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“Surprisingly, I got the job. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a role like that, at a company like that, especially at my age. Kelly, that’s who I’ve been speaking with. She called this afternoon, and Sam overheard the phone call.”

Josie gasped.

“What he heard sounded bad. I’m not sure I want the job, but I didn’t tell Kelly that. I kind of just went along with it. I did an interview with her; gosh, it must have been a few weeks ago, but it feels like longer. I thought for sure I wasn’t going to get it, so I didn’t give it a second thought. I’d totally forgotten about it, to be honest.

“Then she called today and offered me the job. I suppose she didn’t really give me the chance to say yes or no. But Sam doesn’t know that, and he was so, so angry. I didn’t get a chance to explain.” Hazel sighed and rested her head against the back of the seat.

“What did Sam say?”

“I didn’t tell you, but we made it official the other day after I told him I’d decided to stay. I love him.” Hazel sniffed and placed her tongue up to the roof of her mouth again. “He was livid. He said I’d gone behind his back. But when I applied, and I guess even when I did the interview, we weren’t where we are now, or were, before this afternoon.” Hazel groaned. “Oh my gosh. I told him I wanted to keep my options open.” She resisted the urge to cover her face with her hands, not wanting to ruin her makeup.

“Eeeek,” Josie exclaimed.

“I didn’t mean right now! That’s how I felt when I applied. I didn’t know I was going to go and fall in love with him.”

“Do you want the job?” Josie queried.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think so. I’d just committed to staying here, giving my business a go. But an opportunity to be Brand Manager at a company like Cloud doesn’t happen every day. I’ve just been offered literally the career opportunity of a lifetime. If I don’t take this, I’ll never get an opportunity like this again. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted some time to think about it.” Hazel chewed on her lip.

“That’s totally fair. I understand that. Is he coming tonight?”

Hazel shrugged. “He’s supposed to be.”

“Well, pull him aside and talk to him. I’m sure he’s calmed down by now.” Josie pulled into a free car park in the gallery parking lot and turned off the engine.

“Yeah, I hope so. I’m MC, though. It might have to wait until after the formalities.”

“If it’s meant to be, it’ll all work out. And if it doesn’t, well, you’ve got a pretty cool job offer. Or you can stay here with me and Serena and your mum. Your girl crew.” Josie flashed Hazel a toothy grin.

Hazel laughed and smiled at her friend. “You’re the best, Josie.” She leaned across the centre console and wrapped her friend in the tightest hug she could manage.

“Likewise,” Josie said, unclipping her seatbelt. “It’s show time. Better put your smile on.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Hazel stood by the small stage and checked her timesheet. Molly was finishing up her speech. She’d discussed her work, the meaning behind the prints and the different techniques and styles she’d used. Hazel scanned the room. Friends and townsfolk were scattered throughout the crowd, but she couldn’t see Sam. The event was nearly over, and she knew he wouldn’t turn up now. Defeated, she focused her attention back to the stage. As Molly neared her last well-rehearsed sentence, Hazel knew she was due on in the next few seconds. As she went to put her clutch down, she felt it vibrate. Flicking it open, she felt her phone and pulled it out. She saw Sam’s name flash on the screen. Realising she wouldn’t have time to answer the call, she sighed as she tucked her phone back into her clutch. She fought the urge to answer the call, as she reminded herself that her mother needed her. Her personal problems would not get in the way of Molly’s night. Besides, Hazel was just about to present her mother with the newly invented Bells Bay Lifetime Achievement Award, courtesy of the town’s mayor who wanted to recognise all the support Molly had given to the town over the years. Clapping erupted as Molly finished her speech, and Hazel approached the stage.

She was nearly overcome by the effort of having to stand upright and smile at a room full of people, when all she wanted was to find Sam and explain it all. To make it all better. But she didn’t have that luxury right now. So she joined her mother on the stage, plastering the biggest smile she could manage across her face.

“Congratulations on a great show,” Hazel spoke softly into the microphone. “I’ve got a little surprise here. On behalf of Bells Bay, it fills me with great pride to be able to present to you the Bells Bay Lifetime Achievement Award for your contribution to not only the Bells Bay Arts Community, but to the town as a whole. Our Mayor has been consulting with the lovely members of Bells Bay who feel that you have provided the town with much needed colour and verve. Your eccentric approach to life provided a boost to Bells Bay when you arrived, one that our town sorely needed. You are a beloved member of this community, and we want to thank you for all you have done over the years. Congratulations!” Hazel could see the little tear in Molly’s right eye as they embraced.

On cue, Josie walked onto the stage and handed Molly a small glass sculpture. Molly took the microphone Hazel offered her with her free hand.

“Wow, thank you so much. I didn’t even know we had a Lifetime Achievement Award!”

“We made it up just for you!” someone screamed from the crowd. The gallery erupted into laughter.

“Well, thank you, I’m very honoured. I came to Bells Bay, gosh, too long ago. I was looking for somewhere beautiful to call our home. I had no idea what a great community we were joining, and although it was hard to move away from family, and I questioned my decision a lot early on, I’m so glad we settled here. I’ve loved every minute of my time here, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life here. Thank you, Bells!”

The crowd applauded as Molly picked up her award and headed off the stage with a wave.

Hazel quickly wrapped up the formalities and invited the guests to enjoy the food and beverages. She tried not to rush, but she was so desperate to check her phone. Essentially running off the stage, she reached the table where her bag sat. Unzipping her clutch with shaky hands, she saw that Sam had left a voice message. Before she could check it, she heard Serena calling her name.

“Such a good show! I’m so proud of your Mum,” Serena squealed.

“Thanks, she did a great job. I’m proud of her too.”

Josie sidled over. “I can’t wait to take my canvas home. I’m so glad I got it.”