Red Hot by Cheryl Alldis, Leonie Alldis

drifted on about things in general. She finally felt quite relaxed. Eddie had not made one suggestive remark to her and she was enjoying the drive. He didn’t speed or drive reckless. He was someone different, not at all like the high school boys she knew. He was older and she liked the thrill of being with a man who had the reputation of being a bit wild.
    The drive out to the Weir took about half an hour. They crossed the bridge above the spillway. Some of the overflow gates were open, releasing huge volumes of water. Eddie drove to the other side and parked the car in the visitor’s car park.
    ‘Fancy walkin’ down and takin’ a look?’ he asked, turning to look at her.
    ‘Sure, that’d be nice.’
    ‘Dunno why I bother lockin’ this old girl, no-one’d want to steal her.’ He laughed as he put the car keys in his pocket.
    ‘C’mon, let me help you down these steps, they’re pretty steep.’
    The steps leading down to the bottom of the spillway were steep. They led to a viewing platform. Although there was a safety barrier erected, it was advisable to be cautious.
    Kathy gladly took hold of Eddie’s hand and held it tightly the further down they went.
    The noise was unbelievable. To hear each other they had to shout over the roar of the water.
    Once they reached the viewing platform, they didn’t bother saying much at all. The noise was deafening and it was impossible to hear what was being said anyway.
    Eddie indicated the safety barrier and they walked over and looked out across the vast expanse of water. Every now and then the spray from the water reached them. Although the sun was shining brightly, it was very cool down there and Kathy began to shiver.
    Eddie noticed the slight trembling of her hands as she held onto the barrier.
    Bending down so he could speak close to her ear, he asked, ‘Would you like to go get a coffee at the kiosk?’
    Nodding her acceptance, they made their way back up the steep steps to the top.
    ‘Wow! That was unreal!’ Kathy felt exhilarated after her climb and it showed in her flushed face.
    Eddie laughed at her enthusiasm. ‘Yeah, it’s sure somethin’ worth goin’ down for a look, eh? C’mon, let’s get that coffee.’
    They ended up deciding on milkshakes and took them to a nearby park bench.
    ‘You know, Kathy.’ Eddie turned to look at her. ‘I was surprised when you agreed to come out here with me. Your parents must’ve talked about me. Hell, everyone in the good ol’ valley talks about Eddie Chancellor.’ His last few words came across as bitter. Kathy paused before answering, not wanting to spoil things by saying the wrong thing. The afternoon had been going along nicely.
    ‘Well, they have said stuff. I mean, you know, the good old country grape vine.’ Her voice drifted away and she kept her eyes on her drink.
    Eddie could see her embarrassment at his question.
‘Shit, why did I ask her that?’
he thought
.
Aloud, he said. ‘Don’t worry, Kath, I shouldn’t have asked. I know what people say about me. I was just surprised you agreed. I mean, a nice girl like you an’ all. I’m
more
than happy you came out here with me.’
    ‘Oh shit, shut up Chancellor before you put your foot all the way in your stupid big mouth!’
he reprimanded himself. He felt flustered, very unlike him! For the first time in a very long time, he realised he was actually enjoying himself and he really liked Kathy’s company. She was a very nice girl and he just didn’t want to do or say anything to spoil things. This really was completely different to his other dates with girls. He wasn’t used to trying to make a good impression. It was usually the girls trying to impress him…
    ‘Hey, we still have a good bit of the arvo left, would you like me to take you out across the Tallangatta bridge? It’s a nice drive and from there we can head back home.’
    Kathy could see he was trying very hard to impress her and she found herself really liking him. ‘Yes, Eddie,