“I don’t think she’d appreciate it.” Sophie shifted her own glass to the middle of the coaster and appeared mesmerised by the straw-coloured wine. “I don’t want to talk about work, but I do want to check you’re okay after our chat this morning. I said to Phyll the mistake was mine when she raised it.”
A shaft of warmth shot through Tarryn’s chest. “Thanks. That was decent of you.”
Sophie shrugged. “It was the right thing to do. So, is there anything else you want raise before we bury the subject?”
“No. I’m good.”
Sophie gave a quick nod and took a sip of wine. “I loved meeting Ally and Elly this morning. Well, Elly, anyway. I’m not sure Ally took to me.”
“Don’t take it personally. She’s standoffish with most new people. Elly’s a little flirt.”
Sophie laughed. “My sister Allie is the little flirt in our family.”
“What does Allie do?”
Sophie looked down into her glass. “She’s an accountant. Although she’s not working at the moment.”
“Taking a break?”
She pressed her lips together. “You could call it that. Bad situation at work. She…had to leave.” She turned her glass around and took a gulp of wine.
Uh oh. Obviously a difficult subject. When Sophie set the glass down, Tarryn touched the back of her hand impulsively. “I’m sure she’ll find a new position soon. Accountants are in demand, right? After all, who can navigate the tax system alone? I know I can’t. Maybe Allie should do my taxes.”
“Maybe. You wouldn’t even have to come to Sydney. Many clients are remote now.”
“Maybe I’ll do that.”
“I’ll arrange a discount.” Sophie shot her a sideways glance that sent Tarryn’s insides fluttering. Any other time, any other woman who’d said those words in that low, teasing tone, and she’d pick up the flirtation. But with Sophie, she just wasn’t sure.
“So, what will happen to your metal emu when she’s finished?” Sophie asked. Her voice was back to its normal pitch. “Is it a commissioned work?”
“Not this one. But if I can come to a deal with the Council, I’m hoping it will go in Silver Creek Park.”
“Really?” Sophie’s smile lit up her face. “I thought this morning when I saw it how perfect it would be there. But what do you mean by a deal? Surely, they just pay the asking price?”
“In an ideal world, but this is a big piece, and the hours of work mean a steep cost. More than the council wants to pay. I’ll get paid, yes, but not the value of the piece. But it’ll be good exposure.”
A tiny frown creased Sophie’s forehead. “Surely you can get more exposure on social media? I doubt the council would offer an accountant half their fee for the exposure of doing their tax returns.”
“I get most of my commissions via social media,” Tarryn said. “But you’re right. Somehow, it’s okay to negotiate with creatives as their work is considered a passion project. Something they’d do anyway. Well, I would, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be paid for it. Aren’t we all supposed to love our jobs these days and have good work-life balance?”
“We are,” Sophie murmured. “In an ideal world, everyone should be treated with respect and earn a living wage. Doesn’t always happen, though.”
“So we take what part of that perfect world we can get. And for me, that means I get to do what I love, hopefully have one of my sculptures on display in the town where I live and hopefully get paid enough to at least cover my costs.”
“It’s still not right, though.” A wrinkle appeared between Sophie’s eyes.
“If I had a dollar for every supposed ‘influencer’ who asks for a piece for free and says I’ll get paid in ‘exposure,’ I’d be rich. At least with this, I’m giving back to the town.”
“You’re a good person, Tarryn. And good people get more beer.” She caught Seth’s eye.
He brought them refills and then returned with their food.
Tarryn’s mouth watered. “Thank you. Every time, I come here, I swear I’m just going to move in upstairs and eat here every night.”
“And leave Ally and Elly alone?” Sophie laughed. “I don’t think so. They’d miss you.”
“At least someone would.” Tarryn took a chip and dunked it in her sauce. “Mm, good.” She gave Seth a thumb’s up.
