A Forgotten Sky (Book 1, Maniototo Skies)

By Anya Forest

He’s the one she left behind. Will she forever be the one who got away?

Marina Bryant left New Zealand to make something of herself. After studying art in Europe for six years, she returns to her Maniototo hometown, to find the people have changed but the memories haven’t – and not all of them are happy ones. But upon seeing the love of her youth, she can’t help but wonder if leaving was the right thing to do.

Daniel Kent broke Marina’s heart so she could develop her incredible artistic talent. When she returns years later, he tries to tell himself he’s moved on completely. But it doesn’t take long before he feels her magnetic pull...

As Marina and Daniel reconnect, jealousy and bad luck conspire to rip them apart. Are they destined to be together, or have they missed their one chance at love?

A Forgotten Sky is a standalone contemporary romance novel set in New Zealand. If you like fiery heroines, gorgeous settings, and simmering chemistry, then you’ll love the first book in Anya Forest’s Maniototo Skies series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anya Forest
• Release date: Mar 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9780473313869

Anya Forest

I'm a New Zealand writer who enjoys creating true-to-life Kiwi characters and communities in my contemporary New Zealand stories, capturing the unique way of life of small-town rural Mainlanders. I've lived around the South Island (and Stewart Island!) with family originally hailing from the West Coast. Each of my books weaves in the southern places that have a special place in my heart, and the outdoor way of life that is such a special part of New Zealand life. My latest book is a time-travel adventure set in Fiordland, New Zealand, featuring characters from the past and New Zealand wildlife, including the Haast's eagle! I've also written several adult fiction books. My "Across the Strait" series is set around a family where all is not as it seems, moving through Central Otago and Stewart Island. My "Maniototo Skies" series is set around the plains of the Maniototo, dealing with the far reaching consequences of a moment of anger, and the nature of forgiveness - or not! My stories have a strong flavour of New Zealand - including the wildlife, the scenery, the music and art. When I’m not writing I’m enjoying the outdoors with my retriever dog Crockett. And no, he’s not spoilt – I’m just very well trained!

Book preview

Chapter 1

It seemed to Marina that the landscape glowed. She sat on the old sofa on the veranda, the sounds of the other guests inside the villa fading away. The russet features of the plains and distant hills deepened in colour as the sun touched them in the long twilight.

She shivered, despite the warm early-summer evening. At last she was back home after being away for what seemed like a lifetime. Or a different life.

Marina tensed as the music drifted through the walls of the villa, anticipating the words to a song that, as if on cue, took her back to a long-ago summer, listening to an old New Zealand hit. This place already seemed crowded with memories of the choices she had made with the sureness of youth. Such talent, people had said. A chance to get away from Eade, which she’d been so sure she wanted to do. After all, she’d had all the time in the world.

And the famous artist returns.

Too late, Marina sensed movement at the end of the veranda. Yes, she replied, unwilling to be baited by the cutting tone. She’d known her escape out here had been futile. I’m just relaxing, listening to the stereo. She stared rigidly out at the plains, holding her breath, sensing him moving closer. Unable to resist a quick sideways glance, she drank in the dark hair, still slightly too long to be fashionable, the planes of his face, his contemptuous hazel eyes.

He gave a short laugh as she looked towards him, the sound harsh in the soft evening light. Put the boot in, why don’t you, Marina? He stood by the veranda railing, anger radiating from him. You sure haven’t changed.

Marina stood up, trying to camouflage her shock at seeing him again. Dan. His face changed. Daniel. His eyes met hers. One song on the radio hardly matters now.

He shook his head, his eyes seeming darker in the low light. No it doesn’t, does it, Marina? Not anymore. Her icy beauty taunted him as he spoke, her pale eyes and ivory complexion stark against the shadows of the night, her perfectly straight fair hair giving no hint of its usual subtle red hue.

Before she could respond he wrenched open the lead-paned door and disappeared back inside. The door clicked as it shut behind him. She sank back onto the sofa as memories flooded back.

A moment later Marina sprang up again. She followed his path inside, entering the lamp-lit lounge area, and looked around at the others in the room blankly.

Marina.

She turned, pinning a smile on her face as a group of women exclaimed at her presence, overwhelming her with questions. Taking a deep breath, she injected enthusiasm into her voice.

Yes, Florence. For Rob’s twenty-first, early next year. He wants a big party. I couldn’t miss it. Yes, it’s been six years. And I wanted to be home for Christmas. No, I’m staying with my father. And stepmother. Rose. Out of the corner of her eye, Marina saw Daniel talking to someone she vaguely recognised. Her hand shook as she heard his voice, his deep laugh. She raised her wine glass to her lips, trying to focus on the women standing next to her as she formulated answers to their questions about her art studies and her European gallery exhibitions.

Almost against her will, Marina found herself thinking back to that moment on the veranda and Daniel’s anger. All because of a song on the stereo. No. You know that’s not the real reason.

The Duomo, yes. It’s incredible, isn’t it? She struggled to keep up a veneer of social niceties as she reminisced about Florence with one guest who had recently returned from a European trip.

Daniel’s deep voice cut through the feminine comments. Sounds a bit like the basilica at Waimate. Someone laughed, mitigating the tone of Daniel’s remark.

Marina tensed, knowing the joke was aimed at her. "Waimate probably is like Europe to you. Either way, you have to leave the province," she countered.

He flushed, his eyes dangerous.

Another guest inhaled sharply. Marina’s face felt hot as the other women turned to Daniel, drawing him into a discussion about local matters. She listened silently, fighting her sense of isolation, the realisation that she was now an outsider with different experiences, of a place so far removed from Eade it was almost unbelievable.

Daniel’s head was tilted attentively towards Cherie, his eyes narrowing with appreciation at a comment she’d made. Marina became fixated by his gaze as he looked at others in the group, laughing, sharing a joke. His rugged face was in shadow and then lit as he turned back to face Cherie; his eyes seemed almost golden in the lamplight.

Seeing Daniel so at ease, so welcomed, only increased Marina’s sense of loneliness and uncertainty. She murmured her excuses and moved across the room to get another drink, knowing she could no longer bear to watch Daniel without wanting to be near him. I shouldn’t have come to the party. Or New Zealand.

She had not realised, when she’d accepted the invitation, that it would be like this. Her presence had automatically made her the subject of questions and speculation about her return. A group announcement would have been better…preferably made before Daniel arrived. Cherie was making her way over and Marina smiled brightly, moving away from the drinks table, where she’d been standing alone.

No, I’m fine, Cherie. Just wanted another drink. Cherie shot her a look, and Marina knew she could not fool one of her oldest friends. They’d caught up for coffee only a few days ago, when Cherie had invited her over for the party this evening – in fact she’d encouraged her to attend. Already it seemed they had grown apart. Cherie was caught up in her partner and young child, the routine of her daily life in Eade, and a raft of domestic concerns Marina found hard to relate to. It’s understandable that Cherie is focused on her home and family. Of course I know that, but our lives have taken totally different paths.

It’s been a long time, Marina.

Yes, I know…a lot of water under the bridge.

Cherie seemed unconvinced by the trite phrase. A bit different from Florence.

Her friend’s words sounded almost like an invitation. One she was not ready for. Yes, that’s true. But New Zealand is home, my father is here, and the boys. And Rose, of course.

And Rose. Cherie repeated the words, and Marina knew she saw through the responses that everyone else had accepted without question. You told me the other day you were thinking of staying…but what about your painting, Marina? And your studies? How will that work?

I’ve finished studying. But you know that.

That’s not what I meant.

Marina dipped her head and took a sip of wine. Cherie looked around as other friends approached to say goodbye. Marina watched Cherie move towards the front door with them and was relieved the evening was drawing to a close. She put down her half-finished drink and crossed the room, careful not to make eye contact with anyone, until she reached Cherie.

You can’t even stay to finish your drink?

Marina shrugged. Jet lag, I guess. Her inability to be honest, to find the right thing to say, only compounded her embarrassment. The entire evening had seemed to merge into one unendurable misunderstanding. She stumbled through a sentence thanking Cherie and managed a wave to Greg, Cherie’s partner, who was standing by the stereo. The stereo.

Marina turned towards the door, saying a final goodbye to Cherie and reaching into her handbag for her car keys. If I can just get home, this nightmare evening will be over. The utter stillness of the night struck her as she walked down the drive to her parked car. The vast expanse of the starry night sky only increased her sense of displacement. She slid into the driver’s seat and threw her handbag down, pulling at her seatbelt.

Click. With a sinking feeling she turned the key again, resetting the immobiliser, hoping—

Click. Marina rested her head on the steering wheel, memories flooding back. She fished around in her handbag for her mobile phone, then she turned her head sharply as she heard a rapping on the window.

Marina knew what would happen as the well-meaning locals involved themselves. She opened the car door as she tried to think what to do. Anything but—

Don’t worry about calling the AA, we’ll get Cherie, the passer-by said. She’ll have the number of the local guy.

Mirthless laughter rose. I don’t want Cherie to know, she said, more sharply than she had intended. Wait, she added, in a futile attempt to stop them. She slammed the door shut, desperate to avoid the sequence of events she knew would now unfold. She looked at her phone through blurred eyes as she tried to make a decision. I could call Rob, or Dad…call directory to get the AA.

She tried to stay calm. It’s only a car that won’t start. I just need to get home. I can come back tomorrow, sort it out somehow, get it to Ranfurly. Tears caught at her throat as she rang her father’s landline number. The answering machine clicked in with an automated message. The boys then. Rob’s number is—

A pool of light found her and she looked up. The front door of the villa had opened, lighting the roadside with a faint glow before it closed again, leaving only a beam of torchlight. No street lights. Not out here, anyway, on the outskirts of town. The wooden stairs at the front of the villa creaked, then the gravel on the driveway crunched as a familiar shadow moved towards her. Cherie’s animated voice received only brief responses from the person holding the torch.

Marina watched with a guilty fascination, seeing the pattern of the torchlight, her plan to call her brother forgotten. I’m going to call the AA, she said to the torch beam, her voice mutinous.

Be my guest. The voice was calm despite the layer of steel in the response.

Then you’ll have to wait for Dan to change into his uniform, Cherie’s voice called out almost gleefully. He’s got the local contract as well.

Shocked, Marina stood by her car, frantically wondering how to extricate herself. Or Rob and Sean will come and get me, she said into the silence. So don’t worry about it now. I’ll sort it out in the morning.

Daniel made a quiet sound of derision, which was mirrored in the expression on his face, shadowed in the torchlight. Marina kept talking, lashing out in her desire to hurt him. Just go back inside and enjoy the music. Daniel shot her a look, and she caught her breath, unprepared for the guilt that flashed through her, lodging in her heart. She tried to think of a way to retrieve the situation. Or at least not embarrass myself further.

Sorry, she muttered, not knowing what else to say. I just…my car won’t start.

So your car’s picked up on your attitude too. Daniel’s voice was absolutely without inflection.

Dan will have a look at it for you, Marina. Cherie spoke confidently, trying to smooth over the undercurrents evident between the two of them. After all, Dan, you said you were on call and couldn’t have a drink tonight.

Might as well. No point wasting a moment of sobriety.

Cherie pealed with laughter. She walked back towards the villa, obviously assuming that Daniel would fix any problem.

Marina stood as if frozen to the spot. It was now just the two of them standing by her car in the virtual darkness. Her eyes had almost adjusted. Even though Daniel’s rugged features were shadowed, the light caught his eyes, darker than their usual tawny hazel.

Where are the keys? His question brought her back to reality with a jolt.

Oh, they’re… She reached into her handbag, searching.

In it. Daniel had already opened the car door, and he slid into the driver’s seat. Before she could say anything he turned the key. The car stereo blared through the still night air. She cringed as she recognised the song, not knowing how to explain. I—

Don’t even start, Marina, Daniel said, turning the stereo off with force.

But I didn’t realise—

Marina. Daniel’s tone was a warning. Stop the games right now. With a quiet oath he turned the key again, still unable to start the car.

It’s just the battery, Marina said, trying to move past the heart-wrenching coincidence that had just occurred. Again.

Daniel looked at her, a smile on his face. No it’s not, genius. Guess again.

Marina tensed at his continuing derision. Why isn’t it the battery? You’ve only tried the key twice. You can’t tell.

Daniel reached up to the roof of the car and flicked a switch. The car’s interior blazed with light. His expression hardened as he reached towards the stereo. Sound blared again, the song now coming to an end, the words haunting her. He turned it off.

Lights, the stereo…if the battery was flat you wouldn’t have them.

Marina flushed, realising the truth of his words. Daniel popped the bonnet, and then he got out of the car to prop it open. Automatically she followed his instructions, getting behind the wheel while he checked the engine. Finally she got out of the car again as Daniel wiped his hands on his jeans and retrieved the torch before shutting the bonnet.

Marina leaned against the car, waiting to hear what was wrong. Her sense of awkwardness only increased as Daniel made no effort to speak to her.

So if… Marina’s voice cracked, betraying her. She started again. If it’s not the battery, what is it?

Probably the starter motor, Daniel told her. I could try to get it going, but you’ll still need to get it checked. It can be an intermittent fault.

Marina’s heart sank. Is that expensive? I mean, how much will it cost? She tried to be casual. I’ll book it in straight away at Ranfurly.

Ranfurly. Daniel’s tone was disbelieving. Why not Eade? I mean… He shrugged. Up to you. And as for the cost, you’re a famous artist. Just sell a painting.

Marina ducked her head, unable to respond. His words were anything but a compliment. Dan…Daniel…I just never thought it would be like this, I—

It’s really a bit late for all that now, Marina, isn’t it? After all, I haven’t seen the Duomo. In fact, I’ve barely made it past Waimate.

His words devastated her. She wished she’d never accepted Cherie’s invitation to the party, where her own spiteful comments had compounded the issues between her and Daniel and magnified them even further in the eyes of the local community. I didn’t think it would ever be too late, she said.

Daniel shrugged. A gamble you lost then, he said evenly. "And while you’re in Ranfurly, you’ll need to find out about dry cleaning."

Marina gazed at him, open-mouthed at his sudden change of subject. He gestured towards her cream summer dress, a beautiful pleated garment splashed with a tasteful floral design. The glow of the torchlight spotlighted copper-coloured dust smeared across the front of the Italian-designed garment. Shocked, she realised she had leaned against her car to watch Daniel. Just as I always did—

Daniel’s deceptively pleasant voice broke into her thoughts. You’re back in the Maniototo now. He glanced at the layer of dust covering her car. And I presume that dress is from somewhere even further away than Waimate.

Chapter 2

Marina rolled over in bed, trying to avoid the morning light streaming through the gap in the curtains. Still half asleep, she bunched up the pillow. The sight of her old bookshelf and patterned wallpaper jarred her as she realised where she was. I’m still not used to being home . Here, in her childhood bedroom, time seemed to have stopped.

The memory of the party the night before loomed like a bad dream. She cringed as she thought of the way the evening had ended.

Dan. Now, in the privacy of her own bedroom, she could whisper his name, as she had so often before, shortening it without a thought after years of familiarity. She remembered the way he had looked at her last night when she’d spoken to him, and every word he’d said played out in her mind.

Marina’s still-sleepy eyes fixed on her dress, now a crumpled heap on the floor of her room. Abruptly her mind shifted to the problem of her father’s car. She tried to be practical as she attempted to separate the problems with the car from the memories of her interaction with Daniel.

She heard Rob—or is it Sean?—walking down the hall just outside her room. This was followed by a good-natured greeting through the closed door. Rob. I’m still asleep, she called out, smiling as she braced for the inevitable cheeky response.

Surprising her, Rob came into her room, hovering by the door. We’re going to Toko in a couple of weeks. You should come. Marina froze, unprepared for Rob’s casual invitation to the small seaside settlement where she had spent so many summer holidays. He mentioned some mutual friends who would be there, names Marina recognised to varying degrees. You could paint. Bring your gear and paint the sea. Isn’t water supposed to be difficult to do? But you could do it.

Marina smiled despite herself. I’ll just stay ’round home, thanks, Rob. Spend time with Dad.

Whatever. Rob shrugged. Losing interest in Marina’s plans, he switched to a practical matter. Dad couldn’t start the car this morning. He was carrying on about it. So he’s going to call… Even Rob paused at this point. The mechanic.

Well, that makes sense, Marina replied dryly. To call the mechanic when the car won’t start.

Rob eyed her uncertainly, as if trying to gauge her mood. I guess you’ll want to get dressed and stuff, he said. Marina listened to him walking down the hall towards the kitchen, shaking her head as she thought of her brother’s remarks about her painting. And about the car. With a muffled curse she got out of bed, pulled on jeans and a T-shirt, and ran down the hall to the living room. She half expected Daniel to already be there, relaxing with a coffee at the breakfast bar.

But there was only Rob, starting to put together what looked like a breakfast worthy of an All Black rugby player. If you’re heading into town, Marina, we’re out of milk.

His cereal bowl was almost overflowing with milk as he sprinkled brown sugar on it. Ask yourself why, she retorted. I’ll take the car to the dairy, shall I?

But I told you…it won’t start, Rob replied, Marina’s sarcasm going straight over his head. Dad’s calling… He fell silent at Marina’s look.

She opened the front door, in search of her father. He was outside the garage and looked up as she walked over to him. Dad, she began, hoping her voice sounded natural. I went out to Cherie’s last night, and the car packed it in. Apparently, it’s the starter motor. Her mind veered dangerously to the image of Daniel standing next to the car. We got it going again last night, but I thought I’d take it into Ranfurly for a check. Just to see.

How do you know it’s the starter motor, Marina? I thought it would be the battery.

No, genius. Guess again. Marina bit her lip, fighting the irrational urge to laugh. Dad, Daniel was there last night. Her father looked confused. Daniel Kent. Dan.

Oh, Dan. His face cleared. Well, I was going to call him. No point taking it to Ranfurly. Even if it does start.

Marina tried one final time to convince him to take the car to Ranfurly, bitterly regretting sleeping late. There was now no possible way she could get it to the garage there and have it fixed in relative anonymity. And without having the past thrown back in my face.

Her father was shaking his head. No sense in going to Ranfurly. I’ll call Dan now. Get him to come over sometime this morning. You don’t need the car urgently, do you?

She shook her head, defeated. Not unless you want milk.

He grinned at her. Come on inside and I’ll make you some toast.

Marina pretended to watch television, completely unable to focus on anything but the telephone call her father was about to make. She said nothing as he moved around the kitchen, murmuring to himself as he searched for the telephone number for the garage.

Dad, I’ll Google it, Rob offered.

Got it, her father responded. Now he was making the call, and she imagined Daniel making suggestions, offering to order in a part. She knew she should leave the room but was somehow unable to go.

Marina looked around quickly as her father mentioned her name. His blue eyes, so like her own, met hers across the room. She tried to interpret the expression in them and failed. Why did you mention my name, Dad? she asked, trying to sound casual.

I thought you could drop me at work before you take the car in. I’ve got some valuations to finalise. Then you can look around the main street. And Rob can collect you later. He glanced over at Rob, who was now immersed in his laptop, his empty cereal bowl sitting in a pool of spilt milk on the coffee table.

Rob did not look up. Ask Sean. I’m busy.

Marina took a deep breath. Rob, surely you can take the car in. Another thought struck her. How are we going to start it?

Dan’s on his way here, her father said. He’ll start it and then we’ll take it in to his workshop. I want to talk to you anyway.

I… She saw the understanding in his eyes. Not a good idea.

Life is too short, Marina.

At a loss for words, she followed him outside, grabbing her handbag from the table on the way.

Don’t forget the milk, Rob called.

Morning, Stephen. Trouble with the car? Daniel moved straight over to the car on the driveway, discussing the starter motor. He hasn’t even acknowledged me, Marina thought. Her father stood next to the car then sat inside as Daniel worked. A metallic sound was followed by the cough of the car starting. Just like last night.

Daniel was standing in the morning sun, his face lightly tanned already, his dark hair unruly. Six years. I haven’t seen him like this for six years. His shadowed presence the night before, in the glow of the lamplight and torchlight, had hardly prepared her for the reality of seeing him now, his eyes vivid as he tapped the bonnet of the car, confirming that it was good to go. For now, anyway.

Her father remained in the car, the low purr of the motor continuing as Daniel returned to his own car and drove away to meet them at his workshop.

Marina!

She spun around.

Let’s get going.

Oh. Sure, Dad.

How did last night go? he asked as soon as she shut the door. Marina’s heart sank. It must be strange, coming back here after so long away. She looked straight ahead as she debated what to say. To such a small community. His gentle comments only increased her discomfort.

"Last night went okay. But yeah, it was a bit strange seeing people after so long.