‘You can unwind here if you like, I was just going to show Hannah what I’ve been working on,’ Jasmine said, pushing her chair out.
Hannah stood up and followed her.
‘Jasmine, this is incredible,’ Hannah said after she’d scrolled through Jasmine’s file of ideas and images for the interior design project she was working on.
‘I have to admit to being a little chuffed. It’s coming together so well. I can’t wait to show you when it’s done. The owners are staying in another of their properties, so it’s empty.’
‘Ooh-ah, lucky them,’ Hannah said.
‘Yes, it certainly makes it easier.’
‘I can see what you mean about the blank walls.’
‘I just know Sam would have some good ideas. I’m probably too close to it or trying too hard,’ Jasmine said.
‘If you’re going to ask Sam, take her there so she can feel the space, too.’
‘Okay. Good idea. Hey, what about us doing a lunch at the house? I’ll ask Mary what she thinks – she’s the owner. I am sure she won’t mind. It would be fabulous to catch up with everyone after all the excitement of the exhibition, and the others might have some ideas too.’
‘Sounds great. It’ll be the perfect way to remind Sam we’re all here for her – through thick and thin, especially now Rob’s gone again.’
‘What do you think about inviting Louise Peace? I liked her very much.’
‘It’s your lunch to invite whomever you like – entirely up to you. I’d like to get to know her better, too. Oh, you’ll never guess what.’
‘What?’
‘Joanne has given Henry a job as groundsman at the village.’
‘Oh, that’s fantastic. Isn’t it funny – weird funny – how everything is so connected? Even in a city like Melbourne there seems to be only one or two degrees of separation.’
‘Yep, it’s crazy all right.’
‘When’s Beth back? I’m not doing a lunch without her.’
‘Sometime this week, I think.’
‘How would Sunday week work for you?’
‘Fine.’
‘Pencil it in and I’ll check with Mary and then the others.’
‘Great. Oh, I’d better get going,’ Hannah said, looking at her watch.
‘The traffic will be horrendous now, you’re welcome to stay for dinner, if you like.’
‘Thanks, but no, I’d better get home. It’s been a big day.’
‘See you, Craig,’ Hannah called as she and Jasmine made their way down the hall past the kitchen.
‘Bye, Hannah. And thanks again for introducing me to Brad.’
‘No worries. Speak soon.’
‘Don’t worry about Brad,’ Jasmine said. ‘It’ll work itself out. Just sleep on it and I’m sure it’ll be clearer in the morning.’
‘Yeah. Thanks so much for listening, Jas,’ Hannah said, hugging her friend.
‘Always. Call any time. I’ll confirm lunch.’
‘Can’t wait.’
*
At least I’ve helped with the article. Louise and Henry will appreciate that, Hannah thought, as she waited for the first set of traffic lights to go green. Perhaps she was meant to meet Brad in order to help Louise and Henry Peace. And Craig. Those thoughts only comforted Hannah a little as she continued her slow drive home in the heavy traffic.
*
She felt exhausted – better after catching up with Jasmine, but still drained. She wondered what she wanted for dinner. Something, but something light. Brad was still on her mind – particularly whether she should phone him or not. A part of her thought she probably should, but another part – the part that was currently winning – told her to let it go.
She was pleased to suddenly have the distraction of the doorbell.
‘Brad! Hi!’ Hannah thought her eyes might pop out of her head.
‘Hannah. Firstly, I’m really sorry to intrude. Please don’t think I’m stalking you – I found your address in the White Pages.’ He looked down at his feet.
‘Okay,’ Hannah said, unsure of where this was going and trying to wait him out. But he seemed to have lost his words.
‘This time I’m the one who has been an idiot – the biggest, most colossal one there is.’
‘Would you like to come in?’ Hannah asked.
‘No, thanks. I need to get this out, Hannah, please.’
‘Okay.’
Suddenly the hand she only now realised he’d been hiding behind his back presented her with a large bunch of sunflowers wrapped in brown paper and tied with raffia ribbon.
‘Oh. They’re lovely. Thank you.’
‘Because you are an absolute ray of sunshine, Hannah Ainsley.’
Right. Okay. Where is this going? Before she could comment she was being pulled into a hug – a trademark beautiful, comforting, protective Brad bear hug. Just as she was beginning to hope he’d never let go, despite actually beginning to struggle to breathe, he released her. She stumbled on her jelly legs, but he caught her elbow and steadied her in time. She looked at the flowers. While the paper was a little crumpled, the blooms seemed to have survived the hug.
‘There, that’s what I should have done earlier – twice. I’m so sorry, Hannah. I had my mind on the article. My work turns me into a robot – and an idiot, too, apparently, when it comes to being a proper human being.’
‘It’s okay. I understand. You were working. You were interviewing me. Really, it’s fine, Brad. It’s business.’
‘Oh, but Hannah, it’s so much more than that. No, I mean you’re so much more than that. To me. I apologise in advance if what I’m about to say puts you under any pressure or makes you feel awkward – that’s not my intention at all. I promise. I just need you to know. Hannah, since the night I met you I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind. I know it’s been an incredibly difficult time for you and you might never want to open your heart fully or share your life with another man again. I bided my time and then … Well, I’ve been wretchedly sad about upsetting you the other night and then I think I went into a state of shock when you wanted to meet. Then when you agreed to the interview, I wasn’t sure if that was as far as it went. Maybe I hid behind the story – work. So, I’m here to ask you – at the risk of sounding like a pathetic geeky teenager – will you, Hannah Ainsley, go out with me?’ He stood looking at her with a slightly helpless, pleading expression on his face.
‘Yes. Yes I will go out with you,’ Hannah said, grinning broadly.
‘You will? Really? Oh, Hannah!’ He gently took her face in his hands and kissed her on the lips before dragging her into another hug.
‘You really do give the best hugs, Brad,’ she said, when he had released her again.
‘As do you,’ he said. ‘It takes two, you know.’
‘So, now would you like to come inside?’ Hannah asked, smiling at him.
‘No, better not.’
‘Oh. Okay, then.’
‘I want to do this right, Hannah. I want to woo you, not get too comfortable too quickly. I mean, I want us to be comfortable together, but not …’
‘It’s okay, I know what you mean,’ she said, her thoughts flashing to Pete.
‘I have to head off to Sydney tomorrow for a week, but would you like to accompany me to a movie in the city on the following Saturday afternoon and then dinner afterwards? Perhaps in Chinatown?’
‘That sounds really lovely.’
‘Are you okay with trusting me to select the movie? I don’t do horror or anything remotely scary.’
‘Yes, I trust you. And me neither – I don’t do scary – so that’s something we have in common.’
‘Great, we’re off to a good start, then,’ Brad said, beaming.
‘Shall I meet you in the city?’
‘Absolutely not. I will pick you up.’
‘I’m happy for us to catch a tram – the stop is right at the end of my street.’
‘We can decide on the finer details later. Don’t th
ink you won’t be hearing from me between now and then.’ He then clasped both of her hands, which were wrapped around the flowers, and looking intensely into her eyes said, ‘Thank you for giving me a second chance, Hannah.’
‘Thank you for asking me to, Brad.’ She held his gaze for a moment before leaning in and kissing him deeply.
‘Okay, I need to go now,’ Brad said, letting her hands go and becoming a little flustered.
Hannah grinned as she waved him off from the porch, her heart feeling as if it would explode within her chest.
Chapter Thirty-two
‘Goodness gracious, I feel underdressed,’ Beth said, gazing up at the stately Georgian style home.
‘I think anything less than ball gowns and tiaras would feel underdressed,’ Hanna said, staring around in awe. ‘Jasmine did say it’s casual, so don’t worry. Come on, I’m dying to see it.’
‘If you two are underdressed, I’m practically a hobo,’ Sam said. ‘God, it’s gorgeous. I’m glad I brought my good camera,’ she said, getting out of the car.
‘I’m glad the owners won’t be here to see us nosing about,’ Beth said.
‘That really suits you,’ Hannah called to Jasmine standing in front of the huge, glossy black front door at the top of sweeping marble steps.
‘Isn’t it stunning? Aren’t we lucky? Welcome,’ Jasmine said bounding down to them and gathering Beth, then Hannah, and then Sam into a hug.
‘What a wonderful idea this is, thank you so much for including me,’ Beth said.
‘Of course I’d include you! But don’t think it’s all going to be fun and lamingtons – I want your help.’
‘Ooh, intriguing,’ Beth said.
‘We’re all here now. Joanne and Louise are around the back checking out the garden. No, here they are. Perfect timing, ladies, we can go in now,’ Jasmine said.
There was a gaggle of greetings and hugs, which Sam quickly left in order to take some photos.
‘Sam, we’re going inside,’ Jasmine called.
‘Be there in a sec. I just want to take some shots of the front when you’re all out of the way.’
‘Thanks very much,’ Hannah said, feigning offence.
‘Don’t worry, I’ve already taken a heap of you all while you were standing there gasbagging.’
Hannah smiled. It was good to see her friend a little more cheerful again. She hoped that meant she was back to being creative too, and had put the nasty review behind her.
‘Glory be!’ Beth said, looking up and turning around to take in the full three-hundred-and-sixty degrees of the large foyer with its parquetry floor and wide staircase leading from it.
‘Wow,’ Hannah said breathily. ‘Do they do weddings here, or at least allow brides to have their photos taken?’
‘I’m not sure about weddings, but Mary does …’ Jasmine said.
‘Oh my,’ Louise and Joanne said at the same time and then laughed at their synchronicity.
‘You said your date was good, I didn’t realise it was quite that good,’ Beth said, grinning cheekily at Hannah.
‘Oh ha-ha. But, yes, it was very nice. Perfect, in fact!’
‘I hope your date was with Brad the journalist,’ Louise said.
‘Yes, with Brad,’ Hannah said, fully aware she was looking and sounding a little dreamy. She felt as if she wasn’t even walking on the ground.
‘Right, this way, people, into a kitchen that is to die for,’ Jasmine said.
‘Oh my,’ Louise said again. ‘I have a feeling I’m going to be saying that a lot today.’
‘Me too,’ Joanne said.
‘Something smells good,’ Hannah said as she gazed around the cavernous space with its enormous granite bench tops.
‘Don’t get too excited. When I said casual, I meant it, in every sense of the word.’
The only person not exclaiming or murmuring was Sam. She was busy moving around silently, snapping photo after photo at various angles.
‘My whole house would nearly fit inside this kitchen,’ Joanne said.
‘Why would anyone ever need four ovens?’ Louise said. ‘They must do huge parties.’
‘They do,’ Jasmine said. ‘Mary runs the Comforting Cats charity, so the house gets used a lot for that, especially black-tie fundraising events. There’s one coming up, which is why I’m under the pump to be finished.’
‘I like Mary already,’ Hannah said.
‘You know, I love this spaciousness, but I’ve never craved living in a big house – I detest cleaning with a passion,’ Louise said.
‘Well, your home certainly doesn’t say that about you,’ Hannah said. ‘It was immaculate when I turned up unannounced.’
‘Smoke and mirrors,’ Louise said, smiling, ‘smoke and mirrors.’
‘Surely if you could afford this you could afford a cleaner,’ Beth said.
‘Unless every cent has gone into the mortgage and upkeep,’ Joanne said. ‘This is Toorak, after all.’
‘Good point. Though it’s certainly not dilapidated.’
‘So, did you have a hand in doing up this kitchen, Jas?’ Hannah asked.
‘Yes, I did play a big part in its design and we used very good cabinetmakers and stonemasons.’
‘I can’t believe you’ve done so much without telling us a thing about it. It seems like only last week you were saying you were ready to start thinking about setting up your business,’ Beth said.
‘Well, I got a lucky break thanks to Sam.’
‘Me? What did I do?’
‘Mary picked up my card at your market stall and decided to give me a shot.’
‘That’s fantastic. I’m glad,’ Sam said.
‘Yes, and you deserve it,’ Hannah said.
‘Thanks. Mary has been an amazing first client – decisive but open to options and suggestions. And she has a decent budget. I’ve been very blessed. I had to source the right people and products, and then just order everyone about, really. I’ve got an album of before and after shots in the dining room that I’ll show you later. I started the tour in the kitchen so I could check on the food. We’d better keep moving so it’s not ruined.’
They oohed and ahhed as they made their way up the stairs and through all the six bedrooms, which were similar in style and furnishings but each in a different colour scheme. Over and over the women exclaimed how impressed they were at how much Jasmine had achieved in such a short amount of time. While she brushed off their compliments, Jasmine was clearly pleased with her friends’ approval.
‘Are you okay?’ Hannah asked Sam quietly when they found themselves together and a little behind the others. ‘You seem a little frazzled,’ she said, linking her arm through Sam’s.
‘I think it’s my permanent state of mind.’
‘Has something happened?’
‘Yes. No. Not really. Just the usual malaise of creative block.’
‘Still nothing?’
‘I’m desperately hoping these photos might prove a spark. Yesterday I literally sat staring at a blank canvas for three solid hours.’
‘That’s not healthy. How many times have you told me it can’t be forced?’
‘I know. But still I do it, despite being fully aware it’s completely ridiculous and fruitless.’
‘Why is it any different now from all the other times?’
‘Because I’m meant to be a professional. I’m supposed to be making a living. I’ve had an almost-sell-out exhibition, in a proper gallery. I don’t want to be a one-hit wonder, Hann. I’m scared,’ she said, with tears in her eyes.
‘You’re not letting that one negative review get to you still, are you? Because it’s really not worth it.’
‘I know, but it hasn’t helped.’
‘Come on you two, keep up,’ Jasmine called.
‘You’ll be fine,’ Hannah said, squeezing Sam’s arm.
‘But how?’
‘I don’t know, but beating your head against a wall or berating yourself is not likely to help. I bet
in a year you’ll be complaining that you can’t find enough days to deal with all the ideas rushing out of you in a torrent.’
‘Well, right now I’d prefer that. Sorry, don’t let me drag the tone down. I’m just being a grizzly grumps, as the boys would say,’ she said, smiling weakly.
Back downstairs they came to a halt at yet another door.
‘This is the library,’ Jasmine said, opening the door and turning on the light. She then stood aside for the other women to enter.
‘Oh, this is my absolute favourite,’ Beth said.
‘Oh yes, mine too,’ Louise said.
They looked around the huge room, the largest wall of which contained floor-to-ceiling bookshelves full of books and complete with a wooden ladder on a brass rail. On the other walls was oak panelling to chair height. Above that they were painted in the most magnificent rich charcoal–purple. It worked perfectly with the oiled timber windows, door frames and furniture. Hannah found herself gaping.
‘That colour is stunning,’ Louise said. ‘It seems heritage but contemporary at the same time. How can that be?’
‘That colour is actually making my mouth water,’ Hannah said. ‘How is that even possible?’
‘What can I say – I have a gift,’ Jasmine said, waving a dismissive arm around and laughing.
‘You certainly do,’ Louise said.
‘Yes, it’s absolutely incredible. I’ve loved every room, but this one is something else,’ Joanne said.
‘Thanks, everyone. Now, see that wall – what should I put there?’ Jasmine asked, pointing.
‘You could leave it blank. Showcase the gorgeous colour,’ Louise suggested.
‘Yes, I agree. Though now you’ve mentioned it I’m starting to feel like something is missing,’ Joanne said.
Sam was busily taking pictures, the camera constantly clicking.
‘Isn’t it that less is more these days? Isn’t that what they say?’ Beth said.
‘They do, often,’ Jasmine said. ‘But I really feel that it needs something in here – a painting, probably. I just don’t know what colour or style. I’ve trawled every gallery and store I can find. There are gorgeous pieces everywhere, but nothing that shouts I’m perfect to me. Sam, any ideas?’ she said to Sam who was still moving this way and that looking at the wall from different angles and at different distances – sometimes looking through the camera lens and snapping pictures.
Making Peace Page 25