Just a Little Fling (Landscape Lovers Book 1) Read online

  I’m surprised to find three parcels at my door when I got home from work tonight. In the boxes are a laser printer, a laminator and rolls of coloured foil. I’ve been watching clips on the internet of ways to make your own foil cards and art prints.

  It seems that late one night last week, I ordered all the supplies on a whim. I’d completely forgotten all about them, with everything that’s been going on, so it’s like unwrapping gifts for myself!

  Thanks, past Cate! You’re so thoughtful!

  I’m so keen to get started that it’s only my tummy rumbling that makes me realise that I’ve forgotten about dinner. I keep some healthy microwavable options in my freezer for nights like this.

  They’re not as great as a freshly prepared meal, but better than getting pizza delivered every other night.

  No one’s ever going to accuse me of being a chef in disguise, that’s for sure.

  Thankfully the chicken stir-fry heats quickly and I’m able to get it in a bowl and let it cool enough to eat, whilst I’m setting up my new printer and laminator on my table.

  I’m multitasking like a boss tonight.

  I sit at my computer and eat my dinner whilst I think up some cute card design ideas. I’ve turned on a fun playlist in the background as I brainstorm. I like to design things myself rather than use other people’s designs.

  Not that there’s anything wrong with what other people create, I just love the process of making something from start to finish. I guess it’s kind of like coming up with a new meal from scratch, for people who like to cook.

  I’ve never taken any classes in graphic design, I’ve just always been able to picture an idea in my head and, most of the time, I can make it happen on the screen.

  Sometimes I get too ambitious and it’s a hot mess, but the beauty of crafting for fun is that it doesn’t really matter if it sucks. You just toss the mess, watch another tutorial and try again.

  Having started my crafting experiments about the same time I started my job 5 years ago, I’ve amassed quite the selection of craft and paper supplies. It’s because of this I have some good storage shelves and drawers that keep it under control in my small apartment.

  The best thing about having all this stuff is that when I want to try new things, I often have quite a lot of the supplies I need already, so it’s not so expensive to start something different.

  My dinner was pretty tasty. After I finish eating and clear it away I get a bottle of water, I grab my stash of card stock and print my design on a piece with the new printer. It’s a cute pineapple design.

  I turn on the laminator and watch the clip one more time to check that I haven’t missed a step.

  I’m so good a missing a step when I get too excited—both literally and figuratively.

  I line up some gold and green foil on the card and use the laminator to set the foil to the card. The cool thing is that it only bonds where the ink is printed.

  It’s like magic.

  Once I’m sure it has set, I peel off the excess foil. I can’t help but squeal with delight and twist the paper back and forth to watch the foil sparkle in the light.

  Oh, this is going to be so much fun!

  I can see me losing hours to this! This is why crafting is my happy place.

  I design and test a few more things and write myself notes on how I could make it more efficient. I sometimes wish I could teach someone else these things. I love the process, but I think I love sharing it more.

  It’s a shame I don’t think it’s something that someone like me could do. I’m glad I have it as a hobby though.

  I make Lottie a ridiculous card with a gold foil crown that says, “Will You Be My Queen?” in pink foil, because I can, and look up at the clock on my phone to see that it’s nearly 11:30pm.

  Bed time, Cate!

  After a rough day at work, this was just the circuit breaker I needed.

  As I climb into bed, I can’t help but dwell on my work day. It was another dull and frustrating day of trying to reshape the same information into something ‘pithy’—my boss’ new favourite word—for our social media audience. I wish it excited me like it did when I joined the team 5 years ago.

  But now it feels a lot like a hamster wheel going nowhere. I guess, somewhere along the way, I stopped putting my heart into it. I think it was around when I got overlooked for a promotion three times in a row.

  Apparently, I was “too good to lose” from the team, so I’m just stuck there. Working to pay the bills and to pay for my crafting habit.

  I try to give it my best, but it doesn’t light me up anymore. I often wonder if it’s time for something new, but I really have no idea what I would even do if I didn’t do this. It’s a depressing thought, so I try not to think about it too much.

  I read a romance novel and drift off to sleep picturing Blake as the hero of the book. It’s not intentional, he just seems to infiltrate my thoughts when my defences are down.

  I’m 100 percent sure I’m asking for trouble by organising this date with him.

  TWELVE

  CATE

  It’s Tuesday afternoon and somehow, I’ve managed to get out of the office early, after being asked to run errands almost all day.

  I decide that now is the perfect time to spend the gift card that’s burning a hole in my wallet. I held out on telling Blake where and when to meet for our date until late Sunday night. I set it for Thursday, as in: this Thursday. In two days’ time!

  Eep! What was I thinking making it so soon?

  I head into my favourite lingerie store and feel instantly overwhelmed. I mean, I’ve bought fancy underwear before—my green lace for example—but this feels different.

  I know his card said that I should buy them simply to treat myself, but I can’t help playing his reaction to seeing me in my lace, on loop, in my head.

  I feel like I want to get something that he would like, but I also kind of think that he just likes the act of removing them, more than any fabric design itself. I shake my head and stop staring blankly at the bra wall.

  I head over to the sale section. They’ve got some great end of season bargains right now, so I let myself look for styles and colours that catch my eye. I grab a few in my size to try on and pop the hangers over my arm to keep looking.

  If I know anything, it’s that once I get dressed after trying these on, there’s no way I’m undressing again to try on more.

  A sales assistant approaches me. “Would you like me to start a fitting room for you?”

  “Yeah, sure. But I’m still looking, is that okay?”

  “Of course. What’s your name, love? I’ll write it on the door.”

  “Er, it’s Cate with a C.”

  “Cute choices, Cate.” She eyes them. “They’ll just be back here when you’re ready! Don’t forget to try the matching bottoms, they’re sized beneath the styles.”

  She’s an older lady, but clearly knows her stuff. I can see her checking the bra sizes I’ve picked up and eyeing me like she has put an invisible measuring tape around my body. She nods once, satisfied that I’ve been properly fitted before and heads back to the fitting rooms.

  I end up with five different bras and I take in the matching undies too. Though, I decide that trying on undies today, even over my plain black cotton ones, is a step too far. I find my fitting room.

  Kate with the K crossed out and a small c written underneath.

  Points for trying, I guess!

  I try on each one, with my work pencil skirt still on. They’re all slightly different, but I end up picking three. I choose the ones that make me feel the most like I did when Blake first caught sight of my green bra last week. Like I was desirable and so wanted.

  I choose a hot pink, a navy blue and a wild card I assumed I wouldn’t like when I picked it up: purple. I get dressed and take the bras and matching undies to the counter.

  “Found some you like, love?” It’s the same sales assistant as before. I nod and hand them over.

&n
bsp; “I left the others in the fitting rooms, is that okay? I did try to hang them again, but they didn’t look quite right.”

  “No trouble at all, love. One of the girls will fix them up and put them back. A treat for yourself, or are they for sharing with someone special?” She near whispers the last part like we’re in on a secret.

  I blush so furiously that I don’t think there’s any doubt what the true answer is.

  “Er. Um. A bit of both? Maybe? I guess?”

  “Aw! Is it new? I love it when it’s new and fresh!” She shrugs like it gives her warm happy feelings. “Well, I’m sure they will love them too. You chose well! Let me get these wrapped up for you.”

  She wraps each set in tissue after scanning them into the register and puts them all in a gift bag for me. I just stand there wondering how I overshared without really saying anything.

  They’re like ninja interrogators, getting things out of you without you knowing.

  “That will be $66 today.”

  My eyes go wide. “For all six separates? Is that correct?”

  “Oh yeah, love. It’s a fantastic sale, isn’t it?” I just nod, lost for words. “How will you be paying today?”

  Holy crap. They’re usually $60+ for just a set! And I just got three!

  “Oh, I have a $50 gift card and the rest on my card, please?” I hand over the gift card and tap my phone on the reader for the remaining $16.

  We say our polite goodbyes and I head home feeling a bit giddy. I get my lingerie bags out, remove all the tags from my new garments and wash them on a delicate wash, ready for my date on Thursday. I hang them up to line dry, making sure that they don’t snag on anything.

  It’s such an odd feeling, but owning them has made me a bit more excited for our date. It’s not so much that I think he’ll even see them, it’s more that I’ll have a secret for him to discover and I love that added mystery.

  I take my good mood in to the kitchen and cook a proper meal for dinner. I let myself brainstorm more ideas for craft projects and I spend the night testing out foil designs and art prints.

  I slip into bed with thoughts of Blake and what fun we had only a week ago.

  What a wild ride it has already been!

  I never expected this when I followed Lottie along to that party.

  Almost on cue, my phone buzzes with a text.

  The Man: Did I spot you with a gift bag from a certain store today?

  Cate: Maybe? I might have been shopping this afternoon. Are you sure it was me you saw?

  The Man: Oh, it was definitely you, gorgeous. I’d know that walk anywhere.

  Cate: *blushing embarrassed emoji*

  The Man: I hope you had fun! I bet you got something that makes you feel like a million bucks?

  Cate: That is a definite possibility.

  The Man: Grr! You’re such a tease, sweet cheeks!

  Cate: Who? Me? Never!!

  The Man: I hope I’m lucky enough to see what you chose.

  Cate: I hear it’s good to try your luck sometimes. *wink emoji*

  The Man: You torture me!

  The Man: See you Thursday!

  Cate: See you Thursday. Good night, Blake. x

  The Man: Sleep well, gorgeous. x

  I go to sleep smiling and have the best sleep I’ve had, alone, in a long time. I usually sleep poorly—except that one night last week in his bed. Almost like he’s a deciding factor.

  Oh god, I’m not sure what to do with that.

  THIRTEEN

  BLAKE

  Wednesday has arrived and with it, it’s not only brought the kind of sunshine that feels like a perfect summer’s day.

  It’s also brought a rare day off work for myself and Matt. Our project finished up early and the next client has declined our offer to start a day ahead of schedule. Our boss gave us the option of using a day of annual leave or temping on other projects. We both chose the leave.

  It’s late morning and I don’t have anything specific planned for the day. I’ve already been for a run and tidied the house. I need to catch up on some class work, but I can do that later. I decide to text Matt to see if he’s up for going to the pub.

  Blake: Hey man, how’s your day off going?

  Matt: So far, so good. Pretty lazy, actually.

  Blake: Want to meet me at the pub for a boozy lunch?

  Matt: Yep. Sounds perfect. See you in a bit.

  It’s not long until we’re sitting in the outdoor area of the pub, with a beer in hand and one extra on the table each, waiting for our lunch to arrive. It feels like forever since we’ve had time to just shoot the shit together.

  We’ve been friends since he moved here 6 years ago. I can’t even tell you how we met. I hardly remember a time before we were mates.

  “How’s life going, man?” I ask.

  “You know, can’t complain. The weather is awesome, the girls are pretty, the beer is passable. What more is there to say?”

  “True, true.” Sometimes talking to him is like getting blood from a stone. “How was your weekend? Get up to any shenanigans?”

  “Oh yeah. I meant to tell you. You should have been there!” I’m sure I shouldn’t have, but I motion for him to continue.

  He tells me the story. It involves multiple parties being crashed and many women who were apparently keen to hang out with him. I’d say he was embellishing, but having been his wing man on these adventures before, it’s totally plausible.

  I just nod and let him talk.

  “You really should have been there! I bet you would have found someone to take home.” He gives me a knowing look.

  I nod along as though that’s something that would interest me. “Sorry to have missed it.”

  I’m not, but I should be. What is going on with me?

  “What did you get up to anyway? Anything good?”

  “Mostly studying. Not as interesting as your weekend, but it was good to give it some time.”

  I am a liar. The only thing I studied was my reaction to Cate and why I can’t get her out of my head.

  “Mate, that’s a bit dull, even for you.” He gives me a playful push on the shoulder.

  “Ella came over on Sunday, too. It was good to see her looking so well.”

  “How’s she going? I feel like it was just yesterday that she barrelled into me, drunk and 20 and way too excitable for her own good.”

  “Ha. She’s a grade one teacher now. But still too excitable for her own good. She’s good, though. Teaching makes her happy and she’s finding good people to hang out with.”

  Our food arrives and we continue making small talk and reminiscing about ‘the good old days’ that were really only a few years ago. I order us both another beer and enjoy the sunshine from under the big umbrella covering our table.

  We talk soccer and Matt tries to convince me to join their Sunday mid-morning team. How he plays after a big night out, I have no idea.

  “Nah, too big a chance for injury for me. Running is risky enough.”

  “Your loss! We always go out for a big lunch after. So good.”

  We switch leagues to the Women’s Super League, no ‘women don’t belong in football’ found here, but keep chatting about the sport and who’s playing well and who should be benched. Matt gets us a bowl of hot chips to share, since it’s hours after we ate lunch.

  It’s a lazy afternoon and just what we both needed.

  Once I head home, it’s time for me to focus on my course. I’m feeling behind this week. I’ve been distracted by a certain woman who answers to Sweet Cheeks. Though it’s really all my fault, because it’s my mind constantly straying to her and not her instigating it at all. I’m determined to catch up this evening.

  I cook a healthy meal for myself. Tonight, it’s pressure-cooked lamb shanks with sweet potato mash and veggies. Whilst they’re all cooking, I write an hour-by-hour schedule for myself to keep me on track for the evening. It probably seems a bit over the top, but I find it helpful when I’m feeling behind.
It’s my accountability partner.

  I let myself take my time with my meal and read over some of my notes from previous weeks. I like to savour things when they’re in front of me. That goes for food, film, books and women.

  Especially women.

  It’s odd doing a course in an area that you’ve worked in for a long time, because some of it feels repetitive. Some of it is new and some of it requires unlearning the bad habits you formed from not having the formal training when you started. It can be a challenge to stay motivated, but I’m determined to get this qualification and work towards running the show.

  I get myself set up to watch the lectures and I take notes as I go. Some of the subjects I’m taking this semester are rehashing things I already know, especially the introductory stuff, but this class is about the history of landscape architecture and how changes in climate will change the future of landscape design. It’s really caught my attention.

  I’ve already begun to see this change in climate, just in my years working with gardens. The plants we’re planting now are different from what the planting guides of 20 and 30 years ago tell us should be right for the climate.

  You used to be able to know what would flourish simply based on geographic location, but with the climate changing so dramatically, we’re noticing that the old data doesn’t ring true any longer. It can be a real challenge when working with clients too, because they’ll read an old guide and get their heart set what they want, when we know that there are better choices that would flourish more, but don’t match the traditional guides.

  I switch to one of my assignments. I’m tasked with designing a garden layout that includes differently graded landscape and I need to not only draw the design from a bird’s eye view, but I also have to create a vision board of the plants and materials that I’ve chosen. It’s completed with an essay explaining my design choices and how it would come together. There is a final oral presentation that must also be completed to get the grade.

  Because this course is done online, we don’t get that face to face time with other students or tutors that often. Our tutor prefers that we watch his live session and submit questions via the chat box and email in the required answers by midnight Friday of that week. Because it’s a night class, many students are working full time and this gives people flexible learning options.