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“You know I don’t breach the confidentiality of my clients,” said Abby loud enough for the curious ears around them to take the hint. Thanks to the influx of Hollywood stars to the area, she’d picked up some high-profile clients in recent times. Abby leaned in and whispered to Rachel and Emma. “Not at all, she is so lovely, and her hubby is bloody gorgeous.”
The women laughed.
“Maybe he’ll have some single brothers that will visit regularly,” said Emma.
“Don’t let Brett hear you talking like that.” Rachel gave her a conspiratorial wink.
“Purely for eye candy.” Emma laughed again and returned to her place behind the coffee machine.
“How big is the job?” asked Rachel.
Abby filled her mother in on the size and style of the house and what the client hoped to achieve. It would be an excellent promotional opportunity for Abby, if she managed to pull off the brief.
“I’m sure you will, darling. There’s a reason she hired you.”
“Thanks Mum. I am excited about this job. It’s a huge opportunity to make a name on the international market.”
“Is that what you want? To work internationally?” Rachel asked, draining the last of her coffee. As much as she tried to hide it, Abby caught the sadness that flashed across her face.
“I won’t need to work overseas the way the film industry is growing in Australia. More and more big movies are being made here and that means more actors are relocating—even if only for the interim—to Australia.”
“Well, you certainly have the talent and the drive to succeed, and I’m sure Scott is relieved to know you won’t be spending great chunks of time overseas.” The look on her face suggested it might be her mum who was secretly relieved.
Abby shrugged. “I’m not sure it’s an issue.”
Rachel’s eyes flared with concern. “Why’s that? You two aren’t having problems, are you?”
“No.” Abby waved her mother’s concerns away. “Scott is always away on various cases for work and is hardly in any position to insist I stay at home.”
“That’s not exactly what I meant, darling.” Rachel tilted her head and gave her daughter an assessing look. “Scott could easily request a transfer from his squad and be based permanently at Ballina Police Station if you both decided you wanted to have more time together, or God forbid, start a family.”
“What about the wedding? I thought that was what everyone was waiting for,” said Abby with a sarcastic undertone.
“You don’t need to marry to have children, darling.”
Children were not something she’d given much thought to; and it wasn’t a subject she was in any hurry to examine. “Oh Mum, can’t we just be happy as we are?” She took the spoon and scooped some of the milk froth from the top of her coffee.
“I don’t know, darling. Can you?”
Abby raised her eyebrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Rachel shrugged. “Only that I know how important family is to Scott. You keep saying you’re both focusing on your careers, but it seems both of your careers are doing very well. If having a family of your own is something you want, perhaps the time is ripe to make a start? Eggs don’t stay fertile forever.”
“Oh God, I think Jenny and her wedding photos have addled your senses!” Abby hoped she sounded nonchalant even though she was seriously pissed on the inside. Why was everyone so interested in seeing her shacked up with Scott and some kids in a house with a white picket fence? Even Scott had been hinting at moving their relationship forward. “Anyway, I’ve got to get back to the office. I’ve got a tonne of work to do.”
Rachel sat back in her seat, giving Abby her bestyou think you know, but you don’t knowlook. “Alright darling. Is Scott joining us for dinner on Friday night?”
Abby fished around for her purse in her handbag. “Not sure, actually. He’s been in Sydney all week on a case. I’ve got to run.” She stood and kissed her mother on the cheek. “I’ll pay for the coffees on the way out. Love you.”
“Thank you, darling, love you too. See you Friday.”
She paid and hurried from the café, keen to bury herself in work and put the conversation with her mum out of her mind. Abby had her head down as she returned her purse to her handbag and walked straight into another person. He placed his hands on her arms to steady her.
“I’m so sorry.”
“My fault.” The man had a thick accent Abby couldn’t quite place. The stubble on his face looked permanent, and matched his thick eyebrows and dark hair. He stared at her face as if trying to memorise her features, holding onto her a little longer than was comfortable. “Please, excuse me.” He let go, then stepped to the side to allow her to pass.
Abby gave him a brief smile and walked on, turning to glance back as she reached the footpath. A shudder spasmed across her shoulders when she saw the man was still watching her.
