drowned if it wasn't for you.' She went to point at Harvey and forgot she had her glass in her hand and sloshed wine down his front. 'Ooops, I'm sorry that was clumsy of me... here let me wipe it.' Maru reached for a napkin from the napkin holder.

Harvey stood up looking embarrassed. 'I'd better get some paper towels,' he said and went to ask Gus. The awkward silence was back, and neither woman knew where to look.

Jane took a drink from her beer bottle and then picked at the label. Maru thought about the morning she found the bra behind the reception desk and caught herself scowling at Jane, but luckily Jane was too occupied with the label to notice. Ever since Dr Harvey had rescued her when she was a teenager, Maru had had a crush on him. She had never told anyone, and would have died if he'd found out. She loved working for him, seeing him smile when she brought him coffee, and enjoyed the little bags of candy he left for her sometimes. She had liked things how they were but then Jane came along and ruined the fantasy. She had never wanted Harvey romantically; she just enjoyed the fantasy and liked the attention he gave her. He made her feel special.

Harvey returned to the table and sat down next to Maru again. His top was still damp, but the paper towels had soaked up most of the wine. He took a sip of his beer and said, 'Have I missed much? What have you two ladies been talking about?'

'No, you haven't missed a thing. I was just thinking about the dog that's now living on my farm. I should probably purchase some shears from Marnie and give it a haircut.' Jane responded, 'Did Gus say how much longer the food will be?'

'No he didn't, but I think this is ours coming now.' Harvey said looking past Jane. Maru could see Emily the waitress carrying three plates of food. Emily was Hayley's nice, but slightly kooky sister.

'Who ordered the cheese burger?' Emily asked and then slid the plate in front of Harvey when he raised his hand indicating it was his. 'And the pasta?' Emily placed the bowl in front of Maru and warned her that the stoneware was hot. They all thanked the waitress and she left them to enjoy their meal.

'Where's your cooked breakfast Harvey?' Jane asked looking at his plate. She seemed confused.

Harvey had already popped a handful of fries in to his mouth and had to swallow them before he could answer. 'I changed my mind. I thought I'd try a cheeseburger for a change.' He offered Jane a French fry but she shook her head. Maru grabbed a fry off his plate and smiled cheekily. Harvey chuckled.

Harvey reached across the table and stole a slice of pizza from Jane's plate. Jane growled playfully but then laughed at Harvey when a stringy of cheese dripped down the front of his t-shirt. It left a greasy mark. 'Idiot,' she laughed and he shrugged, 'that's justice for stealing my food.'

'Ugh! I'm not doing very well today, that's now three times I've got something down my top since this morning.' He frowned looking at the stain, and Jane threw him a napkin. 'Thanks, he said and dabbed at the stain. Wiping the stain had no effect.'

Harvey offered Jane a bite of his cheese burger but Jane didn't want any. Maru on the other hand said, 'I'll have a bite,' and pulled Harvey's hands, that were holding out the burger to Jane, towards her own mouth and took huge bite. Jane made an odd sound. Harvey's cheeks went a little pink. He watched Maru intently whilst she licked the burger relish from the corners of her lips. He seemed almost hypnotised. Maru liked it.

'Mmm... that was delicious! Do you want to try some of my pasta?' Maru scooped some spirals up with her spoon and held it out for him.

Harvey leaned in opened mouthed ready to receive the pasta, but then yelped and rubbed his leg. 'Uhh, no thank you.' He turned to Jane, looking apologetic and mouthed 'I'm sorry!' Maru assumed Jane must have kicked him under the table. Wow, she's so violent!

They continued to eat, and whilst Maru watched Jane cutting a slice of pizza in to a smaller bite sized piece she remembered something and started giggling. Jane gave her an odd look, and raised an eyebrow at her. Maru turned to Harvey, cupped her hands to her mouth and whispered in his ear. He snickered and then they both fell about laughing. Harvey grabbed his beer when he started coughing and washed a bit of burger down his throat. Jane looked at them bemused, unaware of what Maru had said. She put down her cutlery an asked them what was so funny.

Harvey covered his mouth with his hand in an attempt to stifle his laugh and Maru answered, 'Oh it's just something silly. You probably wouldn't find it funny.' They both laughed again.

Jane folded her arms and had a look on her face that read she wasn't amused. 'Try me.'

'Okayyy...' Maru said giving Harvey a sideways glance. She set her spoon down. 'It was a while back. I was here in the Stardrop Saloon with my folks. You've met my mom and Dad haven't you?,' Jane nodded in response and Maru continued, 'The room was full of people, all drinking and chatting after a long day at work. Suddenly someone started choking. Everyone was looking, and then I saw Harv running over to help.'

Jane let out a laugh as she looked across at Harvey 'Wow, you really are the hero of Pelican Town aren't you Harv.' Jane raised her eyebrows and Harvey just laughed. Maru thought it was unfair of Jane to mock Harvey. 'And then what happened?'

Maru continued. 'It was Shane who was choking. He was eating pizza over at the bar, and got some pizza stuck in his throat. Harv was so quick to act. He smacked Shane on the back and dislodged the lump of dough.'

'You are right that isn't all that funny,' Jane interrupted rudely as she looked away and rolled her eyes.

Harvey took over the story. 'That's not the funny bit. Upon seeing the chunk of chewed up pizza laying there on the floor Sam who was on a date with his girlfriend Haley, turned to Haley and projectile vomited all down the front of her dress.' He let out a laugh.

'Haley was so pissed! She's like a model, with her perfect body, and perfect blonde hair. She didn't look so perfect with vomit covered hair matted to her face,' Maru added laughing. 'She literally screamed the place down. I'm surprised the windows didn't break with the pitch her voice reached! It actually reminded me of that Stephen King novel.'

'Carrie!' Harvey lost all control and doubled over laughing. He only stopped when he started choking and coughing.

Jane looked concerned and asked Harvey if he had his inhaler with him. Maru rolled her eyes and said, 'He's fine! Isn't that right Harv!' Maru elbowed him in the side.

Jane reached across the table and placed a hand on his. 'Harvey?' Why is she so concerned? He's a grown man!

He waved her off, 'Maru's right... I'm fine.' He laughed again at his and Maru's shared experience.

Jane sat back in her seat staring at the two of them. 'I guess I really needed to be there.'

When the laughter died down Harvey said, 'So umm.. I've been thinking about the Spirit's Eve festival and umm... and wondered if you were attending.' The question was meant for Jane but Maru answered.

'I'll be there. I love Spirit's Eve!' Maru said excitedly.

'What about you Jane? Will you be there?' Harvey smiled at Jane, and Maru felt a little jealous.

'I should think so, unless I get held up at the farm.' She smiled back and bit her lip. 'I seem to get a lot of unannounced visits these days, especially during the night.'

'Well hopefully I'll see you there then.' Harvey said looking dreamily at Jane, 'Or perhaps I'll see you before it starts.' Maru tore his attention away from Jane by patting his leg excitedly. She didn't see the look of disapproval on Jane's face.

'Oh, I've just remembered something I wanted to tell you. On the way here I saw Marnie and the Mayor arguing. She looked really upset, and Mayor Lewis was telling her not to make a scene in public.' She looked across at Jane and then returned her gaze towards Harvey. 'There is definitely something going on between them.'

'Everyone knows that Maru.' Harvey looked across at Jane and said, 'She's talking about the Marlew Saga. Mar for Marnie and Lew for... yeah, you get it.'

'Why does it matter? Maybe they are just friends.' Jane offered shrugging her shoulders.

Maru laughed. 'They are more than that. Marnie loves him – you can see it in the way she looks at him. Lewis would never admit it. He won't acknowledge their relationship.'

'I've never noticed anything going on, but saying that I tend to keep my nose out of other people's business.' It was Maru's turn to pull a face. Ouch, that burned!

Jane knocked back the rest of her beer and went to find the ladies toilet. Whilst she was gone Maru took the opportunity to move a little closer to Harvey. She tapped his chest with her finger and pointed to the image on his top. 'You know, you should wear t-shirts more often. They suit you.' She smiled at him.

Harvey blushed. 'Thank you. I don't get to dress down as often as I like. Do you want another drink?' She nodded and he went over to the bar. Maru watched him, thinking he looked so much cooler in his jeans – less nerdy. Whilst he was occupied with getting their drinks she opened her bag and freshened up her make-up. She took out her lipstick and applied some more gloss to her lips. She looked at her image in her compact mirror and noticed a few stray strands of hair and quickly brushed them back in to place. She pocketed her make-up tools as Harvey placed a fresh glass of wine in front of her. He sat down next to her and took a swig from his beer bottle.

'I wonder what's keeping Jane?' he asked looking for her. He stood up but when he didn't see her he sat back down.

'I think I saw her chatting to Shane.' Maru said, and then added, 'Maybe she likes the mean and moody sort. She's quite grumpy herself, so I think they would be well suited.' Maru laughed at her own comment. Harvey said nothing, and instead stared over towards Shane.

When Jane came back, Maru noticed she'd also freshened herself up. Her hair was tied differently; the pigtails had been replaced with a long braid. Jane's lips were also shiny with a pearlescent lip balm. As she sat down she appeared to blush, but then the expression on her face changed to confusion.

'Didn't you get me a drink Harvey?' Jane asked him. She was looking at Maru's drink on the table and then the beer Harvey was holding. In front of Jane was her empty bottle.

Harvey slapped his palm against his forehead. 'Oh Jane, I'm such an idiot! I can't believe I didn't get you another beer.' He stood up and as he went back over to the bar Jane followed him. Maru saw Jane look back at her and then whisper something in to Harvey's ear. He bought her the drink and then the pair stayed at the bar talking. Maru got bored sitting alone so picked up Harvey's drink and took it over to him.

Maru grabbed Harvey's shoulder and turned him to face her, causing him to show his back to Jane. She pushed his drink in to his hand. 'So Harv, I was wondering... if you were free tomorrow night maybe you might like to come over to my place. I've just had my telescope repaired and I thought I could give you a lesson on Astronomy.' She smiled, hoping he would say yes.

'Oh wow, I'd love to... that sounds amazing!'

Maru squealed, 'Yay! Then it's a date!' She threw her arms around him excitedly.

Jane put her bottle down heavily on the bar which caused the beer to erupt like a volcano. The frothy liquid pooled across the counter and trickled on to the wooden floor.

'Good night Harvey, I'm going home!' Jane stormed off, and Harvey went to follow but Maru grabbed his arm. He looked back at her frowning.

'Hey, do you want to play a game of pool?' Harvey tried to pull away which caused Maru to spill some of her drink. 'Come on... just one game.'

Harvey looked towards the door but Jane was gone. 'I should go after her.'

'Are you gonna leave me here all alone?' Maru gave him her best sad face she could muster up, and it worked. She saw his shoulders droop.

Harvey

Maru grabbed him by the hand and led him in to the games room. The pool table was located in the centre of the room with enough space to move around it. Along the back wall was a row of slot machines and old style arcade games that Harvey didn't have any interest in playing. He watched as Maru leaned down to place a coin in the slot. He looked away so as not to stare at her ass. He heard the thunderous rumble as the balls were released from the chamber within the table. Together, he and Maru racked the balls within the triangle.

Harvey expected some playful teasing from Maru at how nerdy it was that he knew the correct order the balls are placed in, but he remembered he was with Maru and not Jane. He felt a little saddened not to hear Jane's voice ribbing him. Maru asked if she could shoot first and he corrected her, telling her the proper term was 'break.' She grabbed a pool cue from the rack on the wall, lined up the shot and hit the cue ball. Harvey watched the white ball fly off the table and heard it clatter across the tiles.

He leaned down and scooped it up. Placing it back on the table he asked her if she'd played before. She giggled and shook her head. 'No, I never had much interest in this game before. I thought it might be fun.' Harvey sighed and rolled his eyes thinking he really should have gone after Jane.

'Here, let me show you.' He stood behind her, and showed her to correct way to hold the cue. He drew the stick back and with a little force he helped her take the shot. The balls scattered across the table and Maru jumped up excitedly when one of the striped balls went in to the pocket. 'Well done Maru, you have another shot.'

'Really! Okay, let me try this on my own.' She aimed at the white ball again but didn't manage to pot another ball. 'Oh!' She stuck out her bottom lip.

'Don't worry, you can have another go in a bit. It's my turn now.' Harvey walked around the table looking for the right ball. He chose the spotted green six ball. He lined up the shot and it went in to the pocket with ease. 'It's my go again.' He heard Maru whine in protest. As he took his next shot he happened to notice Maru's cleavage on show from across the table and he missed his ball and potted one of her balls instead.

'Oooh, is it my go?' She asked and ran around the table to take her shot. She couldn't quite reach so stretched herself across the table. Harvey swallowed hard when he saw Maru's skirt rise up revealing lacey red knickers. He quickly looked away but felt a twitch in his jeans. 'Oh, I can't get this one. Can you help me again?' She didn't have to ask him twice. He was right behind her, hands reaching around to hold the cue in the correct position. He felt her press in to him and it made him grunt. He helped her with the shot and then suggested they call it a night, the alcohol had made his brain fuddled and he didn't like the feeling. Maru made a sad face again but agreed that it was late and she should be heading home herself.

Outside the bar as Harvey said goodbye to Maru he felt her fingers entwine with his. She rubbed her thumb across the back of his hand. Her hand was small like Jane's but not calloused. He looked down at her hand wondering what she was doing.

Maru grabbed his t-shirt and pulled him towards her. She kissed him on the mouth, and without really thinking he kissed her back. After wondering what her lips tasted like in what seemed like forever he finally got to experience it. She tasted like wine, sweet and fruity.

He pushed her up against the brick wall unable to control himself. His hands went to her waist, and then to her backside. He felt for her underwear and began tugging them down. The alcohol and desire for sex took over his rational thinking. Maru's fingers fumbled at his belt buckle.

The door creaked open and the light from the bar poured out on to the dark street. Shane stepped out, and staggered drunkenly on to the cobbles. He glanced Harvey's way and gave him a knowing look. 'It's probably best not to fuck her here Doc, unless you want the whole town talking.' Shane let out a drunken laugh.

Harvey came to his senses, 'Uhh... shit,' he dropped his hands from beneath Maru's skirt and re-buckled his belt, 'It's not what you think Shane!' He felt so embarrassed but grateful for the interruption.

'I'm sure Doc, I'm sure it isn't.' Shane laughed and brushed past him as he went on his way.

Maru giggled and tried to kiss Harvey again. He backed away from her and turned his back to her. 'Go home Maru! This was the alcohol.'

Maru grabbed his hand and stopped him in his tracks. 'Are you kidding me? You would have screwed me if we hadn't been interrupted!' She tugged at his arm trying to make him turn around but he stood his ground.

Harvey sighed. 'I'm sorry Maru, but you need to go home. Good night.'

He locked the front door behind him and went up to his apartment. He sat down on his bed, undid his laces and kicked his sneakers on to the floor. His head was giddy from the alcohol, and his thoughts were full of regret. He scratched the back of his neck and remembered he had a bottle of whiskey in the kitchen that he'd brought back from his last trip to the city. He needed something a little stronger to wash away his stupidity, at least for the moment.

He took the bottle down from the cupboard and poured himself a glass. He swirled the amber liquid and took a drink. It felt warm as it hit the back of his throat. He poured another glass and put the bottle away.

As he brought the glass to his lips he heard a sound coming from downstairs. Feeling brave from the amount of alcohol he had consumed he went down to investigate.

He descended the stairs with his whiskey glass in his hand. As he reached the bottom he switched in the lights. He blinked momentarily as the lights flickered and then came on, lighting up the hallway. 'Hello?' he called out, his voice trembled a little.

Harvey stopped dead by the doorway to his office. He thought he was seeing things, but no... What he saw was real. Sitting on his desk was Maru. She wore a lacey red bra and nothing else. Harvey's jaw dropped open, and he almost dropped his glass. Some of the whiskey sloshed over his hand. Maru spread her legs, exposing her most intimate parts to him. He swallowed, and felt himself go hard. She had her own key to the clinic, she'd let herself in.

Walk away Harvey! Walk away!

She grinned at him from his desk. The desk he did his consultations at. The desk he'd sat at when Mayor Lewis had banned him from drinking. Perhaps he should have heeded Lewis' warning about the consumption of alcohol. That desk was also the place where he had tended to Jane's wounds, the first night he had met her. Sure, they hadn't had the best of starts, but he had since that moment been unable to get her out of his head. He felt a pang of guilt in his chest when he thought about Jane. He should have escorted her home, he should have made sure she got back ok.

Maru motioned with her index finger for him to come to her, like a siren luring a sailor to the rocks. Harvey stared at her, unable to move. He was tempted by her soft curves. She was beautiful. The bronze coloured skin on her thighs looked so smooth and deliciously inviting. His manhood pressed against the material of his jeans wanting to be let out. Just undo your belt buckle.

Harvey drained his whiskey glass, not once having taken his eyes off her naked body, and closed the door.