Grace was glad that the next few days would be crammed full of work. There was a general feeling of things cranking up and moving faster, and an air of excited expectation seemed to pervade everyone and everything. Even though, as Tina and Grace had noticed, Balinese people never seemed to actually hurry, there was nonetheless a sense of efficiency and moving smoothly, of the hotel staff knowing exactly what to do. Scheduling, lists, plans, bookings and the constant checking and re-checking of every detail, from bedsheets and fresh flowers to kitchen stocks and rubbish disposal, filled their days as the opening date for the hotel approached. Johnny continually threatened that if it wasn’t ready, it wouldn’t happen.
Grace had to admire Rosie, who had turned into the equivalent of a military commander, leading troops of media about, rounding up talent and story ideas, supervising photographers and TV crews to make sure they got what they needed. They were all obviously blown away with the experience of the Kamasan, from what Grace could tell.
Andy ruled his domain with cheerful humour and his seemingly casual style, while actually keeping a forensic eye on every move his staff were making and every drink and dish that was tested for the final menu.
Advance staff working for the high-profile guests and the show talent were already checking things out for their bosses as the countdown continued. Steve and Henry were briefing the extra crew Grace had hired, as she kept refining their schedules to fit in with fluctuating scenarios.
Suddenly, three weeks on from the meeting when Johnny had told them about Bruno Mars, Grace had some breathing space. There was always something to do, but with a week to go all her preparations for the opening were on track, and without Lawrence around to distract her, she had been able to really knuckle down and add the finishing touches to the campaign.
‘I’m heading home for a bit, to hang out with Daisy. It’s been so hectic I haven’t spent much time with her lately,’ Grace told Steve as they walked through the hotel grounds after lunch.
He glanced at his phone. ‘Sure. Relax while you can.’
‘Maybe meet later for a quiet drink?’
‘Love to,’ he said, not looking up. ‘No news from Lawrence?’ he added.
She shrugged. ‘Nope. I haven’t heard from him for a few days. Judging by what he’s said on the phone to Daisy, he’s left Singapore and now he’s swanning around Kuala Lumpur with his new girlfriend and her jetset family. Still can’t get over the news that he had another family that he’s just ignored. I can’t stop thinking of the boy Jamie, his son.’
‘I’d say he’s been better off without having Lawrence in his life,’ said Steve.
Besides her mother and Mel, Grace had only shared this bombshell about Lawrence with Steve. They’d developed a kind of divided friendship, keeping business and personal matters in separate boxes as much as possible. Steve was always calm, never probed too deeply, but he was supportive and sympathetic when needed. So far neither had made any romantic overtures apart from Steve’s gentle kiss the night he’d given her K’tut’s painting, and Grace was happy to take things slowly. She didn’t want to damage their friendship or their compatible working relationship.
As she waved goodbye and headed across the hotel lawns, Steve immediately started making a call on his phone. Grace wondered what the urgency was, but then again, everyone seemed busy all the time at the moment.
After walking the short distance to her villa, Grace went inside, dropped her bag on the table and called out, ‘Daisy.’
‘Out here, out here, c’mon, Mum!’ She sounded excited.
Daisy and Tina were sitting by the pool, talking to a third person – Grace gasped, speechless for a moment, as Melanie stood up, arms lifted jubilantly above her.
‘Surprise!’
‘Mel!’
The two women raced to each other, hugging, jumping up and down, laughing and exclaiming as Daisy clapped and danced around them, and Tina smiled smugly.
‘How . . .? Mum! You knew about this!’
‘Of course she did,’ Mel said, laughing. ‘You didn’t think I’d miss the party of the year, did you?’
‘But you said you were busy doing some lectures somewhere . . .’ Grace said in a rush.
‘I did say that, didn’t I? Well, here I am. You should thank your mum really, for pulling it all together.’
Grace looked fondly at her mother. ‘You knew this would cheer me up, didn’t you?’
‘Mums always know the right medicine.’ She smiled as Daisy hugged Grace.
‘Surprise, Mum! Are you surprised?’ the little girl said. ‘Really?’
‘You bet I am. And it’s the best surprise ever.’
On cue, Sri and Kamsi came out with a tray of champagne glasses, a decanter of fresh orange juice and canapes.
‘Perfect timing,’ said Grace. ‘Thank you.’
‘Yep. Steve alerted us,’ said Tina. ‘He just rang.’
‘He’s in on this too?’
‘Well, I had to make sure you wouldn’t have to work this afternoon if it wasn’t totally necessary,’ said Tina. ‘So I asked Steve for his help. He’s popping over for a celebratory drink with us.’
The girls and Tina lifted their glasses of mimosa as Sri poured orange juice into Daisy’s glass.
‘To good friends,’ said Tina.
‘I’ll drink to that,’ said Mel.
Grace couldn’t speak for the moment. With tears in her eyes, she looked at her dearest friend, managing only to say, ‘Thanks, Mel . . .’
‘Oh, just drink your drink,’ said Melanie gruffly.
*
Grace and Mel spent a hilarious evening at the Kamasan, having dinner with Steve and the crew, Tina and Andy, while Daisy went to dinner at a school-friend’s house. Early the next morning, refreshed from a swim, they sat by the pool with their coffees.
‘What a night, such fun people. And this is heaven.’ Mel sighed. ‘How can you ever go home?’
‘It was a great night. Though it was unusual. With the upcoming opening, it kind of felt like a last hurrah. I don’t think things will ever be that laid-back again once the place is functioning with paying customers,’ said Grace. ‘I feel so lucky to have been part of all this.’
‘Everyone raves about what a fabulous job you’re doing, and how lovely you are. They’re right, of course.’
‘Tell that to Spencer the jerk.’ Grace sniffed.
‘Oops, I nearly forgot. I ran into Allison from Carson’s last week.’
‘Really? Oh, she lives near you, doesn’t she?’
‘Yep, we go to the same bakery on Saturday mornings,’ Mel said. ‘She asked how you were going. I think she was worried about you after the way things ended.’ Mel looked at Grace and smiled. ‘Anyway, she’s quit.’
Grace laughed. ‘Well, good on her. None of the good people will hang around there.’
‘It sounds like Spencer has wrought havoc.’ Mel sipped her coffee, then said, ‘Alli asked if I’d let you know she’s looking for a job.’
‘Oh, of course. If I can get this film up, I’ll hire her in heartbeat,’ Grace said. ‘I’ll text her and let her know.’
‘So you think this film has legs?’ Mel raised a quizzical eyebrow.
‘It’s moving in the right direction. I got a message from the French-Canadian guy whose father seems to have been the last one to hold the film rights. When we first spoke he told me his dad died a few years ago and he didn’t know anything about it. He messaged me today to say he’s since checked the contract and it appears the rights reverted to K’tut’s estate on his dad’s death.’
‘You really are keen on this,’ said Mel quietly.
‘You don’t think I can do it?’
‘Grace, I know you can do it. You don’t realise how talented and capable you are. Lawrence put you down for so many years; it broke my bloody heart. I just love to see you kicking ass up here!’
‘I do no such thing. Balinese people are very proper and polite. I’ve learned a lot,’ said Grace.
‘Hey. I hear you.’ Mel threw up her arms. ‘I’m just thrilled to see my old friend find her feet again, remember who she is, and not be crushed by a narcissistic dickhead.’
‘Don’t hold back, Mel, tell me what you really think,’ Grace said, and they both burst out laughing.
‘But seriously, what are you going to do about him?’ asked Mel. ‘I worry about you. Every time you stood up, he bowled you over. You can’t let him do that again.’
Grace was thoughtful. Then said slowly, ‘I kind of ran away by taking this job. It was a huge step, and I needed the money. But I didn’t know whether I could do this – take on this big campaign and make it work. It was a risky thing to do just when I’d separated from Lawrence. He’s such a control freak. It was like I broke my leash and bolted under the fence.’
‘And look where you are. Movies! Men! Millionaires! And, my dear friend, the gate is open. Go where you want.’ She leaned over and squeezed Grace’s hand.
‘We’ll see, we’ll see. But what about you? C’mon, what’s your current deep dark secret?’
Mel spread her arms. ‘Numbers always add up. You can never change that two and two equals four.’
‘What does that mean?’ said Grace, shaking her head in confusion.
‘Buggered if I know. Just thought it sounded like the sort of thing a maths whiz would say.’ Melanie grinned.
Grace laughed. ‘You’re such a frustrating friend. You get me to spill my guts and you don’t tell me anything about your life.’
‘I’ll tell you one thing for free . . . as my dad always said to me. I wouldn’t let that Steve stray too far. He’s nuts about you, even if he doesn’t know it yet.’
Grace paused. ‘Only you, Mel. You’re the only one who shoots straight from the hip.’ Another reason she loved her, Grace thought.
‘I know what you’re saying, Mel,’ she said, more serious now. ‘Lawrence has screwed me around, and I’m nervous about starting anything new. Mum sees it too. Also, I don’t want to complicate what is a great working relationship. Steve and I have to work together. I want him to stay in my life in some capacity. I really like him. I don’t want to frighten him off.’ Grace sat up straight and looked at Mel. ‘Oh, I’ve so missed our deep and meaningfuls. Thank you.’ She bounced up and smiled. ‘Let’s go. I have the morning off.’
They took Daisy to school and waved till she was inside. Then Grace smiled at Mel and felt almost light-headed. The two of them together could do anything. It was a sensation she’d forgotten; that feeling of being carefree. With her friend beside her, Grace was starting to look at the world differently.
Then her phone rang, and when she saw who the caller was, it was as if a black cloud had suddenly descended. Mel was talking to one of the school mothers, so Grace walked quickly out of earshot.
‘Hello, Grace, sorry to disturb you,’ said Mr Judd. ‘I thought it easier to ring you.’
‘Oh, no, Mr Judd. What’s he done now?’ Grace sighed. ‘Sorry. Thank you for calling, but I’m assuming this is not good news.’
‘Well, it depends. Lawrence’s lawyer has contacted me to say his client will fully cooperate with the divorce process. He has no alternative, actually, but this is better than if he tried to throw obstacles in our way, which can happen.’
Grace stopped still. What was this? It sounded positive, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to believe that Lawrence was interested in cooperating. ‘So . . . that’s good news, I suppose,’ she said.
‘It’s a good start, yes,’ replied Mr Judd. ‘There’s more, though: we have just received a date for the mediation, which is in two weeks. I’ll send through the details. Lawrence’s lawyer was on to it very quickly, and he’s informed me of the line they’ll be taking: Lawrence wants custody of Daisy, and there are some other matters. He made it clear Lawrence is not willing to negotiate his terms. I should also let you know that he now has a slick lawyer working for him as well as the man I’ve been dealing with.’
Grace was almost speechless. Lawrence’s threats had mostly been a lot of hot air to this point, but it now looked like he was playing hard ball. She managed to ask, ‘What are the other matters?’
Mr Judd sighed. ‘As well as custody, he wants you to pay child support.’
‘What? He wants me to pay him, when he hasn’t paid me a single cent for Daisy’s upkeep ever since we separated!’ Grace felt rage throbbing through her. She took a long breath and tried hard to calm down.
‘I suspect he’s after money and you’re the easiest target,’ Mr Judd said. ‘Worst case scenario is that if he were given custody of Daisy, and you were earning money while he was not, you might be required to pay some child support.’
‘Does he have any chance of getting full custody?’ said Grace, suddenly close to tears. ‘I can’t believe he’d try this! I very much doubt he even wants custody of Daisy. I just don’t understand.’
‘As we’ve discussed, it’s unlikely he’d get sole custody. But if you can’t agree at mediation, which seems likely now, the next step is to proceed to court. Even if you were to win in court – and I think you’d have a strong case – it would be emotionally draining as well as expensive.’ He paused, then continued. ‘I know this is a lot to take in, Grace, but unfortunately there’s something else as well. I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to check your messages today, but your solicitor Mr Jamison has emailed you, and he copied me in as the matter also concerns Lawrence.’
‘Oh no – what?’ said Grace, dreading his reply.
‘Lawrence has relisted the Paddington apartment for sale.’
‘Of course he has,’ said Grace in a flat tone. What more could possibly happen? she wondered. She felt like she was hanging on by a thread, which was probably exactly what Lawrence wanted. She steeled herself. No. She would not let him get to her. ‘Okay, Mr Judd,’ she said as calmly as she could, ‘what should we do about all this?’
‘All right, let’s just take things step by step,’ said Mr Judd. ‘From what I can gather from his lawyer, Lawrence seems anxious to move on with this new woman of his, Alicia Feng. As I’ve explained before, if he can show he’s in a stable relationship with her, it may help his case. I know she’s a businesswoman and is part of an influential Chinese family from Singapore, who are keen to establish permanent Australian connections. There could be a trade-off. You must consider your bargaining chips,’ he said carefully. ‘Think through all you have learned about him: what information he would not want made public, for example. Do your research about the Feng family. That’s all the advice I can offer, and it’s all unofficial. But I’m here for you when you are ready to make a legal move, and of course, we should speak again next week to discuss the mediation.’
Grace thanked Mr Judd and ended the call, but she stood still for a few more moments, stunned, sifting through the lawyer’s conversation and reading between the lines of his advice. Things had come to a head, she realised. What he was telling her was that the ball was in her court for match point. If she didn’t hit it back, hard, as a winning shot, she might lose more than just the game.
Think through all you have learned . . . She’d learned a lot, that was for sure. Not just all the ins and outs of Lawrence’s complicated life, so much of it a mystery to her, so much he’d kept secret, but about herself, too. She had to be ready for this fight.
Would Grace-before-the-fire ever have dreamed of standing up to Lawrence, supposedly a big successful CEO, even though he only ever worked alone? A man who told lies and didn’t face reality? She knew the answer was no, but she was ready to take him on now.
‘Mel,’ she said when her friend come over to her. ‘A change of plans. We have to go back to the villa; we have work to do!’
*
Tina brought them coffee as the two women made notes, scrolling through their phones finding old emails and messages. Grace wiped her eyes, and occasionally banged on the table, cursing Lawrence. Mel searched the internet for information about Alicia, her parents and the extended Feng family. They assembled facts, collated figures and events, and began to put together a clear picture of the manipulations and misdemeanours of a marriage.
Grace sent off emails to both Mr Judd and Mr Jamison, asking for advice and filling them in on all the information she and Mel were collecting, and what she was planning to do with it.
‘Now don’t forget, you have notarised photocopies of the stuff we found in his office safe,’ Mel said. ‘You have the copy of his old passport, the jewellery Lawrence moved to the safe, other documents –’
‘Like what?’ asked Grace. ‘There really wasn’t much in the safe.’
‘But he doesn’t know what you’ve seen or not seen,’ said Melanie. ‘What about Beatrice, his sister? Can you ask for more info about this Sarah and the son Jamie? Did Sarah actually marry Lawrence? Where are they? Does he support them?’
Grace looked dubious. ‘I doubt he’s ever given them a cent, unless he paid her to disappear from his life. It must have been about fifteen years ago. And I doubt she’d want to get involved with anything to do with him. Steve was right: not having Lawrence in their lives is probably a blessing. They’re not going to want to tangle with him now.’
‘Well, at least ask Beatrice where they are,’ Mel said. ‘You can make it clear that you don’t want to bother them. Information is going to be the best ammunition we have.’
‘Okay. I guess then I’ll have more facts to put to him.’
Tina sat down and stared at the laptops, phones and notepads covering the table. ‘May I ask what you’re planning, exactly?’ she asked quietly.
‘The showdown to end all showdowns,’ said Mel. ‘Grace is going to call Lawrence’s bluff.’
Tina looked shocked. ‘How? You never know with Lawrence . . . he can bluff better than anyone and spout what sounds like ridiculous bulldust only to damn well pull something off.’
‘Or he just gets lucky. You never know with liars, cheats and conmen,’ said Mel.
Grace was reading the email from Mr Judd in which he’d forwarded the details of the mediation date, and tapped her finger thoughtfully on the table. ‘What I can’t work out is why Lawrence is suddenly okay with the idea of a divorce, but desperate to have Daisy and not willing to negotiate about anything else. What’s he up to?’
Mel’s eyes widened ‘What’s more romantic and stable than a loving single father? I bet he’s just going to use Daisy as a prop, so he can present a squeaky clean image to help woo this Alicia!’
Grace sat up straight. ‘Now there’s a thought. Alicia Feng . . . Mr Judd said she’s a businesswoman from an influential family.’
‘She sure is. Listen to this.’ Mel flipped to an internet page on her laptop. ‘To paraphrase this article, the Fengs are old money, highly regarded, and they have been running major businesses in Singapore for generations.’ She read on further to herself then said, ‘Have connections in Malaysia. Recently invested in a tech enterprise in KL and Australia is next in their sights. Seems they want to do something in the Australian education and training sector for students from Singapore. That’s a big part of the student body at my uni,’ Mel said. ‘It’s certainly still a money-spinning growth area.’
‘I’ll bet Lawrence wants some money to splash around and impress Alicia and her family, and a neat divorce so he can tie the knot with her quick smart.’
Mel grinned. ‘We need to leverage this, Grace. The Fengs would want to be squeaky clean. They couldn’t tarnish their reputation by anything Lawrence did or has done in the past, because word would spread among other wealthy families who are considering sending their kids to Australia.’ She sat back and smiled. ‘It can work to your advantage if he wants the divorce to go through smoothly and quietly just as much as you do, Gracie.’
‘But what about the flat?’ Tina sounded worried.
‘I won’t let the sale happen, Mum. I’ll text Lawrence now to arrange a meeting. I want this sorted before it gets any messier or, god forbid, gets to court.’
‘He’s in Kuala Lumpur,’ said Tina. ‘Are you going there?’
‘I will if I have to. I’m not waiting about.’
‘I’ll come with you,’ said Mel.
Grace shot a smile at her friend. ‘Thanks. But you can’t be at the meeting, so I’d rather you stayed here, if that’s okay. This is between Lawrence and me. I appreciate the offer, though,’ Grace added, more firmly than she felt.
‘Atta girl,’ said Mel.
‘Do you think Lawrence will agree to this meeting?’ asked Tina dubiously.
‘He’ll probably try stalling, but I’ll say we should have one last attempt at coming to an agreement before the mediation. He can hardly say no to that without looking unreasonable.’ Grace finished typing the text, sent it, then put her phone down. ‘Done.’
‘Good one, Grace. Now we wait. And in the meantime, let’s get back to work.’
*
Later that afternoon, Lawrence replied. Mel grimaced as she read the text over Grace’s shoulder. ‘Typical Lawrence,’ she said.
‘What is it?’ asked Tina.
‘He’s deliberately asking for the meeting on the afternoon of the grand opening of the Kamasan. He knows damn well Grace has to be here for it,’ Mel said.
‘It will be okay. This is more important,’ said Grace. ‘Of course I’d like to be there, but I can get Steve and the crew to cover my role if I have to. The preparations are all in place, anyway. I’ll check with Johnny, of course, but I’m sure he’ll be fine with it, and even if I miss some of the lead-up, I should be able to get there for the main event.’
‘Lawrence knows how important that night is, and that you’d want to be there, which is why he’s trying to ruin it for you,’ said Mel angrily.
‘This seems such a gamble.’ Tina sighed. ‘What if he just says no, he’s going ahead with his plans?’
‘Well, he might, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. He doesn’t know what we know,’ said Mel.
‘And if he is pinning his hopes on this woman and her influential family in some way, he won’t want details from his past to be aired in front of them, and he won’t want any delays in the divorce,’ said Grace. ‘Lawrence always said timing is everything. I reckon this is my time. I have to get to him fast, before he can start to spin his wild tales to his girlfriend and her family.’
They went back to their work, and Tina headed out to the pool to ‘calm down and stop thinking about what I’d like to do to that bloody man’, as she told the girls.
‘Forty-eight hours to go,’ said Mel, standing up and stretching. ‘Do you want me to book your flight?’
‘When Andy called earlier, I told him what was going on. He said to let him know where I was at, and he’d arrange my travel through the Kamasan office.’
Mel smiled at her. ‘He’s a great mate, isn’t he? I think he’s taken you on as his new daughter.’
‘Ha, you might be right.’ Grace smiled gently, then stood up. ‘I’d better start making plans with Steve, in case I won’t be here when they film the opening.’
*
The time had gone quickly, but the more preparation she did, the more convinced Grace became that she was doing the right thing.
Steve and Mel stood by the car talking to Grace as Putu waited.
Tina had taken Daisy out, because she didn’t want to get upset in front her as Grace left for the airport. Grace had told Daisy that she was going on a quick trip for work.
‘But it’s the big party, Mum,’ Daisy had cried. ‘Are you buying a new dress?’
‘Well, that’s a good idea.’ Grace had tried to smile.
Putu glanced at his watch. ‘Must go, Ibu Grace.’
‘Okay, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.’
Mel gave her a quick hug. ‘Now, let’s run through this again – make sure you have your ammunition ready in your head; you can’t look at notes and you can’t forget anything. And you’ve got your lawyers’ support, remember that, and mine and Steve’s, and your mum’s,’ she said firmly. ‘Don’t cry, don’t get upset. Be cool and calm. You know you’re right. It’s your bloody turn, Grace.’ Mel was close to tears. ‘You deserve it. Sometimes the good guys have to damn well win.’
Steve touched Mel’s arm, reassuring her, as Mel let go of Grace. He gave Grace a warm hug, then, holding her shoulders, he looked into her eyes. ‘We’ll manage everything here. You’ve set it all up beautifully, and the crew know what they’re doing. Just get back when you can. Don’t let him bully you anymore. Those days are gone, Grace.’ He smiled, locking her eyes with his. ‘I’ll be here waiting when you get back. Okay?’
‘That makes me feel better. Thanks, Steve.’
He kissed her softly on the lips. ‘We have a lot to look forward to, Grace. Go do what you have to.’
‘Yeah, go get him!’ cried Mel as Putu opened the car door.
As they drove away, Grace saw Steve put his arm around Mel to comfort her. She could never remember seeing Melanie cry before.
*
The airport hummed with cars and people as they drew up.
‘I’ll just jump out, Putu, don’t bother parking.’
He nodded. ‘Semoga berhasil. Salamat jalan, Ibu Grace.’
Grace smiled over her shoulder as she pushed the door open. She’d need more than luck. ‘Salamat tinggal, Putu.’
She hardly registered the journey to Kuala Lumpur as she read through her notes of all she and Mel had learned and deduced, pared down to the facts, and she remembered Mel’s advice to avoid any emotion. Easier said than done, she thought wistfully. Her whole body thrummed with nervous tension.
At Lawrence’s suggestion they’d agreed to meet at the Whisky Lounge bar at Marini’s on the fifty-seventh floor of the Petronas Towers. It sounded masculine and intimidating, but his rationale had been that she could catch the fast train from the airport directly to the Petronas Towers. This was the place for a power suit, which she didn’t have in Bali. So she’d chosen a simple white linen fitted dress and the Walter Spies scarf Johnny had given her slung across her shoulders.
She arrived early and found a couple of lounge chairs and a low table as far away from the bar as possible. She hated being a woman alone in a place like this. At least the lunch crush had dissipated. There was an older man reading a magazine nearby but the tables around her were empty. She turned her back to the room, ordered a coffee and looked at her phone, re-reading her notes.
‘Good afternoon, Grace.’ Lawrence suddenly loomed above her. He pulled out the chair opposite as a waiter hurried over.
‘Good afternoon, Mr Hagen. What can I get you?’ The waiter glanced at Grace with a polite but cool expression. ‘Madam?’
‘Another coffee. Thank you,’ she said.
‘An espresso and sparkling mineral water.’ Lawrence sat down, putting his briefcase beside him and unbuttoning his jacket.
Grace recognised that smile; she’d seen him use it on people he had no time for, but whom he needed or was humouring. For a moment she stared at him, seeing him as perhaps others saw him, and realised with a shock that he was a stranger. Had she ever really known him? Had she been just another in a line of people he’d used, to meet a need or complete a picture? He’d wanted to present himself as a successful businessman and family man, and that was where she and Daisy had fitted in.
Was this the man she had given up her career goals for, the man she’d wanted to start a family with? The man she’d thought she’d loved, with whom she’d had sex, a child, and with whom she’d been prepared to spend the rest of her life?
He smiled easily. ‘You’re looking very well, Grace. Classy, successful, always an attractive woman. Asia agrees with you.’
She ignored this. She wasn’t going to give his artificial flattery any more oxygen. Instead, she launched straight in. ‘Lawrence, it sounds to me like we are now on the same page about a divorce. I’d like nothing more than for it to go through smoothly and as soon as possible. And I think we would both like to settle our other issues out of court. Do you agree?’
‘Perhaps,’ said Lawrence coolly.
‘Well then, there are only two things I want. First, I want to dissolve the family trust to ensure that ownership of my Paddington flat will go to Daisy when she comes of age. And second, I want custody of Daisy. She will live with me and I will remain her primary parent. I have documents prepared to finalise both these matters.’
Lawrence threw his head back and laughed. ‘No way in hell, Grace. Didn’t my lawyer tell yours that I won’t negotiate on either of those points? It’s laughable that you’d even try.’
‘If you’ll hear me out, Lawrence,’ said Grace mildly, ‘I think you might have a change of heart.’
‘Don’t be a fool, Grace,’ said Lawrence coldly.
Grace pretended to change the subject. ‘Tell me, just what are your plans with this poor woman you’ve romanced?’
Lawrence blinked. ‘Poor is not a word I would use to describe Alicia or her family. She is an exceedingly smart businesswoman.’
‘Then what’s she doing with you, Lawrence?’
His smiling mask dropped instantly and she saw the Lawrence she recognised.
‘You don’t have to be vulgar, Grace.’
Grace leaned forward. ‘Just what do you want, Lawrence? You know I would never willingly give up custody of Daisy. So why are you pushing so hard on this point? To come out looking like a good guy? You know damn well I have no money from our life together, even though I was the one earning a regular salary when I squeezed a job in between being a mother and a housewife, and making you look good.’
‘Rah-rah for you, Grace. That’s what wives do. Support their husbands. And you seem to be raking it in now, with your cushy job.’
‘I have no interest in supporting someone whose modus operandi is lying, cheating in business, and hiding his family history. I don’t think anyone would be keen on that.’
His eyes narrowed. ‘What’s that mean?’
‘Well, I just think there are a lot of things Alicia might like to know about you, things I suspect you might not have told her.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ Lawrence said, though Grace could see the tension in his jaw.
Grace pressed on, again catching Lawrence off guard. ‘Why did you choose the name Lawrence Hagen? What was wrong with Justin Kenneth Odford?’
Lawrence couldn’t hide the flash of shock that registered on his face, but he controlled it in an instant. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ His answer was too quick.
Looking at him, she felt a small glimmer of elation. At last she had an advantage over him, had managed to score a point in spite of his arrogant, conniving ways.
She lowered her voice. ‘I know it all, Lawrence. You don’t have a posh, rich family in Sussex, you have a working-class family in the fishing industry in Grimsby, who no doubt sacrificed lots to send you to a half-decent school . . . but certainly not Oxford or Cambridge. Your sister Bea seems perfectly lovely to me. Yet you have abandoned them.’
‘Just stop right there, Grace.’ He sat up straight and hissed at her. ‘This has nothing to do with you and me. What happened with my family is my business –’
‘No, it’s not. Daisy is part of that family too, don’t forget. Were you ever going to let her meet them? And, which family are we talking about? What about Sarah and Jamie in California?’
Lawrence’s eyes flickered and his hand, resting on the table, tightened convulsively on his napkin. Grace pressed on.
‘Bea has told me all about them. Does your new girlfriend and her family know any of this? I assume not.’
Lawrence drew a short breath. ‘They have nothing to do with any issues between us, Grace.’
She almost laughed. ‘How can you say that?’ She shrugged. ‘But whatever.’
He looked taken aback that she’d seemed to drop the subject.
‘There are other things, though, you know,’ she said conversationally. ‘For example, selling my Paddington apartment. Which you know is meant for Daisy. It’s not the best look, you’ll agree – selling your daughter’s apartment out from under her.’
‘I have responsibility for it, as you well know, because I have the legal rights to manage our assets.’ His face was turning red but Grace could tell he was trying to stay calm. ‘All our valuables are covered in the family trust. You are the co-signatory and I manage it.’ He spoke as if to a child.
‘Yes. Because you gave me the documents to sign when I was pregnant and told me you were setting things up for our child’s future. How did I know what I was signing?’ Grace raised an eyebrow. ‘I remember you smiled at me and said there was no need to read it – and I trusted you, as a person should be able to trust her spouse.’
He shrugged. ‘You should have asked a few questions.’
‘I should have, but I shouldn’t have needed to. You conned me; you conned your own wife. As no doubt you conned the insurance company over the house fire. But then you had help. What’s his name? Oh yes, Tony Freeman.’
There it was again: that twitch of the eye and hand that showed she was finding chinks in his armour. Grace continued in a low, insistent voice. ‘Did you know the insurance company’s legal team is looking into allegations against a certain insurance investigator, Tony Freeman, who has been accused of taking bribes to falsify insurance claims? For instance, that certain fires were “accidentally” caused by some technical fault, when in reality they were deliberately lit by a professional hired to do the job?’ Grace sat back and sipped her coffee, watching Lawrence carefully. ‘Perhaps this man, Freeman, had plans to split the proceeds with the crooked owners who were in on the arrangement with him.’
Putting her cup down, she watched the effect of her words sink in.
Lawrence spluttered, ‘Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting? Grace, this is preposterous rubbish. Pure speculation. You have no proof of any of this. You’re just angry that you lost valuable things in the fire. But you were never entitled to anything from that place. I paid for all of it.’
‘So you keep reminding me. I tried, but I never liked that house. It’s typical that you bulldozed over what anyone else thinks, Lawrence. You never considered what I thought or liked or wanted.’
She could see his mind was whirring.
‘You were responsible for that house too,’ he shot back. ‘It was in the family trust. You also have to be responsible for its loss.’
‘But it won’t be my name that comes up when the insurance investigator goes to jail for fraud and reveals the identities of everyone who came in for a cut on his tacky deals,’ said Grace. ‘The lawyers from the insurance company have asked to speak to me about the fire.’ This wasn’t strictly true, but Grace knew it would spook Lawrence even further.
And it was working: a vein had popped out on his forehead as he ground his jaw. ‘You don’t know anything about it, no one does. You can’t prove a single thing.’
This was what Grace had been waiting for. ‘Maybe not,’ she said quietly, ‘but there are a few things I’m sure the lawyers – and the police – would be interested to hear. Let’s start with the cars. For some reason, you took your fancy car to drive a few blocks to the Robinsons’ house on the night of the fire, not my old station wagon as we usually did. You always kept your precious car locked in the garage. Second, just before we left that evening I stuck my head in the door of your study to hurry you up. You were putting documents in your precious briefcase – the one I gave you – that you always kept locked on the floor next to your desk.’ She saw him shift slightly in his seat. ‘Yet, oddly, you drove your car, with your briefcase in it, to a casual dinner. So when the fire broke out, both of those things were miraculously safe. That’s the briefcase. Still can’t part with it, eh?’ Grace pointed to the monogrammed briefcase she’d given him and knew so well, which was resting on the seat beside him. She went on. ‘And how strange that you had suddenly “decorated” your office with your most precious possessions, those pieces of antique silverware? And, according to Jenny, your PA, you did it only a couple of weeks before the fire.’
Grace took a breath. She could see fury, and something else – could it be fear? – bubbling below the surface of Lawrence’s still stony expression. She continued, ‘You must be pleased that certain other items escaped the house fire, too. What luck that you moved all my jewellery, without telling me, to your office safe. You can return that to me at your leisure, Lawrence. I did wonder why you would bother keeping an out-of-date passport, though.’
‘This is all purely circumstantial. Wouldn’t hold up in court for a second,’ Lawrence snapped. ‘It proves nothing.’
Grace went in for the kill. ‘Maybe not. But then again, if I were to pass on the details and raise the alarm, so to speak, maybe it would be enough to start an investigation. Do you really want your name – and through you, the good name of the Fengs, too – associated with a scandal like that?’
She saw his inner turmoil as he struggled against shouting or hitting her. He looked like he was trying to find a quick answer. She noticed that the bartender was watching them. Lawrence must have seen him too as, with what seemed a monumental effort, he chose to try charm instead.
‘Grace, I came here to reach an arrangement with you, as we are both after the same thing. It’s very simple. I want custody of my daughter and you have to pay for her support. You can give me that and cooperate, or I could force you into bankrupting your mother to pay your legal fees and compromise your job. I always plan every detail, you know that. That’s my insurance policy.’ He gave a thin smile and seemed to relax as he changed tack. ‘You know, two can play the game you’re playing. Stuff can get out there on the internet – lots of stuff – very, very cleverly photoshopped.’
‘Like what, Lawrence? I’ve never done anything to be ashamed of.’
‘These guys are good. You’d have to work really hard to convince the world it’s not really you.’
She hesitated but straightened up. ‘You’d try that hard?’
It was a stand-off for a second or two. Then out of the blue something came back to Grace. Whenever they’d watched a quiz show on TV, Lawrence had always tried to answer the questions, to show off what he knew whenever he could. If they were going to meet anyone with a high-profile job, Lawrence would swot like crazy about them and their field so he could challenge and debate them to show them how smart he was. Even at a friendly dinner party he always had to come out on top. It was a weakness of his, and she aimed straight for it now.
‘I don’t have to convince anyone of anything, I’ve earned my stripes,’ she said smoothly, adding, ‘I don’t have to get honours degrees forged and a whole fake academic career mocked up so I can hang fraudulent certificates on the wall.’ Grace had no idea if he’d done this, but she now recalled glimpsing framed certificates of some kind on her last visit to his office that she’d never seen before.
This time Lawrence didn’t bother to hide the grimace that crossed his face. ‘Rubbish. What bullshit. I can destroy you and your fragile reputation.’
‘Well, go ahead and test me then.’ She folded her arms. ‘Nobody who knows me well would ever believe anything you say or do, especially if I let them know that’s what you’re planning. And you don’t have to resort to gutter language.’
Grace knew his mind must be spinning as he looked for another bluff or threat, so she ploughed on before he could settle on one.
‘So, Lawrence, I’m asking you to reconsider. I want a new start. My lawyers have prepared documents: one dissolving the family trust, and another in which we jointly agree that I will be Daisy’s primary parent.’ She took the papers from her bag and put them on the table in front of him. ‘As you know, if we submit reasonable, signed parenting consent orders, there is no need for us to go to court. But if you’d rather go to court, really, it’s fine by me – because when they hear that you abandoned a son for fifteen years or more, it’ll be pretty clear you don’t really care about your kids. They’re just weapons to you, pawns in your great scheme of making yourself number one.’ She leaned back, suddenly feeling drained.
Lawrence was not one to cave in. ‘Don’t fight me, Grace. I always win,’ he said smoothly. ‘I am sure we can come to a compromise.’
Grace’s flagging mood lifted. Although she wasn’t across the line yet, this was a concession. He hadn’t walked off arrogantly as he normally did. He was trying to negotiate. She felt a flush of triumph that, finally, she’d hit a nerve. She took aim at another one.
‘By the way, Lawrence, speaking of your former family, Beatrice said to tell you that your father is very frail. She knows you’ve had your differences, but she was wondering if you were man enough to reach out before he dies.’ Seeing this stab home, Grace looked away. ‘Just passing on a message.’
‘Enough of this. What do you want, Grace?’ he asked calmly, if coldly.
Grace looked Lawrence straight in the eyes. ‘I want to be left alone. I’m not asking for money. And I won’t unfairly prevent Daisy from seeing you, but you cannot have full custody of her. You drop your threat of taking her from me, and I will not pursue you. We will come to an arrangement where you will help me financially with her support, and I will not be unreasonable.’ Grace paused and breathed in. ‘I will not tell anyone about your name change or the son you left behind. As you say, that is your business, not mine . . . although it might not look good to your friend Alicia Feng and her family. I probably won’t say anything to the insurance people either.’ She stopped and looked at him.
‘That’s it?’
‘Unlike you, I don’t like playing games, Lawrence. Take it or leave it. I have to go back to work.’ She paused for a beat. ‘With the Pangisars. One of the most influential families in Indonesia. As you well know. Shame about your aborted deal with the cybersecurity cameras. The Pangisars are very good to me.’ She took another stab in the dark. ‘They are a well-connected family, as you may know. And of course, they are socially and financially connected to Alicia’s family here in Malaysia.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Whatever you’re trying to pull off with them, through Alicia, could be jeopardised very quickly by my boss, should I mention it.’
Lawrence shot her a furious look which Grace could instantly read as, Since when do you call the shots, bitch?
She stared directly at him, so he could read the silent challenge written on her face. Since right now. Final offer, Lawrence. Or whoever you are. She pulled a pen out of her bag and put it on the table in front of him. ‘I am willing to go to court if I have to. As you can see, I have a lot of information to share – more than you know. Or we can settle this right now. It’s up to you. Sign these, and then keep your word for once, Lawrence.’
There was an agonising silence. Lawrence stared at her with cold hard eyes as if she were a stranger and there had never been a kind or loving moment between them. Then he snatched the two documents and skimmed them.
Even though this was what she had hoped for, Grace found she was astonished it was actually happening. Suddenly it hit her. There might have been others out there – women and perhaps children who had been in his life. He didn’t know who she might have found, what she might know, and he couldn’t take a chance.
Lawrence finished reading and looked up. ‘Don’t look smug, Grace,’ he said in a grating voice. ‘But, all right. I agree.’
He scrawled his signature on the bottom of each page and shoved the papers back across the table. Grace signed her name next to Lawrence’s on each document while he drummed his fingers angrily on the table-top. Then she signalled the sniffy waiter for her bill, dropping the cash on his tray.
After the waiter had gone, Grace put the signed documents carefully into her handbag and put it on her lap. ‘I’m glad we could come to an agreement. I’ll let the lawyers deal with it from here. You know something, Lawrence? I had a lot of help with this, from other women. What’s the saying? “A woman scorned . . .”? I hadn’t realised I wasn’t alone. At the end of the day, women will come together and support each other. We know that what you did to one of us could happen to all of us. When it comes to our survival and our kids, women will stick together. There are too many men like you out there, Lawrence. I wish I’d known that before I met you and got sucked in by your spin.’
Lawrence said nothing as he roughly handed her the pen, as if making a point. But there was no point to make, because Grace knew she had won.
‘Thank you. Goodbye, Lawrence.’
He didn’t answer, and she walked away, past the man at the nearby table, who was closing his magazine and counting out money to pay for his drink.
She concentrated on putting one step in front of the other, expecting Lawrence to call her back, to have changed his mind, to have the last word. But then suddenly she straightened her spine, stuck out her chin and strode forward with confidence. Then she was out the door and in the lift, swooping downwards, and suddenly she felt shaky, light-headed and dizzy, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She thought she was going to be sick. She doubled over for a minute and rested her hands on her knees, then straightened up.
Going outside to take a breath of air, she looked at the two Petronas Towers above her, which caught and reflected the sunlight. They were strong, impressive and almost otherworldly. She would bring Daisy here one day and they could explore this city together, she thought. Now, she realised, she could make plans for their life – for her and Daisy – without Lawrence’s threats always overshadowing her.
Sitting down in the train carriage, Grace realised she was still trembling, but the nausea had passed, replaced by a deep sense of relief and a sudden wild streak of joy. She had fought for Daisy, and for herself, and she had succeeded.
As the blur of scenery flashed past her window, Grace tried to rewind all that had transpired. Lawrence had signed the documents – she could barely believe it. She had been hopeful but realistic; she had thought he would fight her as he always had before.
When she called Tina and then Mel from the train, she could barely recall what she’d said to Lawrence, even though it was less than an hour ago. She had never stood up to him in all the time she’d known him, had never felt she’d had the upper hand, ever. She’d always disintegrated in tears and frustration. But this time Mel had pushed her, her mother and friends had supported her, the lawyers had worked quickly, and she’d been prepared. In standing up to Lawrence, she now realised, she had rattled him.
But most of all, she now knew there’d been another voice in her corner – and that was the voice of a woman alone, who’d been brave and strong, and gutsy, despite everything that had happened to her. Although Grace’s own problems might pale in comparison to hers, Grace suddenly smiled – you never knew what you could do until you were tested, or where life might take you.
‘I owe you one, K’tut!’ She blew a kiss to the sky outside the train speeding her forward.
*
The sun had set by the time Putu reached the Kamasan entrance, which was packed with limousines and staff ushering guests into the magnificent lobby while flashes from cameras sparked like fireflies. The press were now banned from the grounds and hotel complex as they’d had their red-carpet moments, opening photos and sound grabs earlier. The mega names present were not to be photographed by the paparazzi as they let their hair down and enjoyed themselves in the protection and privacy of the Kamasan.
Grace hurried through the staff entrance, talking to Rosie on her phone. ‘I’m in the kitchen behind the main bar. Where are you?’
‘On the mezzanine with the Pangisars. Take the stairs up from the bar and I’ll meet you there.’
Grace raced up the quieter set of stairs, where the guests wouldn’t see her. She didn’t want to join the party in her day clothes.
‘How’s it going?’ she panted when she reached Rosie.
Rosie smiled at her. ‘All systems go. C’mon, there’s a small bedroom here where you can get ready.’
‘Thanks, Rosie. Do you know if my friend Mel dropped off my bag?’ Grace hadn’t had time to buy anything new but had packed a dress and shoes in a hurry and asked Mel to bring them to the hotel.
‘Mmm, I’m not sure,’ said Rosie distractedly. ‘Here we are.’ She pushed a door open. Standing on a table was a bucket of iced champagne and a small vase of flowers.
‘This is for you from Johnny.’ Rosie poured her a glass. ‘I only just opened it.’
Grace looked around but couldn’t see her overnight bag.
‘We’ll celebrate properly afterwards,’ Rosie said. ‘But for now, Johnny and your friend Melanie have a little surprise for you. Check the dressing room.’
Puzzled, Grace took a sip of the icy Taittinger, the bubbles sparkling as she drank. ‘Okay.’
She opened the door to the dressing room to see a length of champagne-coloured silk draped on a hanger like a river of shimmering light, sparkling with small crystals.
She gasped. ‘I don’t believe it! That is so beautiful!’
Rosie stuck her head around the door. ‘Johnny thought it was very you. Melanie helped him choose it. It’s by one of our top designers. Get dressed – there’s make-up, perfume, hair things all there on the vanity in the ensuite. Johnny was hoping you’d be in time for the opening speeches. Half an hour, okay?’
‘Where’s my crew?’
‘Busy.’ She smiled. ‘All good. See you later.’
‘This is crazy. Thank you, Rosie.’
Grace stripped off and lifted the hanger, finding silky matching underwear. ‘Mel, you’ve thought of everything,’ she murmured, and smiled with delight.
The dress slithered over her lightly tanned frame, feeling like a second skin. It clung in the right places but swung as she moved, reflecting different shades of warm gold and silver. It was the most beautiful dress she’d ever worn. There were shoes that matched, casual slides with a low heel, simple but elegant. She knew all this would have cost a ridiculous amount of money. She touched up her make-up, pinned up part of hair, leaving a few blonde tendrils loose, tucked the fresh gardenia from the vase into her hair, then saw a small box and a card with her name on it sitting on a side table. She slid out the card.
You have Grace-d our Kamasan with your dedication, hard work and beautiful smile. You are part of our success. Please always think of this as your second home. A small memento.
Johnny and Harold P.
Inside the box was a pair of exquisite diamond earrings. Shakily, she put them on, trying not to cry and ruin her make-up.
And then the madness began.
After a knock on the door, Mel danced in, dressed in a short, sparkling, emerald-green dress that was dazzling yet casually showed off her long brown legs and back. Her red-auburn hair was artfully styled, and her drop earrings captured the light. They’d spoken on the phone a second time while Grace was waiting for her flight, and Mel had made Grace repeat verbatim, as best she could, every moment of The Showdown.
‘Hey, champ!’ They raced to hug each other. ‘I’m so proud of you! I can’t believe it!’ Mel squealed.
‘Neither can I, but it’s done. It’s over.’ Grace laughed with relief and happiness.
‘And this is the perfect way to celebrate,’ said Mel. ‘Wait till you see the boys! They’re all spivved up. Steve insisted. C’mon, let’s go, they’re doing the speeches in a minute.’
‘Where did you get that dress? What there is of it,’ asked Grace, admiring Mel.
‘Johnny and I went shopping. I paid for mine. But we had a lot of fun. He’s a crazy guy. Pretends to be so tough,’ she added.
‘You got him in one,’ said Grace.
Then they were swallowed up in a swirl of action, as events rolled on exactly as Johnny had planned.
Suddenly Henry was at her side. ‘Hi. Wow, you look hot, Grace! We’re over there. Steve has set up the three cameras, follow me.’
‘You look pretty darn good too,’ she said, noticing Henry’s new shirt and trousers, which replaced his usual t-shirt and old jeans.
The opening ceremony was short but filled with heartfelt speeches and thank yous, delivered at the top of the sweeping staircase in the massive foyer of the Kamasan. One of the revered artists spoke on behalf of Kamasan village, thanking the Pangisar family for their support and the beautiful showcasing of the important pieces of art hanging above them.
Then in a surprise twist that had the crowd laughing one minute, then dabbing at their eyes the next, Johnny and his father spoke of their shared dream for this place. Johnny was first.
‘I’d like to welcome and thank all our foreign friends – you bule! Our long-time friend Andy over there, who truly is a great mate. As many of you know, Andy wears the mantle of bule proudly and we love him for that, as we Indonesians also tend to call a spade a spade. As you might also know, I was educated among the bule in Australia. At first, I thought it lived up to its reputation as being outrageously racist . . . until I realised many people were simply having a joke. Australians do that a lot. Anyway, what I am trying to say is thank you to all my Aussie bule mates for teaching me not to take life too seriously, to always appreciate your family, and to hang on to good friends. Now, here is my father . . .’
Johnny handed the microphone to Harold and draped an arm about his shoulders as Harold spoke.
‘The Kamasan represents not just a hotel, but a place for visitors to briefly share what makes us Balinese – it is filled with blessings of love, beauty, hospitality and generosity. We invite you to share our respect for our land, our culture and our past, and to pass on a future to our children where everyone may share a little in all these things that the Kamasan represents. Welcome to our family.’
The speeches ended and the applause thundered.
Amid the sounds of laughing guests, the smell of flowers and roasting food, the gongs rang out. The traditional dances were about to begin on the garden stage, lit by flame torches and stunning subtle lighting effects, which were studded around the grounds as if conjured by a magic wand.
Grace felt a hand gently take her arm.
‘Hey, fairy princess!’ said Steve softly.
‘Hey, look at you.’ She smiled. He was wearing a signature Johnny silk shirt tucked into crisp linen trousers. ‘Everything under control?’
‘You bet. They’re an excellent crew. It’s all going to look stunning when we edit it together.’ He was still holding her arm. ‘You okay? Sounds like you did great.’
‘I think I did. And I think Lawrence will keep his word this time.’
‘I’m sure he will. Johnny and old Harold will make sure of it, I reckon. Apparently they had a fellow watching on the whole time in the Whisky Lounge, in case Lawrence caused you any trouble. They think the world of you. So do I.’
‘Is that your professional opinion?’ She smiled, tilting her head.
‘You’re flirting!’ He laughed and wrapped his arms around her. ‘I think you’re gorgeous and clever, and we’re going to be an amazing team.’ He pulled her to him and kissed her long and lovingly. Grace felt herself shiver and start to melt as some inner barrier gave way, and warmth took its place.
‘I should get to work,’ Grace said, smiling and pulling away from him. ‘I can’t come in late and then just swan around.’
‘It’s fine. I’ll go and check on the crew but I know Mateo and Henry will have everything in order.’ He took her hands. ‘You go and find your mum. She’s been worried about you, but she was trying hard not to let anyone know.’
‘Okay, I will. Thanks for looking after her.’ She reached up and kissed him.
She found Andy and Tina dancing with Daisy, who wore a new dress, the coloured batik print flowers outlined in tiny beads and little crystals that sparkled. A tiara of flowers was securely anchored around her head. When she saw her mother, Daisy ran over, squealing, and threw herself at Grace, who held her darling child as if she’d never let her go. And now, she hoped, she would never have to.
‘Gracie,’ Tina called, coming over to join them. ‘Honey, I am so proud of you.’
Grace reached out and took her mother’s hand. ‘I have lots more to tell you, but it can wait.’
A drifting parade of staff and friends stopped by to chat with Andy and Grace, compliment Daisy on her dress and meet Tina. Andy opened a bottle of champagne and an ever-growing group joined them to celebrate the huge achievement that was the opening of the Kamasan, and Grace felt perfectly content for the first time in months.
*
It would soon be dawn. They were a small group sitting at the comfortable and now quiet bar pool area. Tina and Daisy had gone home long before; Grace, Steve, Mel, Johnny and Andy were lingering over their drinks. The crew had gone off on their own to party, and Rosie had a date.
Andy was in an expansive mood, knowing what a success his bars and eateries had been, as had every moment of the night.
‘This won’t be topped for a long, long time, mate,’ he said to Johnny. ‘Bruno and the band were bloody amazing.’
‘One of the best nights ever,’ said Mel.
‘Grace, I have to tell you about the blessing ceremony,’ Andy said. ‘The leaders of the local banjar from the council precinct the Kamasan is in did the ceremony earlier this afternoon. Only the family and some of the team were invited,’ he said. ‘Everyone was dressed in ceremonial garb including Harold and Johnny. It was very special.’
‘I’m so sorry I missed it.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Steve put in. ‘I was allowed to film it, so you’ll see it when we start editing.’ He smiled and stretched back in his chair.
‘It’s been a special day all round.’ Grace sighed. ‘You must be so proud, Johnny. All the work you did for so long behind the scenes paid off tonight.’
‘Thank you, Grace, and thanks for inviting your friend Melanie.’
‘Johnny’s given me a job.’ Mel laughed.
‘What is it?’ said Grace, looking from Mel to Johnny.
‘I will head up the Kamasan Numeracy Program. We just cooked it up.’ She lifted her glass. ‘We’re going to grow children’s minds as well as their bodies, right, Johnny?’
‘Exactly, Mel.’ Johnny smiled affably.
‘I’ll still be working at the uni in Sydney, but overseeing this program and visiting when I can.’
‘I’m amazed but not surprised,’ Grace said. ‘Bring two dynamic people together and watch out!’ She laughed.
‘Dawn is breaking, time for bed,’ said Andy. He rose and hugged Grace and Mel goodnight, slapping Johnny on the back. ‘G’night, old mate.’
‘Want to see the sun rise?’ said Steve to Grace.
‘Sure. Let’s walk along the beach,’ she said, pulling off her shoes.
Mel and Johnny looked at each other. She held out her glass and he poured champagne.
‘We’ll hold the fort,’ said Johnny.
‘See you guys at breakfast,’ called Mel, and she sipped her drink and smiled.
Holding hands, Grace and Steve walked through the soft grass and damp fallen flowers towards the beach where dreams were born and the tide washed away fears and worries.
As they passed the grove where K’tut’s hotel had been, Grace took the flower from her hair and gently placed it on the cornerstone of the remains of the gateway to where a woman’s dream still survived.