Page 34 of Fast Track to Forever
I get in the car with John in the passenger seat, and navigate towards the Glenorchy Golf Club.
“Is Nikos meeting us there?” John asks, clicking in his seatbelt.
“He's on the way, we'll pick him up.”
“I haven't played golf in a couple of years, I'm a bit rusty.”
I chuckle. “I think I last played a few months ago. Not something I do often, but Nikos insisted, so I figured it was something we could do together.”
John shrugs. “I bet Glenorchy golf club has some amazing lake views.”
“Definitely, I haven't been, but I've heard great things about it.”
John's very easy going. I'm happy that Daryl has found someone who can put up with all his bullshit. We arrive at Nikos’s house and he's outside on the pavement with his own clubs. I get out of the car and open the trunk for him to place his clubs.
“Careful!” Nikos snaps, annoyance in his voice. “These were expensive. I only got them yesterday.”
John's eyes widen but he doesn't comment. He moves to the back seat, and Nikos takes the passenger seat. I figure he's trying to give us some bonding time.
I start the journey to Glenorchy, the lake on my left, and the mountains in the distance. This feels like home.
Nikos takes one look at John and asks. “Where's Daryl?”
“He stayed home. Kat is helping him and John plan their wedding.”
His eyes narrow. “Any more news about the Featherstone mouse?”
A deer jumps across the road, and my formula one reflexes kick in. I swerve hard, avoid it, and straighten.
John gasps, and Nikos exhales. “That was close. I've always said they need to put fences up.”
“That was something, Will. Is that what you're like when you're racing?” John sounds genuinely impressed.
I smile. “A little.”
“I've noticed otherwise you're a slow and sedate driver.”
Nikos blows out a heavy sigh and pushes his way forward, hanging over the console and wedging himself between me and John. He twists until his back is entirely to John, blocking him off, and says, “Anyway, they'd better do something about these wild animals. They'll end up killing somebody.”
I nod and put some music on. Nikos changes the channel to some electronic music. I don't mind.
Nikos rubs his chin. “So tell me, are you and Kat like… serious?”
I drum my fingers on the steering wheel to the beat. “Very serious. I'd like her to move to Monaco with me. Or somewhere else, I don't know.”
Nikos swallows uncomfortably. “I don't know if it's wise. I mean she has her aunt and the vintage shop to look after…”
“How do you know about her aunt’s situation? I thought you were related on her dad’s side.” I enquire politely.
He swallows again. “Oh, it's common knowledge. Changing topic, how is your family?”
I shrug. “They're okay. They had a minor issue with someone posting fake reviews about the Lodge. All is getting sorted, though.”
“Oh.” Nikos unbuttons one of his polo shirt buttons.
“This is the button for the Aircon.” I point toward the button that’s become a life saver in this sweltering weather.
“And how do your folks feel about Kat?”
