“There was probably another reason why Headphones Guy wasn’t on the bus this afternoon which might not have had anything to do with you or your ability to jinx me,” I managed to say before running out of breath. My next line came out high-pitched and squeaky. “Because he’s standing at the front of the room.”

Chapter Two

Hennessy Lang

I was nervous but excited, like I was before every meeting. I’d attended similar group sessions for years but this was my fifth time as host and organiser. I’d only been in Surry Hills for six and a half months and on leaving behind my North Shore support group, and discovering Surry Hills didn’t have one, it was suggested I start my own. It was only early days, but the turnout had been good and consistent and positive, and that was all I could hope for. I wasn’t a huge fan of the venue, but with short notice and basically zero budget, I couldn’t very well complain.

Some familiar faces arrived. The women: Bonny, Leah, Sabina, and Nataya. And the two guys: Glenn and Anwar. The very first meeting I’d had, only two people turned up. Leah and Sabina. Then the next meeting Anwar made three, then by meeting four we had six. And this meeting saw two new people walk in. They came in together and could have been a couple, I wasn’t sure. I certainly didn’t like to assume. But by the way she smiled with ease and how he looked to be almost hyperventilating, I got the impression he was here for himself and she was his support person.

She was shortish, maybe five feet one, and had a piercing in her cheek punctuating her dimple. She had a short black fringe and her hair was in Princess Leia buns on the sides of her head; she wore a mustard coloured knee-length skirt and a purple cardigan. She looked friendly and fun and I liked her before I’d even spoken to her.

He, on the other hand, looked like a ball of nerves. He was tall and trim, and he had a bit of a beard happening. His brown hair was short, he wore dark blue jeans and a yellow sweater and bright yellow shoes. He looked a little familiar, and he also looked like he was two seconds away from having a full-blown panic attack.

I knew what that was like. I’d been in his shoes before.

She had her hand on his arm and was saying something to him but he was shaking his head, so I went over to them and gently interrupted. “Hi.” I stood back enough so as not to crowd him, my tone friendly, and I smiled.