Page 22 of Fast Track to Forever
I add a tongue out emoji for good measure. The leather bracelet is done and neatly wrapped, waiting for its owner.
Will: Christmas day it is.
I put the phone down and sigh. It’s Will and I against the world.
Chapter 8
Christmas Eve
Queenstown, NZ
Will
It'sChristmas Eve and I'm exactly where I didn't want to be. In the busy town centre shopping precinct. I'm getting stopped every two minutes, have shaken countless hands and posed for a million photos.
I take a look at the lake outside. I could still rush back to the lodge and just buy Kat an online gift voucher. I could get some cash out, stuff an envelope full of it. I put these thoughts out of my mind and stand firm.
I'd come looking for a designer store, any designer. Get her a wallet, or a handbag or whatever it is I buy all the other girls. She's not like the other girls, I need to remember that. Instead I step into a gift shop.
“Hey man, what are you doing up and about?” Nikos’ friendly face and voice is like a breath of fresh air.
I grab him in a bear hug. “So good to see a friendly face! I'm Christmas shopping. Very last minute.”
“Let me guess. Kat.”
“Yep. What are you up to?”
Nikos is not meeting my gaze. He shoves his hands in his pockets. “Not much, last minute shopping as well. Forgot to get the old folks something. What are you planning to get Kat?”
His curiosity makes me uneasy, but I shake it off. “Oh, I don't know yet. Looking around, who knows.” I shift my weight from one leg to another. “Good to see you, we should catch up before I head off again.”
We shake hands and he nods. “If cousin Kat lets you off the leash sometime, yes.”
I laugh. Is this what I seem like these days, under the thumb? I leave the gift store and go to a book and stationery shop. There I find the perfect gift. The old lady at the till also recognizes me and wants a photo for her grandkids. I smile for the selfie, and she scans the gift I'm planning to give Kat. Please let her not say anything. She winks and puts it in a paper bag. I sigh with relief, pay using my card, and head off.
I fish out my phone and check my messages. Nothing from Kat. It's Christmas Eve so I imagine she's doing stuff with her family. A stray thought jumps in my head. I could be her family. That way we could spend Christmas together. I shake my head, and stride on towards my car.
Back at the lodge,I drop the bags under the Christmas tree. The lights sparkle and the gifts seem to spread out as far as the lake. I wish Kat were here. Kat! I dive for the bag containing her gift and call for my mom.
“What’s the matter?” Mum hurries down, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Nothing major. Do you have any spare wrapping paper?”
“One moment.” She purses her lips and heads off round the back. She returns with some Superhero wrapping paper, sellotape, scissors and a pen.
I burst out laughing. “Really mum. Is this the only wrapping paper that's left?”
“We used the rest up. Take it or leave it.” She folds her arms.
I try to imagine what Kat's reaction is going to be when she sees this. I shake my head. She'll find it funny.
My mum is craning her neck to see what I'm wrapping, but I'm feeling protective. “Do you mind?”
“This is for Kat, isn't it?”
Her question catches me off guard. “Of course, mum. Who else?”
“Who else, indeed?” she mutters.
