"Thanks."
The door opened and a familiar lady walked in the door.
"Mrs. Newland, hi. Your husband said to tell you he will be at least another half an hour and would you mind waiting for him."
"Of course not. Thank you." She walked into reception and met Sami's gaze. "Sami, how nice to see you again. How are you?" She sat down beside her.
"Yeah, great. You?" Sami wished a hole would open up and swallow her. The last thing she needed was a conversation with Mason's mother.
"I'm fine. I was hoping for a cup of tea but it looks as though my husband is held up. Wouldn't care to join me would you?"
"Um, I'm waiting for some paperwork."
"Well that is perfect then. Let me shout you a drink and we can get to know each other better." She stood and spoke to the girl at reception. "We will be back shortly."
Sami couldn't find the words to refuse her and had no option but to follow. They walked down the street a bit and Mason's mother led her into a small cosy flower-filled shop.
"They make great coffee here too." She walked over to a table and took a seat and Sami sat opposite.
Sami stared out of the window watching people walking past in the sunshine and wished she was miles away and not sitting opposite Mason's mother. She fidgeted with her fingers and the menu before slapping it down on the table and sighing.
"You seem a bit frazzled, dear. What seems to be the problem?"
"Mrs. Newland, I'm not really sure I should be having this conversation with you."
"Call me Cecile, dear. I've been meaning to catch up with you and it was on my 'to do' list believe me. I knew your grandparents and your mother quite well you see and was pleased to hear you were coming to take over the farm and not selling it."
"Seriously? I thought you would have sided with your husband and wanted it for your son."
Beautiful brown eyes like Mason's gazed at her and Sami felt her stomach flip.
"No, no. Not at all. Mason is a big boy and can sort out his own problems. I keep telling Rupert not to interfere but he is so determined. Don't take any notice of him dear. Do things your own way."
"Can you tell me about my grandparents? We don't know anything, didn't even know they were alive until it was too late."
"I used to live next door. It was my parents’ home that Mason now owns. Did he tell you?" She smiled. "I grew up there. It was a magical place and of course we had a lot to do with the neighbours, that's how it is out in the country. Your mother and I went to school together and as you know Susan was part of our group too. We used to catch the bus out at the front of your house every day." A frown crossed her forehead. "I was devastated when she ran away with your father. Not because I didn't want her to be happy you understand, but because I didn't know she was going. I never got to say goodbye."
Tears welled up in Mrs Newland’s eyes and she wiped them with a tissue and laughed shakily. "I would have given anything to have kept in touch, and seen you and your brother grow up but it was not to be."
Sami sniffed and wiped her eyes saddened by the jolt of memories that came flooding back about her mother.
"Sorry, Samantha, I didn't mean to make you cry too. I'm a silly woman getting upset by my memories. It's not helping you at all learn about your grandparents. I have piles of photo albums at home with both your grandparents and your mother in them." She took a sip of tea. "Why don't you get Mason to bring you over for dinner one night and I can show you."
Sami blew a shaky breath out of her mouth.
"Um, not a good idea. His girlfriend rocked up one night and gave him hell for using his charms to get my land. We aren't really on speaking terms if you get my drift."
Cecile tilted her head and looked puzzled. "He doesn't have a girlfriend."
"Oh, yes he does. Clare was there in the flesh and blood. I know what I heard and saw." She shook her head. "I met her again at the hospital. She told me what she thought of me too. Can't say I blame her either. I'd be pissed if I thought someone was hitting on my boyfriend." She sighed. "Sorry, I don't mean to swear at you. Bad habit of mine. Look I don't want to drag you into this. Let's just forget it."
"No, Sami you are wrong. Clare is one of those girls who used to run in the same crowd as Mason in Sydney. I believe she always wanted more than he did and she has been rather hard to shake off but I can assure you, she is not his girlfriend. It was my understanding after the day of the party he was rather taken with you."
Sami's head started to swim and she was afraid she was going to faint. She gripped the edge of the table taking deep breaths until the dizziness faded.
"Are you okay, dear?"
"I don't know. I may have got the wrong end of the story but it doesn't matter now. What's done is done." She took a long drink of her coffee. "I would love to come over one day though and have a look at those photos if you don't mind. It would be great to see what Mum looked like when she was younger."
"Of course, my dear. Any time is fine with me, just call when you are ready."
"I'd better go and get those papers signed and get home. I...uh have work to do." Sami stood up and pushed in her chair. "Thanks for the coffee."
"My pleasure and Sami, it isn't too
