Page 83 of Third Time’s a Charm

Since Jasper no longer has a car, I gave him a lift to Ant’s offices on the northern beaches, and by default I’m driving him back. By the time we fight our way through the midafternoon traffic, there’s not much more than an hour before the time we agreed to meet Ben and Will at a pub in North Sydney.

“Would you like to grab a coffee before the meeting?” Jasper suggests, which sounds like a great idea.

I feel a little like I’ve been picked up by a fast-moving river. Two days ago, I was happily—for the most part—employed by Cellar Road International. Now I’m not only unemployed, but I’m looking at setting up my own business with the help of an investor, and using nefariously obtained files to—let’s not beat around the bush—blackmail my previous employer to do it.

It’s a head rush, to say the least.

Jasper seems to recognise what’s going through my mind.

“Are you okay with all this? It’s pretty full on,” he says as he comes back to the table with our much-needed caffeine hits. And two pieces of caramel slice. “The barista said this is a fail-safe choice of sweeties in Australia.”

“The barista is correct. Thank you.”

I didn’t get a piece of cake when we met with Colin earlier, and with everything that’s going on, not to mention my lack of sleep, I’m in need of a sugar hit.

We haven’t had a proper conversation about whether Jasper will be part of the potential business, should Ben decide to invest, which, to my amazement, seems likely. Or where our personal relationship stands. But we need to. Because this is an important crossroad for me. I can’t just let things happen, let myself drift into something that’s not what I want in order to please others. Personally or professionally.

“I just want to say how much I appreciate what you did, developing my presentation,” I start, with no actual idea where I’m going with the conversation. Because I have no earthly idea how I want this to play out.

“As I’ve said all along, I think it’s a brilliant idea. I’d say I regret how things have turned out, but honestly, if you can get this up and running outside of Cellar Road International, going out on your own will be a much better outcome for you in the long run.” Jasper stirs his coffee, despite not having added sugar, while I snap a little of the chocolate topping off my caramel slice and let it melt on my tongue. Seems we’re both doing the nervous fidget, keeping our hands busy.

“Do you really think so?”

Jasper looks contrite. “I may not have been honest with you about some things, which I’ll always regret, but not that.”

“Thank you.” I hesitate, searching for the right words. “You said when you gave me the USB that you thought I’d need help. That your experience could be valuable. Especially in relation to getting the funding from a bank, but Ben already seems pretty keen to invest.”

Jasper sips his coffee in silence for a moment. Eventually he looks me in the eye, and there’s honesty in his blue gaze. We’re both feeling our way in this conversation. Unsure of our positions.

“He does. So you probably don’t need me. I’m sure he’ll give you any support you might need.” I could overthink that statement and convince myself he’s giving himself an out. But the expression on his face tells me that’s the opposite of what he wants.

“But you’re now out of a job.”

“I am. Which violates the terms of my visa. Although I was only ever supposed to be here for three to six months.”

“So you’ll go back to the UK?” I break off a chunk of slice and nibble on it, gaze locked on Jasper’s face.

His smile is sad.

“When I arrived, that was my intention. Australia has a lot of painful memories for me. But … I don’t know. That road trip changed my perspective. I think maybe I’d like to stay. At least for a while.”

“What about your visa?”

“I was thinking, if you don’t mind, I might reach out to Marty or Grahame and see if there’s an opportunity to do some consulting, get a visa sponsorship through them. Hell, I’d be happy picking grapes, to be honest.”

“Or …” I hesitate. “Would you still be interested in partnering with me, maybe?

Because you’re right. You have more experience than me. And you already know a lot of the growers now. I can’t do it all on my own, I don’t think. So, is that something you’d consider?”

“I’d really like that. If you’re sure.” There’s a world of hope in his voice.

Relief bubbles out as a laugh. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit the thought of doing this on my own was terrifying.

“What about our … personal … relationship?” Jasper asks.

As much as I want to leap across the table and kiss him senseless, navigating both a business partnership and a new relationship at the same time is a daunting prospect.

I take a deep breath, a swallow of coffee, let out a sigh. “Do you think we could put a pin in that for the time being? At least until we get things sorted out business-wise?” Look at me being all mature and making the sensible choice.