‘Please tell me you’ve whipped up the perfect piece this week,’ Jasmine said with a laugh.
‘I’m afraid not,’ Sam said. ‘Let me ponder it.’
‘Does Mary like modern as well as classic pieces – you can mix old and new, can’t you?’ Beth said.
‘Yes. Her husband, Bart – Bartholomew – he’s the quieter of the two, but he still has his say. They’re both pretty open to anything and are more about feeling that a piece works and living with it than what a critic would say.’
‘Oh, in that case, how about a larger version of that abstract you had at the market?’ Beth said. ‘The one that I said was like sunset over the city looking through a wet window. Sorry, my description certainly doesn’t do your work justice.’
‘It’s not the worst description of my work I’ve ever heard,’ Sam said.
‘I can just see the shades of orange working beautifully with the purple here,’ Beth added.
‘Hmm. Maybe,’ Sam said.
‘Please, Sam, don’t feel pressured. We’re here for a lovely lunch and catch-up more than anything. It’s not your problem. Something will come to me eventually,’ Jasmine said, putting her hand on Sam’s arm. ‘Now, I’ve left my favourite room until last.’ She led them out into the hall and to another door.
Again they were all blown away by the stunning room. Like the other rooms there was lots of oiled timber, but the walls were painted in an incredible green. It was a shade somewhere between emerald and sea green, which again, like Louise had said, managed to look both traditional and contemporary.
‘I need advice with those two walls, too, especially that one,’ Jasmine said, pointing to the back wall, which was huge – as was everything within the space. Hannah counted twenty-six dark polished timber, curved back chairs pushed in under the table, which was covered with a stunning white damask cloth and set for the six of them around the nearest end.
‘Wouldn’t a still-life of fruit or something edible be the natural subject for a dining room?’ Joanne asked.
‘Yes, if I could find one that was big enough. I found something that was not too far off the mark, but it didn’t feel quite right. And it was definitely too small.’
‘Can you commission the artist to do a bigger one?’ Louise asked.
‘No, he’s dead.’
‘Oh. That’s a shame.’
‘Again, I’m sure the perfect piece will turn up. I just don’t like leaving things unfinished. And the event is coming up soon. Take a seat and think about it while I get our lunch.’
There was a chorus of offers of assistance.
‘Actually, if someone can come and carry a bottle of bubbly and the jug of water that would be great.’
‘I’ll do it, I’m closest to the door,’ Hannah said.
Sam continued taking photos and gazing around her with a concentrated, appraising expression.
‘Now,’ Jasmine began when she’d returned, served up slices of steak and mushroom pie and filled everyone’s flutes with sparkling wine and their tumblers with chilled water with floating rounds of lemon. ‘I want to start by saying it’s wonderful to have you all here and how much I appreciate you being so supportive of my new venture and so enthusiastic about what I’ve done. Your kind words mean a huge amount to me. I never thought I’d meet such a great group of women, to which I’d like to welcome Louise. So,’ she said, raising her champagne flute, ‘to Louise, welcome …’
Louise raised her glass, smiled and said, ‘Thank you.’
‘… and to good friends,’ Jasmine said, raising her glass higher and then holding it out towards the group.
‘To good friends!’ they all cheered, clinking glasses.
‘I must say,’ Louise said when they’d all taken a long sip and put their glasses down, ‘I’m relieved you didn’t say grace, Jasmine. I’m completely against organised religion. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all about fear-based control and the oppression of women. A terrible business all round. In my opinion. Sorry, I tend to get a bit vocal about it. I’ll stop now,’ she added, blushing slightly.
‘Don’t worry. I think you’ll find we’re all of the same view – perhaps just to different degrees,’ Beth said.
There were murmurs of agreement.
‘Does anyone even say grace anymore?’ Sam asked.
‘Yes!’ Louise said. ‘I had an embarrassing incident only last week – hence my comment just now. I was invited to the home of a new colleague for dinner and got quite a shock when not only were we asked to hold hands, but being the guest, I was expected to say grace. It was all I could do to politely decline without giving them a terse lecture on my views.’
‘How awful for you being under the spotlight like that,’ Joanne said.
‘I doubt I could have been so restrained,’ Sam said.
‘The most surprising thing was that I didn’t pick her as being quite so staunch. She’s the biggest gossip and most judgemental of everyone in our whole office.’
‘I’ve seen a lot of that sort of hypocrisy in my work over the years,’ Joanne said.
‘I’m giving her a wide berth now,’ Louise said, ‘but I suspect she may have set her sights on saving me from my evil heathen ways. Anyway,’ she continued, cheerfully, ‘thank you so much for not asking me to hold hands and pray or say grace! But seriously, I really appreciate the invitation and you offering the hand of friendship. It’s been a truly shitty year that is finally looking up, thanks to Jasmine inviting me here today, Hannah’s generosity and Joanne’s in offering Henry a full-time job.’
‘Oh, really?’ Beth said.
‘That’s fantastic,’ Jasmine said.
‘He was the right man for the job,’ Joanne said, looking a little embarrassed at the attention.
‘At the risk of sounding like the head of a sorority, since we’re going into the deep and heavy already, there are two things you need to know and remember, Louise,’ Hannah said, ‘if you’re to remain popular.’
‘Oh?’ Louise said.
‘We don’t do the Spring Racing Carnival – well, no horse racing for that matter. So, best you don’t mention it.’
‘Or any events exploiting animals for entertainment,’ Sam said.
‘Right. Well, I’m glad about that,’ Louise said. ‘I’m all for the animals. I’m actually quite active on the ban live-export front.’
‘Oh, me too! I’m surprised we haven’t met at a rally. It’s a bloody disgrace,’ Sam said.
‘Best we don’t get started on that, either,’ Louise said, laying a hand gently on Sam’s arm. ‘So, what’s the second thing I need to know?’
‘No balloons!’ they all practically shouted at once.
‘Because they’re so bad for the environment or does someone have a phobia?’ Louise asked, looking around the little group.
‘No, just the environmental factor,’ Hannah said, ‘which is such a pity because I love them – their colours, their symbolism.’
‘Right. Got it,’ Louise said.
‘Okay, quick, tuck in before it goes cold. And save some room for dessert – meringues filled with cream and fruit salad,’ Jasmine said, digging her fork into her pastry.
‘Oh, yum, one of my all-time favourites,’ Louise said. ‘I love that you guys eat – enjoy food, too.’
‘Can we make that another rule while we’re at it?’ Sam said. ‘No talk of dieting, putting on or losing weight, no holding back on food, which is to be enjoyed.’
‘Since when have we ever done any of those things?’ Hannah asked.
‘I love you guys,’ Louise said with complete admiration as she cut into her pie. ‘I have to admit, I’ve struggled to find women I enjoy spending time with more than once – they always seem fixated on how they look, or with competing with each other. I like to look presentable, but what’s a bit of muffin top or squidgy thighs between friends? I’d rather focus on what’s on the inside. Denial just leads to misery, in my opinion.’
‘Hear, hear,’ they said, an
d raised their glasses again.
‘Can I ask you a personal question, Sam?’ Louise asked when they were well into their meals and there was a lull in the conversation.
‘Sure,’ Sam said, looking a little nervous.
‘Why are you so down on your creative abilities when you’re clearly so talented? I’ve seen your work. I love it.’
‘I appreciate you saying that.’
‘You’re welcome.’
‘See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?’ Hannah said gently.
‘What wasn’t?’ Sam said.
‘Accepting a compliment,’ Hannah said.
‘You’re going to have another exhibition, aren’t you?’ Louise asked.
‘Maybe if I’m asked I’ll think about it.’
‘I guess it’s not easy putting yourself out there through your work – that’s what you’re doing, isn’t it?’ Louise continued, ‘Making yourself vulnerable. I’m sorry. I’m not creative, so I don’t know what it must be like. But I’d like to understand.’
‘Honestly, it’s both the best feeling and the worst feeling in the world – people saying nice things then someone else saying horrible things. All for public viewing. The actual creating is exhilarating and heartbreaking, sometimes both at the same time,’ Sam said, clearly try to laugh it off, but only managing to look sad. ‘It hurts. And it’s true when they say it’s not something you choose, it chooses you. Only an insane person would choose to feel like that on a regular basis. I can totally see why so many artists end up completely broken.’
‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything,’ Louise said. ‘But please don’t let one or two comments from people you don’t know – people who might have any one of a number of issues or insecurities – stop you doing what you love. Because you couldn’t produce work like you do if deep down you didn’t truly love it and didn’t have a gift.’
‘Thanks, Louise. I think I’m still working through it – getting over the bad reviews. Telling myself it’s not personal and isn’t worth worrying about doesn’t seem to help. I loved the feeling of lots of people seeing and enjoying my work – who wouldn’t? And of course to earn money from doing what I love … That’s always been my dream. But now I think I was kidding myself. Like I’ve told Hannah, I don’t think I’m cut out for the highs and lows of it.’
‘You know you don’t have to exhibit – put yourself completely out there in public – to earn money, to be a professional artist, don’t you?’ Jasmine said.
Sam looked up and across at her, frowning.
‘I’m sure my clients will happily commission pieces from you.’
‘And all the large offices have art on their walls,’ Louise said. ‘I work for a building management company – we actually have someone whose job it is to source suitable artworks.’
‘Really? How extraordinary,’ Beth said.
‘Maybe that’s what I should be doing. I know art,’ Sam said.
‘With your talent, I bet you’d find that as frustrating as all hell,’ Louise said.
‘Well, whatever talent I might possess is completely useless at the moment. But thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot to me. Really. I’m sure it’ll come back, it always seems to,’ she added, sounding less than convinced.
‘Meanwhile, please think of something for the walls in this fine home,’ Jasmine said, with a cheeky grin.
‘You’re not going to let up, are you?’ Sam said.
‘No. I’m starting to get a little desperate. Sorry, I didn’t mean …’
‘It’s okay. I know what you meant. I promise I will try and think of something. Now, to completely change the subject and put someone else in the spotlight, I want to hear all about Hannah’s date with Brad,’ she said, turning and fixing her gaze on her best friend.
‘Ooh, yes, me too,’ Beth said.
‘I told you in the car.’
‘You didn’t tell me,’ Louise said.
‘Or me,’ Joanne said.
‘Do I have a choice?’ Hannah said with a resigned sigh, but a big grin.
‘No,’ they all said.
‘I’m happy to hear it again. We elderly have to live vicariously through you young ones, you know,’ Beth said.
‘Well, it was perfect. He picked me up – well, he drove to my place and we caught the tram into the city. And he put his arm around me – all strong, protective and manly,’ Hannah said, sighing again as she relived it in her mind.
‘I knew he’d be a gentleman, I just knew it,’ Louise said, looking a little dreamy herself.
‘We had dinner in Chinatown – crispy skin pork, rice and steamed greens, if you must know. Both our favourite Asian dishes, as it turns out.
‘Then we went to a movie. Sully – the one with Tom Hanks, about the pilot who landed the plane on the Hudson River in New York. It doesn’t sound like the perfect date movie, but it was perfect to me and brought back so many memories of my trip to New York, which seems like both last week and a lifetime ago. It was an interesting story, too. And then we shared a chocolate mud cake and sticky date pudding – both with mountains of cream and ice-cream. As I said, it was just perfect.’
‘Look, she’s all glazed and dreamy eyed,’ Sam said.
‘I am and I’m not afraid to admit it,’ Hannah said, beaming. ‘It was comfortable. Like we’d known each other for years, but not the sort of comfortable like with Pete. I had fluttering in my belly.’
‘You didn’t tell us that in the car! Did she, Beth?’ Sam said, feigning shock.
‘No, she didn’t.’
‘How about tingling down a little further?’ Sam said.
‘Sam!’ Hannah blushed.
‘Oh, come on, Hannah, you’re amongst friends,’ Sam said.
‘Yes. If you must know,’ Hannah said.
‘So …’ Sam persisted.
‘So, what?’
‘And …’
‘And we caught the tram home, he deposited me at my door, and then we kissed.’
‘Kissed, as in …?’
‘Yes, Sam. God, you’re too much,’ Hannah said, laughing, now bright red in the cheeks and down her neck.
‘I’d say leave the poor thing alone, but I’m enjoying this a little too much – it’s been so long since I went on a date,’ Joanne said, laughing.
‘Thanks very much. And, yes, before you ask, he’s a wonderful kisser. Then like the gentleman that he is, Brad got in his car and left,’ Hannah said, refraining from adding, ‘So there!’
‘Oh,’ Sam said, clearly disappointed.
‘I know this is the twenty-first century, but we’re not rushing into things.’
‘Good idea,’ Beth said. ‘Regardless of what century it is, you want them to pursue you, make sure they work for their, um, rewards.’
‘Thanks for that, Auntie Beth. Almost too much information,’ Hannah said.
‘Oh, Hannah, I might be old, but I’m not completely clueless, dear.’
They all laughed.
‘Well, you certainly look happy. Radiant, really, which is lovely,’ Jasmine said.
‘Speaking of Pete,’ Sam said quietly.
Hannah looked at her friend. ‘What about Pete?’
‘He asked me out. I saw him again when I was getting dog food.’
‘Oh. Wow,’ Hannah said.
‘Would you mind? If you do, I won’t.’
‘Why would I mind?’
‘Well, we’re best friends. If it works out we’ll all be together. So, would that be awkward?’
‘Oh. Right.’ Hannah thought about it. She genuinely liked Pete, they just clearly weren’t suited as a couple.
‘You didn’t sleep with him, did you? Because that would be icky,’ Sam said.
‘No, Sam, I didn’t sleep with him. I agree, eew.’
‘So, what do you think? I think I might really like him,’ Sam said coyly.
‘I do too, just not in that way. I think you’d make a lovely couple. Much more suited than he and I were. I say go
for it.’
‘If nothing else, he could be a good distraction from my creative block,’ Sam said with a shrug.
‘Wow. So, Joanne and Beth, do you have any exciting news to share?’ Jasmine said.
‘Nothing that measures up to that,’ Joanne said.
‘No, I’m just busy being servant to Joseph and Jemima – and loving it, I might add,’ Beth said, grinning.
‘Hey, Jas?’ Hannah asked, following Jasmine into the kitchen with the dishes.
‘What’s up?’
‘I love that purple wall colour in the library. Do you think it would work for my bedroom?’
‘Of course. It would be gorgeous.’
‘You’ve got me all inspired. I want to re-do my bedroom. I’ve just thought of it. When the time comes for Brad to, um, stay over, I don’t want us to be in the same room Tristan and I had – well, at least not a room that looks or feels the same.’
‘I’d love to do you a new bedroom. I thought you’d never ask! I’ll come around and have a look this week and bring some ideas.’
‘Great. Thanks. Now, what can I carry back out?’
Chapter Thirty-three
‘You know, it’s not too late to change your mind and get out of this,’ Hannah said when she’d finished hugging Brad on the doorstep of his rented apartment.
‘Not a chance,’ he said. ‘Unless you don’t want to go.’
‘No, of course not. They’re my dearest friends.’
‘I hope they’ll become mine too. If you’re worried I’m going to feel uncomfortable because they were Tristan’s closest friends, don’t be,’ he said, gently brushing back a few rogue strands of hair from Hannah’s face. ‘I am fully aware they might feel awkward seeing you with someone else in the same situation you used to be with Tristan, but I certainly don’t feel I’m competing with a ghost. Darling, you will always love Tristan and that love will take up a large piece of your heart. I know that. And I’m fine with it. Better than fine. The fact that you were happy and retain a love for him is a big part of what makes you you – who and what you are now. So, please don’t feel uneasy on my behalf. I’m a big boy. Anyway, I met most of your friends at Sam’s launch, remember? I know, this is different. They love you, Hannah, and only want you to be happy. When they see us together they’ll be fine.’
Making Peace Page 26