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  Hannah picked up the house and took it to the car, then she went inside and retrieved the soup from the fridge, before texting her mum: Just dropping a couple of things over if that’s ok. Won’t take long.

  Her mother replied, saying sure, and she got in the car and drove off, window open as her nose searched for the scent of jasmine. When spring would arrive and the scent would intensify, she wouldn’t be here. Maybe she should consider growing some indoor star jasmine at Karen’s.

  When she arrived at Wattle Lane and her mother greeted her at the door, mentioning that her father was in the shower, Hannah burst unexpectedly into tears.

  ‘Oh, sweetheart, what’s wrong?’ Her mother hugged her, then held her at arm’s reach and studied her face as though it would reveal the answer to her question.

  ‘Nothing, nothing at all.’ She sniffed. ‘Probably just hormonal.’ She held out the soup. ‘Here, compliments of the chef.’

  ‘Oh, lovely.’ She took the soup and placed it on the kitchen counter, but Hannah stayed at the open door. ‘Come on in and let’s chat.’

  ‘There’s something else I have to bring in.’ She gestured to the car. ‘Be back in a sec.’ She wiped her eyes and went back to the car, lifting out the doll’s house and carrying it inside.

  Kathleen Delaney covered her mouth with her hand, then helped Hannah place it on the dining table. ‘Oh my, I’d forgotten about this!’

  ‘Me too.’

  ‘I remember asking you as a child if you wanted a house like this when you were all grown up, but you said, “No, Mum, I want a house just like the one we’re inside right now!” pointing to the ceiling of Iona.’

  Hannah nodded and smiled. ‘Well, I got to have the house for many years.’

  ‘You don’t want to keep it?’ Kathleen opened the front of the doll’s house. ‘The doll’s house, I mean.’

  Hannah shifted from one foot to the other, and scratched her temple. ‘Yes, but I can’t really bring it to Karen’s, there’s not much space. And besides, a grown woman with a doll’s house in her bedroom?’ She raised her eyebrows.

  ‘So? Your father is a grown man with a train set in the spare room.’

  ‘True, but this is different. And anyway, I always thought...’ the words got stuck in a lump in her throat.

  ‘That you’d give it to a child of your own, yes, I know dear.’

  Her mother knew her too well. And Hannah knew her mother too well, knowing that sometimes she didn’t have to complete a difficult sentence, as her mum would do it for her. She also knew that her mother had tried unsuccessfully to have more children after Hannah, but wasn’t able to. Hannah still had time, but who knew how much, and if she was even capable of it. Her last check-up said all her hormones were fine so there shouldn’t be an issue in that regard, but there were other issues that could affect fertility, and she hoped she wasn’t one of the unlucky ones.

  ‘It doesn’t look like that is happening any time soon,’ Hannah sighed. ‘So, can I keep it here for now? Otherwise, we could donate it. I know Dad made it and all, but... maybe someone else could put it to good use.’

  ‘Nonsense. I’m keeping it right here thank you very much.’ Kathleen went to carry it into the spare room, narrowly missing a collision with Doug as he came out of the bathroom.

  ‘Whoa. Is that what I think it is?’ He ruffled what was left of his wet hair.

  ‘Yep. Keeping it here for now.’ She went past him into the room and placed it down. ‘Looks like I’ve still got a few muscles on me.’ She lifted her biceps and gave them a squeeze.

  ‘You’ve had an active life, Mum, of course you do.’

  ‘Would you like me to clean it up a bit? The doll’s house?’ her father asked.

  ‘Umm.’

  ‘I’ll make it my Sunday project.’

  ‘Love, you already have about seven Sunday projects.’

  ‘So make it eight.’ He gave a nod. ‘I’ll remove the wallpaper, give it clean, sand down and re-oil the exterior...’

  ‘Dad, thanks, but would you mind leaving the interior as it is? Just a dusting is fine, and the exterior. Maybe one day I’ll have a go at redecorating.’ She smiled. But in reality, she mostly just didn’t want her memories to be gone. Didn’t want it looking different. Not yet. She was saying goodbye to a lot of things but this one she wasn’t ready for.

  ‘You sure? I can make it all modern and fancy, maybe add a disco ball too...’ He made a twirling movement with his finger.

  ‘Doug, just the exterior. Thanks, love.’ Kathleen patted his arm.

  ‘Rightio. I’ll, ah, just go get changed.’ He went off to the bedroom.

  ‘Thanks, Mum.’

  She gave her mum a quick hug.

  ‘Some things take time, don’t they. In the letting go, or even in the receiving. You just have to trust in the unknown big picture of life sometimes, see how it all unfolds.’

  ‘Yep, I know.’

  Kathleen turned to the kitchen counter. ‘Pumpkin soup?’

  ‘Sweet potato. Among other things. Oh, and keep July 22 free from five pm. Luca’s restaurant launch. I’ll get you one of the best tables.’

  ‘Kathleen whacked her hands together. ‘Oh, yippee! Can’t wait. Haven’t eaten anywhere new in this town in forever. How’s it going?’

  ‘All on track. Busy, but good.’

  ‘Well make sure you get enough sleep. Do you want some tea while you’re here? An episode of some comfort television perhaps... Bewitched? I Dream of Jeannie?’ She gestured to the couch where they had sat for the family history slide show.

  It did sound comforting. But what she really wanted was to get home to her bed. ‘I’ll pass tonight, but thanks. Been a long day.’

  Her dad came back out in his pyjamas and dressing gown and slippers. ‘Did someone say Bewitched? That show never gets old. And Ms Montgomery, can’t go past a classic beauty like her.’

  ‘Oh, Doug.’ Kathleen shook her head. ‘What about this classic right here?’ She gestured with her hands down the length of her body.

  ‘You can bewitch me any time, my dear.’ Doug approached and gave her a kiss, then switched on the kettle.

  ‘Oh, alright. Maybe one episode,’ Hannah said. ‘Half an hour, then I’ll be off.’

  She sat on the corner of the couch with her feet tucked up underneath her, and pulled the throw blanket around her. It was comfortable, and homely, and she wouldn’t get as many opportunities like this after she moved.

  When the opening music played, she smiled and allowed herself to drift into nostalgic euphoria as she realised once again how lucky she was. And at the end, she found herself wondering what Luca was doing right now, and what he was feeling. She wanted to help him bring as much of these comforting feelings into his restaurant as she could. She would make this launch the best one she’d ever done, and would give nothing less than one-hundred per cent.

  Chapter 18

  On Sunday afternoon, after spending the night at Stefan’s in Sydney and the days at their mother’s house sorting through more of her belongings, Luca grabbed a takeaway mocha from Café Lagoon.

  ‘Enjoy, mate,’ said Jonah, the friendly and competent barista.

  ‘I’m sure I will.’ Luca smiled, then put his hand in his pocket where he’d put a few stray coins he’d found at his mother’s house. ‘Here,’ he said dropping them into the container at the counter. ‘Have a tip. It’s not much but you deserve it.’

  Jonah eyed the container. ‘Awesome, thanks, man. Every bit counts, that’s for sure. Especially now I’m saving for my next overseas trip.’

  ‘Oh yeah? Where and when?’

  ‘The when will be decided once I have enough funds, and then I might get some work overseas for a year or so, see how it goes. I did it once before. As for the where... I’d like to go back to Europe, that was great. But I’d also love to see America. I reckon I could bring some great Australian coffee their way.’ He grinned.

  ‘Hope you get to go asap,’ he replied. ‘A
nd if you happen to visit Romania, send me a postcard.’ He winked.

  ‘Oh, do you have relatives there?’

  ‘Yep.’

  ‘Then you’ll have to let me know where I can find them and I’ll personally bring some great coffee over to them.’ He gave a nod.

  ‘Ha, they will love that. My aunt will fill your stomach with her fabulous gogosi.’

  Jonah raised his eyebrows. ‘No idea what that is but I already want some.’

  ‘It’s a little bit like a doughnut. Without a hole. But extra special, and nothing beats homemade.’

  ‘Romanian doughnuts? I’m sold.’ He patted his stomach.

  Luca was filled with a craving for one right now. He made a mental note to add his aunt’s gogosi recipe to the dessert menu. ‘And if you don’t end up over there, I might be able to satisfy your cravings just a few hundred metres up the road.’ He pointed towards Home.

  ‘Ooh, yes please. When do you open?’

  ‘Sunday July 22, our launch starts at five pm with dinner at six-thirty. We’ll be selling tickets soon.’

  ‘Put me down for one. I can get off work by five on a Sunday, I’ll get one of our casuals to do the evening shift.

  ‘Great. I’ll let you know when the bookings are open. Organise a table with friends or family if you like. There’s plenty of room.’

  ‘I look forwards to it. Have a good one.’ He waved, as Luca walked off.

  So, with Jonah, Hannah and her parents, and Stefan, that would be five people at least, he thought with a chuckle. He hoped the launch would be all booked out, or eighty per cent full at least. He was glad to have Hannah and her rapport with the locals on his side.

  He wandered across the road, through Miracle Park and past the Wishing Fountain, finished his mocha and tossed the cup into a bin. Then walked down the adjacent street where the terrace shops were. Some were closing up, but a few remained open.

  Homewares, tourist souvenirs, gift items, candles...

  Candles. Hmm.

  He walked into a shop called April’s Glow, recalling Hannah’s suggestion of having jasmine-scented reed sticks and candles in the restaurant. It wasn’t a huge priority yet, as they would do the finishing touches in week six, but... there was no time like the present.

  And speaking of present...

  He wanted to get one for Hannah. Not only as a small token of appreciation for her work, but as a farewell gift, and a new house-warming gift for when she moved to Sydney. Something to hopefully remember him by, and also the town. And as she’d lived on Jasmine Road her whole life, he figured the jasmine scent meant something to her. Reminded her of home.

  ‘Hi there, how’s your weekend been?’ the pretty, smiling woman behind the counter asked.

  ‘It’s been busy, that’s for sure. But great. How’s yours?’

  ‘Oh, same as usual. But great. Day off tomorrow though, can’t wait to flop on the couch and binge-watch something on Netflix.’

  ‘Sounds good.’

  ‘You happy to browse or can I help you find something in particular?’ Her hands spoke as much as her voice, and his eyes were drawn to a tattooed ring on her left ring finger.

  He’d sometimes check women’s fingers for wedding or engagement rings, out of habit, but he’d never seen a tattooed one before.

  ‘I hope someone else has a matching one?’ he asked, pointing to the tattoo.

  ‘He sure does. I love jewellery, but the tats were cheaper. And we figured it was more unique, more... us.’

  ‘I think it’s great.’ He smiled. And now he could rule her out as a potential date in future. He looked up at shelves. ‘Jasmine.’

  ‘Jasmine? No, I’m April,’ she said.

  He looked back at her. ‘Oh, no, I mean I’m looking for jasmine candles. Sorry! Hi April.’ He held out his hand and she shook it. ‘I’m Luca.’

  ‘Oops, hi Luca. And I should have realised.’ She shook her head. ‘I always say the first thing that pops into my head.’ She grinned, and he grinned back.

  ‘Sometimes I do that too.’

  April came out from behind the counter and showed him to the corner shelf where some soft, white coloured candles in various jars and tins and containers sat around a vase of jasmine flowers, fake, but realistic looking.

  ‘Oh, I should have noticed them. A bit obvious.’

  ‘Not at all, you’d be surprised how many men come in here and have no idea what jasmine looks like, or other flowers for that matter.’

  ‘My parents loved their garden, so I’ve learned to recognise many.’

  ‘Wonderful. Well it’s nice to have a customer who knows what they want. I’ve had a few... interesting male customers who’ve turned up and said things like, “Give me something that smells good,” or “What’s something a chick will like?”’ She shook her head.

  ‘Charming.’

  ‘Indeed. So, how many were you after and what size?’

  ‘Actually, just one or two for right now. But I wanted to order in quite a few, if I could?’

  April’s eyes widened with eagerness. ‘Absolutely! Orders only take a couple of days usually, depending on the item.’

  ‘I’ll start with thirty small ones, and I think... two medium ones, and two large ones... of these.’ He pointed to the ones in the embossed glass jars that reminded him of his father’s old-fashioned scotch glasses.

  ‘Wow. Okay, sure. And vintage style, nice choice.’ She grinned again. ‘Large house?’

  ‘It’s for my new restaurant, Home. Up near the harbour where the beauty salon used to be.’

  ‘Oh! Fab. Can’t wait to check it out!’

  ‘Our launch is Sunday July 22 from five pm, we’ll be selling tickets soon.’

  ‘I’ll be there. And I’ll bring my tattooed other.’

  ‘Great! I’ll let you know the details asap.’

  Make that seven people now. Hannah would be proud of the networking he was doing... maybe he should just go into each store in town, buy something, and casually mention the launch, like he’d just done without even thinking about it.

  ‘And which would you like for today?’ She held her hand towards the display.

  Luca scanned them again. He didn’t want to get the same ones as the restaurant, something that was purely for Hannah. ‘This one here, please.’

  April picked up the triple-wicked frosted glass candle with silver lid embossed with a twirling vine pattern. ‘It’s a lovely one.’

  ‘And a jar of the reed sticks too, please.’

  Hannah had suggested reed sticks for the reception counter. He hoped it wouldn’t be overkill and that his restaurant wouldn’t reek too much of jasmine and cause everyone to hold their nose or run for the door.

  ‘Not a problem.’ She took the items to the counter and he made payment, as well as a deposit for the large candle order. ‘I’ll give you a call when they’re in. And here’s my card if you need anything else.’ She handed it over with a smile, followed by a gift bag with the store’s logo on it containing the items.

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘Thank you for supporting a local business. And all the best with yours!’

  ‘My pleasure, and thanks again.’

  Luca walked out with a smile. This new beginning would be good. Things were moving forwards, he was meeting the locals, and hopefully soon, people would be leaving his premises with a smile on their face, and on his too.

  But one thought struck him... when it came time for Hannah to leave, he couldn’t help but imagine that his smile would only last until she was out of sight. If he could have everything his way, he wouldn’t want to watch her walking out, he’d want to see her, a smile on her face, walking in. Over and over again.

  Chapter 19

  ‘You sure you want me to help you interview candidates?’ Hannah asked, as Luca welcomed her into the kitchen on Tuesday for some menu practice, wearing a black apron over his clothes.

  ‘Yes, I interviewed three for chef positions yesterday, and another two c
oming this afternoon plus two for wait staff. The online ad has got a lot of hits so far.’ He laid out some ingredients.

  ‘Great stuff. How did the first three go, do you think they fit the bill?’

  ‘Not sure yet. One I could put on as casual, the other two have a fair bit of experience, but I’m also looking for someone with at least a decade of experience and good references to take over my role on the nights I’m not here. Which won’t be many, but I will need the occasional day off.’

  ‘You will. Don’t burn yourself out.’

  ‘I won’t, I’ve spent too many years doing that. Things might be a bit crazy at first, but hopefully once things are settled here I’ll be able to get into a good routine that works for me, and spend some quality time with those chickens.’ He smiled.

  ‘Yes, very important.’

  ‘Anyway, next interview is at three, so if you’re happy to hang around, would love to get a second opinion, someone to discuss the options with.’ He raised his eyebrows.

  ‘Sure. It’ll be interesting. But ultimately, you have to choose who feels right to you.’

  ‘I know. I just hope I get some stayers. Finding staff when a restaurant is already open and busy is an extra time pressure, so I’d love to get it right first go, at least to kick things off for the near future.’

  ‘Once they see what a great place it is to work, people will be lining up to work here.’ She gave a confident smile. ‘And what are we taste testing today?’ She leaned towards the oven, and a folder with pages of notes and recipes on the benchtop next to the ingredients.

  ‘Capsicum cassolette, with chicken. I’ve finished roasting the capsicums and need to peel the skin off soon.’ He gestured to the cling-wrap covered bowl with the steaming red peppers in it. ‘And I’m about to prepare the cassolette.’ He rapidly chopped two red onions, minced three garlic cloves, and added them along with some olive oil to a saucepan. ‘Would you like to add the thyme?’ he asked.