Page 42 of Where She Is
“Yes, Mum, maybe.” I laugh unconvincingly.
We chat for another twenty minutes and I know it will cost a small fortune on my mobile, but I just don’t care. I needed to hear her voice today. She filled me in on all the news before I spoke to dad briefly. He always greets me with his sing-song voice.
“Halloo my darling. How’s it going down under?”
Although I giggle when I hear my dad, the tears in my eyes are poised to drop at any moment. I have to concentrate to keep my tone steady. “Good. Excellent, in fact, Dad. It’s a beautiful place.”
“I believe it is. I wish I were twenty-four again. What I wouldn’t do for so much carefree time and energy.” He seems to have wandered into his own special world for a moment, and then he says, “Embrace every second, my darling. You’re living a wonderful dream.”
“I will, Dad, don’t worry.” My dad has the most amazing outlook on life and he relishes every experience and moment he can. It’s one of the many amazing qualities I love about him. More chit chat follows and at one point, I have them simultaneously shouting down the phone.Perhapsthey think I can’t hear them from all this way.
I dreamily wander out of the bedroom and straight into Daniel’s chest. I hadn’t noticed him outside the doorway and it causes my heart to skip a beat. “Oh my God, you gave me such a fright!”
He doesn’t look so happy. “Why did you tell your parents you were with clients?”
I tilt my head to one side and narrow my eyes, “I’m sorry?”
“I heard you say you couldn’t call them back because you were busy with clients. Why didn’t you tell them you were with me?”
I was a little put-out he’d been listening to my phone call. “I’m sorry, I was under the impression I was having a private conversation.”
“You didn’t mention me at all. Are you ashamed?”
It was as if he hadn’t listened to what I’d just said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve known you all of five minutes, Daniel.” I take a deep breath and calm down to avoid any chance of this becoming an argument. “Look, my parents will just worry if they know there’s someone on the scene.”
“So now I’m just someone?”
“No! Don’t be daft. It’s just, I’m unsure where this is going.” Maybe it came out all wrong, or he misunderstood, but instead of talking to me, he skulks off towards the balcony. The glass doors shudder with the force of being slammed and I’m left standing there all alone on the other side. Although I’ve tried to keep calm, I can’t deny I’m wound up as tight as cotton in a bobbin. It’s probably best if we both cool off.
I head back into the bedroom with clenched fists, growling to myself.I can’t understand why he’s so upset? Surely he understands?Jack had already taken my overnight bag and laptop case to the bedroom so I try to stay busy. I hang my suit ready for work and respond to a few messages concerning Richard’s diary. I head for the shower to relax and afterwards; I check my phone in case I have to prepare anything else for work. Once I’ve finished, I decide I can’t leave this little mood of his to stew any longer. I hate going to bed on an argument, so I head to the balcony. I find a melancholy Daniel looking out over the water. Initially, I’m apprehensive while I stand next to him. I’m unsure of the reception I’ll get, but decide to be the bigger person.
“I’m off to bed now. I thought I should let you know.”
He holds onto the rail with both hands and stares straight ahead. He doesn’t look at me when he says. “I’m sorry, Hannah. I overreacted.”
“Yes, you did. Why didn’t you let me explain properly?”
He turns and takes my hands in his and his eyes search mine for forgiveness. “I’m sorry. I’m a complete fuckwit.” It’s not what I’m expecting from him, but he has to understand, he can’t push me when I’m not ready. I’m not over it, but I’m uncomfortable with the atmosphere surrounding us, so it’s time to move on. “Look, let’s just forget it happened. I have to be up early so I think I’ll get an early night.”
I lean on my tip-toes and give him a quick peck on the cheek. When I turn to walk away, he grabs my wrist and pulls me back.
“Hey, you’re right. I shouldn’t have listened to your conversation. I just wanted your mum and dad to know about me. Instead, you glossed over it. It was like I didn’t exist.” He drops my wrist and puts his hands in his pockets.
“I didn’t mean it to be that way, Daniel. One day, I’ll tell you all about my tragic love life, which my poor parents have lived through with me. It might help you understand why I don’t want to get their hopes up.” I step into his embrace, linking my fingers around his neck and meeting his eyes. “You need to be patient with me too. I will tell them when we’ve had more time together. Things are still new for us.”
He nods his head. “I understand,” he says with a cheeky smirk. Before I know what’s happening, he swoops in and picks me up in his arms, striding back inside the house. “Now I have to make up for my bad behaviour and I know just how to do it.”
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 lastminute 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.
