Exotic Nights

She hadn’t thought they’d be that interested. Not that she was about to admit that to them.

‘Did you get the flowers?’ her father asked almost shyly.

‘They were from you?’ she asked in the wobbliest voice ever.

Her father nodded. ‘Vita chose them.’

Her sister smiled at her.

Bella smiled back. She shouldn’t feel disappointed. It was wonderful of them to have sent them. It was even more wonderful that they’d been here for her. But she’d wanted to believe they’d been from Owen. Crushed, she forced out a smile. Her best acting job of the night was required after the performance.

‘We’re coming again when you get to Auckland,’ her father said unexpectedly.

Vita nodded enthusiastically. ‘To a matinee when you’re playing the lead. All the brothers are coming too. We’ve booked out a whole block of seats.’

Bella failed on the smile front then, bent her head to hide the sudden tears that were stinging her eyes. She blinked a few times. ‘How did you know about that?’

‘Someone sent us the details.’ Her father spoke.

‘Oh?’

‘Owen sent an email to the whole family,’ Vita said.

‘What?’ But there was no time for a repeat—now that her father had started talking, it seemed he couldn’t stop.

‘You were great up there, honey. I was so proud.’ He beamed. ‘Your mother would have loved it.’

She couldn’t hide the tears then, and her father awkwardly put his arm around her, offering her a comfort she hadn’t had in years.

Vita and Bella sat while their dad went up to the counter to get drinks at the after show party.

‘You know, I’ve always been a bit jealous of you.’ Vita smiled. ‘Now I’m a lot.’

Nonplussed, Bella just stared at her for a moment. ‘You want to be onstage?’

Vita laughed. ‘No!’ She shook her head. ‘All that make-up would play havoc with my skin,’ she joked. ‘No, it was because you always seemed so confident. You didn’t give a damn about what the rest of us were doing, or what Dad thought you should do. You just knew what you wanted and went for it. You’ve got such determination.’

‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ Bella nearly choked. ‘It’s not like that at all.’

‘But you’ve always known what you wanted,’ Vita said. ‘I’ve never known. I only did commerce because it was what everyone else had done and they seemed to do OK.’

Yes, but the fantasy of what Bella had wanted and the reality weren’t panning out to be quite the same thing. ‘Is it OK?’ she asked her sister.

‘Yeah, but I’m not exactly passionate about it.’ Vita winked. ‘Spreadsheets and tax returns aren’t exactly something you live for.’ She laughed. ‘Whereas you have a job you love. I’m envious of that. But—’ she leant forward ‘—I’ve got a secret. I’m quitting accountancy and I’m opening my own café.’

‘You’re what?’ Bella was astounded. ‘Vita, do you know how hard it is to work in a café?’

‘Sure.’

‘What does Hamish say?’

Vita’s eyes glowed. ‘He’s really supportive. It’s because of him that I’m finally going to do it. I’m doing a catering course and then I’m opening up. He’s keeping an eye out for a good location now. He’s such a great guy, Bella.’

‘I know.’ Bella nodded. ‘Wow. That’s really cool. Good for you.’

‘I’d never have had the guts if I didn’t have you as an example, though.’

Bella nearly laughed. If only her sister knew. It had only been because of Owen that she’d got the part. He’d made her so mad. Worst of all he’d been right. But she couldn’t think of him any more. ‘Thanks so much for coming to the show. And for bringing Dad. I really appreciate it.’