Chapter Thirteen
“Is tradition important?” Julia waited anxiously for Ryan’s answer, not sure what she wanted him to say. Heck, she wasn’t even sure what she thought about traditions anymore. The talk with her mother had skewed her position on what should happen.
“It depends what the tradition is,” Ryan said without hesitation. “I like the tradition of marriage and everything involved in the institution. I like the family traditions we have at Christmas and the summer holidays. But sometimes change is good and making new rituals works better than sticking with the old. Why the question?”
Julia sighed down the phone. “Part of my weird mental processes, and I talked to my mother today about my father. What did you and Alex do today?”
“Ah, changing the subject. One day you’ll have to tell me about your father.”
“I’ve never met him,” she said. “He came from a wealthy family, and they didn’t approve of my mother.”
“His loss. My gain.”
The sincerity ringing down the phone line made her stomach gooey inside. “Thanks.”
“Caleb and I took Alex to Rotorua. We visited Rainbow Springs and fed the trout. We checked out the kiwis in the nocturnal house. Mum packed us a picnic lunch, and during the afternoon we visited Whakarewarewa Thermal village and peered down bubbling mud holes. I took plenty of photos.”
“Email me some?”
“I’ll do it tomorrow,” he promised. “How are things going atMaxwell’s?”
“Susan has started working full time, at least until she does the reality show thing. She’s a natural dancer and has the business side down. Best decision I ever made.”
“Seymour wants us to go out on tour.”
“Oh?”
“I told him we’d only consider short tours, no longer than three weeks. Caleb backed me up.”
“What did Seymour say?”
“He cursed a lot. I don’t think he’s given up. He’ll wait until we’ve completed the new album and ask again.”
A tap sounded at her office door and Susan stuck her head inside. “Carrie has rung in sick. Can you fill in for her?”
“Ryan, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“I love you, sweetheart.”
“Bye,” she whispered and hung up, a wide smile curving her lips. They never seemed to run out of things to say to each other, and they’d talked more in the last few days than they’d managed during their early marriage.
She made her way to the dressing room. As usual it was full of chatter and laughing with the women hurriedly removing and replacing costumes.
“Hey, boss,” several of the dancers called.
“Ladies,” she said, grabbing the roster to take a look. “I might trial the new feather dance routine,” she said to Susan.
“How are things going with Alex?” Susan asked.
“Good. Ryan said he’s coming out of his shell and interacting more.” And she was starting to wish she hadn’t told Ryan she needed time. Hearing about their daily adventures left her on the outside. Go figure. She was confusing even herself with her indecision.
“What are you going to do once Ryan returns to Auckland?” Susan asked.
“I’m not sure. Neither of our occupations are child friendly.”
“One of my cousins is a nanny,” Susan said. “She completed her training the year before last and is looking for a new job. The husband at her current position has wandering hands. Would you like me to set up an interview for you?”
“I’ll run it past Ryan.” Good grief. Call her stupid but she’d never contemplated a nanny. She whipped off her shirt and wriggled into a glittery purple jacket. “I’ll get back to you sometime tomorrow.”
