Divided Road (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024)

Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rachel was waiting for Owen and Jared outside the huge old house that held the restaurant and wine tasting venue. “Duncan’s arranged a meet and greet, complete with wine, cheese, and snacks. The others have gone in already.” She ushered them inside.

“We’re a little underdressed.” Owen indicated his jeans, t-shirt, and grey hoodie.

The inside of the building was the perfect mix of history and modernity. The floors were beautifully polished and looked to be made of native timber. The combination of paintings and photos adorning the walls depicted the vineyard over the past century. Roses in antique cut glass vases brought colour to the cream walls, their scent subtle yet unmistakable.

He half expected someone to walk by wearing a tux and top hat, complete with a cravat like they’d stepped out of another time.

“It’s a very informal affair.” Rachel grinned. “You two are well dressed compared to some in there. You’ll be fine. Mingle and make friends. It will be painless, I swear.”

“You told me that when you pushed me to go see that dentist last year.” Owen avoided them like the plague, although the experience was never as bad as he feared. The one Rachel had recommended was pretty good, although he’d never admit that.

Jared raised an eyebrow.

“Broken tooth. Easily fixed once I got him there.” Rachel waved to Kaci, who was hanging around an open door a short distance away. “I need to go.” She lowered her voice. “Seriously though, don’t be intimated by the line-up. Flightless deserves to be here as much as anyone. You guys are good, and don’t forget it.”

“She’s a force to be reckoned with, isn’t she?” Jared chewed on his bottom lip, a sure sign he was nervous.

“Yeah, but that’s a good thing, right?” Owen took Jared’s hand in his and squeezed it. “The rest of us haven’t played at an event this big either. We’re all nervous.”

“You’re way more experienced than I am,” Jared whispered. “I’ve only done a few pub concerts. Some of the bands here are iconic. Lincoln should be here, not me. I feel like a fraud.”

“Everyone deserves a chance to shine, don’t you think?” A man in his mid-thirties, dressed casually in black jeans and a grey buttoned-down shirt, walked up to them. “You must be Owen and Jared. Duncan’s spoken highly of both of you. I’m Elard. My family and Duncan’s go back a while. Nice to meet you. Duncan’s about ready to do the speech he’s been rehearsing for the past couple of days, so we should probably get in there. He does so fuss over it every year and then delivers it perfectly.”

“Part of me is scared shitless by all of this,” Jared admitted.

“Nerves are part of the human condition, I’m afraid.” Elard smiled. “I’ve always found it bodes well for a good performance. Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall, and all that. Focus on your performance and enjoy everyone else’s.” He lowered his voice. “I’ll go first and pave the way, hmm? You can sneak in the back while everyone’s distracted.”

Owen kissed Jared softly on the cheek once Elard disappeared. “He’s got a point.”

“Yeah.” Jared relaxed against Owen. “I guess so. We better get in there in time to listen to Duncan’s speech as he’s gone to all that trouble to perfect it.”

“And to invite us to his festival.” Owen leaned his forehead against Jared’s now they were alone.

When they entered the room, a man holding a tray offered them each a glass of wine. “Welcome to Frays. Enjoy your stay here.”

Duncan tapped the side of his glass with a fork to get everyone’s attention. He surveyed the room, a huge smile lighting his face. “I’m so pleased to welcome you all to Frays Days. This year is special as it’s the 90 th anniversary of the festival. But, before I continue with a bit of the history of it, I’d like to invite my good friend, Father Elard Reith, to join me up here.”

Elard caught Owen’s eye as he walked past. “I’m incognito,” he murmured, pointing to the lack of white collar, “but I guess I’ve just been rumbled.” He gave everyone a nod when he joined Duncan. “It’s great to see you all here today. Like Duncan, my family has a history in Napier, but I’ll leave that to him to explain.” He grinned. “I do enough public speaking as it is.”

Everyone chucked and then quietened to allow Duncan to continue.

“Frays Vineyard was built in the 1920s by my great-grandfather, Devon Fray, and several generations later, we’re still proud to be living here in the Bay. We’d built a thriving vineyard and a community by the time the earthquake hit in 1931 and, like many, we struggled to rebuild and keep our spirits up, especially during the depression.” Duncan cleared his throat and took a sip of wine. “Devon and the local priest, Elard’s great-uncle, realised that their community needed something to look forward to, so Frays Days was born. The first year was small, with only a few acts performing over an afternoon, but it’s grown with each passing year, into the festival we have now.” He raised his glass. “To the men who started it all: Devon Fray and Elard Reith.”

“To Devon and Elard.” Everyone in the room joined him in the toast.

“We’re delighted to continue their tradition,” Duncan said. “I’m no musician, but I do appreciate good music, and every one of you is here because something about your music spoke to me. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve played here before, and are well known, or if this is your first year with us. You’re all equally valued, and I appreciate you joining us to make this year’s festival another one to be remembered. Thank you!”

Everyone clapped loudly.

“Enjoy your evening, and if you need anything, please let me or one of our staff know, and we’ll do what we can to help.” Duncan gave another nod and then stepped down, his speech obviously at an end.

“That speech sounded very natural,” Jared said. “I wouldn’t have known he’d spent days on it.”

“That’s kind of the point,” Elard said from behind them. “Enjoy yourselves, and take the evening off. Tomorrow will be full-on and exhausting. There’s a decent bus service that goes into town every half hour.” He glanced at his watch. “The next one leaves in about twenty, I believe.”

“I see you’ve met Owen and Jared.” Duncan appeared at Elard’s side. “Elard’s been looking forward to hearing you play tomorrow.”

“Are you a musician, Father?” Owen was curious, especially given Elard’s earlier advice.

“Elard, please.” Elard grinned. “I don’t stand on formality unless I have to. I inherited my great-uncle’s cello, and I’m happy to say some of his skill, or so I’m told.” He cocked his head to one side. “I need to deal with a few things. Until tomorrow, gentlemen. Have a lovely evening.” He disappeared into the crowd.

“Thanks again for inviting us,” Jared told Duncan. “This place is great. I love the ambience.”

“So do I, and thanks for coming. We’re booked solid, but The Sunflower Restaurant usually keeps a few tables free for band members if you’re looking for a nice meal out. Tell them I sent you.” Duncan’s phone rang, and he pulled it out of his pocket. “Sorry, I need to get this. Until tomorrow.” His brow creased. “Hello, Duncan speaking. Everything okay?” He walked away out of earshot.

“You feel like dinner out?” Owen wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“Should we check to see if the others want to join us?”

“I guess.” Owen would prefer an evening with Jared, but he’d also feel bad if he didn’t ask.

“Ask us to join you where?” Kaci slid her arm around Owen’s waist.

“Dinner. In town.” Owen looked around for Rachel but couldn’t see her.

Kaci coloured. “I have plans, actually, but thanks for checking.”

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.” Owen couldn’t help teasing.

“Whatever.” Kaci stuck out her tongue and then grinned to soften the gesture. “Rachel and I are going to go for a wander around Napier once we’ve had dinner.” She unwrapped her arm from around Owen. “Nat’s given us a list of good spots to check out. I can send it to you if you want.”

“Thanks, but nah, we’ll play it by ear.” Owen spoke without thinking, then turned to Jared. “Unless you want the list?”

“I’m happy to do whatever.” Jared hadn’t touched much of his wine. “Do you want to mingle or head out?”

Rachel was chatting to the lead singer of Whit’s Glen, at the other end of the room, her face animated as she moved her arms to demonstrate whatever comment she’d made.

“Could you keep Rachel distracted while we make a break for it?” Owen asked.

“Sure. I’m told I can be very distracting.” Kaci chuckled. “Be good, and have fun. Actually, don’t be good, and have a good time.”

“I’ll be the perfect gentleman,” Owen told her with a straight face.

“God, no.” Jared poked him in the ribs. “I like you as you are.”

“Are you telling me I’m not a gentleman?” Owen feigned dismay.

“And there’s my chance.” Kaci glanced over at Rachel, who was pausing for breath and scanning the room, obviously looking for her band to make sure they were all networking like they were supposed to. “Have fun. And don’t bother looking for Tyler and Phil. They sneaked out after the speech. Clay’s meeting Nat in town, so you might run into them.” She grinned and made a beeline for Rachel, sliding her arm into her girlfriend’s.

“Time to make our escape.” Owen deposited his glass on a tray on one of the side tables, and Jared did the same.

They linked hands and headed back outside into the sun.

The bus trundled along shortly after they found the stop. Jared followed Owen to a seat near the back.

“This was a good idea. We can enjoy ourselves and not have to worry about parking or having a drink with our meal.” Jared slid his arm around Owen. Being together like this in public already felt natural like they’d known each other for longer than a few months.

“I haven’t been on a bus in years,” Owen admitted. “I’m close enough to walk to work, and otherwise I bike unless I’m going a decent distance, then I give the car a good run.”

“I work all around the region with being on call, so I’ve got used to driving, especially when I’m on a late shift.”

“Do you think you’ll want to give that up one day? Have you thought about working at the Scone instead of travelling around so much?”

“I like having the best of both worlds.” Jared shrugged. “But being behind the counter at the Scone is always my favourite. Something about the place feels like home, and although they never lived to see it, I get a sense of my parents when I’m there. Like they’re looking down on us, and still there in some way.”

“I’m sorry,” Owen said after a moment’s silence. “I can’t imagine what it must have been like to lose them. I love mine, but they drive me nuts. They mean well, I’m sure they do, but I’ve never managed to live up to their expectations. I’m not sure I ever will.”

Jared watched the purple fields go by before replying. “You’re still auditioning for Oriolidae. Is that something you want to do?”

“It’s the right thing to do.” Owen sounded puzzled. “It’s all set up, and I’ve been practising. I’m invested now. I want to see if I am good enough, rather than wonder if I don’t do it.”

“I’ve heard you practise,” Jared admitted. “What will you do if they want you?”

“I don’t honestly know, but I doubt it will come to that.” Owen leaned his head on Jared’s shoulder. “Can we not talk about it? I want to enjoy the evening, and then focus on tomorrow. The whole Oriolidae thing is another problem for another day and one that won’t be my decision anyway.”

Jared disagreed but decided against voicing his opinion. “What do you want to do in Napier? I figure we should check out the restaurant and make sure we have a table first.”

“Good idea.” Owen pulled out his phone and found a tourist website. “The restaurant is near the Sound Shell, so we could start there first. I’d love to look at all the buildings.’

“What about all the murals?” Jared peered at Owen’s phone. “They look cool. And the aquarium, if it’s still open. Unless you’d prefer the museum? I don’t think we’ve got time to do both.”

“I like the idea of the Faraday Museum. History and technology in one place.” Owen sighed. “Okay, not that one. We’ve just missed it. They closed an hour ago.”

“We could always fit it in on Monday before we head back to Wellington?” Jared suggested. “Or we could make another trip up here. Just the two of us.” Owen’s silence made Jared’s heart sink. Had he overstepped? “Or not,” he added.

“I’d love to have a weekend away with you up here, a road trip for just the two of us,” Owen finally said. “I can’t fit it in until after my audition, and… perhaps we could talk about it then? Once we have more time to plan it and look forward to it. By then, you….”

“Yeah, I’d like that,” Jared said hurriedly, not wanting Owen to finish his sentence.

By then, you won’t be a part of Flightless.

The following silence sat between them like a weight, although by the time they reached town, the feeling had settled into something easily brushed aside. Owen had returned to his position on Jared’s shoulder and begun to doze. Sunlight caught his face, softening the frown lines and the tiredness that had been too much a part of him the last few weeks.

Jared woke him with a soft kiss to the cheek. “We’re almost there.” He’d make sure they returned to the camper in plenty of time to get an early night.

“What? Huh?” Owen blinked at him, confused for a moment. “Oh, right. Sorry, I must have drifted off.” He reached down to grab his daypack.

A few minutes later, the bus pulled in, and everyone piled out. Jared and Owen waiting until the bus was almost empty before trailing after them. Owen gave the driver a friendly wave and was rewarded with a smile.

“Restaurant first, yeah?” Owen consulted his phone again and led them towards Marine Parade. When they reached the water fountain, he sat on its edge and took a deep breath. “I’m sure I’ve been here before. I remember this and the statue.”

The statue of Pania of the Reef looked over the fountain and beyond that, the sea, its presence a reminder of legend amongst the backdrop of historical buildings in the other direction.

“We can walk along the beach once we’ve made our reservations,” Jared suggested. “Or we could eat early and then take our time looking around.” He raised the side of his hand to his forehead, shading his eyes against the late afternoon sun. “Probably be cold out here later.”

“I don’t mind a bit of cold if you don’t.” Owen pointed across the road. “The Sunflower’s a couple of doors down across the road. I vote we eat now. I’m hungry.”

Now that he knew where to look, the building was unmistakable with its cheery yellow exterior and huge sunflower mural. Wooden double doors led inside. A woman looked up when they entered and greeted them with a smile.

“Welcome to the Sunflower. I’m Adele.”

“We’re staying out at Frays for the festival,” Owen explained. “Duncan Fray said that you kept some tables in reserve.”

“You’re playing in the festival? That’s wonderful.” Adele checked the screen in front of her. “We have a couple of tables for two left. One in the corner, and the other upstairs with a great view of the ocean. Which would you prefer?”

“The view,” they both answered immediately.

She chuckled. “That’s our usual answer, although some people prefer a quiet spot before the craziness of the festival. When are you playing? My partner and I have tickets for tomorrow as he has to work on Sunday.”

“Tomorrow,” Owen said. “Our band is called Flightless. We’re here from Wellington.”

“Ooh, I saw you on the programme. You have a fiddle player, right?” Adele looked excited.

“That would be me,” Owen said, “and thanks.”

Rachel had written the spiel for the programme, which included a short biography of the band and their music.

Adele rang a bell, and a man approached with a clipboard. “Lloyd here will take you to your table and be your server for tonight. If you have any questions, please ask.”

“Thanks, Adele.” Lloyd was a younger man, in his early twenties, if that. “Follow me, please. I can recommend the steak and the fish. Or, if you’re after something else, our team makes a wonderful kumara and pumpkin soup with sourdough bread. It’s very filling.”

“Thanks,” Jared said. “Give us a few minutes, and we’ll order.”

“Of course. Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Orange juice for me, thanks.” Jared wanted a clear head for tomorrow’s performance.

“Same for me, and a jug of water too, please.”

Lloyd noted his clipboard. The menus were on the table. “Coming right up.”

“I like the ambience here,” Owen said. “It feels homely and relaxed. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I don’t feel comfortable at fancy restaurants, although my parents love them.”

“I prefer places like this too.” Jared glanced around. “The view is great.”

Pine trees lined the dividing line of the road, and beyond them, where they’d just come from, waves from the Pacific Ocean crashed against the beach. A sudden memory hit him from long ago, and he wiped at his eyes.

“Okay?” Owen asked softly.

“We walked along that beach when we were kids with our parents. Dad took photos, we paddled in the sea although it was freezing, and then bought fish n chips and watched the sunset.” A lump formed in Jared’s throat and he paused.

“Good memories are important.” Owen reached across the table and took Jared’s hands. “Gran says they keep those we love alive.”

“I wish.” Jared absently caressed Owen’s hand. “They are good memories, though. Bloody hell, it’s so unfair. They’d love to be here with us, watching us perform, and sharing their memories of Frays.”

“I’m sorry.” Owen didn’t let go when Lloyd approached with their drinks, and put them down in front of them.

“Do you need longer?” Lloyd asked gently, thankfully not asking if Jared was okay.

“We can order now.” Jared cleared his throat. “I’ll have the steak with some chips and salad.”

“Soup for me, please.” Owen gave Lloyd a smile. “Thank you.”

“I’ll be back with your meals. If you need anything else, please let me know.” Lloyd nodded to each of them and walked away.

“Good service here, too,” Jared said, letting go of Owen’s hand. “I… can we walk along the beach when we’ve looked at everything else and watch the sunset?”

“We can do anything you want to.” Owen took a sip of juice.

“And I’d like that, too.” He hesitated. “If you want to talk about your parents, I’d love to hear more about them.”

“Help keep the memories alive.” Jared smiled softly. “Brigit and I talk about them a lot, but I haven’t as much with you as you don’t often mention yours.” Given the impression Owen’s mum had made on him that day at the Scone, he wasn’t surprised.

“You don’t have to follow my lead on that.” Owen looked surprised. “Gran’s always been far more of a support than my parents, although I’m sure everything they do is because they want what’s best.”

“That’s the way of parents.” Jared said after a moment. Owen had said he didn’t want to talk about his audition, so he wouldn’t bring it up again. “What’s your Gran like? She gave you your cross, right?”

Owen’s expression softened. “Yeah, she doesn’t go to church much, but that’s more because she doesn’t agree with a lot of church stuff. There are a few bigots in her local parish who made the mistake of telling her what they thought about me coming out.” He grinned. “She soon told them what’s what. I doubt they’d say anything to her face, but she decided she didn’t need to go to church to worship or believe. She gave me the cross shortly afterwards to remind me that I’m never alone.”

“She sounds like quite the lady.”

“Oh, she is. I can’t wait to introduce you on our way home. She’ll love you, I’m sure.”

“I hope so.” Jared paused when Lloyd delivered their food. “Thanks, this looks amazing.” His stomach rumbled, a reminder that he hadn’t eaten anything at Duncan’s meet and greet.

“Yeah, it does. Thanks.” Owen waited until Lloyd was out of earshot before continuing. “Mum and Dad and I have our differences, but they were supportive as hell when I came out. My sexuality has never been an issue, although it took them a while to get their heads around my being bisexual. I had to explain a couple of times that I wasn’t switching off and on my being gay. I like men and women.” He shrugged. “They’ve always been equally welcoming to whomever I brought home too.”

“That’s good.” Jared wondered if Lindsey was the more vocal one in Owen’s parents’ relationship. He hadn’t seen her again since their first meeting, and as far as he knew, Owen hadn’t made the effort to visit.

“These days we mainly catch up on holidays, if I can’t avoid it. Al’s good at running interference, and he’s always been there when I need him.” Owen broke off a piece of bread and dipped it in his soup. “He and Mia invite me round if I haven’t seen the boys for a while either. I can only take Mum’s intensity in short bursts.”

“I kind of got that impression about her. The intense thing, I mean.” Jared cut a piece of steak and ate it. Lloyd’s recommendation was spot on. His meal was delicious, and the meat perfectly cooked. “Is your father the same way?”

Owen laughed. “Shit, no. He’s a librarian for one of the big regional orchestras and loves it. He played flute for them for twenty years, then opted for something less stressful and time intensive. His happy place now is somewhere quiet, with music playing in the background, with a good book and decent coffee. But before he gave up his career, between that and Mum’s lecturing and teaching at uni, we didn’t see a lot of either of them when we were growing up. Aunt Daisy used to come around and babysit after school, and Gran helped out, too. Mum and Dad always made tucking us in at night a priority, though, so we never felt like they’d put their careers over us, and if something happened so we needed them , they were there.”

“Dad was a primary school teacher.” Jared had been surprised by the number of his dad’s past students who had come to the funeral. All of them spoke highly of him and said he’d made a huge difference in their lives. “Mum was a teacher too before Brigit was born. That’s how they met. She shifted her focus to something she could do from home. Our kitchen always smelt amazing, with the preserves and baking she made to sell at craft fairs. She knitted to order too and made quilts.”

“Do you have any of them?”

“Yeah, the one she made me is still going strong. Brigit also has the quilt Mum was working on before she….” His voice choked, remembering them going through their parents’ belongings and torn between passing them on and wanting to hold onto a part of them.

“I’m sorry.” Owen brushed his leg up against Jared’s under the table. “We can change the subject if you need to.”

“It’s fine.” Jared wiped at his eyes. “Usually, I’m okay with talking about them. Must be because we’re here, with all the memories that come with it.” He sighed. “Fuck, I feel like an idiot.”

“It’s fine, and I’d be more worried if your memories of your parents didn’t come with some emotions.”

“Including a huge side helping of sadness.” Jared forced a smile. “My meal is great. How’s yours?”

“Very good.” Owen chewed on another piece of bread. “Do you want to grab a hot drink to take to the beach? The hot chocolate on the menu is calling my name.”

“Yeah.” Despite the warm days, the evenings were heading into autumn and getting chilly. Jared patted his stomach. “I’m almost full. Not sure I could handle dessert.” The portion sizes were very generous.

“I definitely couldn’t. Might pop if I did, and that wouldn’t be pleasant at all.” Owen chuckled. “Can you imagine it? Calling Rachel and telling her we can’t make the performance tomorrow.”

“I’m torn between wanting to imagine it, and god no.” Jared glanced at his watch. If they left now, they’d have time for a decent walk around town and be able to catch the bus back for an early night. “I bet Clay won’t be back until late,” he said casually.

“Tyler and Phil are night owls.” Owen raised his eyebrow. “I could wait to see the rest of the town, but I’d still like to check out the beach if you do.”

“Yeah. I want to share the sunset with you.”

“And then have an early night?” Owen licked his lips and swallowed.

“Fuck, yeah.”

“Exactly.”