‘Seriously?’ Ward’s face lit up and it was amazing to see. Being welcomed back into the fold was all he wanted, the only reason he’d allowed Hannah to let him in, and the perfect culmination of all the work they’d been doing this last while.
She knew that the Panthers’ owner Craig Sumners was a wealthy philanthropist but he was also a very savvy businessman, known for his theatrical flourishes with anything team-related. If he wanted the whole team to be there and Ward too, it was a pretty good bet that something major was planned. She just hoped that Bernie’s instincts were right and that it was a grand public welcome back for the rehabilitated player. But not knowing the intricacies of sports boardroom shenanigans, Hannah couldn’t conceive of what else it could be.
‘OK, OK, yes …’ Ward’s gaze raced excitedly around the room as he seemed to be coming around. ‘Maybe that is good. I mean, I’m not thrilled about having to wear the monkey suit again butneeds must, I guess.’ He shrugged but his face now glowed with excitement and expectation.
‘Well, that’s another thing … ’ Hannah began steeling herself, certain he wasn’t going to likethispart. ‘Like I said, it’s a pretty grand affair at the Plaza. All the other players were told to bring a plus-one, and Bernie wants you to do the same. All part of the responsible, mature, fully rehabilitated new you. And before you say it, I know, I know … your personal life is off-limits, but if there happens to be someone who’s at ease with all this, or maybe used to rubbing shoulders with such people or … ’
But far from rejecting the idea outright, Ward seemed to be thinking it over. ‘Actually, there is,’ he said, grinning, and Hannah wondered why she felt so deflated at this, his admission that there was indeed a significant other in his life after all. ‘Someone who knowsexactlyhow to handle it.’
Obviously someone used to the public eye too. That woman in the fitness video?
Then Ward flashed his heart-melting smile directly at Hannah.
‘I get that it might be beyond the call of duty, but when you think about it, who better?’
Chapter 39
Dear P-1,
You’ve been awfully quiet lately. I’m hoping that it’s just because there’s fewer things about me to annoy you, and not because you’re feeling poorly or anything. Meant to say before, that if ever you’re feeling unwell or in poor spirits let me know and I’ll pop over with some of my world-famous lamb stew. Don’t want to boast but I’ve been told in the past that my recipe is capable of literally saving lives. (Slight admission, it comes from a can and I just add fresh cream, but it’s offered from the heart and that makes all the difference.)
Sorry I haven’t had the chance to bake much recently – work has been crazy plus some new demands on my social life, but I promise I’ll get back to it soon. I think I’m going to add some macadamia nuts to the chocolate next time to liven things up. You OK with macadamia nuts? Some people don’t like them but I love them.
Baking is the best distraction and unfailingly helps keep my mind off my problems. Well, they’re not really problems, more dilemmas, I suppose. (Yes, I know – a dilemma is a kind of problem too before you point it out.)
OK, I’m rambling now. Just checking in again to makesure you’re doing OK. And to say that if ever you do need anything, (or want to see a friendly face?) I’m right next door.
Sincerely,
P-2
PS: I hope you do like macadamias. I know in California people certainly have strong opinions about them and take them very seriously indeed.
P-2,
Well, obviously I have strong opinions about macadamias, though I wouldn’t go so far as to take them as seriously as Californians do, or that they do themselves. Truly the most pretentious of all the nuts, I always imagine them walking around with a cane and wearing a monocle. Peanuts, on the other hand, are the greatest nuts in the world. When your back is to the wall, you can bet the peanut is going to be there to help you out.
Thanks for checking in on me, by the way. That was very thoughtful of you. I had a bad run of health recently but am feeling much better these days.
P-1
PS: Lamb stew from a can sounds … weird. Let’s just stick with the good stuff.
P-1,
Well, well, well I found your take on macadamia nuts to be interesting. Mostly because it’s Mr Peanut who wears a monocle and has a cane. Not only that, but peanuts are not nuts at all as it happens. They are actually legumes.
P-2,
Ha! I can’t believe you fell for it. Of course I know it’s Mr Peanut that’s the fancy-pants legume. Just trying to keep you on your toes. Can’t wait to try your latest macadamia-flavoured formula whenever you find the time to make it amid your important high-flying social stuff, and naturally, I will report back as to whether or not you’ve hit the mark.
And with a view to your dilemma-problems, try me. Happy to add some perspective if I can. Plus, now I’m nosy.
*
‘I don’t know about you but every so often I get the feeling the world has gone completely nuts,’ Zoe muttered without preamble upon answering Hannah’s call.
Thinking of her and Ed’s most recent correspondence, Hannah had to smile. ‘I know that feeling.’
