Blake took a sip of coffee. “Kids, Del is taking you into town today for an eye check. I want you to behave and do everything she tells you, okay?”
“But you never let us go anywhere with the nannies.” A frown marred his young face as he looked between his father and nanny.
“Well, this is different. I trust Delilah and I want you to as well. Now eat up and you can get ready. Bluey and I have work to do.” He poured himself cereal and didn’t say another word. When he was finished, he pushed his chair in and walked to the back door. On a hook were a few rings with keys. Lifting one off, he held them out. “Keys for the four wheel drive. Should be easy enough, its auto. Do a lap of the yard before you go just so I know you have a handle on it, and I’ll give you directions to the hospital. Somehow I doubt you remember the way from last time.”
Del walked over and wrapped her hand around his. “Thank you. It means a lot to me that you have given me your trust and it will be alright, I promise. Just for your information, I do drive myself around Sydney and if you can survive peak hour traffic there, you can survive anywhere.”
He nodded his head, took his hat from the door and walked down the stairs without a word.
“I’m impressed.” Bluey stood up and brought his plate to the counter. “Remember what I said.”
She bit her lip, too scared to tell him she had to go back and sort things out before they could have any chance at a life together. It wasn’t in her nature to leave anyone in the lurch, no matter what the cost to her.
Before heading into town, Del fired up her laptop to check her emails. There was one from John, Blake’s brother-in-law. Holding her breath, she opened it and read the contents. Damn it.
Delilah, I’ve looked into your contract in depth and it would appear you are obligated to the studio for another season. I have to say whoever drew this up was not doing you any favors.
Here is what I suggest: Approach the studio head and put your case on the table. If you have had a good working relationship over the last couple of years, there is no reason why the two of you can’t come to some mutual arrangement that suits everyone. If you would like me to attend, I can do that if you give me adequate notice.
Might I also suggest you rethink your manager’s obligations toward you? I know you didn’t ask for my advice on this part of the contract, but since you are friends of family so to speak, I felt it was pertinent for me to mention it. It seems there is nothing she is doing for you that you cannot do yourself. When it comes to looking over contracts, which seems to be her main focus, there is nothing a good lawyer cannot do and for a lot less than the twenty five percent she is skimming off your income. Something for you to think over.
Feel free to call me if you need any further help. Sorry I couldn’t be the bearer of better news for you.
Sincerely John Hollins.
Del filed the email and sat biting her lip. Before she could change her mind, she wrote an email to Mr Steenburg and outlining her concerns and asking for an appointment to meet him to discuss the terms of her contract. Shutting down the laptop, she went in search of the children to head into town for their appointment at the hospital she had fought so hard for.
* * *
The optometrist turned on the light, moved the equipment away from her face, and smiled at Lilly. “Well, that wasn’t too bad, was it?” He looked over at Delilah and she held her breath. “Looks like this little one would benefit from glasses. I can’t believe she is doing so well with the stigmatism she has. Nothing that can’t be dealt with.”
“Can I have pink ones?” Lilly climbed down and hurried to Del’s side, snuggling close with her thumb jammed in her mouth.
“Let’s go out and see what we have, shall we? You can pick out a few frames, and your mum can tell you if they look good on you or not.”
The little girl giggled and a rush of joy flooded Delilah’s heart when Lilly made no attempt to correct the optician. She walked out to search for her glasses and Del followed her. After trying on every pair in child’s sizes, she made her choice. Happy, she looked at her brother and Del.
“Beautiful honey, just beautiful.”
“They should take about ten days, seven if you’re lucky. I’ll call when they’re in and you can come back.” He handed Del a brochure. “I know she’s not ready yet, but something for you and your husband to think about. Laser surgery is an easy fix for her problem but we don’t recommend it to anyone under the age of eighteen.” He glanced at Royce. “You never said you had two children when you called. If you want me to check your son’s eyes, I have a spare appointment now too.”
Royce looked up at her, a small grin on his face and she made the snap decision. “What a great idea. Okay, Royce?”
He nodded his head and they walked back into the examination room. When he got a clean bill of health, Delilah breathed easier.
“Nice to meet you all.”
“Thank you, much appreciated.” Del tucked the brochure into her handbag and took Lilly’s hand and slung her other arm around Royce’s shoulder.
The drive home was way more relaxed than the trip in. They played I Spy and laughed until they drove over the cattle grid. Blake was standing waiting for them as they drove up, his hands on hips when they pulled up in front
