‘A special time, huh?’ said Grace softly.

Tina looked into the distance. ‘For some of us, Bali changed our lives.’

‘That sounds pretty great. Would you go back, Mum?’

‘I’m not sure. From what I see in the travel supplements it looks too overcooked now, if you know what I mean.’

‘Overdone and overcrowded. Yes, but maybe that’s what tourists want these days.’

‘There’re very few unspoiled paradises around anymore.’

‘Hmm . . . maybe.’

‘Let’s head back inside,’ said Tina, gently putting Sparkle on the floor. ‘It’s getting too cool now. Feel like some homemade soup for dinner?’

‘Thanks, Mum. Sounds good.’ Grace finished her tea. Thoughts were buzzing through her mind, about tourism, attracting visitors, places on a bucket list, scenarios that might suit a hotel campaign. For the first time in months, she felt excited about the future.

3

Grace hit Melanie’s FaceTime number and her smiling face appeared on the screen.

‘Hi, Gracie, what’s happening?’

‘I’m thinking I will go to Bali and check out this hotel campaign.’

‘Good on you. It sounds fantastic. Of course, it could be a nightmare too. But don’t go, won’t know,’ she added.

‘That’s what I thought. Mum’s happy to take care of Daisy for a few days.’

‘Does Lawrence know you’re going away?’

‘Not yet. Do you think I have to let him know? It doesn’t affect Daisy’s routine. Mum will drive her to school. I don’t want Lawrence throwing a spanner in the works, as Mum says, before I even know anything about this job.’

‘Legally? I don’t know. I guess not, but perhaps check with your lawyer. Bringing Daisy up there later could be more of an issue. Just take it one step at a time. You might hate the place. Or the people. Or the job.’

‘Mum was talking last night about her time there. She was very nostalgic. I’d love to take her back sometime.’

‘Really? When was she in Bali?’

‘In the late seventies, before she married Dad. In the hippy era.’

‘Go, Tina!’ Melanie said, laughing, then sounded more serious. ‘The client is paying for your travel, I assume? You can’t afford to be out of pocket.’

‘I know! My work is paying initially. We’re all keen to get this job, it could be massive. Big-bucks budget, I’m told.’

‘So what’s the process? Do you have to prepare the pitch before you go?’ Mel said.

‘I’ll do some research but really the most useful thing at this early stage will be to meet the client’s marketing team and hear what they have in mind.’

‘Right, I suppose they want to find out what you’re like and discuss some of your ideas too.’

Grace smiled. ‘Yeah, no pressure! I’ll have to think on my feet from the moment I land.’

‘You’ll wow them, Gracie,’ Mel said. ‘I’m sure you’ll get this contract . . . if you want it.’

‘I wish you were coming,’ Grace said. ‘Okay. I’ll keep you posted.’