Chapter Twelve
As promised, and because I’m running late, Jack drives me to work. He still doesn’t say a word when I bid him good morning. He just tips his head in acknowledgement, although I’m sure I see a hint of a smile.
Daniel is working from home today. He cooked me a delicious breakfast, to make up for his hissy fit last night and he made sure I left in a good mood.
Unfortunately, my refusal to stay tonight didn’t help to reassure him we were now okay, but I had to stand my ground.
It’s been one thing after another and I’m emotionally knackered.
First, there was the jealous in-law, then the verbal abuse from said in-law and to top things off, I find out Daniel can be a stroppy nightmare when he doesn’t get his way.
I need some space. I can’t wait to go back to the flattonight, put my PJ’s on and relax.
Daniel isn’t happy about it, I can tell, but he is in no position to protest and he knows it.
I have a busy day ahead. Richard is on full throttle, and has been sending me messages from Melbourne, left, right, and centre.
He’s in an excellent mood. His family are due back from the UK this week after a brief holiday and not only has he got me running around like a nutcase with work, I’m also collecting last minute welcome home gifts.
Alison and the girls arrive on Thursday and it’s only Monday.
What in God’s name will he be like by then?
Matthew arrives at my desk with more bloody flowers.
He claimed to understand why I hadn’t accepted his invitation on Friday, but still insisted he should take me out soon.
There’s no way on earth that’s happening.
His behaviour was disgraceful, and I didn’t want a repeat of that night ever again.
I admit, I’d forgotten all about his invite, but I let him say his piece, anyway.
He apologised profusely and went on and on about how he always got into trouble after having too much to drink.
Before he leaves, I’m subjected to a rant about how sensible I was to stay away from Daniel and ‘what a mistake that would have been!’ It takes every bit of inner strength not to tell him to fuck off.
I wouldn’t normally watch the clock and leave the office bang on time, but the entire day has been crap.
I’ve dealt with an over jovial Richard, an extremely irritating Matthew, plus several texts from Daniel telling me how much he misses me and to phone him if I change my mind.
I can no longer focus on work, so at six on the dot, I’m out of here.
As I exit the lift on the ground floor, Maddie’s familiar, dazzling smile heads my way. “Hannah, how are you?”
I can’t hide my moodiness, “Hacked off and thoroughly bloody fed up with men.”
Maddie puts a comforting arm around me. “Want to talk about it?” She has no idea how much she will regret that offer and I might not stop myself once I get going. It seems my PJ’s can wait.
“Love to. Fancy a drink?”
“I can’t think of anything better.”
“Shall I lead the way?” I bow and sweep my hand out in front as she curtsies and walks ahead.
Luckily, there is a bar around the corner from the office.
It’s nothing special, but I’m not here for the décor, I need to drink and spill.
Maddie orders a bottle of Pinot Grigio between us, and to be honest, it doesn’t last long.
We’re on our second within the hour and I’m sure I’ve told hermy life story.
She now knows all about my parents and Lucy, my best friend, although I use the term loosely as she hasn’t returned my calls lately.
I then elaborate about Matthew and what an annoying little shit he is and then the big one.
But do I trust her enough to confide in her?
After two bottles of wine and absolutely no food, I could trust the bar staff.
It all spills out. What happened when I met him at the farm, the weekend and how well we got on.
The only detail I leave out is Freya. My sub-conscious, however drunk it is, is still embarrassed by Daniel’s sister-in-law accusing me of being a gold digger.
I also can’t face the fact that she is in love with him.
I find it difficult to come to terms with and wonder how the hell this family carries on every day with an enormousgrey elephant taking up residence in their house.
When I first mention Daniel’s name, Maddie must think I’m joking.
Her belting laugh is probably heard right through to the next bar.
She nearly knocks me off my chair as she slaps me on the back, but when my expression doesn’t change and my body language stiffens, her laughter comes to an abrupt halt.
“Hannah, for the love of God please tell me this is some sort of joke.”
I’m silent. I have no idea what to say. Her head slips into her hands as her long blonde hair surrounds her face.
I can’t see her expression, but it can’t be good.
When she finally reveals her wide-eyes and pursed-lips, I have a nasty feeling she knows something.
The alcohol has injected me with the chemical ‘brave’ and I use it to ask outright.
“Okay, what is it and there’s no need to hold back. I can take it.”
She glances at me sideways and inhales deeply. “We need more wine for this one. Do not move.” I’m not sure I could, even if I wanted to.
So what revelations will Maddie share? Maybe I should have taken my own advice and just gone home.
The buzz of my mobile startles me out of my thoughts.
It’s Daniel. My finger sways over the red button, but I guess he’ll send Jack to search me out if I do that.
I go for green instead and give my best sober performance.
“Hi there.”
“Hannah, where are you?”
This sounding normal lark is bloody difficult! “In a bar… with my friend.”
“Which friend?”
Should I answer? Is this any of his business? Why am I so defensive? It’s an innocent question. “Maddie from the office. Jason Taylor’s PA.” He sounds a little annoyed.
“I wasn’t aware you two were friends. Are you okay? You sound drunk.”
“Maybe I am a bit, but I’mhaving a fabulous chat.”
“Yeah, you’re drunk all right, which is another reason you should come back to my place tonight.
I understand you wanted to stay home, but I need to see you.
I don’t like the way we left things this morning.
You still seemed angry.” Now he just sounds worried, and my defences melt.
I’m pleased someone cares about me. I can’t deny the wine has really gone to my head, and if my usual stamina with alcohol is anything to go by, I may be in trouble soon.
My thoughts are all misty, and there’s a buzz in my ear.
I want Daniel to hold me and tell me everything is okay.
Why am I in this pub? Oh God, Maddie. I nearly forgot.
I’ll leave after one more glass of wine with my friend.
“Yes, all right, I’ll be there, but I’m finishing my drink first, then I’ll pick up some clothes from home.”
“That’s fine, take as long as you need. Call when you’re ready and Jack will collect you. He can swing by your place on the way back. Okay?”
“Thank you.” I close my eyeson a sigh. I could just go to sleep right about now.
“And Hannah?” I sit bolt upright in my chair, my eyes as wide as saucers.
“Yes?”
“Please be careful.”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“I hope not.” What does that mean? “Remember to call, okay?”
“I will. Bye, Daniel,” I say it in my sing-song voice, not waitingfor his reply.
I end the call, grinning stupidly. I am pleased I’ve changed my mind, mainly because I need his arms around me again.
Maddie gets back to the table with our third bottle of wine.
I’m not sure I can handle much more, but I let her fill my glass, anyway.
She has a concerned look on her face as she launches almost immediately into her speech.
“There’s no easy way to say this, Hannah. Daniel Grant is a womaniser.”
I smile at her and giggle. “Well, you say that,but there’s a lot of rumours and gossip out there.” I wave my hand out in front of my face and try to focus on it momentarily. “It’s nothing to worry about. I promise.”
“Hannah, listen to me. He’s a ladies’ man.”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Maddie.”
“It’s true. I’m one hundred percent sure.”
I stop for a second then take a huge gulp of wine, fearing the worst. “Okay, tell me.” I shut my eyes tight as if it will protect me from what Maddie is about to say.
“He had a ‘thing’ with a close friend of mine, Josie. It didn’t last long, a few weeks actually, but he hurt her.”
My drunken, slurred brain tries to reason with me. For a moment I thought Maddie had an affair with him. Thank God it’s not that but still, I’m not stupid. Of course there were women before me. He was married for God’s sake! But the difference is, Maddie knows the details of this relationship.
“Don’t get me wrong, he was good to her when they were together, although he could be a moody bastard and that caused a lot of tears. Despite all his shit, she fell for him hard, but it ended as quickly as it began.”
I sit with my legs crossed and my elbow on my knee. I try desperately to rest my chin on my hand. It slips from my palm continuously while I mumble, “uh-huh” and “yeah.” I’m in dreamland, listening to my friend, while I can’t stop thinking about how the moods are nothing new. This isn’t so bad.
“Hannah, there’s more.”
I smile at her while I try a second attempt to balance my chin.
“Hannah, are you all right? Can I get you some water or coffee?”
“I just want you to finish what you have to say.” I don’t mean to be so loud, or rude.
I catch her look from the corner of my eyes, “All right then.” For a minute, she’s silent.
After a deep breath, she sighs, “He had a reputation around Sydney. Apparently, he slept with other women while he was with her.”