Neighbourly Love

By Joanna Smith

Audrey McGowan couldnt believe how good her life was. Along with her achieved dreams of becoming an author and buying and renovating a house in the beautiful mountains, was a dog she didnt want, a meddling extremely annoying younger sister, and a set of parents who were desperate for grandchildren.
She kept telling her father she didnt need a man in her life or particularly want one, until she met Jimmy Ellsworth an impossibly good-looking firefighter. Who also happens to be her next door neighbour, after several embarrassing altercations Audrey finds herself in a hot and heavy relationship and helplessly in love.
But when Audrey starts receiving some disturbing fan mail, which is followed by the return of Jimmys ex-wife who has a kid claiming to be his son, their new found relationships gets put to the test.
Exactly how much danger is Audrey in?
Will they figure out whos sending the fan mail before its too late?
Does Jimmys jealous ex-wife have anything to do with it?
Only time will tell and time seems to be running out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Feb 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503501713

Book preview

Chapter

One

Sometimes life just doesn’t turn out the way you planned, sometimes it doesn’t even come close to the way you imagined.

When your twelve you don’t have all the burdens of life.

When you’re a teenager you think you’re invincible and absolutely nothing could stand in your way.

But then in a split second everything changes.

You meet someone, fall in love and that gives your stupid teenage mind a superiority you can’t possibly handle.

You marry, then twelve years later it all comes crashing down.

You do nothing but work so that you can enjoy life, have nice things and keep your partner happy, but no one tells you that work is all you’ll ever do.

Is that all we were born to do?

Work so we can live? How can we possibly live when were always working?

Among the bills and the mortgage there’s the new fifty inch television you just had to have, the new clothes and the new car just aren’t necessary since you haven’t got time to enjoy the simple things in life like going out on a date with your partner. And then there are all the other worries in life, like your health for example, are you doing enough exercise? Are you eating right? Are you keeping your stress levels low, is the endless day to day grind really necessary if there is no one there to share them with?

Jimmy rolled over in bed.

there he was, thirty and living with his grandparents, his bedroom walls were coloured the same shade of blue they had been all his life, the posters of soccer players and rock bands that interested him at eight were long gone leaving behind the light blue he had spent the last year waking up too.

Jesus. He really had to reevaluate his life.

He worked hard it was all he knew how to do, his father, what he can remember, was a hardworking man so was his grandfather, naturally he would follow in the footsteps of his role models. He did it all so Cecilia could have the best things in life but he never would have guessed that she wanted more than the new clothes and cars he could buy her.

Exactly what that was is still a mystery to him. He did all the right things, he worked so she could pursue her dream, since they married so young. Eventually that dream was placed on the back burner as other things became more important.

Again, exactly what that was he had no idea, but he continued to bring the money in, pay the bills and buy her what she wanted.

Then just like that she up and left him.

After twelve years of marriage she left without an explanation, the divorce papers followed and she left an almighty hole in his chest where his heart use to be. Wasn’t he a good enough husband? Didn’t he do all the right things by her?

He had asked himself the same question for the past year and he still wasn’t any closer to finding an answer. There was no way he was ready for another relationship, but maybe it was time to find a place of his own, he still had some money from the divorce sitting in the bank making him a little interest.

He could hear his grandmother making breakfast in the kitchen the radio was informing her on the daily events, a quiet whisper behind her clattering.

He knew his grandfather would be seated at the table reading the morning paper, his thick checked dressing gown tied firmly around his waist with his night socks tucked into his pajama pants.

With a reluctant sigh Jimmy heaved himself out of bed and stumbled into the shower to wash away the depressing evaluation of his life.

Twenty minutes later he entered the kitchen.

There you are dear I was just about to come and wake you his grandmother fussed as she did every morning.

Good Morning Jimmy gave the sweet old woman a kiss while she shoved a plate full of eggs and bacon into his hands. He acknowledged his grandfather with a simple nod taking a seat across from him at the table, a steaming mug of coffee already waiting for him.

How is the gossip this morning grandpa? Jimmy questioned while placing two spoonful’s of sugar in his mug.

Same as it is every morning countries still run by lunatics his grandfather grumbled.

How did you sleep dear? Marlene asked her grandson before her husband began a political ranting it was still too early in the morning for that.

Fine Jimmy answered scooping a fork full of eggs from his plate unable to hide his smirk. He knew better than to bait his grandfather, especially at seven in the morning.

I think we might be getting our new neighbour soon Marlene informed turned back to the window she took a quick peak through the sheer curtains.

I wonder who it is Jimmy replied.

I’ve seen so many people coming and going over there, whoever it is they spared no expense

The woman was right, whoever had bought the Stepson house next door had also spent a small fortune renovating the place. Jimmy only had to put up with the early morning construction twice over the past month, but he sure as hell knew about it.

I’ll tell you one thing, when this new neighbour shows up I’m going to give them a piece of my mind. Damn power saws at all times of the morning, no consideration for the neighbours Jett grumbled turning the paper.

Jimmy caught his grandmother’s reluctant glare and he kept his mouth shut.

A month ago he returned to the station after an all-nighter putting out a warehouse fire. His grandfather had called several times leaving several messages regarding the house next door.

He’d called the man back only to receive a half hour complaint about the construction and etiquette on power tools. He then spent twenty minutes on the phone with the council, and another half an hour trying to explain to his grandfather that they were well within regulated times to use power tools, it was a tough morning. He felt sorry for whoever was moving in next door. Jett was definitely going to give them a piece of his mind. Polishing off his breakfast Jimmy got up and washed his plate and cup, if he was going to get anything done today he needed to get out of his grandfather’s peripheral vision.

An hour later the sun was beginning to filter through the trees, the air had a nice early morning bite; winter was days away signaled by the puffs of white smoke he blew as he swung his axe. There was an abundance of fire wood in the mountains. There was also an abundance of work when his grandfather was out and about on the streets.

Jimmy loved his grandparents, they were the only family he had, but he wished his grandfather wasn’t so dammed proud of him.

‘Jimmy my grandson, he’s a fireman’ He would tell any set of ears that would listen.

Somewhere in the middle of it he managed to add that he was also capable of doing anything possible. That was how Jimmy found himself at the end of the street chopping fire wood in Giselle Norwood’s backyard.

Would you like a drink Jimmy? the woman asked leaning over the railing on the back deck.

No thank you. I’m alright for the moment he didn’t bother looking up, the sound of the newly divorced forty five year old woman’s tone was enough to suggest more than a drink. And his grandfather was a magnet for such women; they seem to seek him out almost like he had a sign on his forehead.

‘Divorced grandson, need to get rid of him, who wants him?’

Jimmy continued to swing his axe ignoring Giselle as best as he could, but the woman was persistent. The fifteen year age gap between them didn’t mean a thing, not that he had an issue with older woman, admittedly she looked lovely for her age, the two teenage boys she had, were much more of a turn off.

Finally two hours later, all the wood was chopped and in the back of his 4wd.

He exchanged a hasty goodbye with the woman, before she dragged him inside and…Well…

Her intentions were abundantly clear and Jimmy had absolutely no intention of going down that path especially with a neighbour, it always led to complications.

His life was complicated enough.

He spent the next hour stacking the freshly chopped logs along his grandparent’s side fence.

He took a quick look over the fence when he heard someone next door.

The back yard was as spacious as his grandparents. Whoever had brought the house had some money. The place had been painted inside and out. The timber floors had been replaced, the kitchen had been renovated and there was a new addition to the back. A lovely glassed off room which he was sure captured the panoramic view of the mountains beyond. He dropped two more logs on the pile before someone stepped through the side gate was this the new neighbour?

Jimmy? Jimmy Ellsworth? It’s Andy Carter; we went to the same school the man noticed him peering over the fence.

Yes I remember Jimmy replied stretching out his hand.

God, how long has it been, like twelve years? the man accepted his hand in a hardy shake

Maybe even longer, is this your place? Jimmy questioned.

Andy shook his head and smiled his wide toothed grin.

No, I’m just doing the council inspection, making sure everything’s up to scratch, you’re grandparents still live here? he asked, giving Marlene a wave through the kitchen window.

Jimmy looked towards the house as he answered, it needed some work his grandparents couldn’t afford the glamorous renovations like next door, but a fresh coat of paint wouldn’t hurt.

Yeah, they still live here Jimmy replied.

Are you still married? Cecilia wasn’t it?

The question threw Jimmy for a six, people who knew him knew the subject of Cecilia was off limits. Clearing his throat he tried to look as undisturbed by the question as humanly possible.

Ah, no. we separated a year ago his voice broke, so much for concealing his emotions.

I’m sorry, you two were good together

Yeah Jimmy replied, the silence dragged on.

Listen, I’m joining some of the guys at that new juice bar on Friday night, you should come. Catch up, you know like old times Andy was trying his best to make the moment less uncomfortable.

Maybe he replied, going out was one of the last things on his mind, then again wasn’t he examining his life that very morning deciding on making a few changes? Maybe he should go out and catch up with some old friends. They were something he had been neglecting for the past year, he had his best friend Sebastian but that was it when it came to friends.

Well any way, here’s my card call me if you decide to come, it should be fun

He handed Jimmy his card and with another handshake he left him by the fence.

Who was that next door dear? Marlene asked as Jimmy dropped a load of wood by the fireplace.

Andy Carter, we went to the same school

Ahh, yes I remember, little go getter Marlene replied.

Looks like he’s still a go getter Jimmy added.

Is that his house next door?

No, he’s just doing the council inspection

Marlene shrugged and continued along her daily chores. Jimmy spent the rest of the day doing the odd jobs his grandfather instructed finally managing to get out of the house after three, he hit the gym it helped clear his mind. Several hours later, he arrived back home in time for dinner.

After that, he then helped clean up before locking himself in his room and falling asleep in front of the television not long after his head hit the pillow.

His life had really taken a turn for the totally boring!

The next morning He turned Andy’s business card in his hand, should he go to the juice bar on Friday? It would most defiantly beat the night he had last night. Socializing hadn’t been high on his list for some time; he avoided situations where Cecilia could be mentioned but they couldn’t be avoided forever, besides he was starting to turn into his grandparents and the day an afternoon nap sounded appealing was they day he really needed to move out.

He left the business card on the dresser before he had a shower joining his grandparents for breakfast.

Life just couldn’t get any better.

Audrey sat up in bed, she knew from an early age that she was the odd one in her family. Her sister was happy in her dead end job, her father had been working for the same company for the past thirty years and he was still happy, it was the same story with her mother.

Whereas Audrey wasn’t happy unless she was in her make-believe world, a place where life took unexpected turns and spins. Unlike her own world which admittedly was getting better. She had accomplished one of her life long dreams, becoming a writer. All the late nights and neglected social life had finally paid off.

She had resigned from her job last week and she was moving into her own home this very week.

Her first book had just hit the shelves and was already on the best seller list.

Yep, life couldn’t get any better.

Showering and dressing she joined her sister and her mother for breakfast.

I can’t believe you’re up at this time of the morning Sissy stated as Audrey made herself a cup of coffee.

There’s no sleep for the wicked she replied.

Sissy mumbled something adding a huge yawn to her ramblings.

If I’d just quit my job I’d still be asleep she replied peering over the top of her coffee cup.

"Writing is my job Sissy and, just because I work from home doesn’t mean I can get up whenever I want you need structure and a routine" it all sounded good; all she had to do now was implement her structure and routine.

See how long that lasts.

"Your book just hit the shelves, what else do you need to write?"

It’s a series, I need to finish the next book Audrey replied buttering her toast.

How’s the house going Audrey? her mother interrupted, she loved both her girls but it would be nice to have some peace and quiet for a change.

Council inspection was yesterday, I need to see the real estate today she pinched herself every morning just to make sure everything that had happened was indeed real.

She had received her first check for her book and with her savings she placed a deposit on a three bedroom house, when her book went best seller she received another check making all the plans she had for the place possible. Renovations were done she needed to pick up the keys and she could move in. Her stomach still turned in excitement when she thought about her own home, she loved her family but she needed her own space.

Her mother and sister left for work, leaving her to deal with the breakfast dishes, she cleaned up before she booted up her Laptop and decided to do some writing before she went to the real estate, getting lost in the parallel world she created for her characters.

The next time she looked at the time it was eleven.

Oh crap! Her appointment to see the real estate was at eleven.

She quickly saved her work slipped on her shoes and ran out the door calling to let them know she was on her way. She was only twenty minutes late, flying into the office she apologized profusely.

The council inspector was seated at the table he looked less than impressed, but his expression began to change as Audrey closed the door behind her.

I’m so sorry, I got caught up she apologized again as she took a seat.

That’s fine, this is Andy Carter from the council Artesia Heartily introduced.

Audrey accepted the outstretched hand.

Is everything alright?

Yes, everything’s fine, I found nothing against regulations Andy replied.

Audrey let out a breath of relief. She didn’t expect anything to be wrong with the place, since she left the renovations in the hands of her very capable cousin Gerard.

We just need you to sign some papers Artesia replied standing from her seat, She excused herself and Audrey was left with Andy the council inspector.

Andy added flipping through the folder in his lap handing it over her showed her where he needed her to sign, Audrey let out a nervous giggle.

All I seem to be doing these days is signing papers

She began to read over the document she could feel him looking at her from the corner of her eye.

It’s just a list of things I needed to check he supplied.

Audrey nodded and continued along the list.

So, is this your first house Audrey? he questioned a moment later.

She nodded.

It’s a lovely place, the renovations look great

Thank you Audrey replied.

"Are you going to celebrate?’

She looked up, meeting his eyes. Maybe she replied with a shrug. Finishing the document before her, she signed along the dotted line.

A new house should be celebrated, you should go to the juice bar on Friday, I’ll be there with some friends and I could help you celebrate

Audrey handed back the document, was he hitting on her? She cleared her throat before answering; she couldn’t help the colour in her cheeks.

Um, maybe she replied, it wasn’t often she got hit on. Then again she didn’t exactly go anywhere she could be hit on. She was comfortable in her skin, sure she could lose a few kilos but it wasn’t something she worried about there was no one in her life she needed to stay firm and toned for.

He placed the papers back in his folder and pulled a business card from his pocket.

Call me if you decide to go Audrey hesitated taking the card but she didn’t want to be rude.

Even if you don’t go, call me, we could celebrate privately he whispered, with a wink. She was relieved when the flirting council inspector left.

Her heart was racing as Artelia handed over her house keys. They fell into her open hand like the jingling of Santa’s sleigh bells igniting the same kind of excitement in her belly kids usually had on Christmas day waking up to find all the presents under the tree.

Thank you she managed to respond without breaking down, just like the day she signed her book contract, emotions were overwhelming but she managed to keep them intact, at least until she was in private. She hurried from the office to her car, where she could break down in pure joy without making a fool of herself in front of people.

Audrey pulled up outside her new home half an hour later. Gerard was waiting at the gate with a smile; he spent the next hour showing her around the house he so proudly renovated. Everything looked new, and Audrey couldn’t help gasping as she turned every corner, the house was exactly as she imagined.

Her favorite room was the extension at the back, the whole room was portioned off with glass giving her a view of the entire back yard and the mountains in the back round. A cobblestone fireplace was set in the far corner, it was perfect for her writing room and somewhere she would spend a lot of time.

Gerard returned to work while Audrey sat on the floor and admired the view out of her back room. She wrote a list of things she would need, like a fridge and a washing machine, she didn’t have a lounge either, but that didn’t bother her so much, she would slowly buy everything she needed, it would be tasteful and classy.

Exactly how she wanted.

The afternoon faded into night and she wished she had brought her laptop with her, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave just yet.

It was hers, a place of her own; finally somewhere she could find solitude, abandon life and escape into the worlds she had created with the lock of a key, her key.

It was dark when she returned back to her parents’ house for the last time that week, she would move her bed into her new home tomorrow and she couldn’t possibly wait any longer. The moment Audrey walked through the door she could hear her mother yelling at her sister.

She would not miss this at all, placing her keys in the bowl beside the door she could hear Sissy thumping and calling down the hall.

Audrey took one step, but stopped confused by the scene tumbling down the hall towards her.

Something with four legs and covered in a copious amount of bubbles was slipping down the wooden floor right towards her, Sissy was right behind covered in just as many bubbles.

Sissy, what the hell is that? Audrey asked her sister as a puppy sliding on its backside collided with her feet.

Quick, stop her Audrey!

Scooping up the smelling wet bubble covered puppy before it could go anywhere, Audrey could hear her mother calling from the kitchen.

Sissy, what’s going on? she asked handing over the slippery pup who was trying its hardest to escape from her hands. Her sister didn’t answer; instead Audrey was met by her mother at the end of the hall

Did you see what she bought home? We have no room for a dog there is no one here to play with the animal during the day Hannah complained.

It’s not for me Sissy replied trying desperately to subdue the squirming dog.

Who is it for? Audrey asked eyeing off her sister with concern.

You Sissy replied not looking up.

What?

It’s your house warming present

You got me a dog? But I don’t want a dog Audrey replied surprised, how could her sister possibly think she wanted a dog.

But you’re going to be lonely, and she’s so cute

Sissy, where on earth did you get an idea like that? I don’t want a dog Audrey repeated following her into the bathroom.

Hannah began another ranting rave as she went back to the kitchen to continue cooking dinner.

But look at her Audrey, she’s so cute her sister cooed

The puppy took that moment to sneeze and shake sending water and bubbles flying to all ends of the bathroom.

It looked like a drowned rat; its ears were too big for its head and little body, as were its paws. She looked up at Audrey and began to wag her tail using her big brown eyes, she was trying to make her see how much she hated the bath, and how grateful she would be if she was rescued from the miss treatment.

With a frown Audrey crossed her arms while her sister continued to try washing the dog.

I’m sorry Sissy but you’re going to have to find somewhere else for this dog, I’m not taking it

What no, Audrey you can’t, they’re going to put her down if I take her to the shelter, please you have to take her

No, I don’t, you didn’t ask me if I wanted a dog, why would you assume I would anyway?

Because, I don’t want you to be lonely that’s all

For crying out loud Sissy, I’m twenty five minutes down the road I’ll still be able to hear you and mum arguing every morning I’m not going to be lonely, now you better find somewhere else for this dog, I’m not taking it and that’s final

But….

No buts Audrey replied leaving Sissy and her new house friend in the bathroom.

Was it too late to hire a truck and move out that night? She blew several breaths and closed her bedroom door behind her, just as her father walked through the door and once again the arguments began.

Her little sister was driving the whole house insane.

Audrey pulled out the folded boxes she had stacked in the corner and began to slowly pack her things.

There was still a commotion going on outside her bedroom door she could hear their house guest running circles around the place, occasionally there would be a thump as she slid into the wall she was trying to ignore the noise, but her curiosity got the better of her.

Opening the door slightly and peering into the hall the reasonably dry puppy came sliding around the corner bouncing off one wall she continued to slide along till she came to a stop in front of Audrey’s door. With one playful bounce she jumped through the door into her room.

Hey, buddy I don’t think so Audrey picked up the shaking animal, and on cue it stopped crying.

She held the puppy up to her face studying the animal she looked confused and frightened.

She is such a quick little bugger, I’ve been trying to dry her Sissy stepped into the room holding the towel, Audrey handed the animal back and it began to cry.

What’s wrong with her?

I don’t know Sissy replied putting the animal back on the floor before she dropped her.

She escaped once again and jumped behind Audrey like a shy child would hide behind a parent.

With a frustrated sigh Audrey snatched the towel from her sister and leaned down towards the cold shaking animal.

She was a beautiful butter scotch colour, once dry, and distinguishable as a golden retriever, Audrey didn’t even want to think about how adorable