Page 40 of Wish You Were Here
‘It’s what she said. I can’t believe it, especially what she said about my singing career because I thought she supported me, and all this time she was just thinking what a sad loser I am. It’s like, thanks, Jess, but guess what? You’re not invited to any more of my gigs.’
Despite myself, I laugh, and she looks at me and then after a moment she smiles. ‘I’m sorry, Sas, I didn’t mean to laugh.’
‘It’s okay, Beno. Better than crying, eh.’
We both take a moment and I look at her on my screen. It breaks my heart that I can't be with her right now.
‘So, this Brad fella, is he good-looking?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Tall? Ripped? Abs for days?’
‘All of the above. Plus, he’s a chiropractor with an awesome flat in Bondi.’
‘He sounds like a dream,’ I say, wishing her new boyfriend didn’t sound like my worst nightmare.
‘Yeah, I guess. Although like I said, he might be too good for me, and he does have a track-record of breaking girls' hearts.’
‘I suppose that’s what Jess is worried about. Perhaps she’s just looking out for you.’
‘Maybe, but she didn’t need to say all the other stuff. Now I just think everyone thinks I’m like this big loser with dead dad issues.’
‘Come on,’ I say firmly, and hopefully reassuringly. ‘Losing a parent like that would crush anyone, and she had no right to use that against you. If you want my advice—’
‘I do, Beno.’
I love that she calls me Beno.
‘You need to go out there and prove Jess wrong. Be a great singer, make this thing with Brad work on your terms, if that’s what you want. Prove to yourself, to Jess, that you’re amazing. You said your dad was proud of you, your biggest supporter, channel that belief. He believed in you for a reason and I believe in you too, Saskia. You’re incredible, talented, and there is nothing you cannot do if you put your mind to it. That’s my advice.’
I stop and look at Saskia and she has tears pooling in her eyes.
‘Why do you always know exactly what to say?’
‘I suppose it’s a gift,’ I say and she laughs.
‘Thanks, Beno.’
‘You’re welcome, Sas.’
‘Wish you were here.’
‘With all that sunshine? You know I burn easily, and I think we’ve covered my feelings on giant spiders.’
‘You’d get used to it.’
‘Or you could live here? You’d love London. Nothing deadly, and it has the best museums, art galleries, music venues, and again, normal sized arachnids.’
‘Maybe. Although I think we’ve covered my feelings about pebbly beaches.’
‘Not a real beach, were your actual words, I believe.’
‘A beach needs sand, or it’s just a bunch of fucking rocks!’
‘Fair enough,’ I say, and then there is a pause and she looks at me.
‘Have you really given up on finding love, Beno?’
