Making Peace

by Fiona McCallum

  ‘I’ve blown it, haven’t I?’

  ‘If it – whatever it is – has been blown, I blame him,’ Beth said defiantly. ‘You deserve to be treated like a lady – and wined and dined. Pampered.’

  ‘Thanks, Auntie Beth.’

  ‘Maybe he’ll realise the error of his ways and make it up to you. Maybe he’s out of practice like you and he needs to be told what’s expected – not hinted at. Men don’t get hints. They need to practically get smacked over the head to learn anything.’

  ‘Oh, Auntie Beth, you’re just what I needed.’

  ‘I’m glad. Hannah, just take it as it comes. I know you’ve come a long way. But you’re still fragile. And you’re not the same person you were when you met darling Tristan, or when you lost him.’

  ‘Hmm. Thanks, Auntie Beth, you’re so wise,’ she said, getting up, moving around the table and hugging her dear friend from behind.

  ‘Well, I’m not sure about that. But I am sure we need more to eat and drink,’ she said, patting Hannah’s arm at her chest before beginning to gently push her chair back.

  Chapter Seventeen

  It was a little odd to Hannah – and probably everyone else – that her final day at TLR was on a Tuesday. But Craig had been keen for them to leave the company together and Tuesday suited him best. As she’d sat on the tram that morning, Hannah was relieved to have this unusual day ahead of her, to take her mind off Pete. Not that she was worrying about the situation, but she’d spent the last few days feeling more disappointed every time he crossed her mind.

  Her to-do list was almost completed by the time she came back from an informal farewell lunch with the junior staff, and she was starting to wonder how she’d fill the afternoon. She needed to keep busy or she might start regretting her decision to leave. A few times she’d stopped whatever she was doing and thought about her time at the firm. She always came back to the fact TLR had been her life preserver after the accident. If she hadn’t had her work, the buzz of people around her – normality – a support network of people here keeping a careful eye on her, she might have completely crumbled. Was it really time to move on or had she made a mistake?

  She stood up and looked over the top of her cubicle to the back of Craig’s head on the other side of the glass wall of his office. There was the answer. It wouldn’t be the same place without him here. Really, he was the lifebuoy she’d needed. She strongly felt that. She just had to remind herself when she got jittery. Like now. Any change was hard for someone like Hannah who had sailed through life unscathed and barely even bruised until that dreadful Christmas morning. Her lovely parents, bless them, hadn’t adequately prepared her for such upheaval. But she had found a way through. She’d survived.

  This is the right time to go, Hannah reminded herself. It’s only the change factor making you question it. She wondered if her position would become redundant anyway. She’d heard that with the belt-tightening going on Craig’s role would be absorbed by several partners.

  ‘Are you coming?’ Craig called, startling her from her reverie. She looked up. He was standing in the open door, his hand on the brushed aluminium frame. She hadn’t even noticed him getting up from his desk, even though she’d been looking that way.

  ‘Sorry?’

  ‘Farewell drinks in the boardroom.’

  ‘Maybe for you,’ she said.

  ‘And you. Come on. You don’t want to make me late, do you? Bring your things, we’re not coming back. And then there’s dinner with Jas, so no getting rolling drunk.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound bossy. That last bit was more a note to self,’ he said.

  Hannah detected a little nervousness in his voice. While leaving was a big step for her, it was huge for Craig – he had everything riding on his future success.

  She took a last inventory of her desk, straightened the cube of brightly coloured sticky notes, grabbed her handbag and waited in the hallway while Craig turned out the light in his office and closed the glass door.

  ‘Feeling okay?’ he asked.

  ‘No, I’m not sure I should be going to partners’ drinks.’

  ‘I meant about leaving. You most certainly are meant to be at drinks.’

  ‘A little sad about leaving, but excited to see what’s in store.’

  ‘It’s not too late to change your mind.’

  ‘I think it is considering we’re about to go into farewell drinks.’

  ‘Yes, probably. Well, you can always change your mind later.’

  ‘And leave you to your own devices? I don’t think that would be wise,’ she said, grinning, the butterflies subsiding. She was actually looking forward to a more challenging role now it had been offered – a more meaningful partnership. She hadn’t realised it was something she might want until Craig had asked her. Now she couldn’t wait to get her teeth into marketing and helping build his new business.

  And it is pretty cool to be invited into the boardroom for drinks, she thought. Hannah was surprised to see most of the staff there – no one had mentioned it during lunch. She was only halfway through her glass of sparkling wine when the head partner, Bill English, called for their attention. Bill had been on the interview panel when Hannah had been offered her full-time position. She’d always liked him – he was a quiet, kindly man who seemed a little grandfatherly despite only probably being in his mid-fifties.

  ‘Don’t worry, folks, just a few words. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy the spoils. We’re here to farewell … Hannah, where are you? Come on up here, please. And you, Craig.’ Craig who was already near the front shuffled over to stand beside Bill. Hannah, pink faced, made her way through the crowd to stand with them.

  ‘Hannah, you’ve been a wonderful asset to this firm for ten years. You’re a talented young woman and a hard worker and you have a truly lovely soul. The fact you were able to pick yourself up so well and continue to be such an important part of this place is a tribute to your wonderful, giving character. We’re going to miss you greatly. But I think Craig is going to need you more. And if he proves too much, remember there will always be a place for you here.’ He grasped both her hands and looked into her eyes.

  ‘Thanks, Bill,’ Hannah mumbled, trying not to cry.

  ‘Craig. This place won’t be the same without you, but we really do wish you all the best and look forward to working together in some capacity in the future. Good luck, mate,’ Bill said, grasping Craig’s hand and shaking it furiously.

  ‘Thanks, mate,’ Craig responded. ‘I really appreciate the support and friendship of everyone here, as I know does Hannah,’ he said, putting an arm around her and pulling her close. Hannah nodded. ‘This is a great firm with a wonderful culture, thanks in large part to Bill’s leadership. But there comes a time when it feels right to fly the nest. So, thanks, everyone. I look forward to staying in touch. And if you or any of your friends or network need any business advice, call. I’ve left a pile of my cards on the table back there by the door.’

  ‘Of course he has,’ someone called out.

  ‘Ever the opportunist,’ Tom, another partner, called out, and chuckled. A few wolf whistles sounded.

  ‘Tom, opportunities are everywhere if you only look,’ Craig said good-naturedly. ‘Just you remember that. But, seriously, please keep in touch. I’ve enjoyed working with you all and I’m going to miss you. Even you, Tom. We’re going to miss you all, aren’t we, Hannah?’

  Again Hannah nodded. And then she was surprised to find herself speaking, and with strength and clarity. ‘Yes. Thank you all for a wonderful ten years, and for helping me through a really difficult time.’ Don’t cry, she told herself and bit the inside of her cheek hard enough to make her wince. She nodded and took a half step back to signal she’d finished.

  ‘Okay, Craig and Hannah, we wish you goodbye and good luck,’ Bill said, raising his glass. There were mumbles of assent and then the room erupted into cheers and applause.

  ‘You okay, kid
do?’ Craig whispered when everyone had turned their attention back to their drinks and chatter.

  ‘All good, thanks.’ Hannah loved it when he was so protective of her. ‘And you?’

  ‘Fine, fine. Jas is picking us up downstairs at six, so don’t let me forget,’ he added.

  ‘Yes, boss,’ Hannah said, putting a hand to her head as a salute.

  ‘Note to self, just one more.’

  ‘Make sure you eat something to soak up the alcohol. Those pinwheels are good.’

  ‘Yes, ma’am,’ he said.

  They left with calls of ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Good luck’ following them. Right on schedule Jasmine pulled up at the kerb.

  ‘In you get,’ Craig said, opening the front passenger door for Hannah.

  ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Yes. I know my place. In the back is where I belong,’ he said cheerfully.

  ‘Oh ha-ha,’ Hannah said, getting in. ‘This is very good of you,’ she said, leaning over and hugging Jasmine.

  ‘My pleasure. How was it?’

  ‘Good. I even got invited to the partners’ drinks.’

  ‘Yes, it was a lovely send-off,’ Craig said.

  ‘Are you still feeling okay about it all, Hannah?’

  ‘Yes. Absolutely.’

  ‘Good, because I can’t do it without you,’ Craig said.

  ‘Yeah, right,’ Hannah said.

  ‘Well, I wouldn’t want to,’ he said. Hannah smiled to herself.

  ‘You big old softy,’ Jasmine said, putting a hand back between the seats.

  ‘Oh, well, there could be worse things to be.’

  ‘That’s right, darling. And we love you just the way you are,’ Jasmine said.

  Hannah’s phone pinged with a message. It was from Sam, and made her smile:

  I hope they gave you the send-off you deserve and you’re feeling awesome about leaving. If not, just think of all the extra kitty cuddles you get now. But, seriously, you’ve made the right decision. So proud of you! Xxx

  Hannah hugged the phone to her, savouring the warm and fuzzy feeling surging through her. She did feel happy about her decision to go and work for Craig and was excited to be going to dinner with such good friends. What a great day!

  ‘Oh, this is lovely. I haven’t had a chance to come here yet,’ Hannah said, looking around the foyer of the restaurant. It was quite new and she’d watched it take shape from the tram on her way to and from the city. For the past few weeks, since it had opened, she’d been wondering about its décor and menu, other than modern and moody.

  ‘Ah, white tablecloths,’ Jasmine said. ‘I do love crisp white tablecloths.’

  ‘This we know, dear,’ Craig said.

  They smiled and thanked the friendly but efficient waiter when he delivered their menus.

  ‘Now, before I forget,’ Craig said, ‘a few housekeeping things …’

  ‘Darling …’ Jasmine said.

  ‘I won’t be long.’ He fossicked in his briefcase he’d put beside his chair, which Hannah only now realised he’d brought in with him. ‘This is for you,’ he said, bringing out an envelope. ‘It’s your access to the business account – and credit card attached.’ He handed it to Hannah. ‘So you can take care of things without too much mucking about. Here,’ he said, taking a pen from the inside pocket of his jacket and handing it over, ‘to sign the back.’

  ‘Um. Okay. Thanks.’

  ‘Don’t be weird about it, Hannah. It won’t bite. And you might not ever need it, with most things happening online. Though I do want you to make a trip to buy stationery – for your office and mine. Anyway, there it is. The other thing is, are you still good to start next Monday?’

  ‘Yes. If that’s okay with you.’ Hannah had decided a couple of days break would be a good idea. She could get a few things done at home and then fully immerse herself in her new job. Though it was going to be a bit of a play-it-by-ear process, as they’d discussed. The trickiest thing was geography. She hadn’t been able to decide if she should work from her place or at Craig and Jasmine’s house. Though that might get a little crowded with Jasmine trying to run her business from there too – and coming and going. Of course most information would be kept online on the cloud and most business done via email, but hard copies of certain things had to be kept. And Hannah did pride herself on keeping a well-organised filing system. So the other problem was where to keep any physical files or printed information.

  ‘Perfect. It will be a big day for both of us,’ Craig said.

  ‘I’ll probably make a shopping trip to the stationers beforehand so I’m all ready to go first thing.’

  ‘No worries – just record your hours. Keep the receipts. And make sure you keep track of any other expenses – like phone calls, et cetera. When your mobile plan comes due we’ll look at that then. Okay?’

  ‘Okay.’

  ‘There’s a lot to organise and think about,’ Jasmine said.

  ‘Yes, and you’d better take note since this will be you too soon, my sweet,’ Craig said. ‘Watch the master Hannah at work.’

  ‘Is there anything particular you need me to buy in the way of stationery – or anything else for that matter?’ Hannah asked.

  ‘No, I’ll leave it in your capable hands. We’re starting from scratch, so anything you think we’ll need. Plenty of sticky notes – we know how you love those things.’

  ‘Yes, I do!’ Hannah grinned and had to consciously stop herself from clapping her hands with glee. Oh how she loved stationery, full stop! One of her favourite things to do at the office had been to stand in front of the massive cupboards full of pens, mechanical pencils, blocks of coloured sticky notes, pads of paper and breathe in the scent while marvelling at the order and neatness – her doing – for a few moments before making her selection.

  ‘So, whatever you need – desktop printer or colour laser. Whatever you think. Just use the card.’

  ‘I think I’ll wait and settle in and see what we really need before I go crazy with major hardware purchases.’

  ‘Right. Entirely up to you. And the other thing is. Here. For you.’ He handed her a set of house keys.

  ‘Are you sure?’ she asked, looking from Craig to Jasmine.

  ‘Of course,’ Craig said.

  ‘Absolutely,’ Jasmine said.

  ‘Okay. Thanks,’ she said, and put them in her bag with the new credit card.

  ‘I think that’s all, isn’t it, Jas?’ he asked, scratching his head. ‘Oh, make sure you start recording your work-related car mileage to claim from me or off your tax – we’ll decide which way to go later. I think that’s it for now,’ he said, picking up his menu and opening it.

  ‘This looks good,’ Craig said. ‘Even the desserts.’ While he indulged in the odd dessert, Craig was more a meat and veg man.

  ‘Oh, yes,’ Jasmine said.

  ‘Incredible,’ Hannah agreed. She chose the duck main and the orange parfait for dessert and closed her menu – one of her quickest choices in history.

  ‘Did you tell Hannah about Henry?’ Jasmine said after they had given their orders.

  ‘Oh, yes. I mean, no. Hannah, I had your Henry around.’

  ‘My Henry?’

  ‘Yes. Henry Peace. I had him do the lawns and trim some shrubs the other day.’

  ‘Oh. Right. Great.’ I hope.

  ‘Yes, Craig was being all fatherly …’ Jasmine said, stroking her husband’s arm.

  Hannah wasn’t sure what Jasmine meant, so stayed silent.

  ‘Come on, dear, you’re making me sound old.’

  ‘Well, protective then,’ Jasmine said.

  ‘Yes, I wanted to check him out.’

  ‘Oh. Okay. And …?’

  ‘He seems okay, did a good job with the lawns and pruning, but I’m not so sure he’s a very switched-on businessman. I didn’t let on why I’d called him, specifically. He didn’t ask. Number one rule in business, know where your clients are coming from and reward your referees. Well, okay, two ru
les,’ he added, just as the waiter appeared and began pouring the sparkling wine Craig had chosen.

  ‘Now, we’re here to celebrate. To us and taking on the world,’ Craig said, raising his glass. ‘And to Jasmine, love of my life, who has secured her very first client.’

  ‘Really?’ Hannah said.

  ‘Yep,’ Jasmine said.

  ‘Oh, that’s fantastic. Well done. I’m so excited for you.’

  ‘Well, it’s a little daunting, but it’s a start.’

  ‘If you need any help from the admin side of things, let me know.’

  ‘Careful what you offer. I’m not sure running a business is my forte,’ Jasmine said.

  ‘Ah, I’m sure you’ll be just fine.’

  ‘Thank you, Hannah, that’s what I keep telling her,’ Craig said, reaching over and taking his wife’s hand.

  They enjoyed their meals, but didn’t linger, laughing as they walked to the car about how exhausting socialising was.

  Chapter Eighteen

  As Hannah drove to Sam’s she wondered what she’d find. Today was ‘D’ day. Would she be pleased with what she saw or would she be itching to get out of there and phone Roger at the gallery so he had as much time as possible to find another artist? Hannah had no idea how things stood with Sam. They’d shared daily texts and the odd phone call, but Hannah had avoided what was now necessary to address. Once her enquiries could only be seen as genuine interest from a supportive, caring friend. Now she could see how her questions might come across as nagging or even self-serving, since she and Sam were in this together to some extent.

  Hannah took a deep breath as she raised her hand to the doorbell and steeled herself to be cool with whatever she found.

  ‘Hann, hi,’ Sam said, opening the door wide and pulling her into a hug. ‘How’s things? How are you feeling about having left TLR – still okay?’

  ‘Yes. Good. Thanks so much for your gorgeous text. You always know the right thing to say at the right time. So how are you? And are the boys still enjoying school?’

  ‘Yes. Bless the little darlings. That certainly makes life easier. Come through.’

  As Hannah followed Sam, she took in her friend’s appearance. Uh-oh. Though unkempt could go either way with the artistic Sam – in a funk or too busy creating to shower and change into clean clothes. Hannah tried to look for signs of paint or modelling clay on Sam’s clothes – nothing. Her heart sank further. Not for herself, but for Sam. Sam needed to create to keep her going at the best of times. With the boys at school and Rob having left, she might be at risk of completely falling apart if she remained blocked for too much longer. And here I am about to play bad cop. Hannah stayed silent while Sam made coffee. She took a seat at the table and looked around. The kitchen was neither clean nor messy, which was another disconcerting sign. Sam didn’t really do in-between – with her it was all or nothing.