‘Who’s this?’ Caitlin asked.
‘This is the driver of the truck involved in the accident that killed Tristan and Mum and Dad.’
‘Oh. God, really?’ Caitlin said. ‘Why would you be handing out his business cards?’
‘Have you seen him again?’ Joanne said, looking a little concerned.
‘No. I made some copies of the card he gave me. He’s trying to get work so I thought it’s the least I could do.’
‘I’m still stuck on the fact you’ve met him,’ Caitlin said. ‘And that you seem okay with that.’
‘Well, it was an accident. He shouldn’t lose his life as well for something that wasn’t his fault. I met him at the court. I forgot I haven’t really seen you since to tell you.’
‘I’m fine now, but I was off sick for a week, remember?’ Caitlin said.
‘That’s right. I’m glad you’re okay again,’ Hannah said.
‘Anyway, good on you for being so understanding about it. I’ll pass his card on to Mum and Dad. They might need his services.’
‘Thanks. I’m sure Henry would appreciate it. He seemed like a nice fellow – quiet and gentle – though I’ve only met him the once. I’m thinking of having him come and prune my fruit trees.’
Hannah noticed the silence around the table. ‘Guys, it’s okay. I’m not being scammed or taken for a ride, or whatever you’re thinking. I appreciate that you’re concerned that I could get hurt by caring too much, that I’m getting involved. And I love you for it. But it’s just a business card that I hope will lead to more work for him. Perhaps if he had great friends like I do, then maybe he wouldn’t have lost his way as he seems to. So, please don’t look at me like I’m about to hand over all my money to a scam artist. I promise that the only help I’ll give him will be practical – not financial,’ Hannah said. ‘Would that help put you all at ease?’
‘Yes,’ Sam said. ‘You don’t know anything about him.’
There was a collective mumble of agreement.
‘You didn’t tell me he was a gardener,’ Joanne said.
‘Didn’t I? Oh well, he is.’
‘Handy to know. I’m sorry, Hannah,’ Joanne said, ‘I was allowing my concern for you to get the better of me. You’re a very kind and thoughtful person. Perhaps if there were more people like you in the world, it wouldn’t be such a horrible, screwed-up place right now.’
‘Yes. Hear, hear, Joanne,’ Beth said.
‘Thanks, Jo. I enjoy helping. I got such a kick out of doing Sam’s portfolio and meeting with the gallery owner and negotiating on her behalf. I’ve been treading water, which I’ve needed to, but now I feel I have to do more. I’d really love to help you out with your portfolio, Jas.’
‘Oh, thank you. You know, Craig told me the other night there was something different about you – that you were practically glowing. And you really are,’ Jasmine said.
‘Yes, you are,’ Beth said. ‘You’ve said how lucky you are to have us. I think the world is lucky to have you. Your parents and Tristan would be so proud.’
Chapter Fourteen
‘Ready to go?’ Craig asked, peering over Hannah’s cubicle wall.
‘Yep. Two secs.’ Hannah grabbed her handbag. She’d been surprised when the day before, just as she was leaving, Craig had told her he was taking her out to lunch tomorrow. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had lunch out of the office alone with her boss. Had they ever?
‘If that’s okay with you,’ he’d added.
‘Yes. Of course. Great. I’d love to have lunch with you. Thanks. Do you want me to book somewhere?’
‘No, no, it’s all taken care of.’
Hannah almost gasped when they went into One on the corner of King Street – it was currently one of the most popular places to dine in Melbourne.
‘I read about this in the paper the other week, I’ve been dying to check it out,’ Craig said as they settled into the plush velvet booth. ‘It’s such a pity they’re not open of an evening.’
They perused their menus while a friendly but brusque waiter moved around them delivering water and bread rolls.
‘Thank you,’ Hannah said, beaming, in an attempt to elicit some cheerfulness from the man. She wasn’t a fan of stuffy service. She and her friends agreed it could ruin what might have otherwise been a lovely meal. They said they always preferred warm and friendly, and to leave feeling they’d been welcomed rather than they’d had the privilege of visiting the premises. Jasmine who was originally a Sydneysider and now a staunch Melbournian had a theory that the haughty places were owned by Sydney restaurateurs.
‘So, how’s things?’ Craig asked when their orders had been taken: pumpkin ravioli entrée and the duck main for Hannah and scallops and then rib-eye steak for Craig, with green beans and fries. They’d look at the dessert menu later, though Hannah doubted she could do three courses. She’d said no to wine. When Craig had said they were in ‘no rush’ she figured he didn’t mean they weren’t going back to work at all that afternoon. Wine over lunch would make her sleepy and pretty much useless for the rest of the day.
‘All good. I’ll have those spreadsheets to you by close of business. Well, depending how long we’re out for,’ she said with a little laugh before taking a sip of water.
‘I wasn’t referring to work, Hannah, it was a general enquiry.’
‘Oh. Right. Well, pretty good, thanks.’ It was really odd to be sitting across the table from Craig, her boss, but also someone else’s husband – particularly as she now considered Jasmine one of her most treasured friends. Hannah had never socialised with them as a couple and suddenly she felt all at sea. This is weird.
‘Have you seen Henry Peace again?’ Craig asked.
‘No. I do need to call him to get him to prune my fruit trees. I’m not sure why, but I keep forgetting. Every time I think of it it’s too early in the day or too late at night.’
‘Jas gave me his card. I’m going to try him out. And how are the cats?’
‘Good. The kittens are starting to wreak havoc now they’re mobile. They’ll need vaccinations and de-sexing soon.’
‘Yes, one must be a responsible pet owner. Jas tells me you’re now acting for Samantha. That’s great. You’ll be really good at that.’
‘Thanks. It’s early days and not exactly a viable career proposition. So, don’t you worry, I’m not leaving you.’
‘Oh, I wasn’t worried about that. But, good to know.’
Hannah almost let out a huge sigh of relief when the waiter delivered their entrées. She gave him a beaming smile. ‘Thank you, this looks wonderful.’
‘Yes, it does look good,’ Craig agreed, picking up his fork.
‘Yum,’ Hannah said, after her first mouthful.
‘And where are your parents-in-law at the moment?’ Craig asked when their plates had been collected.
‘Kununurra right now. I think. Look, Craig, can we please stop with the awkward twenty questions. It’s getting really weird,’ Hannah said with a laugh. ‘I’m guessing there’s a reason we’re out to lunch, considering I can’t remember the last time we did this. What’s going on? It’s me, you can talk to me about anything, remember?’
‘Yes. Please. Great. Thank you,’ Craig said with obvious relief. ‘Well, I have a proposition.’
‘Okay.’
‘I’m leaving to set up my own consultancy specialising in assisting organisations in the services sector with growth, expansion and diversification, implementing change and improving efficiency. I’m deliberately keeping my focus broad to start with. Anyway, I’d like you to consider coming with me – to set up my office, run it, and generally be my right hand.’
‘Oh. Wow.’
‘I’ve been chewing it over for years. But, as you understand only too well, you never know what’s around the corner. So, no guts no glory, as they say.’ He paused and took a sip of wine.
There’s that damned ripple effect again, Hannah thought.
‘So, what
do you think? The thing is, it would only be part-time – probably two or three days a week. If we get lucky and become really successful, it might become full-time. But I can’t guarantee it. I could try and get you a job-sharing role or I have some friends in recruitment …’
‘It’s fine, Craig.’
‘What’s fine? You’re not interested in leaving, or what?’
‘Two or three days a week would be fine with me.’ Hannah had never told anyone just how much she had received as the beneficiary of her husband and parents’ estates – not even her best friend, Sam. The truth was she felt guilty about it. And a bit embarrassed to no longer be struggling like everyone else around her age. ‘Yes, I’m interested. Very.’
‘Oh, that’s great.’ Craig looked like he was ready to launch himself across the table and hug her. Instead he reached over and gripped both her hands. ‘You’ve no idea how much this means. You’re wasted at TLR. How do you feel about cold calling prospective clients, running a website and doing a lot of marketing, along with all the stuff you do for me now?’
‘I don’t have any marketing qualifications.’
‘That’s not a problem. According to what I’ve seen and heard from Jasmine in regards to the market stall and what you’re doing for Samantha, I’d say you’ve probably got more skills in marketing than most graduates. You’ll be fine. I’m sure you know more than you realise.’
‘Well, as long as you’re sure I’m the best candidate, because it’s your business. I wouldn’t be offended if you’d rather find someone more qualified. Honestly.’
‘Hannah, there is no one more suitable than you. We’re here because I want you. The question is, could you work just for me?’
‘I already work just for you, Craig.’
‘Yes, I know. But you currently have the buffer of an HR department and workmates to talk to. How do you feel about working from home – either yours or mine? That would be up to you. I know you’re disciplined enough, but do you need the camaraderie? That, I guess, is the question.’
‘I think I’d be fine. Either at your place or mine. I’m happy to play it by ear and see how we go. Maybe shift between the two, depending on what we’re doing? We only live a few suburbs apart.’
Oh wow, Hannah thought again as she took a long drink of water.
‘Sorry, I’m rushing you. Take your time to think it through, weigh up the pros and cons,’ Craig said.
‘No. You know what, Craig, count me in. I’ve been feeling a little restless and I think this might be just what I need. It’ll be great to have more time for Sam, too. So, the answer is yes, I’d love to come and work for you,’ Hannah said, beaming and holding her glass out to be clinked.
‘Here’s to the dynamic duo taking on the world – well, starting with Melbourne,’ Craig said.
‘Aim high, I say,’ Hannah said with a laugh.
Craig beamed back.
‘Oh, this looks amazing,’ Hannah said when their mains were delivered.
‘Yes, and at least now I can concentrate on enjoying it. Bon appétit!’
When they began discussing Craig’s vision and the finer details, Hannah retrieved the notebook she always kept on her desk that she’d stuffed into her handbag as she’d left.
‘Thank goodness I have you,’ he said, grinning and lifting up his second glass of wine.
‘Anything take your fancy?’ Craig asked after the dessert menus had been delivered.
‘Yes, everything!’ she said with a laugh. ‘But I’d better not.’
‘Sure I can’t tempt you?’
‘I’m very tempted, believe me. But I might struggle to walk back to the office.’
‘Do you fancy sharing something?’ he asked.
‘Oh, now you’re twisting my arm.’
‘No pressure.’
‘I’ll go halves in the salted caramel if you’re keen.’
‘Done,’ he said, just as the waiter appeared again.
‘That really was lovely, Craig, thank you,’ Hannah said when they stepped from the restaurant into the warm afternoon.
‘No, thank you. And lunch was my pleasure. Come on, we’d better get back before we get the sack. It’s three o’clock,’ Craig said.
‘Yes. Golly. It would almost be worth it after that meal. I really enjoyed it.’
‘I’m glad. Me too. I’ll have to bring Jas here.’
‘They’re only open during weekdays, remember? And when I’m in charge, there’ll be no slacking off,’ Hannah said.
‘Yes, ma’am. Better do it in the next two weeks, then. While I’m still a salaried employee and know I can afford it.’
‘None of that, we’re going to be hugely successful.’
As they walked back, Hannah thought how the last time she’d enjoyed a meal so much was when she’d stayed at The Windsor last year and taken the plunge and shared a table with Brad – the stranger who turned out to be a freelance journalist. She’d eaten out a lot with girlfriends, but that was somehow different – they chatted at a different level about different things. Oh, how she missed Tristan.
She was surprised to find her thoughts straying to the discussion she’d had all those months ago with Jasmine about setting up an online dating profile. Was she ready now to take that big step too? According to the rest of the world, it wasn’t such a big move. But it was to Hannah Ainsley, who’d had her happy marriage suddenly snatched away from her.
Chapter Fifteen
‘Hello, you two,’ Hannah said, opening her front door to the twins standing in front of their mother.
‘Hello, Auntie Hann.’
‘How’s school? Are you still enjoying it?’
‘Yes, it’s good, thanks,’ said Oliver.
‘I like colouring-in best,’ Ethan said.
‘That’s great.’ Hannah was at a loss. What else was there to say?
‘Something smells yummy,’ Ethan said.
‘That’s good.’
‘Thanks for having us over for dinner,’ Oliver said.
‘You’re very welcome. It’s lovely to see you.’
‘Do you have something yummy for us?’ Ethan said.
‘Ethan,’ Sam warned.
‘I hope so. How does lasagne sound?’
‘Oh, yes. I love lasagne.’
‘Me too,’ Oliver said.
‘Well, you’d better come in, then.’ Hannah stepped aside and the boys ran past her. ‘Are you okay?’ she said, peering at Sam after giving her a hug.
‘Well, other than being a bad mother, fine, I guess.’
‘Why are you a bad mother?’
‘Because they hate my food. Not that fish fingers and baked beans on toast can really be counted as mine.’
‘I hope you not cooking is because you’re too busy creating,’ Hannah said, as she closed the front door.
‘Hmm. Unfortunately not,’ Sam muttered, as she followed Hannah into the hall where the boys were standing, looking around.
‘What’s up, boys?’ Hannah asked.
‘Where are the cats?’ Oliver asked.
‘Yes, can we please have a cuddle? Mum says maybe if we’re really gentle,’ Ethan said.
‘Try the lounge room, they were in there earlier. And, yes, you can have a cuddle if you’re careful and they want a cuddle.’
‘How will we know?’
‘Oh, you’ll know,’ Hannah said.
‘But how?’
‘You just will,’ Sam said wearily. ‘Go and sit in the lounge quietly and see if they come to you. Remember, quiet and gentle. They’re only little. Okay?’
‘Yes, Mum. We’ll be very good,’ said Oliver.
‘Yes, very good,’ Ethan said.
‘Are you okay to wait a little while for dinner or do you need a snack to keep you going?’ Hannah asked.
‘I’m okay, thanks, Auntie Hann,’ Oliver said. ‘I had chips in the car after school.’
‘And I had snakes,’ declared Ethan.
‘Good. Off you go, then,’ Hannah said.
‘See, bad mother, right here,’ Sam said.
Hannah put the lasagne and garlic bread into the oven and then poured Sam a glass of wine.
‘Oh, god, that’s good,’ Sam said after taking a large gulp.
‘Yes, lovely. So, what’s up?’
‘I’m useless. I’m a bad mother, as you’ve seen. I can’t create anything. The only reason I haven’t taken to drink is because I have to remember to pick the boys up from school. Even then I have to set an alarm so I don’t forget them. Good idea, by the way. And, god, I miss Rob. I never thought he did much, but just knowing I could call on him meant a lot more than I realised,’ Sam said, her eyes filling with tears. ‘I’m even missing his awful tuna mornay,’ she said with a tight laugh. ‘Well, not the mornay, as such, more him taking care of dinner occasionally. And him being here, generally.’
‘What can I do to help?’
‘Nothing. Thanks. I’ll be okay, I’m just having a whinge.’
‘You’re allowed. Do you hear from him much?’
‘He Skypes with us most nights.’
‘That’s good. Isn’t it?’
‘Yes, but, Hann, it hurts. Nothing has changed, yet everything has. He still tells me he loves me and blows kisses – to me, not just the boys. But he’s not here and as much as I tell myself he’s going to snap out of this – whatever it is – and come home, it’s not going to happen, is it? I’m trying so hard to hold it together for the boys that I’m exhausted all the time. Why couldn’t he just be an unfaithful arsehole so I could hate him?’
‘But you wouldn’t and you still wouldn’t bad-mouth him to the boys. It’s not you.’
‘No, but it would be easier.’
‘Maybe.’
‘Anyway, I couldn’t be angry with him while he’s still good enough to be paying all the bills and letting me stay at home playing at being an artist.’
‘You’re not exactly playing now, Sam – you’re a professional.’
Making Peace Page 11