‘I know I’ve said it before, probably a million times, but I don’t know what I believe anymore.’
‘I know. Me neither. Let’s just believe that the best will happen – I don’t want to become a bitter old woman. And you need to set a good example for those precious boys.’
‘Oh, to be so young and carefree,’ Sam said wistfully.
‘Darling, we’re not ninety.’
‘Sometimes I feel like I might be.’
Chapter Twenty-four
Sam: Eek, the opening is tonight! Freaking out a wee bit here.
Hannah: You’ll be fine. The hard work is done. Tonight is to be enjoyed. Just enjoy a quiet day chilling with the boys. Go for a long, relaxing walk. That’s what I’m off to do now. Xx
Sam: So you don’t need me for anything?
Hannah: Nope. All under control. Enjoy your day. See you later, superstar. Xx
Sam: Okay. Thanks for everything. Love you. Xx
Hannah: You’re welcome. Love you too. Xx
Hannah put her phone down and was tying the laces on her second running shoe when her doorbell rang.
She opened it to find Rob standing on her doorstep.
‘Oh my god! Rob! Hello. You came! It’s so good to see you!’ She pulled him into a tight hug. ‘And, you do give the best hugs. I’ve missed you so much.’
‘I’m not calling too early, am I?’
‘Not at all. You know any time after six-thirty is fine with me. Come in,’ she said, and led the way through to the kitchen. ‘I’m so glad you’re here. How are you?’
‘You know, right now I’d give my left arm for a decent coffee,’ he said, sitting on a stool at the bench.
‘Coming right up.’
‘Are you on your way back in or were you on your way out?’ Rob asked as Hannah took her shoes off once the coffee machine had been set in motion.
‘On my way out. But just for a distracting walk. No biggie. I’d much rather be distracted by you. So how’s Singapore?’
‘Same as last time you asked me. Big city, lots of people,’ he said.
‘Fair enough. Have you met any nice people? Have you met anyone special?’
‘Have I made new friends? Hann, darling, we’re not in school and you’re not my mother.’
‘Just being interested, making conversation,’ she said, putting his coffee down in front of him.
‘God, that’s good,’ he said after a long sip.
‘You must have got in very early,’ Hannah said.
‘Yeah, most of the flights are overnight. Anyway, it’s better than losing a whole day. Well, except for losing most of a night’s sleep. And I have met someone, actually,’ he added quietly.
‘How long are you here for? Hang on, met someone – as in a man, a special man?’
‘I think so. I’m hoping so.’
‘That’s great. Well, come on, tell me.’
Rob pulled out his mobile phone, scrolled through some photos and handed it over. Hannah felt a little jolt of shock at seeing Rob with his arm around a blond guy.
‘Nick,’ Rob said. ‘He’s really nice.’
‘I should hope so.’
‘Are you really shocked?’
‘No. Well, maybe a little. It’s just a bit different.’ Hannah wanted to say, ‘It’s too soon, isn’t it?’ But then she reminded herself he’d been gone for four months. Anyway, he’d most likely been waiting for this for his entire adult life. ‘I’m happy for you, Rob, I really am. I’m just a bit sad for Sam, that’s all. She really loves you. We all really love you.’
‘You have no idea how much that means. I love you all too. Oh, so much. God, she’s amazing.’
‘Yes, she is. But she’s freaking out a little about tonight, so I’m glad you’re here.’
‘Thanks so much for giving me the push I needed to come over. I’m really pleased I’m here. I just hope I’ll be a calming influence and not the thing that sends Sam over the edge.’
‘Well, we won’t know until we know,’ Hannah said, smiling. ‘So, how come you didn’t tell me you were coming? And where are you staying? There’s plenty of room here. You’re welcome to stay.’
‘Thanks. Okay, to answer one question at a time. I didn’t tell you in case it all goes pear-shaped. I didn’t want to put your friendship in jeopardy by risking you having to lie – even by omission. This way if Sam gets angry and tries to turn on you, you can legitimately say you didn’t know, even though you and I know that you sent me the invitation.’
‘Thanks, I appreciate that.’
‘You’re best friends. I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, do anything to risk that. Ever. I’m so thrilled you’re her agent now too – she couldn’t be in better hands.’
Hannah felt a new rush of warm love for Rob. And realised for the first time just how much she missed him.
‘I’m booked to stay at a hotel in the city. I’ve got some meetings while I’m here so work’s paying. I’m sort of playing it by ear. I’m staying for the week and hoping to spend some time with Sam and the boys for school holidays and Easter.’
‘Oh, that’s great.’ Hannah felt herself relaxing. She liked that Rob wasn’t flying straight out again on Monday. ‘So, tell me more about Nick. What does he do? Where’s he from? He didn’t come with you, did he?’
‘No, we decided it’s too soon. And this is Sam’s gig. My turning up unannounced will be a big enough distraction as it is. He’s tall, blond and handsome, as you can see. He’s an architect from Sydney. We work in the same high-rise and met in the lift one day.’
At that moment the doorbell rang again. ‘I wonder who that is. I’m not expecting anyone,’ Hannah said as if to herself, and got up.
‘It won’t be Sam, will it?’ Rob asked. ‘I don’t want her to see me until tonight. Just to be sure, I’ll go and hide in your bedroom. Okay?’
‘Okay.’
Hannah waited until Rob was out of sight before opening the door. She blinked at seeing her parents-in-law, standing there on the step with Beth hanging a little behind them.
‘Surprise!’ Raelene and Adrian said together.
‘Wow, it certainly is! And a wonderful one,’ Hannah said, throwing her arms around Raelene first and then Adrian. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘We heard there was an art exhibition opening by the soon-to-be-famous Samantha Barrow and thought we’d better be here to see history made,’ Adrian said.
‘And it’s too long since we saw you in person,’ Raelene added.
‘Yes, and that. When Beth phoned and offered to have us stay, we couldn’t resist turning it into a surprise,’ Adrian said. ‘We hope you don’t mind.’
‘Not at all. I’m so glad you did. Oh, you’ve no idea how good it is to see you,’ Hannah said, ushering them inside.
Beth hung back. ‘Hannah, dear, I hope I haven’t overstepped the mark, I just thought you’d be busy and have enough on your plate.’
‘Auntie Beth, I think it’s a wonderful surprise. And I might have got in a flap if I had house guests to prepare for as well. So, thank you.’
‘Okay. Well, I’ll leave you to your catching up,’ Beth said.
‘Oh, you don’t need …’ Hannah started.
‘No arguments. I’ll see you tonight,’ Beth said, and left with a wave of her hand.
‘Before we get settled, I need to show you something. Rob, it’s okay, you can come out now. Meet us in the study,’ she called up the hall. ‘It’s a day full of wonderful surprises,’ Hannah explained as they made their way through the house. ‘Rob’s just arrived from Singapore. I didn’t know about that, either. You’re all dark horses. I sent you an invitation to keep you in the loop. I didn’t think for a second that you’d come all this way. But I’m overwhelmed and so happy that you are here. Wow, what a day.’
They all greeted Rob with warm hugs in the hallway before following Hannah into what was now her office.
‘Look,’ she said, pointing to the sculpture Sam had given her. Hannah had bro
ught it home the other week when they’d agreed Sam had enough pieces to show. Hannah had been a little torn. On the one hand, she felt it was Sam’s best piece and wanted the whole world to see it. On the other, she didn’t want to share it with anyone because it was so personal to her. They’d agreed that since it wasn’t for sale anyway, there was no point in including it in the exhibition.
‘This, Rob, is the work of your extremely clever wife, I mean your, um …’ Hannah gave up. She didn’t want to risk ruining the moment. ‘Raelene and Adrian, this is the quality of art you’ve flown so far to see tonight.’
‘Bloody hell, that’s good. Amazing,’ Rob said.
‘Oh, my,’ Raelene said, bringing a hand to her heart. Hannah noticed her eyes had filled with tears. ‘It’s beautiful, but oh so, so sad.’
‘Yes, it’s very moving,’ Adrian said quietly.
‘I know. I’m still trying to decide if I can have it beside me all day every day,’ Hannah said. ‘One moment I look at it and feel inspired, the next it makes me sad.’
‘Well, at least it makes you feel. That’s a sign of great art, in my opinion,’ Adrian said, putting one arm around his wife and the other around Hannah.
‘Yes, I suppose so,’ Hannah said.
‘She’s very good,’ Raelene said.
‘Yes. She seems to have really stepped it up to a whole new level,’ Rob said.
‘We are in for a wonderful treat this evening,’ Adrian said, breaking the heavy silence.
‘I really should go. I don’t want to intrude,’ Rob said as they left the room.
‘Intrude? Don’t be silly. You’re practically family,’ Hannah said.
‘Yes, don’t go on our account,’ Raelene said.
‘You won’t be able to check into your hotel for hours,’ Hannah said. ‘Come and have another cuppa and then a lie down if you need to recharge.’
‘Well, if you’re sure …?’
‘Absolutely,’ Hannah said.
‘And please don’t feel at all uneasy about anything,’ Adrian said almost out of Hannah’s hearing. ‘Hannah filled us in during one of our Sunday phone calls. You’re amongst friends, Rob. It’s your life to live as you wish.’
‘Exactly. There’s no judgement from us,’ Raelene said, rubbing him on the shoulder.
‘Thanks. That means a lot. It really does. Not everyone is so understanding.’
‘Well, not everyone can be or should be counted as a friend,’ Raelene said sagely.
*
‘Thank god you’re here,’ Sam said, ushering Hannah inside.
‘What’s wrong? I’m not late. I said I’d be here at five.’ Despite knowing exactly what time it was, having kept an almost constant eye on the time all afternoon, Hannah checked her watch with a frown. ‘I’m actually five minutes early. How come you’re not dressed?’
‘I can’t decide what to wear,’ Sam said, leading the way through to her bedroom.
‘But we went through all this the other day and decided on the black pants with the green top.’
‘Now I’m thinking of going all black.’
‘Fine, if it’s going to make you feel more comfortable and less stressed. You’ll look fabulous in whatever you wear.’
‘Oh, I don’t know which one now,’ Sam said, running a hand through her hair. ‘You look good. I love that top.’
‘Thanks.’
‘I’m so nervous, Hann, I think I’m going to have a heart attack or throw up.’
‘No, you’re not.’ Hannah took her friend’s hands gently in hers and looked into her stricken face. ‘You are fine. There is nothing to be worried about. Slow, deep breaths. Come on, just like me.’ Hannah demonstrated. ‘That’s better. Now, Sammy, you’re going to be amongst friends and people who only want the very best for you. There’s nothing to be freaking out about.’
‘I keep telling myself that, but it doesn’t help. Do I really have to speak?’
‘Yes, you at least need to thank everyone for being there to support you and …’
‘Can’t you do it for me? Or Roger?’
‘No. You have to say something. It’s your night, Sammy. Seriously, it’s only about ten seconds of your life. And, again, it’s in front of people who love and respect you – not strangers. Well, hardly any. Honestly, you’ll regret it later if you don’t thank them. You might not be able to see it now, but tonight is the door opening onto what will quite likely be a hugely successful career for you. Sometime you’ll look back at this evening’s event and realise what a pivotal moment it was. Your memories need to be fond, not, “Damn it, I wish I’d had the guts to say something, acknowledge it. How rude of me not to at least thank everyone for coming.” Remember how well you did with those assessment tutes you had to run at uni – your lecturers and tutors all said you were a natural, remember?’
‘But that was ages ago.’
‘Not so long ago that you don’t remember how to do it. Remember how nervous you were doing them? You always swore you were going to be sick right up until you stood up and spoke. Then you nailed it. Every time.’
‘I suppose.’
‘You’ve done plenty of other scary things since then, too, without even batting an eyelid.’
‘Like what?’
‘Erm, like giving birth to twins?’
‘Darling, I can tell you I batted a lot more than an eyelid doing that! I was screaming as I went into the delivery room, saying that I’d changed my mind.’
‘Ha-ha, oops, yes, I remember you told me that. Okay, sorry, bad example. Please, Sammy, just calm down. I have full faith in you. A lot of people do. You can do this. But we’d better get cracking – we can’t be late. Unless you want to make a dramatic entrance?’
‘Hell, no. Right, the green it is,’ Sam said, pulling the top from its hanger.
*
‘Okay, deep breaths,’ Sam said when they were backing out of the driveway in Hannah’s car. ‘So, distract me. What did you get up to today? I took a long, relaxing bath, which helped, but clearly not enough, or the effects have worn off. Did you?’
‘No, I didn’t get a chance to do that in the end. You’ll never guess who turned up. I had no idea they were coming.’
‘Who?’
‘Raelene and Adrian.’ Hannah was pleased to have her in-laws to talk about as a diversion without the possibility of accidentally mentioning Rob.
‘Oh my god. Now I’m really nervous.’
‘Why?’
‘Because they’ve flown in specially, haven’t they? Nothing like a bit of added pressure.’
‘Sam, as I’ve said, all you need to do is be yourself, revel in your big moment, and be proud of your achievement in getting this far. This is your big break. Enjoy it and don’t let nerves ruin it for you.’
‘I’ll try.’ Sam took a deep breath and let it out loudly. ‘How come you’re not nervous, anyway? I might completely embarrass you.’
‘You couldn’t, Sam. I’m far too proud of you. I know you’re going to do your best, you always do, so I have nothing to be worried about.’
But the truth is, I’m very uneasy, but more because I’m not sure how you’re going to react to Rob’s presence.
‘I love you so much, Hann.’
‘I love you too.’
Chapter Twenty-five
‘Oh no, they’ve even blocked off parking for us right out front!’ Sam said in awe as Hannah pulled up.
‘Yep, VIP treatment, baby!’ Hannah said, grinning.
‘I feel a little bit special,’ Sam said in barely more than a whisper.
‘You’re a lot special, Sammy. Enjoy.’ Hannah was relieved Roger hadn’t run a red carpet out from the doorway to the kerb – that might have completely overwhelmed Sam. The large red mat was a lovely, understated touch.
‘Welcome, welcome,’ Roger said, as he opened Sam’s car door while Hannah made her own way, locking the vehicle behind her. ‘Perfect timing,’ he said, gently embracing first Sam and then Hannah and air kissing th
em on each cheek.
‘You’re both looking absolutely stunning,’ he said. ‘Not too nervous, I hope?’ he asked Sam.
‘Terrified,’ Sam said with a laugh.
‘Oh dear. Perfectly understandable. But you’re not to worry about a thing. Everything has gone like clockwork. It’s going to be a fun night. Come on, lovely ladies, let’s get you a drink to take the edge off,’ he said, crooking both arms for Sam and Hannah to take hold.
‘Have a look around while I find us some drinks. Back in a moment,’ Roger said, releasing them once they were inside.
‘Wow. It looks amazing,’ Sam said, gazing about.
‘It certainly does,’ Hannah said. She thought the space had been put together really well – nicely balanced – not too cluttered, not too sparse, and with plenty of room for the hordes of expected guests. Still, she couldn’t quite see how everyone would fit in. A few people were already making their way around the exhibition. She leaned closer to one of Sam’s pieces and was a little stunned to see the price. She moved to another and found it was the same. Wow. Would someone pay twelve hundred dollars for one piece? Sure, they were good. Sam had put a lot of thought and work into them, but she was an unknown artist.
‘Golly! Who’s going to buy anything at these prices?’ Sam said.
‘Take it as a compliment. Roger obviously sees your worth,’ Hannah said.
‘And Zoe’s. I like her work much better in the flesh,’ Sam whispered. ‘It’s really rather good.’
‘That’s the spirit. I wonder where she is,’ Hannah said, looking around despite not knowing what Zoe Raven looked like.
‘It’s quite crowded. It makes me a little relieved I decided not to bring the boys. I’ve been feeling a bit guilty about it this afternoon, to be honest.’
‘Oh no. You should have said. I could have kept an eye on them or I’m sure Jasmine wouldn’t have minded doing it.’
‘Thanks. I know. But I’d still be worrying about them knocking something over or being general tearaways. You know how they can get sometimes. God, could you imagine if there was a loud crash in the middle of speeches or something? I’m stressed enough as it is.’
‘Did they ask if they could come?’
Making Peace Page 19