“She was memorable. And she used to send me emails.”
The lobster risotto turned to ashes in Richard’s mouth. He remembered the emails, and the texts, and the letters, and the presents. Not to mention their physical reunions.
“I’m pretty
sure she’s not hanging out in a drug den in Marrakesh.”
“Did I hit a sore point?” Daniel dropped his knife onto the floor with a clatter as his arm twitched wildly. He sat back in his chair and took a deep breath as a waitress brought him over a clean one. He gestured to her to pour the last of the red wine into his now empty glass.
Richard shrugged and finished his risotto, carefully placing the cutlery on his empty plate. “It’s not a big deal. Anyway, we’re here to talk about your plans. I need to know where you want the money transferred. As soon as your lawyer gives us the signed papers on Monday, we’ll need to sort out the wire.”
“Just put it in my bank account.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Do you know how much money you’re getting?”
“I’m not an idiot, Richard. I do have a financial advisor.”
This time, it was Richard’s turn to give a wry smile. Maybe Daniel would be okay after all.
Fifteen
January 20th 2007
The porch had been decorated with balloons and streamers, like a lurid, slightly off-kilter rainbow. Ruby’s name was arched over the door in glittery pink letters. Hanna stood at the bottom of the steps, her nerves getting the better of her, clutching a purple, patterned gift bag. A low throb of music was escaping the house, and flashing disco lights shone through the window, indicating the festivities were in full swing.
She wasn’t sure if she could do this.
Tom had promised he’d be there all night and wouldn’t leave her side for a moment. He had already arrived, having agreed to play a song for Ruby, and needing to set up his equipment. Hanna knew she would only be alone in there for a matter of minutes before she was under his protection.
But minutes were all it would take. She hadn’t seen Claire or Steven since she arrived back in London last November. She was so afraid of what they might say.
“Are you coming in or what?” Ruby impatiently pulled open the front door. “You’ve been standing there for hours.”
Hanna smiled, and ran lightly up the stairs. “Happy birthday, darling.” Throwing her arms around Ruby, she squeezed her tightly.
“I’m so glad you could come. I was worried you wouldn’t.”
“And miss Tom’s performance? I can’t wait to watch you fan girl all over him.” Hanna watched as Ruby’s cheeks flushed.
“I don’t fan girl, I just think he’s a really good singer.”
“You keep telling yourself that.” Hanna winked and handed Ruby her present. “Don’t show this to Claire or Steven. I wanted to get you something pretty to wear in bed.”
“Is it sexy?”
“No!” It was Hanna’s turn to blush. “But it is pretty and sophisticated, as befits a young lady. I’m not sure your parents would understand.”
As she stepped inside the hallway, a feeling of familiarity washed over her, like walking into a half-remembered dream. Everything still looked the same.
“Tom told me to bring you straight to him. He’s set up in the den.” Ruby grabbed hold of Hanna’s hand and pulled her over to the stairs leading down to the basement. “He’s going to start his set in about half an hour.”
“Has he told you what he’s going to play yet?” Hanna asked, wondering if she would be able to blog about it later.
“No, he wants it to be a surprise.”
They reached the bottom of the stairs, and Hanna could hear Tom plucking at the strings of his Les Paul guitar. As soon as they walked into the room, Tom looked up through his thick golden lashes and gave her a big grin.
“Hey you.”