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  Kathleen sighed and lowered her gaze. ‘As I was leaving, your father asked me if you thought you might reconsider selling.’

  Hannah’s insides clenched a little.

  ‘Don’t worry.’ Her mother approached and placed her hand on her daughter’s forearm. ‘I reassured him it was for the best, and he agreed. It’ll just take a bit of getting used to. You do what you need to do, it’s your life and we support you in whatever you choose.’

  Hannah glanced up at the pendant lights overhanging the island bench. ‘We could still keep it. The agent is just sorting out the details and market comparisons over the next few days before listing it. We could rent it out, or make it holiday accommodation, something like that. Even for a year or two while I try out new opportunities in Sydney, then if I don’t like it I could still come back, maybe?’

  Kathleen shook her head. ‘Too much uncertainty and hesitation. And it would still be a lot to manage behind the scenes, and you won’t find many people interested in renting a place like this, it requires a—’

  ‘Commitment, yes I know. You’re right. It’s all or nothing.’

  ‘And you’ve given it your all. We’re proud of you.’ She held Hannah’s arms in a gentle show of support.

  ‘Thanks, Mum. It might be a while before anyone sees it anyway, give us some time to get used to the change. Not everyone wants to run a small farm with five hundred chickens!’ She laughed and ladled the soup into bowls. ‘Let’s eat.’

  Hannah’s phone rang, and as she answered and spoke, her mother asked with her eyes what the other person on the line was saying.

  ‘Well,’ Hannah said after ending the call, ‘the agent already has potential interest.’

  ‘Already?’

  Hannah nodded. ‘They’re coming on Monday to have a “preview”, as she calls it. Before it’s officially on the market. And the agent is popping by after work today to have a quick look, though she’s already seen the photos I had prepared and sent earlier.’

  ‘That’s only two days away.’ Kathleen stood. ‘No chance of changing it to Tuesday, or Wednesday at least?’

  Hannah shook her head. ‘The buyer is seeing other properties. And, oh! I forgot to tell you, on Tuesday I’ll be in the city for a job interview with Karen’s boss.’ Karen had emailed her the details last night and Hannah had confirmed the time that she could come in.

  ‘That’s quick. I mean, that’s great! Okay. Right. Well...’ She did the hands-on-hips thing again. ‘We’d better get cracking.’

  ‘We’d better.’

  Kathleen picked up the sheet of paper and pointed. ‘After we complete item number one on the agenda.’ She placed a smile on her face and ushered Hannah to a chair at the table.

  This was it. It was all happening. And a lot faster than she imagined.

  Chapter 3

  Scarlett smiled her doggie smile as Hannah stroked her pet’s smooth, silky, freshly washed hair. The promised bath with extra bubbles had been delayed a day and a half as Hannah and her mother had been busy cleaning and tidying the house. Her father had come over the day before also to help with the yard, pretending to move in ultra-slow motion whenever Kathleen watched him to check he wasn’t overdoing it. Hannah had giggled, just like she always did whenever he did things like that.

  ‘A couple of visitors coming today, Scar. Just so you know.’ She always talked to her dog like she was a person. She’d become not only part of the family, but a best friend to Hannah from day one, as her other friends gradually moved away. She would come home and sit on the armchair on the verandah, Scarlett at her feet, and tell her all about what was going on in her life... from her studies in business management and event planning, to how many eggs the chickens were laying, to the injustice about the lack of nightlife in town for twenty-somethings, and to romance and sometimes the lack thereof. Scarlett knew everything. At least, that’s what it felt like to Hannah. She wasn’t yet sure how to tell her they would be moving. Not that she would really understand, but still. She wasn’t quite there yet.

  Hannah left Scarlett on the verandah and went inside to double check everything. She washed her hands and put on some naturally scented hand cream. She checked her reflection in the mirror and bared her teeth. Then she laughed. It was like she was going on a date, but she wasn’t, and she couldn’t really care less about how she looked but she did want to give a good overall impression, in every possible way. She would greet the real-estate agent and potential buyer, then make herself scarce on the verandah to let them look around in peace, but still be available for any questions about the running of the property. She hoped it would be a family with a couple of kids. There were four bedrooms and plenty of living space, not to mention the ample space outdoors for playing, climbing trees, kicking a ball around, and making mud cakes... all things Hannah had done herself as a child.

  Pebbles crunched and crackled outside and she went to the front door, opening it and placing the stuffed fabric-hen doorstopper her grandmother had made in front of it. Hannah waited there casually, or trying to be casual; one hand in her pocket, the other resting against the doorframe. The trousered legs of Lily Symons stepped out of the white Lexus sedan, which would probably need a minor wash after the trip down the initial dirt driveway to the property, before it reached the pebbled circular area in front of the house. She smiled and waved as she walked across, expertly handling the inconsistent surface of the pebbles in her high heels. Hannah would probably have fallen over by now. She only ever wore work boots, rubber thongs, bare feet, or thick, sturdy, low heels when she had to attend a professional event or important social gathering.

  ‘Hi, Lily.’ Hannah held an outstretched hand.

  ‘Hannah, good to see you again.’ She clasped Hannah’s hand and gave it a single shake. ‘I trust you got a lot of preparation done since Saturday’s visit?’

  Hannah nodded. ‘All the essentials at least. Though I didn’t have time to bake any bread or cookies.’

  Lily chuckled and flicked her hand in the air. ‘Not to worry, it’s always a nice, welcoming scent but I think this place will sell itself. It’s unique.’

  ‘It is.’ Hannah’s eyes fell on one of the white timber posts framing the entry up to the front steps, the etchings of her name still visible under the new coat of paint. She couldn’t remember how old she’d been, but it was about waist height, and she had been learning to write and spell. ‘What are you doing?’ her mother had asked. ‘I can spell my name proppaly now, Mummy,’ she’d replied. Her mum had shaken her head and smiled, bending down and then adding a heart shape around her name. ‘Shh,’ she’d said. ‘Don’t tell your father.’ Hannah had giggled and covered her mouth.

  Lost in her memory, she didn’t take notice of the approaching car until it parked next to Lily’s.

  ‘Ah, here he is,’ said Lily, stepping off the front verandah steps.

  The man stepped out of the old Toyota Corolla, and turned to walk towards the house. Hannah’s heart doubled over. The man stopped, his eyes widening. She gripped the doorframe where her name had been carved, and tried to dampen down her automatic bodily responses by taking a quick, deep, breath. ‘Luca?’

  ‘Hannah?’

  He walked closer, and with each step she took in more detail of his face, older but even more handsome, his eyes still embodying an intense depth that looked right into her.

  ‘Oh, you two know each other?’ Lily said. But their eyes remained on each other.

  ‘You’re still living here?’ he asked.

  Hannah held her arms out wide. ‘Home sweet home,’ she said. ‘Well, not for much longer.’

  He stopped at the base of the steps while Hannah stood at the top. His presence, all these years later, was like opening an old box of memories, the smell of history taking her breath away.

  ‘Your parents?’ he said. ‘Are they...’

  ‘Alive and kicking, but in a low-maintenance place.’

  ‘Glad to hear it,’ he replied.

  Sh
e didn’t want to ask about his, already knowing about his father, but hoped all was well with his mother and brother. She stepped aside and held out her arm to usher him up the steps. He stepped up, his height and proximity overpowering her senses. ‘It’s good to see you again.’ He held out his hand.

  She took it, he shook it, and she thought for a moment he was going to lean in and give her a kiss on the cheek, but he hesitated. How were you supposed to greet someone you hadn’t seen for twenty years, when you’d only known them a short two, but enough to establish some kind of bond? She released his hand and stepped back a little, hoping to avoid any awkwardness in front of Lily. Perhaps if it had only been them alone he may have kissed her, or hugged her, or gently patted her on the arm or back, like old friends.

  ‘Looks like you two will need some catching-up time later,’ said Lily. ‘Have you been here before, Luca?’

  He nodded. ‘Long time ago, as a teenager.’ He chuckled, then turned back to face Hannah. ‘Remember when Ben tripped on the step back there,’ he pointed to where he’d just walked, ‘and Karen tried to help him up but then she fell?’

  Hannah let out a laugh, probably with a bit too much volume. ‘Oh yes, that was a classic. As clumsy as each other, those two.’

  ‘You still in touch with Karen, she still in town as well?’

  ‘Nope. Sydney. But yes, I mean, I’m still in touch.’ She closed her mouth before she continued explaining how she would also be moving in with her soon and hopefully working at the same company. There were years to catch up on, if they even really wanted to, but now was not the time. ‘Anyway, I’ll let Lily do her thing and show you around, and I’ll be on the back verandah if you need me... need anything,’ she added quickly. ‘Like, questions and stuff.’ Oh God, she was starting to talk like a teenager all over again.

  He smiled and nodded, and a thick strand of black hair fell over his left eye. He ran a hand through his hair and stepped through the door with Lily, into the house that had been her home, her life, for all of her life. And now could become his.

  ***

  Luca breathed in the homely atmosphere as he entered the house that seemed smaller than he remembered, even though it appeared to have had renovations and a wall removed between the kitchen and living area. When the real-estate agent had told him of the opportunity to preview a four-acre property on the edge of town, he’d jumped at the chance. And when he’d found out the address, he’d remembered it was the Delaney’s, where he’d visited a few times to work on school projects with Hannah, Ben, and Karen.

  He hadn’t even thought to ask Lily if Hannah was still there, though he thought there might have been a chance that her parents would be here today, and had planned to ask them about her and see where life had taken her. But clearly, it hadn’t taken her away from her home. He wondered what had prompted her to sell up, considering her parents were still alive.

  ‘As you can see, the home has still retained its country charm but has been modernised in certain ways for functionality and to create more light and open space.’ Lily gestured to the kitchen and living areas.

  Luca nodded, but his mind was still processing Hannah’s presence. She was right outside. He wanted to ask her a million questions. But for now, he had to focus on what he was here for: finding a new home, a new start to build the life he had promised his mother. At that thought, resolve strengthened his posture and his mind switched back to the task at hand.

  ‘It’s been well looked after, I can tell.’ He walked to the kitchen, always the first place of interest for him. ‘Solid benchtop.’ He knocked his knuckles on the island bench. ‘I think this was here before.’

  ‘Yes, Hannah mentioned the kitchen has been completely renovated a few years ago, but the island bench has been kept as is, which adds a rustic charm.’

  Luca opened the oven door, the pantry, then stood near the stove to get a feeling for it. He’d be spending most of his time at the restaurant, but his home kitchen was just as important when it came to decision making.

  ‘Like cooking?’ Lily asked.

  He laughed. ‘I’d better. It’s how I pay the bills.’

  ‘Oh, you’re a chef?’

  He nodded. Though it was more than a way to pay the bills. It was his love, it was his passion, and it was his father’s legacy, living on in him. And it was thanks to his mother and her finances that he was even here right now, being able to consider buying a place like this and starting a new business. Even though he’d give it all up in a heartbeat to have her back. To have them both back. But he would make them proud, do what he’d said he’d do, and make this work. Somehow.

  ‘Got work in town?’

  ‘Yep. Well, I will have. Once I open the place. Not far from Lookout Point.’

  Lily’s eyes widened. ‘You’re setting up there? Oh, wow.’

  The premises had been leased to him by a different agency who specialised mostly in commercial premises. ‘That’s the plan!’ He smiled, but his heart also beat a bit faster at the thought of the huge task that lay ahead of him.

  ‘Well, you’ll definitely need to find a place to move into asap then, I take it.’

  ‘For sure. I’m at the caravan park at the moment, but found a temporary share house I’m moving into this afternoon until I can get my own place.’ He didn’t know why he was telling her all of this, but the people of Tarrin’s Bay tended to be a bit more open and friendly than many in the city, generally speaking. In places like this it was hard to keep secrets for long.

  He wandered through the living room, forcing himself not to look at the family photos on the mantelpiece and surrounding walls. He leaned closer to the fireplace, and a faint warm scent drew into his nose... still works, he thought. There was nothing like sitting by a warm fire, which is why he wanted to put one in at the restaurant, but it would probably have to be a gas one that looked like a real one. He would also put a fire pit on the open-air deck where people could sit and relax in the cooler months. It was these little thoughts and ideas that kept his spirits up, motivated him to keep going, to avoid running away and starting over elsewhere in a busy place where he didn’t have to be the boss and could just do his job and then go home. Wherever home was, or would be. But he would stick to his plans this time. He had to.

  The hallway led Luca to three bedrooms, a bathroom (also renovated), a laundry, and a master bedroom with ensuite and French doors that opened out onto a small patio overlooking a willow tree in the distance, not far from a small creek that was part of the neighbouring property.

  Mum and Dad would have loved this.

  It was a beautiful home. Hannah was probably just moving somewhere with less maintenance, like her parents had. Maybe right in town with walking distance to everything. He’d have to ask her. He wouldn’t mind catching up and even getting to know her now as an adult, now that he was staying in town.

  He asked Lily a few questions about the sale of the property, then stepped out onto the back verandah. Hannah was sitting in a wicker armchair, looking at her phone, an old dog at her feet.

  ‘Hey there, beautiful,’ Luca said.

  Hannah’s head shot up, her eyes wide, until he bent down and patted the dog. ‘I don’t remember you as a puppy. It really has been a long time, eh?’ He glanced up at Hannah whose cheeks held a slight hint of rose.

  ‘She’s fifteen.’ Hannah patted the animal too. ‘Tough as nails, she is.’

  ‘Runs in the family, I think.’

  Hannah shrugged.

  ‘You’ve been doing all this on your own since your parents left?’

  ‘Yep.’

  ‘How many eggs do you get a day?’

  ‘About one-hundred and fifty to two-fifty, more in summer.’

  Luca gave an impressed whistle. ‘Wow.’ His mind tried to calculate how many he would need per week in his restaurant. Number of meals requiring eggs, yolks, or whites, and house-made mayonnaise, times the number of eggs per menu item, times the number of patrons likely to choose those
menu items per day, times number of opening days... It was hard to know, until he had sorted out a menu. He was used to simply preparing the meals on a menu, not designing a menu, though he had always made up his own recipes for personal use. But having his own eggs would save money and he could be sure they were free ranged and healthy and fed the right diet. Though he would probably need some help, in the early stages of his business at least, to collect them and care for the animals.

  ‘I supply them to some local places. I have a courier who comes to pick them up and deliver them for me, and the rest I sell myself at the weekly produce markets.’

  ‘So you don’t end up with any overflow?’

  ‘Hardly ever.’ Hannah stood. ‘Feel free to walk around and look at anything. And if you decide you’re interested, I can show you my operations manual, which details everything you need to know about running the place.’

  He smiled, and was reminded of how good she’d been organising their school projects and breaking them down into easy-to-manage tasks. ‘So I don’t need any prior training or qualifications?’

  ‘Nah, just a few basics which I’m happy to teach to the lucky person who buys the property, and the rest you’ll learn as you go along and get used to it.’ She slid her hands in her pockets and smiled.

  Though he was here to inspect the property, he couldn’t help also inspecting her. Various shades of sun-kissed blonde in her hair, pulled back into a short ponytail, golden skin and a few enchanting lines around her blue eyes as she smiled. What a beautiful, natural woman she’d grown into, from the skinny teenage tomboy she used to call herself. He’d never thought of her like that; she was always a real girl who never put on a fake face or tried to be someone else. What you saw was what you got.

  ‘Lucky I’m a fast learner,’ he said, unable to hold back his usual self-confident charm when speaking to the opposite sex. Even though he wasn’t trying to impress her. Didn’t need to. Just years of habit.

  ‘I know. I remember,’ she replied. Then turned her attention to the shed. ‘All the equipment, the ride-on, for example, will be staying. So the house will come equipped with everything you, or anyone else, may need.’