‘Um, can you do it for me?’
‘Sam!’
‘No, seriously,’ Sam said, brightening suddenly. She’d clearly just had an idea. ‘Can you pretend you’re my agent?’
‘Oh. What?’
‘Pleeeease. As you said, he probably only wants to set up a time to meet. But it’s almost six o’clock – is it too late?’
‘It’s a mobile number. And if he doesn’t want to answer, he’ll send the call to voicemail,’ Hannah said.
‘So, you’ll do it?’
‘Hang on a second. We’ve got to think this through. I don’t think it would be very professional to pretend you have an agent to call him and then turn up and meet him on your own. He’d reasonably ask where your agent is. Then you’d have to fess up to tricking him. Then you’d just look pathetic and that really wouldn’t be a good start to a trusting business relationship, now would it? No, Sam, you’ll have to phone him yourself.’
‘Couldn’t you meet with him too – as my agent? Like, really my agent? You know nearly as much about my work as I do.’
‘Hardly.’
‘Well, I can make sure you do. You’d be in a much better position than me to talk objectively about me and my work.’
‘It’s not exactly objective coming from your best friend, Sam.’
‘Please, I need this, Hann. And I can’t do it without you. You’re always telling me I’m selling myself short. Pleeeeease.’
‘Shhh. Just let me think a moment.’
Hannah’s brain was spinning.
‘Okay. All right. But …’ Hannah said, feeling a surge of excitement. Ideas began to fire within her like fireworks.
‘Oh, thank you. You’re the best,’ Sam said, tapping her feet on the floor.
‘But, there are conditions.’
‘Whatever you say.’
‘Sam, I’m being serious.’
‘Okay. What?’
‘It’s either all or nothing, no changing your mind later and taking over, going behind my back and agreeing to different prices or business details with him. If I’m going to be your manager, everything goes through me. Got it?’
‘Uh-oh, I’ve created a monster.’
‘Sorry, but this is not a game. This is your career, Sam. You have one chance to make a good impression with him. This could be your big break. Do you know anything about the gallery?’
‘Yes, I’ve Googled him and printed out a heap of stuff. Some hugely successful artists got their start with him.’
‘Excellent. My only big concern is the golden rule that you shouldn’t do business with friends.’
‘How about I agree to just do as I’m told?’ Sam offered.
‘Yeah, right. As if you could do that for longer than five minutes. I’ve known you for over a decade, remember? Hey, where are you going?’ Hannah said as she watched Sam get up and go to a drawer in the kitchen bench.
‘I’m getting paper so you can write us a contract. Oops, I’ve only got brown paper and crayons, I’m afraid,’ she said with a smile. Hannah accepted the items with raised eyebrows.
‘It doesn’t matter how it’s recorded. Go on,’ Sam urged.
‘Right. We’ll start with the date,’ Hannah said, unrolling the brown paper a little and selecting a blue crayon. ‘Now, “I Hannah Ainsley agree to act as Samantha Barrow’s agent in her dealings with Mr Roger Huntley on the proviso that Samantha listens to me, trusts me and does not interfere. I agree to discuss any major decisions with her prior to making them and to always act with her best interests in mind.” How’s that? Not exactly legalese. Anything else?’
‘What am I going to pay you?’
‘You don’t have to pay me anything.’
‘Yes I do if this is going to be a legitimate business relationship, which it is if we’re having a contract.’
‘Which, I might remind you, is handwritten on a roll of brown paper in thick children’s crayons.’
‘So? It’s still binding, isn’t it? I’m serious. How about fifteen percent of anything I make? That sounds fair, doesn’t it?’
‘Well, it would give me an incentive to work hard for you.’ Hannah felt excitement course through her again.
‘Exactly.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely.’
Hannah added the payment clause to the contract. ‘Okay, that’s got the main things covered, hasn’t it?’
‘I think so.’
‘I’ll just add our names and then we sign.’
‘Now we have to shake on it,’ Sam said after they had both signed their names in crayons and Sam cut the paper on the edge of the table. She held out her hand and Hannah accepted. As she did, Hannah’s stomach did a little flip. Wow.
‘Oh, Hannah, thank you. This means so much,’ Sam said.
‘Well, I haven’t done anything yet.’ But nonetheless, she felt a bit giddy with the possibilities.
‘Oh. My. God. I have an agent!’ Sam said.
‘Darling, not a real one. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.’
‘Go on, ring him,’ Sam urged.
‘Listen to you, bossy boots.’
‘You’re working for me now.’
‘Touché. I’ll use my mobile in case he’s put your number in – it might look weird for your agent to be phoning from your house. A real one wouldn’t do that.’
‘See, you think of everything. God. I’m going to have to get the business cards re-done with your details on. Lucky they were cheap.’
Hannah’s fingers shook slightly as she put the number into her phone and then quickly and silently ran through what she was going to say.
‘Hello, Mr Huntley, this is Hannah Ainsley returning your call to Samantha Barrow. I’m acting as her manager.’
‘Oh. Okay. Great,’ Roger said. ‘Thank you for phoning back. I was excited to see the photos my friend took of Samantha’s work at the market.’
‘Yes, she’s very talented.’
‘I couldn’t find a website to learn more.’
‘No, the website is currently under construction – it should be available in the next few weeks,’ Hannah said, looking away from Sam’s astonished expression. ‘Samantha has only recently decided to seriously pursue her art after many years honing her craft in private. She feels now the time is right and is looking for the right gallery to open the door for her.’
‘I see. Good. Good. Well, I hope we might be the best fit.’
‘You must understand, Mr Huntley, I am speaking to several other galleries.’
‘May I ask which ones?’
‘You may. But I am not at liberty to say, as I’m sure you would appreciate.’
‘Yes. Of course. Now, would two p.m. on Saturday work for you – at my gallery at 645 Hill Street, Prahran?’
‘Saturday two p.m. at your gallery at 645 Hill Street, Prahran, would be fine.’
‘Could you please bring an up-to-date CV and portfolio?’
‘Of course. Is there anything else you need?’
‘No, that will suffice for now.’
‘Excellent. I look forward seeing you then. And, thank you for this opportunity, Samantha really appreciates it, as do I.’
‘It’s my pleasure. Thank you for getting back to me. Bye for now.’
Hannah’s heart was racing and her face was burning a little when she hung up.
‘Oh my god, oh my god! What did he say?’ Sam demanded.
‘You heard most of it. Lucky I decided on Sunday instead for my lunch,’ Hannah mused aloud.
‘Did he say we have to take anything?’
‘An up-to-date CV and a portfolio – that’s all.’
‘Shit.’
‘You’ll be fine. I’ll help you put them together.’
‘I can’t believe you said you’re meeting with other galleries.’
‘Well, I couldn’t have him thinking he has all the power, now could I?’
‘God, Hann, you’re good!’
Chapter Thirteen
‘Sorry I’m early,’ Beth said, looking a little flushed as she hugged Hannah and then stepped into the hall. ‘I had to leave while I was only half covered in cat fur. You’d think wearing dark would be fine, but oh no. Look at me.’ She indicated her black pants and sighed with exasperation. ‘But I do so love the precious monsters.’
‘You look perfectly fine to me.’
‘Where are your little darlings?’
‘In the laundry. I felt terrible locking them up, but I don’t want Holly suddenly deciding she’d like to be a street cat again and sneak out while everyone is arriving and the door’s open. She’s been well behaved, but I’m not taking any chances until she and the kittens are de-sexed and have had all their vaccinations. They probably couldn’t get out of the back garden, but still …’
‘No, you can never be too sure. I caught Joseph sitting on top of the lounge-room curtain rod the other day. Cheeky devil.’
‘Terrors,’ Hannah agreed.
‘We wouldn’t be without them now, though, would we?’ Beth said, beaming at Hannah.
‘Yes, although I’m not sure what I’ll be saying in a few months when the little ones start racing through the house at full speed. At the moment they’re still small and slow enough on their feet for me to catch them.’
‘Now, is there anything I can do?’ Beth asked, looking around the kitchen.
‘No, I think I’m all sorted. When everyone’s inside, can I put you in charge of letting Holly and the kittens out?’
‘You certainly can. Would you happen to have a lint roller? I’m starting to feel very self-conscious.’
‘Here you are,’ Hannah said, taking out a sticky roller from a kitchen drawer. She had several strategically placed around the house. ‘But, seriously, what’s a bit of cat hair between friends?’
‘So says the one who was adamant there’d never be any pets inside, just a few short months ago,’ Beth said, grinning.
‘Yes, well, instant cat lady, just add water,’ Hannah said with a laugh. ‘My only hope is that there’s no hair in any of the food.’
Half an hour later Joanne, Jasmine, Sam and Caitlin had arrived and Holly, Squeak and Lucky were out of the laundry and commanding all the attention. Eventually everyone was seated, the scones were cooked and added to the top tier of the cake stands, the food was placed on the table, the cork was popped out of the bottle of sparkling wine and the flutes filled.
‘How gorgeous does this look?’ Joanne said, and everyone agreed heartily.
‘I’ll just tell you what’s here,’ Hannah said. ‘We have egg-mayonnaise and chicken ribbon sandwiches, mini quiches, chocolate cupcakes, lemon tarts, and caramel slice. And, of course, scones.’
‘It all looks and smells amazing. And, look, Holly wants part of the action,’ Caitlin said. Sure enough, Holly had hopped onto the spare chair at the end of the table. Hannah cringed. Please, not on the table. But she relaxed when the cat curled herself into a ball.
‘Right, now, sorry if this sounds like a sermon, but I just wanted to say a few words before we start. Thank you for being here. I wanted to get us all together. It’s so easy to get caught up in everyday things and then suddenly realise months have passed and we haven’t seen this friend or that. As you know, I’m not into New Year resolutions, but I did make a vow to make sure we all catch up together regularly. Can you believe it’s coming up to three months since we were last here? You’ll never know how much it meant to have all of your support …’ She felt Auntie Beth’s hand close over hers.
‘No, it’s okay. I am not going to cry.’ She swallowed hard. ‘Anyway, you all mean a lot to me. I wanted to invite you here as another thank you from me. And also as a reminder to Sam that there’s safety in numbers. Darling,’ she said, gripping Sam’s hand across the table, ‘you’re going through something really big right now, but we’re all here for you. Aren’t we, girls?’
‘Absolutely,’ Auntie Beth said, followed by Joanne, Jasmine and Caitlin.
‘So, please don’t shut yourself away or us out,’ Hannah added, giving Sam’s hand a squeeze before letting it go.
‘Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate you all. But I’m fine. Really. I can’t create, but other than that at this point I’m okay.’
‘Well, when you don’t feel okay, call me,’ Jasmine said.
‘Or me,’ Caitlin said.
‘You know where I am,’ Auntie Beth said.
‘And me,’ Joanne said.
‘And I have kittens to cuddle and a lovely mummy cat,’ Hannah said, smiling warmly at her friend. ‘So, please raise your glasses to friendship.’
‘To friendship,’ each person around the table repeated, clinked glasses, and then took a sip of their drink.
‘And absent friends,’ Beth added.
‘Yes, and absent friends,’ Hannah said solemnly, followed by Jasmine, Joanne and Caitlin. They were silent for a few beats before Hannah spoke again. ‘Right, enough of the deep and meaningful, we’re also here to celebrate. Our darling Sammy here has some very exciting news. It has been confirmed that she has been offered a spot in a joint exhibition in April.’
‘It has? I have?’ Sam said, her eyes wide.
‘Hang on, how come you don’t know?’ Caitlin said.
‘Because I just got the call from Roger at the gallery this morning,’ Hannah said.
‘Which brings us to the other exciting news,’ Sam said, raising her glass again. ‘To Hannah, my oldest and dearest friend who is now also my agent!’
‘To friendship, new directions and great success,’ Jasmine said.
‘And gorgeous cats,’ Caitlin said, nodding towards Holly who had sat up and was watching the proceedings.
‘I think you should go into business as a caterer too,’ Jasmine said. ‘Your food is incredible.’
‘Well, maybe I will,’ Hannah said, with a laugh, touching the pearl pendant that had been her birthday gift last year from her parents-in-law, Raelene and Adrian. They’d told her it was to remind her that the world was her oyster. Only recently was she beginning to see the truth in that statement.
‘I think you’ll be an amazing agent,’ Caitlin said, ‘you’re so professional and switched on.’
‘Well, we shall see. It’s early days.’
‘It’s just a pity I’m getting a spot in the exhibition because someone else was sick and had to pull out,’ Sam said.
‘So?’ Joanne said. ‘It’s still a wonderful opportunity.’
‘Exactly,’ Jasmine said. ‘If your work wasn’t good enough, you wouldn’t have been asked.’
‘I know, I should feel more grateful.’
‘Well, you’ve got other things clouding your feelings,’ Beth said. ‘Please remember to give yourself credit.’
‘And Hannah. It’s thanks to Hannah meeting him and selling me.’
‘It’s my job. And you’re an easy sell. I’m excited to be able to do my bit.’
‘Hannah, you’ve always done your bit – always supported and encouraged me.’
‘Now I get to shout about your talent from the rooftops and you can’t tell me off, Sammy, because it’s officially my job. You’re paying me to do it.’
‘Only if we sell something. And I don’t have anything to sell,’ Sam said.
‘It’ll be fine. We’ll work it out. But right now we have to eat the scones while they’re still warm,’ Hannah said, taking one from the plate stand in front of her. ‘Please, tuck in everyone.’
‘Oh my god, could they be any cuter?’ Caitlin said as Lucky and Squeak wandered up to th
e table and let out little meows. ‘Can I pick them up?’
‘Of course. But remember, I’ll be checking handbags before you leave – that goes for all of you,’ Hannah warned, feigning seriousness.
A tittle of laughter made its way around the table.
*
When the plates had been cleared, Hannah took the portfolio she’d put together for Sam down from the sideboard.
‘For show and tell this afternoon, I present Sam’s portfolio,’ Hannah said. She held the book up and opened the first page and commented on the contents, just as she had done with Roger at the gallery.
‘No, Sam, no getting bashful,’ she gently scolded. ‘You need to start accepting praise because soon the whole of Melbourne is going to know your work.’
‘It’s a beautifully put together portfolio,’ Jasmine said.
‘Oh, that’s all Hannah. I couldn’t even colour inside the lines at this point. I’ve been a wreck,’ Sam said.
‘I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure it will get easier soon,’ Joanne said.
‘I sure hope so. Because now it’s not just about me – I don’t want to let Hannah down. So what if I’m starting to look like the Steven Bradbury of the Melbourne art scene. Whatever it takes, right?’ she added with a wry smile.
‘Exactly,’ Jasmine said.
‘That’s the spirit,’ Joanne said.
‘Well, it certainly looks like you have plenty of artistic talent too, Hannah, this is quite something,’ Beth said.
‘You’re both inspiring me to get my act together and make a serious start on getting my business properly up and running,’ Jasmine said. ‘I need a portfolio, too.’
‘It’s only desktop publishing – easy-peasy. I could help you, Jas, if you like,’ Hannah said.
‘Oh, would you?’
‘Of course. You do realise I spend my days at work doing a lot of this sort of stuff. It’s just moving bits and pieces around to make it visually appealing on the page and tell a logical story.
‘And while we’re talking business, you each have to take one of my new business cards,’ Hannah said. ‘It’s compulsory. I only needed one for the man at the gallery, but I had to get two hundred and fifty of the damned things printed! Oh, and speaking of business, take one of these too, in case you or someone you know needs their lawns or any other gardening done,’ she said, handing them each a copy she’d made of Henry Peace’s card.
Making Peace Page 10