Free Love or Money by Peter McAra Page A

women on the sofa. ‘If we jump into the Porsche now, we can see something rather special before the light fades. Then a table at Chez Alfredo’s — in my opinion, Australia’s best restaurant. And I must have nothing but Australia’s best for you two wonderful women.’ He smiled down at them. ‘We do have to be quick. The sun won’t wait for us. So could I suggest…’ Erin helped her mother to her feet, found her stick, then, easing the frail woman ahead of her, she followed Todd up the hall and out to his car.
    Todd drove towards the harbour, coasting down mansion-lined streets until he stopped outside a huge tower of glass and steel. Pacific Towers, Erin recognised with an inward groan.
    â€˜Come on up, ladies. Catch the view from my penthouse!’ Todd jumped out, opened the door for Helen.
    â€˜ Yours , Todd?’ Helen took the bait.
    â€˜Yep. Made the down payment last week. Moving in any day now. But come on up. Catch the view before the sun sets.’ He led them down the path he’d taken Erin along those months before, into the lobby of the glitzy building, swiped a card over the lift control panel, hurried them into the lift.
    â€˜Drum roll!’ Todd walked ahead of them into the sun-filled room at the top of the tower and slid the curtains further back. The huge picture window took in a view that made Erin gasp. The Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the forest of gleaming high-rise buildings lay before them, set against the deep blue of the harbour. Here and there, yachts sailed in from the open sea, their fat sails ballooning in the evening breeze. A cruise ship passed under the Harbour Bridge, heading towards the Pacific.
    â€˜Well, then, Erin. Think you’d like to live here?’ She concentrated on the view, pointedly ignoring him. He turned to Helen. ‘And Helen. Would you like to visit? Often, I’d hope. We have a lovely guest suite. With its own facilities. Down that hallway.’ He pointed, then headed back to Erin. She stayed on the balcony, gazing down on the scene. His face glowed. He was a little boy who’d just torn the wrapping off a new toy.
    â€˜What do you think, beloved?’ He joined her on the balcony, tried to slip an arm round her waist. When she stepped away, he didn’t try again. For a long minute, they stood, both silent.
    â€˜Come and see the master bedroom, Eri. I’d like your advice on furnishings.’ He darted inside. The little boy in him was having a field day. Helen had hobbled off to inspect the guest suite. Erin stayed on the balcony. However attractive the bedroom, sharing it with Todd would be a negative no view could ever compensate for.
    â€˜Thanks, but I don’t want to miss the sunset,’ she called from the balcony. The sun sank low, turning from gold to red. The play of colours reflected off the glass-and-steel columns of the city’s heart.
    â€˜Darling.’ Helen beamed at her daughter from the balcony doorway. ‘You must check out the master bedroom. It’s fantastic. Words just…fail me.’
    â€˜Eri.’ Todd’s voice flagged that he was about to come on heavy.
    â€˜Yes?’ She groaned inside as she uttered the word.
    â€˜Us, Eri. I want you back. Now. Forget about that dump down the coast. Your mother says you plan to live there while you organise the makeover.’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Forget all that. You heard me. I want you back, Eri. Here. In this pad. Understand?’
    â€˜Sorry, Todd.’ She’d play her ace. ‘You know about my mother’s health. I have to sell Lovers’ Lookout now. To pay for her heart transplant.’ He looked away. ‘Without that, it’s only a matter of time, Todd.’
    â€˜Yes, I know all that. And here’s what I’m going to do. Marry me and I’ll pay for your mother’s op. It’s that simple.’
    Erin reeled. That worn-out saying ‘between