Page 80 of Waiting for a Bright New Future

The hands on the clock were moving too fast. At 6.45 a.m. he’d have to race through the shower and get dressed in order to get to William.

“Mistletoe!” Eunice leaned over the back of the sofa and dangled a plastic piece of mistletoe in front of them. “My teacher says that people kiss under the mistletoe. You can kiss if you want to.”

He did want to but didn’t dare turn his head. Kissing Florence wasn’t the right thing to do. She didn’t want it and he was engaged to someone else. The tension was awkward and then Stuart stood up.

“No time. I’m going to be late for William and he needs a Happy Christmas as well.”

* * *

“Happy Christmas, William!”

The figure in the bed rolled over and began to stretch with a groan. The old man wasn’t right. Stuart helped him into a sitting position and then onto the commode.

“I think we should get the doctor in.”

“Not today. Don’t spoil anyone’s Christmas. Andrea will be here at lunchtime and then I’ll be right as rain.”

“Are you sure?”

“All I need is a mug of tea and some of your lovely porridge with extra golden syrup. You always get the temperature just right now.”

“I make a good breakfast, but it doesn’t work miracles.”

As William drank the tea he brightened up and after a few spoons of hot cereal he was ready for conversation. Stuart told him about Florence and the children and their excitement.

“You’re glowing, Stuart.”

“Childish excitement. It’s contagious.” Stuart didn’t meet the old man’s eye.

William scraped his spoon around the edge of the bowl and Stuart was satisfied that his client had perked up enough to not require a doctor. Florence hovered in his mind and he pushed her away; he had Christmas Day with Jayne to look forward to plus his wedding day — the gateway to that bright new future.

“You best be off to your fiancée then and I’ll see you tomorrow. Andrea will make sure I’m OK before she leaves this evening.”

The children were putting coats on and hauling a black bag into the boot of the Panda.

“I need to get to Jim’s and start on the dinner.” Florence was carrying mince pies and the trifle out to the car.

“And we’re going to show Granddad our presents.” Shayne patted the bin bag.

“And I’m taking the mistletoe.” Eunice held up the green plastic twig. “Granddad likes to kiss Grandma.”

The seed of disappointment in Stuart’s stomach grew another layer. Florence had turned her back to fiddle with the key in the car door.

“Have a good time.” He forced a grin and waved at the children.

“We might stay over. So I can have a glass of wine.” Now she was looking at him.

He nodded. “No problem. I’ll feed Tibby.” From the corner of his eye, Stuart saw Florence nudge each of the children.

“Thank you for the Barbie,” said Eunice. “I like the little dogs.”

“Thank you for the helicopter.” Shayne produced it from behind his back and ran down the drive pretending it was flying.

“I’m saving my parcel to open after dinner,” Florence said. “There’s one for you on the kitchen table.”

At that moment there was a knock on glass from next door. Jayne was gesticulating.

“We’d better go.” Florence shooed the children into the car.

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