Page 16 of Fast Track to Forever
She opens her mouth to presumably ask what the other options are, but probably thinks better of it.
I change subject. “Two days till Christmas Eve. How about we have a big family get together. Your mum and dad, my mum and dad, and Daryl and John. How does that sound?”
She hoists herself up on one elbow to the side and looks at me incredulously. “Are you serious?”
“This could be a great idea. This could also be a terrible idea. They already know each other, and they already do business together. My dad buys your dad's flour. I'm pretty sure your parents go to their lodge for lunch or dinner sometimes, isn't that the case?”
Kat shrugs. “That's true, but they're very different people. If you think it's gonna work, then let's try.”
I elaborate. “Doesn't have to be something fancy, we could even do a pre-Christmas barbecue if the weather's nice. Sit outside, have some drinks, eat some meat.”
Kat sags down on my chest. “Sold. What's for breakfast?”
A bout of euphoria takes me, and I reply. “You.”
Kat heads off home,and my whole body feels weightless, like I'm walking on the clouds surrounding Coronet Peak. I check myself in the mirror and I'm grinning like a fool. Oh, I've got it bad. I've always had it bad when it comes to Kat.
I just hope this dinner comes together. What's the worst that could happen? I pick up my wallet, phone and keys, and make the journey to my family to discuss the pre-Christmas BBQ. From time to time I glance at my phone, hoping for a message from Kat.
Kat
Both cars are at home.Shit. It means my parents stayed in, and I'm going to get a stern talking to. I'm not sixteen anymore, I'm twenty-two. More importantly, I haven't lived with them for four years. I square my shoulders and step in the hallway.
“Kat? Is that you?”
My mum's voice rings out of the lounge. I take a deep breath and walk into World War Three.
“Yes, who else,” I say defensively.
“You were out last night.” My mum is doing the interrogation, my dad is keeping schtum. Are they going to play good cop, bad cop this time?
“Yes.”
“When are you going to stop clowning around and become a responsible adult?” My dad takes the first stab.
“I am a responsible adult, Dad. I don't live here anymore, remember? I live in England with Aunt Gem. I'm just visiting for Christmas.”
I keep my calm and take a seat on the sofa opposite to them. If I just try to reason with them, it won't end in tears.
“You should be here, going with Dad to the flour mill every day. It's your legacy, Katarina. You're a Featherstone.” My mum says, twisting in the knife.
I sigh. “Mum, let's not start with this. Please. I've come to spend time with you over the holidays. Then I'm going back.”
Mum mills this over and changes tack. “And where were you last night? You treat this house like a hotel.”
I swallow, holding onto the shreds of my composure. “I was with Will, mum. We're both adults.”
“Will is…” My dad tips his head left and right, searching the ceiling for the right word. “Will. He’s a good boy, but he's got his own path. Very different from yours.” My dad's words sting.
I put my head in my hands. “I suppose now would be a good time to suggest a pre-Christmas barbecue with Will's family.”
My parents lean back on the sofa, pondering.
“Are you two… serious?” my dad enquires.
I shrug my shoulders, and keep my fears to myself. “We're giving it a go, dad. Who knows what's going to happen.”
Mum nods. “His parents are lively people but they're very … different to us.” My dad purses his lips. “They always vote Left. Word goes they don't want any money off Will.”
