As the event wound up, Nicky and a small cohort headed out for dinner to celebrate. It was the newest restaurant in Sydney, a fusion of east and west cuisine that was served in miniature portions on oversized black plates. Mark was very pleased with himself that he’d been able to pull a few strings and get them a table. Her agent, Di, was there, of course, and Mark. A couple of Mark’s colleagues. The librarian from the event. Despite the cheery group surrounding her, Nicky felt empty, and a little alone.

Di clinked her glass and everyone turned to her. ‘I think tonight is a wonderful chance to share some news that I received today. Nicky, you’ve won the Jackman Literary Award! I’m so proud of you.’

Mark led a chorus of cheers and Nicky’s heart swelled. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d get such recognition for Tide. A waiter brought glasses of Champagne for everyone and Mark hugged her tightly.

It was the greatest moment of her career so far, and all she wanted was to tell Jane. She skulled her glass and ordered another drink from a passing waiter.

‘Don’t you think that’s enough?’ Mark whispered in her ear.

‘Not really.’ She drank it quickly.

‘Well, I was thinking we’d celebrate some more when we got home.’ He ran his finger down her spine.

She shrugged him off and pulled her phone out to send a text to her best friend, to share her latest news. But how would she react? Would she see it as Nicky showing off? The first contact Nicky makes in two months and it’s to tell her about a prize she’d won?

She put her phone away.

Later that night, back at the apartment, Nicky and Mark got ready for bed, changing into their pyjamas, folding down the doona.

‘So?’ Mark asked. ‘What are you going to do with all that money?’

‘It’s not that much.’ Nicky shrugged.

‘But add it to your advance and it isn’t too bad.’

No, it wasn’t too bad at all. Nicky rearranged her pillows so she could sit up a bit. ‘I suppose I should pay you back for keeping me these last few months.’

‘Oh, Nicky.’ He laughed and climbed into bed beside her. ‘There’s no paying back for that. We’re together. We share things. Everything. Me taking care of things the last few months wasn’t a loan you have to pay back.’ He took her hand and rubbed it gently, kissing her palm and twirling her engagement ring around her finger.

Nicky leaned over and kissed him. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you, too. Now what do you think? Are you going to splurge on something you’ve always wanted? Like a piano?’

Nicky laughed. She’d never wanted a piano.