Page 23 of Fast Track to Forever
I wave. “You guys and her parents will make up, I'm sure of it. You've got on this far. This is just a… a blip.” I struggle to find my words.
“Your dad is really upset with Kat's dad. He's severed all business ties. No more Featherstone flour. He would like younotto see Kat if you can help it.”
I stop part way through cutting the wrapping paper and raise my eyebrows in defiance.
“I thought so.” She sighs. “Well, good luck,” she says walking away.
I shake my head. Why do these parents make things so complicated? In my mind it's simple. I love Kat. She's at least attracted to me. I can work with that. We can be together. Make it work. The rest of the world can go fuck itself. I'm proud of myself for how zen I am about this.
I place the final sellotape piece on the gift and write Kat's name on the paper. Now I'm ready.
Kat
I've hadto sit through a flour factory tour, a twenty slide PowerPoint presentation about wherewe’regoing and an assembly line hands-on drill. I feel like telling my dad “No,we’renot going anywhere. This is all you. I havemy ownhopes and dreams.”
Instead I bunch my hands in my pocket on Christmas eve and check my phone a million times for a message from Will.
The phone stays silent, apart from the continuous waves on Social Media about that photo of him and I.
I'm hoping that if I can mollify my dad, he'll come round to the de Jongs and the idea of me and Will together.
So far it's not working. A factory worker sniggered at me already.
I can't breathe. “Can I get anyone a coffee or a hot drink?”
My dad nods. “Good that you're making yourself useful.”
Ouch. What a backhanded compliment. “What would you like?”
I make a note. Ten cups of tea, all milk, no sugar. Two black coffees. I wave and head to the hole in the wall cafe next to the mill.
“Hey there, could I please order ten cups of tea, all milk and no sugar. And two black coffees please as well. Thank you.”
I hand them the cash that my dad gave me and stand there waiting, clearing my head. Two hours before going home. Iwonder what Will is doing. I pick up my phone and start typing a message.
Kat: How's it going?”
Before I get a chance to press send, I sense a presence near me. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Nikos, slinking in the shadows like a creeper. He’s caught me staring. I sigh and face him with a fake smile.
“Nikos, funny meeting you here.”
“You're never around the mill, so I could say the same thing.” Yep, definitely a barb in his words.
I shrug. “I'm here now. It's Christmas Eve, what are you up to?”
“I just saw Will in town earlier. He was having lunch with a blonde girl. Looked a lot like you but it wasn't you.”
My eyes widen but I try to keep my composure. “Oh?”
“He's lining them up, that Will. He told me he's got a few on the sideline in Italy and Monaco too. Anyway, I won't keep you. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” I whisper.
“Miss? Miss? Your order is ready.” The barista points at the three trays of drinks. I nod, pick the trays up and make the trek back to the factory, walking like a robot, like I'm void of emotion.
My dad mustn't hear about this. I walk past a small mirror and readjust my smile as if I were putting on new clothes.
“The hot drinks are here.”
