Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Cece sat on an easy chair on the verandah overlooking the ocean that evening. Her eyes drank in the view, not quite believing how she’d scored this job in paradise.

Mason had long gone to bed, tired from the travel and lack of sleep.

Despite her drive from Sydney and staying awake for hours, Cece was still too wired to settle in her bed or rest.

She chose to stay up for a while longer to process her new reality.

She looked out onto Tallow Beach, where sugary sands provided the perfect blank canvas for viewing sensational sunsets and, from what she’d read, occasional whale sightings that broke along the horizon.

Pulling her knees up to her chest, she cradled her wine glass, staring at the stunning scenery and listening to the distinct ‘oo-wip’ calls of whip birds and squawking of black cockatoos.

The home that’d been set aside for her was spectacular. The best trade-off imaginable - just so she could be close to the hotel for extended work days, early mornings or late-night events.

The boutique hotel’s touches were present all over the furnished two-bedroom townhouse. In the polished floors, luxurious rugs, quality fittings and exquisite linens.

The place also boasted floor-to-ceiling windows and a generous kitchen with a double-door fridge and Smart TV. Both bedrooms had a private bathroom with a rain shower, plush towels, indulgent soaps and silky local-made lotions.

She’d counted four other staff houses close by. Each sat a little away from the main buildings amongst the sprawling acreage of manicured grounds, established native flora, running streams, and serene ponds.

Thirty secluded coastal-inspired suites and cottages made up the guest accommodation.

They clustered around the original farmhouse Falcon Head, a 150-year-old converted mansion that housed the reception, restaurant and cafe. Staff offices were to one side of the old farmhouse. There was also an adjacent barn on site, which could sleep up to ten guests.

However, Cece hadn’t had a chance to look around much yet. She’d spent most of the evening putting Mason’s clothes, shoes, soccer gear and bike away before tackling her wardrobe.

Now all unpacked, she took a sip of wine and let herself dream about what the next few days would reveal. Cece couldn’t wait to create a fabulous wedding offering for Falcon House.

She made lazy plans, jotting ideas in her diary of what she wanted to achieve while her eyes danced over the view.

While she mused, her mind unwound, lulled by the distant sound of shore wash and the calls of wildlife in the trees, feeling more at peace than she’d ever done in months.

In years,she corrected herself.

So far, this move felt cathartic, she concluded. Although life had forced this sea change on her and Mace, maybe they both needed it more than they knew.

Wine downed and feeling languid and relaxed, Cece switched off the lights and locked up, heading to bed, where she fell into a dreamless sleep.

She woke the next morning to birdsong, and after a rainwater shower, she mulled ideas for breakfast.

They were just a twenty-minute walk from the cafes and restaurants of Byron Bay.

Eager to immerse in its unique blend of creativity, spirituality, and a laid-back coastal vibe, Cece woke Mason up.

He rushed to drag on shorts and a tee.

‘Where are we going? I’m starving!’

Cece laughed. ‘Not sure there’s enough food in town to fill that rumbling tum.’

Dressed and keen to fill up, they made their way to town.

Cece had last been to Byron a few years back for the legendary BluesFest.

Where she’d tramped around in gumboots and flower skirts. Surrounded by dreadlocks and tattoos, she’d tapped her feet to a slew of blues bands and musicians, from Tom Jones, Archie Roach, The Blind Boys of Alabama and The Cat Empire, lost in hippy joy.

This time, as a resident, she gazed at the town with different lenses, noting the locations of the grocer, the local bakery and the library.

‘Can’t live without our books and croissants, Mace,’ she said as they found a small cafe near the water. ‘We’ll stock up on our way home.’

They nabbed a table outside with uninterrupted peninsula views, placing orders with a smiling server.

Gazing around them, they were captivated by the town’s infectious spirit, the friendly residents and vibrant activity. It was a mecca of relaxation - with a touch of gloss from its rich, bold and beautiful visitors.

Cece turned to Mason as they people-watched. ‘Keep an eye out, honey. You may spot a famous actor or two.’

His eyes rounded in wonder. ‘Like who, mum?’

‘Well, Thor, for one, and maybe even Nicole Kidman. But you’ll need to look hard, buddy. They like to hide in plain sight.’

‘I can see why they love it,’ Mace said.

Cece sighed as she gazed at the vivid blue ocean. ‘How stunning is this? A magical view always leaves an everlasting imprint on our souls.’

Mason nodded, his small face solemn. ‘That’s cool, mum. You need to write that down.’

Cece smiled at him. He knew how much she cherished her poetry.

Byron Bay’s landscape, with its breathtaking panoramic views and picturesque quaintness, was stirring up her passion.

‘Rumi once said, ‘Travel brings power and love back into your life’. Let’s hope this adventure offers that, Mace.’

‘It will,’ the curly-haired boy said in his much older-than-eight wisdom that always brought a smile to her face. ‘It already is.’

Their food arrived, and they tucked into a generous spread of eggs, sausages and mushrooms on Vegemite toast.

Cece pointed her fork at her son. ‘Hey Mace, let’s have a treasure hunt on the beach. We can collect shells, rocks along the way and whatever else we find to remind us of our first day here.’

Eyes shining, he wrapped up his meal and dragged her to Main Beach. They found a heap of shells on the beach, some driftwood and even live fish darting inside the clear rock pools.

Taking photos and videos as they strolled along the shore, they stepped into the waves, lapping at their feet, soaking in the sun’s rays.

‘Isn’t this the life?’

Mace scrunched his face in earnest as he danced on the sand. ‘It’s pretty cool. May I go for a swim?’’

She nodded, a small smile across her face as he sprinted towards the waves. He pulled off his shirt and jumped into the water with just his board shorts. She watched him plough through the surf, grinning with happiness.

Soon, he’d made pals with other kids on the beach in his usual open, friendly manner.

Cece found a spot to sit on the sand, basking in the sun’s warmth. The sea breeze caressed her skin, and the crashing waves serenaded her senses.

It was as if time was slowing down, allowing her to savour the simple joys of life.

When Mace tired of the water, she bought them lunch. They piled on groceries and freshly baked bread, lugging it all back to their new home.

That afternoon, Cece logged into the Wi-Fi available throughout Falcon House and Face-timed her mother.

Outside, Mason rode his BMX bike around Falcon House’s tropical gardens along paths lined by fragrant mango, guava, feijoa and fig trees.

‘How are you, darling?’

The woman Cece smiled at onscreen looked as calm as ever. As well put together as the elegant house in Double Bay she sat in.

Samantha Mirren’s short silver-blonde hair was styled in a close crop that was fashionable and on-trend. She was of medium height and rounded and soft in all the places that mattered.

She had a welcoming smile. She’d lent her dark skin tones to Cece, from her hazel eyes to her dewy, dark honey skin.

All her life, Cece knew her mother to be warm to the touch, her skin satiny like rose petals. Her hands were velvety and soft, always ready to welcome and soothe.

Cece smiled at her mother. ‘It’s fantastic, and what it says on the cover - so lush and relaxed. The hotel is super laid-back and stylish - a touch of Long Island mixed with the beachside lifestyle of Byron. I can’t wait to start on Monday.’

‘Aren’t you glad I found the job for you then?’ boomed a voice off-screen.

Cece flinched as a man appeared in view.

His hair was white, covering his entire head and beard. Imperious, with an upright bearing and rigid posture, his face stern and gaunt, his eyes brutal and inscrutable. His hawkish nose jutted out, and his nostrils flared. While his breathing was shallow, his voice was a precise clip.

‘Hi, Dad.’

Step-dad.

No matter how often he insisted on being called dad, she’d never forgotten that he was not her blood.

Because Joseph Mirren had never been a father to her.

‘Have you thanked me yet for my efforts to get you employed again?’

I’ve said it a few times now, she thought to herself.

‘Thank you, Dad.’ She delivered the words in a flat monotone. Cece was well-versed in keeping her inflections non-confrontational in case he flew off his handle.

She also winced that her desperate need for a job meant she was now indebted to him somehow. It’d been this way for years, his control and manipulation of their family having such a firm hold on all of them.

Running from home when she was 18 had been a way to escape him. Getting married young had been her other circumnavigation. Now, Byron Bay was one more step removed from his control of her.

It was also where she could be as far away from his legal troubles as possible.

Ten months ago, ex-Major General Mirren received a letter from the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service, known to most as ADFIS. It was the unified investigative military police arm of all three military branches - Navy, Army and Airforce.

The missive notified him that he was the subject of an ongoing, undefined probe as a person of interest.

Panicked, the general, as most called him, obtained legal advice and consultation from a military lawyer. His legal officer insisted that the general offer his attendance at a prelim meeting with Defence investigators. Reluctant, he’d agreed to the idea.

The session focused on his tours to Afghanistan over twenty years ago.

It had been long and arduous, but to his relief, they’d let him leave without being detained.

However, over the next few months, Joseph’s paranoia grew, and he got jumpy as the inquiry continued behind closed doors. The gathering of evidence was secret, which ratcheted up his delusions.

He’d taken to rage-filled rants to anyone within earshot, usually Samantha and Cece, about a host of shadowy enemies after him.

Due to a leak from an anonymous source, the media discovered that a senior ex-member of the forces was under investigation.

While not naming the suspect, the newspapers stated that the allegations were severe. That the suspect was complicit in drug trafficking while he’d been deployed in Afghanistan. They also revealed accusations levelled at him, saying he was a bully and a perpetrator of violence against innocent victims.

The articles concluded that the matter was grave and of national interest. It stirred up debate in Defence circles and was even discussed at Joseph’s Friday golf sessions, where he kept up the facade of innocence.

At home, he was a nightmare. If the allegations ended up being unsubstantiated, or if the investigation exonerated him, he claimed it would still be embarrassing.

‘Even though the MPs find no evidence,’ the general had railed to his wife and Cece, ‘I will always be ‘titled’ as ‘investigated’ in my record. It’s a black mark on my name. If my identity becomes public, regardless of the outcome, my reputation will take a hit.’

He didn’t seem to care that more than his good name would be impacted if found guilty. Her mother’s life and his stepchildren’s, too, would also be under scrutiny, Cece thought.

‘Need any money to help set up in Byron?’ he said, cutting into her brain train.

She shook her head. ‘No.’

That was how to handle him. A straight refusal with no edge in for discussion. The last thing Cece wanted was his tainted cash. She was convinced the logistics company he had a part-time role with as a Board Member was shady AF.

She saw her mother’s eyes blink and felt a stab of compassion for the woman who’d had to live with him for over twenty-eight years.

‘I just called to let you know we’re OK, settling in as expected,’ Cece said. ‘Mason starts school tomorrow, so there hasn’t been much lag time with his learning.’

‘I’m happy to hear that.’ Samantha’s face was soft and full of love. ‘Let him know I miss him.’

‘I will.’

‘Say hello to Ash Falconer for me,’ her stepfather said.

Cece slow-blinked. ‘Who?’

‘Your boss, the man who hired you.’

Her brow wrinkled. ‘My interview was with a woman. A lady called Denise Mariani.’

Joseph waggled his fingers at her, dismissing her words. ‘Whatever. You’ll probably meet him soon enough. Ash was one of the top commands in my battalion. Served with me for over ten years and was an excellent operator.’

There were no photos of Falcon House’s CEO or the hotel’s staff on the website.

As Joseph spoke, Cece envisioned an older man with pepper-white hair and a brusque attitude, just like him.

The general kept on. ‘His parents, the Falconers, are good people. Their family has ruled the Hinterland for generations. They’re not just any old farmers either. They own half its hills and have their fingers in wine, whisky, property and the hospitality business. Excellent people to be connected to.’

‘I see. I haven’t met any of them yet.’

At least, she didn’t think so.

‘When you do, pass on my regards. I should come up and see them now that you’re there.’

Cece suppressed a sigh. That was the last thing she needed. ‘Let me settle in first, then we can discuss it.’

‘Don’t keep me waiting,’ Joseph ordered before moving away from the camera, bored with the conversation already.

She met Samantha’s eyes, clouded with concern, and they shared a quick, imperceptible nod.

Samantha winked. It was her way of reassuring Cece she’d take care of Joseph’s latest flight of fancy. It was a code they’d developed over the years to manage him without him even noticing.

‘Any word from Liam?’ Cece kept her voice to a whisper, not wanting Joseph to hear this bit.

Samantha’s face fell, her voice also low. ‘Just a quick message a few days back. He said something about contacting you soon.’

Cece took a breath. ‘I’ll reach out to him and call you when I can.’

‘Of course, dear.’

She and her mother would speak again in the next week. The two women were close and, thanks to WhatsApp, could sneak in mother-daughter catch-ups on the go.

Samantha blew a kiss to her daughter. ‘Give my love to Mason.’

Cece returned it with a soft smile. ‘I will.’

Early Monday morning, Cece rose from her bed, energised.

By 7 AM, she’d showered, changed and was coffeed up.

She roused Mason from bed, helped him with his uniform and breakfast, and drove him to Byron Bay Public.

‘Are you excited, buddy?’ she asked as she slowed for a brush-tailed wallaby crossing the road.

‘Sure am, mum,’ he grinned. ‘New friends, classroom, new everything!’

‘That’s my Mason, always so chill.’

He was a treasure, and she once again appreciated his easy nature and gung-ho spirit. It had faded for a brief time when his best friend at his last school relocated interstate.

She suspected his openness to their Byron move was about giving him a fresh start and a chance to make different friends.

She ran the gauntlet of arriving students at the pretty school and led him to the administration office.

The receptionist was sweet and welcoming, offering to walk him to class, introduce him to his new teacher and show him around.

Mason waved at Cece as he walked off, and she stood back with a pang of feeling. She worried about leaving him to navigate an unknown environment by himself. Her only consolation was that she knew he would turn on his natural charm and be just fine.

Driving to work, a million thoughts raced through Cece’s mind. Every nerve in her body tingled with a wariness of the unknown.

But she was also a natural leader, a go-getter who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. So she turned on a meditation podcast and let it soothe her back to Falcon House.

She pulled into the staff parking lot and took a deep breath.

Knowing that first impressions were everything, she’d dressed to impress. She wore a tailored navy blazer over one of her signature twist-drape shirts. Plus, a pencil skirt that hugged her curves in all the right places.

Her favourite Identita pointed-toe 120 mm heels in blue satin were on her feet. They hiked up her butt and, best of all, were a dream to walk in.

They echoed the navy hues of Falcon House, fitting for her first day.

She marched through the doors, heels clicking on the premium floors.

This time, Cece didn’t find a ten-year-old behind the desk.

Instead, a young blonde woman, hidden behind a large computer screen, furrowed a brow at her.

‘Cece Mirren, reporting for duty.’

‘You’re the new events director, right?’

Cece nodded with a smile.

The woman beamed. ‘I’m Penn. Short for Penny. Welcome.’

‘Thank you. Can you point me in the direction of my desk or office?’

‘Sure. Denise called me earlier and gave me the lowdown. I’ll be onboarding you. Follow me.’

Penn, dressed in navy slacks and a white tee with the Falcon House logo, led her down a familiar corridor. Past the bathroom where she’d first glimpsed the nameless man who’d haunted her dreams all weekend.

She shivered as she powered into an open workspace.

A buzz of creativity and energy hit her. Most people sat at tidy desks, typing away on their laptops. Some huddled in discussions. Others caught up in an adjacent staff break room with their first coffees of the day.

They glanced up at her with friendly expressions and a few smiles as she passed.

Cece smiled to herself, hit with a fresh sense of anticipation. She’d always loved the world of event management and was thrilled to be doing what she loved for a prestigious establishment.

Leading her to a desk at the back of the room, Penn showed her how to log into the in-house IT system.

She also installed the proprietary admin app on her phone.

Penn explained the reason for the software. ‘It’s essential for collaborating with staff members because we’re all so mobile. Some of us work from home some days. You’ll need it to catch up with Denise, who’s remote until her husband improves.’

Next, Penn logged Cece into the office email network on her new laptop and handed her a file when they were done.

‘Denise told me to let you know that she’s written a detailed job description and the first week’s list of what she’d like you to focus on.’

‘Awesome.’

‘Want a tour before you get started?’

Cece nodded. ‘I’d love that.’

Penn took her through her new workplace, showing her the ins and outs while Cece took in its laid-back opulence.

‘Unwinding is the name of the game at Falcon House,’ Penn stated as they swung past the stunning pool with direct beach access. Where pillowy, soft-topped mahogany sun beds sat under striped navy, gold and white umbrellas.

Cece shaded her eyes as she spotted a yoga session on the sand.

They went by the onsite Falcon Retreat Spa, where Penn continued the walk-through. ‘We offer every treatment possible to help all guests de-stress. Even better, all staff get a free two-hour massage every month.’

‘No?’ Cece said, delighted.

‘Believe it,’ Penn shot back with a smile. ‘It’s one of our many perks.’

‘Sounds awesome. Do you like working here?’

‘I love it. Management treats us well; the pay is fantastic, and the benefits are industry-leading. Our guests keep coming back, too, for romantic retreats or quick city escapes. They’re massive fans of our multi-award-winning restaurant, The Eatery. We get as many foodies here as beach lovers who swear it’s the best getaway in Australia.’

Penn stated this as they walked towards the venue’s restaurant. It was an elegant space featuring the same navy, gold and white accents highlighted throughout the hotel. A chilled lounge soundtrack played through the speakers, adding to its ambience and befitting its oceanside setting.

Penn continued the tour. ‘We open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with two separate spaces: an al fresco terrace and bar overlooking the ocean and a formal dining area inside. For guests after a more casual fare, we have a poolside cafe on the far side of the stunning gardens where they can order drinks and light bites. Staff get lunch for free.’

‘It’s better than I imagined,’ Cece said, with a growing sense she’d made the right decision.

Tour over, she returned to her desk, where she had short one-on-ones with her new co-workers, learning about the projects they were working on.

The staff and client service team were all a friendly, warm bunch. She met Brad, the social media coordinator, and Alex, the head of accommodation.

Finally, Rachel, the Head of Operations. A dark-haired woman with snappy energy and an exquisite taste in fashion.

‘Call me Rach. Everyone else does,’ she laughed. ‘Just going along with the Aussie tradition of shortening everyone’s name.’

The Spanish-born woman was charismatic and confident, with a great sense of humour, which Cece discovered when they shared a lunch table in the staff room.

Back at her desk after her meal, Cece focused on getting through Denise’s very detailed list of things to do, adding notes as she went along.

Much was to be done, from hiring planners to creating a wedding kit, photography, marketing, and setting up themed food and wine menus.

She also had to pull together package pricing to include accommodation and spa extras.

However, she first needed to acquaint herself with the proposed wedding location.

She decided to reccie the space which lay left of The Eatery.

The Conservatory was a glass-roofed atrium at the centre of the established and ever-beautiful grounds.

Stepping inside, she gasped at the architectural gem.

It was packed with aquatic plants and vines and lush tropical blooms. The soaring dome above let in light and did justice to the majestic Australian species growing in the space.

Decorated in the signature Falcon House style, it had tables tucked between large plant installations, giving diners privacy and seclusion. Its large doors led to the gardens beyond, the perfect backdrop for any delightful gathering.

It’d be the ideal location for nuptials and celebrations, she thought.

Lost in wonder, she rounded a pot plant and gasped as she almost fell over a pair of long, muscled, dark-tanned legs stretched out into her path.

She snapped her eyes up to meet a deep, jade gaze. Him.

The confounding man from her first day at Falcon House.

His brow was knit in a frown, and his eyes cagey.

Her heart faltered. ‘Hey.’

Her blurt-out was a mix of surprise, indignation and a strained greeting.

She realised then that she still didn’t know his name.

He lifted a brow, eyes cool and neutral, assessing her as she straightened up, saying nothing.

His lips curled with faint contempt, once more confirming his dislike of her.

Unable to handle his penetrating perusal, her eyes travelled to his table. A laptop lay open before him, and a small cup of black coffee next to it.

She met his jade gaze again, which now held a glint laced with aloofness.

‘You need to watch where you’re going, Miss Mirren.’

‘I think you’re the one who needs to keep your feet out of the walkway,’ she bit back.

‘The onus here is on the person walking around corners without looking.’

She raised her brow after a few awkward moments of an uneasy standoff. ‘Fine. You play the victim. I’ll play the disinterested bystander. Or walker. Whatever.’

She stalked off, feeling the heat of his eyes sear her back—piercing and intense, like a predator stalking its prey.

Refusing to give in to the wild fluttering of her heart, she continued her inspection of the place, ignoring him.

As Cece continued her study of the atrium, she couldn’t help but feel annoyed at the man.

She knew by the wild shiver that ran down her spine that his eyes were trained on her. She refused to let him distract her from her work.

Who did he think he was, sitting like he owned the place?

She wound up her reccie, noting everything needed to make the Conservatory the perfect setting for even the most demanding bride and groom.

As she left, she noted the man was now typing on his keyboard.

She paused midstep, then made a split decision.

She walked over to him and stood by his table until he acknowledged her, leaning back to stare at her, one brow raised.

She took a sharp breath to counter the lurch his gaze sent through her. ‘Look,’ she said, ‘I think you and I got off on the wrong foot the other day and today. I’m unsure if I insulted you, and I apologise if I did. Clean slate?’

His jade eyes flicked over her, slow and deliberate. They were even more striking up close with gold flecks and darker aquamarine depths.

When she shifted her heels, he leaned back even more, mouth twitching, eyes falling to her shoes, travelling up to meet her incredulous face.

Reaching for his coffee cup, he sipped, watching her over the rim of the small vessel. His expression gave nothing away.

‘No hard feelings, Miss Mirren.’

His voice was a husky rumble.

‘And you are?’

‘Nobody important.’

She stood stunned, with her mouth agape.

He downed his coffee in one gulp, revealing his corded neck.

With a satisfied grunt, he rose to his feet, shut his laptop, nabbed it and the now-empty cup and stalked away.

Leaving her standing there, incandescent with disbelief.

‘What a rude piece of shit.’

‘I heard that.’

His drawl was cutting, and she blanched, realising she’d spoken out loud, the whisper torn from her lips.

Irritated, Cece owned up to her faux pas. ‘Maybe I wanted you to!’

He paused and turned around at the entrance, framed by the climbing wisteria blooms.

A twitch played at the corner of his lips. ‘I can see you’re not one to mince words.’

‘You could say that,’ Cece said, raising her chin defiantly. ‘I don’t play games.’

He flicked his eyes over her. ‘Is that so?’ he said, his eyes flicking over her. ‘Because I do. Life’s more exciting with games, especially the hunter-hunted variety.’

A flush spread across her cheeks. Despite his scorn, she couldn’t deny that something about this man intrigued her.

She narrowed her eyes as she tossed her hair in a challenge. ‘Given you like playing games, then have at it.’

He chuckled in a timbre that sent a shiver through her. Yet it was mirthless and glacial. ‘I look forward to it, Miss Mirren.’

With that, he saluted her, turned and walked away. Leaving Cece to wonder what she had just gotten herself into.

She still had no idea who he was. But she felt determined not to let him get the best of her if she ever bumped into him again.

That said, she couldn’t act like the magnetism between them didn’t exist. At least her body didn’t let her.

‘Aargh!’ She let out a small scream, shook off the desire loading her body and marched back to her desk to complete her tasks.

‘Hi,’ a voice said.

Cece glanced up from her screen to see a young woman in her mid-twenties standing over her in the Falcon House shirt and slacks uniform.

Brown hair framed a pretty, if not pouty, face.

She sported a weak smile, which didn’t quite reach beyond her lips as she eyeballed Cece with some aloofness.

‘I’m Laila. Your weddings coordinator.’

Penn bustled towards them, a look of relief on her face. ‘Oh good, you found each other. Cece, Laila is a junior manager assigned to help you get the Weddings Division off the ground. She’s already got a folder of interested guests who’ve expressed interest in the service.’

Cece flashed the young woman a smile and reached out a hand to greet her. ‘Lovely to meet you, Laila. Perhaps you can tell me more about yourself and what you’ve done.’

The young woman gave her another slash of her mouth and pulled a chair as Penn took off.

When Cece invited her to do so, Laila launched into sharing her illustrious career so far, which was puzzling given she was fresh out of uni.

She outlined her work at Falcon House and waxed lyrical about significant social media achievements.

Cece soon realised she was the kind of person who could talk your ear off about all of her ideas and plans.

They were novel, but Cece also deduced they were fraught with inexperience.

Laila needed guidance, and Cece sighed, hoping the young woman’s ego could handle feedback and advice.

She started by giving Laila a simple task to gauge her experience. ‘Why don’t you start by drafting an email to our guest database? One announcing the new wedding and reception offering. Once you have it ready, show it to me. We’ll review it together, and once I’ve signed off on it, we can send it out.’

‘Whatever.’ Laila shrugged before walking away.

Cece stared after her, disquieted.

Returning to her work, she checked her messages and spotted one from Denise with the subject line: ‘Team Sync’.

She opened it and read through the agenda for a stand-up the following day with the managing director via Zoom and a few other staff members.

On the agenda was Cece’s remit, plus an item concerning the potential for expanding the events division to other Falcon House properties, such as Falcon Farm.

She noted a name in the list of attendants, one which she recognised.

Ash Falconer, CEO, Falcon House.

For a beat, she wondered about him and what he looked like, once again envisioning an older, distinguished man. If he’d served with Joseph, that was more of what she was expecting.

Shrugging, she set aside her speculation and focused on winding up for the day so she could pick Mason up after his first day at school.

She couldn’t wait to hear all his news. His energy would add to her growing evidence of whether making this move had been the right choice. For him and her.