Eliza picked up her glass and raised it to Nat. ‘To us. From online friends to real-life friends.’
Nat clinked her glass with Eliza’s before sipping the wine. Soft, earthy, mocha-like flavours danced on her tongue.
Jacob rejoined them and picked up his glass. ‘I love this vintage. It’s gorgeous. Now, Lia, tell us about yourself. Eliza mentioned what a great job you have and how much you’re giving back to the community. I’d love to know more about it.’
Nat found herself doing all the talking for the next twenty minutes as Jacob asked her questions about her job and the types of people that used the community housing.
‘Sounds like they could use an injection of funds,’ Jacob said.
‘It’s like anything, not enough budget to get things working to their optimum. But it’s a wonderful service, so we can’t complain.’
Jacob nodded.
‘What are you thinking?’ Eliza winked at Nat. ‘I know that look. The cogs are turning.’
‘The company will be looking to donate some of the money it made from the current salmon run, that’s all. Something like the Endeavour Trust might be of interest. We’re always looking at ways to assist the community.’
‘That would be amazing. Eliza mentioned that you’ve had some success in the last few weeks with your investments.’
‘We have. It’s an unusual opportunity that occurs every two to three years.’ He laughed. ‘It’s like the stars align or something, but it’s never for long enough, of course.’
‘Do you think your run is nearly over?’
He shook his head. ‘I’m confident we have more time, possibly even a few weeks. We make investments daily that turn over very quickly. It is a good way to invest manageable amounts without the risk being too high.’
Eliza rolled her eyes. ‘His idea of manageable is eight hundred thousand or even a million.’
Jacob smiled. ‘It is, but keep in mind that’s a tiny percentage of our overall portfolio.’
‘Your clients must be delighted when this happens.’
‘They are. It’s why we retain our clients for many years. What they earn in this short-term period is more than any managed fund could ever return for them.’
‘Would you allow Lia to invest?’ Eliza suddenly asked.
Jacob leaned back in his chair, looking uncomfortable.
‘Don’t worry,’ Nat assured him. ‘I have nothing to invest. Today is the first day in weeks that I have a little money, and that’s only because I received a week’s pay. I have about five hundred dollars to my name. I’m not in a position to do anything.’
‘We don’t usually invest on behalf of friends, anyway.’ He looked pointedly at Eliza. ‘If things go wrong it’s never good for the friendship.’
‘Sorry,’ Eliza said. ‘Lia’s just going through such a horrible time, that’s all. I thought it would help a little.’
Jacob finished his wine and stood. ‘I’d better leave you lovely ladies to it.’ He leaned down and kissed Eliza. ‘Good to see you, sis. I’ve left some money on the tab for you so you can order another bottle and have some dinner later if you want to.’
‘Oh no,’ Nat said. ‘You don’t need to do that. I’ve plenty to cover us.’
‘Consider it my treat. That five hundred is better spent practically anywhere else.’ He winked. ‘Except the poker rooms of course.’
The next morning Nat opened one eye, then the other, her fingers crossed under the duvet. It was doubtful she’d get away with drinking the amount that she and Eliza had the previous afternoon and not be hungover. They’d stopped after the second bottle and ordered some finger food, but it was still close to a bottle each and a lot more than Nat usually drank. She was surprised to find she felt okay. No thumping headache and no churning stomach. She looked up at the ceiling and smiled in gratitude to Jacob. Eliza had said that drinking the expensive wine should mean they’d be fine, and it looked as if she was right.
‘You alive up there?’
Phyllie’s voice drifted up the stairs. Nat swung herself out of bed and went out on to the landing.
‘It’s after nine. I just wanted to remind you that you said you’d pick Amy up and take her to the movies today.’
Nat smiled. ‘I haven’t forgotten, just enjoying a luxurious sleep-in.’
‘I’ve left you some money on the kitchen table. It’s my treat today for you and Amy. There should be enough for the movies and some afternoon tea or something from the candy bar.’
Nat shook her head. ‘No, don’t be silly. I got paid yesterday, and I’m happy to take her out.’
Phyllie waggled a finger at her. ‘You need to pay down that credit card, missy; no point splurging unnecessarily. The way you were giggling last night, I’d say your afternoon with Eliza probably cost you a pretty packet.’
‘It didn’t cost anything. Her brother, the millionaire, picked up the bill. That reminds me, I should get online and thank Eliza, or at least tell her to thank Jacob for me.’
Nat had arrived home just after eight the previous night. She and Eliza had chatted non-stop, finding out so many things about each other. It had been a lot of fun, and she felt even closer to her new friend. She’d been able to fill Phyllie in that Eliza hadn’t misrepresented herself and was a lovely person. Phyllie looked like she still didn’t believe her, for reasons Nat couldn’t fathom. ‘Not everyone in the world is out to cheat and steal,’ she’d reminded her grandmother. ‘There are plenty of real people in chat rooms. And anyway, who’s going to misrepresent themselves in a gambling addicts’ chat room? It’s not as if anyone has anything of value you could prey on them for.’
Phyllie seemed to accept that point, and Nat enjoyed telling her more about Eliza’s situation.
Now, she went back into her room and slipped on her white linen robe and Ugg boots before coming downstairs and switching on the computer.
Phyllie placed a cup of steaming coffee in front of her.
‘There are perks to having the computer down here after all. Thanks, Granny!’
Phyllie slapped her on the arm. ‘Don’t you Granny me, girlie. It makes me feel like some frail old lady. I might be old, but I’m certainly not decrepit. Now, I’m going to visit Verna. I’ve left that money for you on the table, so make sure you take it.’
‘Okay, thank you. I’ll make sure Amy knows it’s your treat.’
‘No need to do that, I just want you to save your money for the moment.’
Phyllie collected her bag and let herself out of the front door while Nat logged on to the chat room. She smiled as the computer processed her details. For the first morning in weeks, she hadn’t woken up wanting to play poker. The very thought of it repulsed her. Listening to Eliza’s story last night of just how badly it had affected her husband, and also others she’d got to know in the chat room, made her cringe.
There was a message waiting.
LizaE
Hey, Lia, you there? Was great to catch up yesterday. Jacob has a message for you. Let me know when you’re online, so we can chat. And Suze, if you’re around, hope it went ok with your husband. We’re here if you need us.