Page 106 of Sing it, Sam

Chapter Thirty-Eight

When I arrive at the café on Friday, everybody is waiting for me.

I slide into the vacant seat at the table, and Hannah gets underway with her pitch. She talks eloquently about a guy who vanished after finishing college, and ten years on he finds himself back in his old neighbourhood stalking the girl who was once the love of his live.

Hannah describes a woman who has been lost ever since her true love disappeared without a trace. Her missing ex has never strayed far from her thoughts, and she hasn’t been able to move on without answers. In time, the woman gets the feeling her lover is back, but by the time she realises it, they are both in danger. Someone is watching them.

Chills run down my spine as Hannah continues on with such passion as she describes the story’s climax and the resolution.

“Brilliant,” I say with gusto and clap my hands. “Can I just say, though, I can see why the policeman was a little wary of you.”

“Ah, yeah. For good reason,” Leonie says and laughs. “Incredible, H. Your agent is gonna have offers coming out her wazoo.”

“Love it,” Britt says and claps. “I’m a little scared of you right now, but great pitch.”

“How can they say no to that?” Janice says with a nod.

“I’m almost beta ready, so if any of you want to read for me, that’d be great,” Hannah says, a dark blush surfacing on her cheeks.

My hand shoots up in the air. “Pick me!”

Once we finish discussing Hannah’s upcoming novel, everyone else gives an update on their works. Then they all look at me with expectation in their eyes.

“I started writing mine and Sam’s story, and the words are coming so easily. Our story is forming. I can’t believe it. I’m at twenty thousand words.”

“Ooh-wee!” Leonie calls out. “I can’t wait to get my grubbies on this.”

“Wow, those fingers must have been flying!” Hannah cries.

Janice leans in closer and taps the table top with her flattened hand. “Bravo,” she says.

Britt gives me a nod. Her brow is wrinkled, but she doesn’t offer any words of encouragement or congratulations.Is something up with her today?

Before too long, Janice excuses herself, mumbling about her deadline. Leonie leaves shortly after to go back to work. Hannah is on such a high and says goodbye to Britt and me, promising to get a copy of her novel to us in the coming days. I feel so honoured to have a sneak peek of her work before anyone else.Calm yourself, inner fangirl.

Britt and I stand out the front of the café. I don’t have anywhere in particular to be and Britt hasn’t rushed off. I was going to take Butch for a bushwalk, but that can wait.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” I ask, and point to the rose gardens near the town hall across the street.

“Sure,” she says, and starts off in that direction. “That’d be nice.”

“How are things in the aromatherapy world?” I ask to break the silence between us as we walk through the gardens.

“Oh, you know. Steady. The candles become a bit more popular this time of year, though. Especially the spiced pumpkin scent.”

“Yeah, of course. Do you have a stall tomorrow?”

“Sure do,” she says, and pulls her lips into a tight smile.

“I’d be happy to help you set up in the morning if you need? I’ll just be twiddling my thumbs here until Sam arrives.”

“Sure. Thanks.”

I kick at some wayward stones on the path. “I’ll bring Sam past to meet you. He should be arriving after lunch. I want him to have the full festival experience, you know? The food, the stalls, the produce judging, the scarecrows, and, of course, the dance.” I want to squeal with excitement at the thought, but rein it in.

“I need to tell you something,” Britt blurts out.

I breathe a sigh of relief. Whatever’s on her mind, she’s going to come out and tell me. Even though we haven’t known each other all that long, I’m glad she feels she can talk to me. “Okay. Whatever it is, I’m here.”

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