House of Diamonds

by Amber Jakeman

  Chapter 32

  “Did you get my emails, James?” Nicole sounded mildly annoyed on the phone. It was an improvement on her usual level of anger. He’d expected far worse. He felt like he’d been travelling for weeks, though he’d only been away a few days.

  He’d needed the full stopover in LA to catch up with all her correspondence, each email more frantic than the last. Her most recent had three exclamation marks after “deadline.” He couldn’t understand why she was so passionate about this competition. Sure, it was important to think about the next big event now that Christmas was over, but Valentine’s Day was nearly six weeks away.

  “So what did you think?”

  “The bird head hearts. No other design is anywhere near as good.” James had managed to find a gate with only two other passengers waiting, and they were both asleep, heads on backpacks. He talked into the huge glass window, staring out at flat concrete as far as he could see, with aeroplanes parked here and there, one or two slowly moving.

  “I was afraid you’d say that,” Nicole said.

  “So what’s the problem? A win’s a win. Don’t you agree it’s the best design.”

  “It is, yes, but ...

  “But? Out with it. Come on, Nic.”

  “It’s Stella’s.”

  A burst of pride spread inside him. He remembered now. She’d been drawing birds at Fitzroy Falls when they’d been there together, in the visitors’ centre. She was gifted, alright. Stella. Suddenly he needed to see her, to congratulate her himself. She’d barely believed him when he’d told her how talented she was. This win would give her confidence, prove to her that her talent was incontestable.

  “It’s going to look really awkward, James. After all that aggro social media between us?”

  “A win’s a win, Nicole. At least no one can say the competition was rigged. In fact, maybe Slavonicus can spin it into a story. ‘Former enemy gains top prize,’ or something. I don’t see a huge problem.”

  “Yeah. You wouldn’t. You’re keen on her, aren’t you?”

  “Jesus, Nicole. You all but told me we needed her in our business. How was that ever going to look? ‘Huntleys swallows competition?’ Come on. You’re good at this stuff. Can’t you make it a ‘win, win’?”

  “You know Ruben.”

  “So? Cop it. You can handle it. Take a bit of heat. It’s all good publicity isn’t it?”

  “Easy for you to say, on the other side of the world. Actually, James. There’s something else I need to tell you.”

  “Come on, then. Quick. My Vegas flight’s boarding.”

  “Oh... Look... Don’t worry about it now, okay? It’s complicated. Ring me from Vegas, will you? How’s mother?”

  Odd. What was Nicole hiding? Something wasn’t right.

  “Mother’s surprisingly okay. I’m excited, Nicole. There’s Émile. I have to tell you all about that. But wait for this... We’re going to open a French branch of Huntleys...”

  “No! That’s brilliant! I like that! I like that a lot. Huntleys going international... That’s brilliant, James! Vote one Scottie and I go to France to organise the opening publicity!”

  “‘Scottie and you?’ Are you two seeing each other? Wow. I have been away a long time. Jesus. For real? Be kind, Nicole. Don’t mess with Scottie.”

  “Not messing with Scottie. Not in any bad way, I assure you...”

  “Good to hear. He’s our accountant for starters, not to mention my best friend...”

  “I know. To think I barely noticed Scottie. And then once I did, I saw it. I saw what you see. A lot more actually.”

  “Yeah, okay. I don’t need to know the details, Nic. I’m pleased for you. Always thought you two’d be good together. That’s such good news.”

  “Yes. It is.”

  “Now. The design comp. Remind me. What does she win?”

  “Lessons with Jim. A couple of K. The chance to make her design in gold...”

  “And a bit of humble pie for us on social media. You can handle it fine, Nicole. Shows we’re ‘big hearted.’ How’s that! Can you run with a pun like that? ‘Big-hearted Huntleys buries the hatchet for best heart design.’ What do you think?”

  “Maybe... There’s still a problem. Call me when you get to the US.”

  Chapter 33

  Stella was torn. Still reeling from being forced to close her stall, and unable to find out more or negotiate while the council was still closed for the festive season, she’d received some unexpected good news - she’d been listed as a finalist in the Huntleys Valentine's Day competition.

  Jeannie was over the moon and was insisting she attend their prize event and collect her credential.

  “We need this photo for social, Stell. You deserve to shine. You can’t run away from this. At least go get your award. You’ve invested so much in Stellar. Don’t be too hasty about refusing to go. I know you’re upset, but I’m still sure there’ll be an explanation, a way forward.”

  Jeannie had at least convinced her to wait till the council reopened the following week and then explore her options. Every time the horror of the possibility James had betrayed her rose again in her, she pushed it down and channelled her energies into preparing for the international design show, but fronting up to all the Huntleys at a public event? That would be difficult. Suspecting them. Furious. Too hard.

  “But even if it was Huntleys, you owe it to yourself to be sensible, Stell,” Jeannie argued. “So, your stall only lasted three months instead of six, but what a brilliant three months! Besides. When the council gets back I’m sure you can lodge an appeal. You can’t let this stop progress. You’ve still got all your online sales.”

  Jeannie didn’t get it. The way her heart was broken. That dead feeling inside. Even the girls understood. Instead of running up to her to be hugged, Lucy would creep towards her with a sad face. Tears kept seeping out of her eyes. It was like her whole body was grieving. It was. She felt like her heart had been ripped out. It had.

  But Jeannie was right. She should at least show up and put a brave face on it. Maybe she could get to the bottom of what had happened, find out whether it truly had been Huntleys that had closed her down.

  Jeannie was such a saint. So kind. She kept trying to distract her from the immediate setback, to help her see the bigger picture.

  “And then when you get to Singapore, people will be able to see you’re already an award-winning designer. You need to think about your image, Stell.”

  “I haven’t won yet, Jeannie. I’m just a finalist, remember.”

  “But you’re the best, Stell! You’ve got to be. Why else did everything you made sell so well? Why are your online items still going like hotcakes? People recognize beauty when they see it.”

  Stella still wondered if she should simply apply for another office job, in Sydney. She’d been great in her previous role. At least she’d have a proper income again.

  “Over my dead body, Stella,” Jeannie had said. “Not after all you’ve achieved.”

  “But I can’t earn enough money any more without the stall. I can’t pay my debt.”

  “Think about what you need, Stella. It’s not all about money.”

  Stella closed her eyes. A vision came to her unbidden, of James’s arms around her. She’d trusted he believed in her skill, that he respected her. She still wanted it to be true, even if the evidence said otherwise - that email from the council. Her body would never forget the way he’d cherished her that weekend when they were alone together in the storm. Damian had never touched her like that. She shivered with longing. For James. For her creative life. For the world James might have offered her if only she could have trusted him.

  She shook her head and opened her eyes.

  “All that’s impossible now, Jeannie. James isn’t who I’d hoped he was.”

  “We don’t know that yet, Stell. You’re just tired. You’ve never had a thick skin. It’s a shock. Okay. I get that. But you’ve actually got lots of options. Why don’t you
give James a chance? You’ve been full of joy out here with us, living your dream. Life’s not supposed to be easy, you know. ‘Never give up.’ That’s what Flame would say.’”

  “Flame gives up all the time, Jeannie! How long do you honestly think the duck eggs are going to last? Or Grady?”

  “You’ve got a point, Stell. But maybe that’s why she never wants us to give up. And Flame never entered a competition in her life. And she certainly was never shortlisted. I’m so damned proud of you, little sister!”

  Stella frowned and shrugged.

  “I’m just tired, Jeannie. This whole thing has been hard. So much harder than I’d hoped it would be - the debt, my silver supplies disappearing off the face of the earth, all the stock I have to keep building up, the accident, the theft. I do still want jewelry to be my career. I just don’t know what to make of this.”

  “Give it some time.”

  Stella nodded, but she was still so flat when the big evening arrived that she couldn’t bring herself to face Huntleys. Not if they really wanted to close her down.

  “You have to go for me, Jeannie. Stand in. I’ll stay and mind the girls. I tried. I washed my hair. But I just can’t do this. And I don’t need to. You can do it for me. Please, Jeannie. You be strong for me. I trust you.”

  “Tell you what. I’ll go. But only if you come, too. Matt’ll be home soon. He caught an earlier plane. So I’ll go early and put in an appearance. You put the girls to bed, and then follow, as soon as Matt’s home. Just go and see what you’ve got in your wardrobe. You’ll cheer up.”

  Jeannie was right. Stella came back with one black stiletto and one red one.

  “That’s the Stella I know!” The sisters laughed and hugged.

  “It’s so long since I’ve been out like this,” Jeannie said as she stepped out her front door towards the waiting Uber. “Feels like the school formal. OMG, Stella. Clever you. This is a big deal, sister.”

  ...

  It was lovely being at home with the girls, nestling them into bed with their soft toys.

  After six books, and two of them read through at least twice, Lucy was so tired she fell asleep still propped against Stella’s arm. Stella lifted her heavy little slumbering body and laid it gently in her cot with a few safe toys at the end so she could play with them if she woke early.

  Sienna stirred, and Stella stood above her, rocking her gently till her breaths became snores. How glad she was to have left her old life, whatever the challenges she now faced.

  She heard Matt’s key in the front door. He wheeled his bag into the bedroom and washed his hands, running himself a glass of water.

  “Go on. Get dressed. Jeannie made me promise I’d see you out that door.”

  “Did she tell you Huntleys tried to close me down? At least we think it’s them. Can’t work out how else I got that notice from council. Thanks so much for taking over. Jeannie looks fabulous. She’s really excited. I’m so glad she can get a bit of value out of this. She deserves it. She’s been running all my online sales, social media. She’s amazing.”

  “She is. And so are you. She told me you’d try to get out of it, but the way I see it, you should march right in there and hold your head up. You’re not the one who’s done anything wrong. If it is Huntleys trying to close you down, they’re the ones who should be ashamed, not you. You’re the star, Stella. Gotta stand up to bullies. Do what’s right.”

  Stella smiled. Matt. He was right. She looked at her watch, excitement surging through her.

  “Go!” He pointed back down the corridor.

  She rushed through the shower, pulled on a little black dress and some heels and grabbed the scarf she’d worn to their picnic. Why not? If she was feeling awkward about this, let James Huntley feel it too! As a finishing touch she fixed large hoops to her ears, one of her new designs with a zig zag at the front to catch the light. She hauled her shoulders back and forced herself to smile at her image in the mirror. Lipstick. Better. Yes. She could do this.

  ...

  The front of Huntleys was all lit up, with banners at the entrance and a security guard who checked her name and opened the door.

  Would James be there in his best grey suit? Her heartbeat ramped up as she waited for the old elevator.

  Ruben was just outside the VIP room, recording.

  “Well, it’s an exciting night in Oxford Street Mall ahead of the inaugural Huntleys Valentine’s Day jewelry design awards. Pretty soon we’re going to meet five talented designers who’ve been shortlisted for the prize, a whopping $5,000 and a chance to attend a workshop with the founder of this iconic Sydney jewelry establishment, none other than Jim Huntley himself. See you a bit later, inside, when we meet the finalists.” Ruben winked at her.

  How Stella hoped to win! The money would be great, but the lesson with Jim would be better still. Attending lessons would be awkward if James was around, but she knew how to be professional. Surely Jim wouldn’t have tried to close her down. Jim was a gentleman. As she slipped in, behind the crowd, she saw him near a dais, uncomfortable in a new shirt and tie. He kept pushing his gnarled old finger into the top of his stiff white collar, adjusting it. His eyes lit up to welcome Ruben, then her. James’s eyes. Stella felt a blush and chastised herself. It wasn’t James, and if it was, wasn’t he the enemy? But there was something about the twinkle in those eyes she loved. Jim was a charmer like his grandson, alright.

  There was a cluster of VIPs and finalists. She scanned the room, heart jumping. No James. Now disappointment stabbed at her.

  She headed towards Jeannie, whose red hair blazing in the spotlights, her hot pink figure-hugging outfit perfect for the occasion. Jeannie was positively beaming, having a great night out.

  There was Nicole in purple, at an ornate gold music stand, with a kind of Huntleys flag hanging from it, the H H J, worked in gold lettering, looking at her run sheet.

  A waiter was filling champagne flutes on a sideboard. Nicole gestured to a tall man who came and stood beside her, and to Jim, who came to her other side. A camera flashed a few times, and Nicole began to speak.

  “I’m delighted to welcome you all here to Huntleys this evening for the presentation of Huntleys inaugural Valentine’s Day jewelry Design Awards. Huntleys has been a fixture on the Sydney jewelry scene for six decades, and we are thrilled to be in a position to crown our reputation for quality and excellence by sponsoring this competition. Huntleys attracted more than 500 entries from all over Australia, and I would like to take this moment to thank Ruben Slavonicus for helping us publicize this opportunity. We’ve been blown away by the level of talent out there, and would like to thank each and every one of our competitors. Choosing a winner has been exceptionally difficult, and I would encourage all of our entrants and all of our finalists to continue designing jewelry. We plan to run this competition next year and to make it an annual opportunity to showcase the work of a young designer and contribute to their jewelry making skills. And now, I would like to honour my grandfather, Jim Huntley, without whom Huntleys would not exist. Can we take this moment to recognise Jim’s achievements over many years? I can honestly say that Valentine’s Day in Sydney would not be the same without this great jeweler, and there are many couples out there of all ages who would ‘heartily’ agree with me.”

  As everyone applauded, the waiter circulated, topping up glasses.

  “We will shortly come to that time in the evening when we name our five finalists - a ‘heart stopping’ moment. I’ll ask you to hold your applause until all five finalists have come to the front of the room. And to announce their names, I’d like to introduce Luke Scott of Scott and Sons accountants who have worked closely with Huntleys for three generations. Luke Scott, ladies and gentlemen.”

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, clearing his throat. He looked like he’d be far more comfortable behind a desk with a balance sheet, but with his purple tie, he seemed proud to be up there beside Nicole. Nicole was different. More confident. More
relaxed.

  “It’s my great honour to be involved in this awards ceremony and to make this surprise announcement. I will take this opportunity to let you know that with this honour comes a donation to the Children’s Heart Unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital of $10,000, made jointly by Huntleys and by Scott and Sons. We are absolutely honoured to be sharing the love this evening. Can I call forward LucyAnne Tang from the Children’s Hospital, please, to receive this heartfelt donation?”

  LucyAnne stepped forward amid an eruption of cheers and applause and camera flashes, and accepted the cheque. Ruben’s tweets were hashtagging the Children’s Hospital as well now.

  “Thank you, Scottie. I now call to the front of the room our five finalists, Jerome Montgomery, Eloise Chin, Stella Rhys, Sergio Russo and Nina Phillips. I’m sure you’ll all join me in congratulating these talented designers,” Nicole continued as the room erupted in applause.

  Jeannie gave Stella a small push, and she stepped up, head high. She’d never liked the limelight, but she’d do this. Cameras flashed in their eyes.

  “And now, Jim will open the envelope and reveal the winning design and the name of the winner!”

  Jim smiled and opened the envelope, drawing out the winning design and holding it up for the guests. Lined up with the others, Stella couldn’t see it, but Jeannie’s eyes lit up and she pulled down her first with a triumphant “yes.” Jim turned the page towards the finalists. Yes, indeed. There were Stella’s bower birds with sapphire eyes! Her own heart design!

  “Congratulations to Stella Rhys, of Stellar,” Jim read out, his old voice raspy.

  Stella stepped forward to shake Jim’s hand and accept her prize, heart hammering in her ears. Jim’s smile and handshake were warm. She could hardly wait to take up his lessons.

  Jeannie was beaming, trying to clap while videoing the action and preventing herself jumping up and down with excitement.