Page 12 of Fast Track to Forever
“Helped my parents with some stuff at the flour mill. They're really keen for me to stay on after January and help out.”
I sense anguish in her voice. “And you want to go back to England to help your aunt. Or do something with your fashion idea. “
She shakes her head. “I don't know what I want to do. I'm being pulled in so many different directions.”
I nod. Am I one of those directions? Now would be a good time to bring up that there's nothing between us, and it's best to leave it as is. But for some reason, I choke.
“But I don't want to trouble you with my stuff. Let's focus instead of finding the perfect little tree for the reception area at the lodge.”
The sign for the Christmas Tree farm looms ahead and I pull into the car park. The tips of tall pines cut across a blue sky, and red velvet ribbon curls around the lot, held up by posts painted bright green. The bells loop through them chime on a cool breeze.
“This place is magic, don't you think?” Her eyes sparkle and she twirls.
I feel like I could buy her the whole damn Christmas tree farm. “Definitely magic.”
We walk through the rows of pine trees of different sizes, and Kat points at one the same height as her. “What about this one? I reckon it's the right size.”
Before I get the chance to speak, a mop of dark hair rises between the trees. “Will? Will de Jong?”
I recognise the voice through a fog of memories. “Nikos, my man!”
Nikos appears from behind some pine trees with a large grin. We shake hands and I envelop him in a bear hug.
“How are you,” I ask. “Haven't seen you in ages, man.”
“Same old same old, bro. Look at you though, you're even taller. And richer.”
I laugh. “Not that much.”
Nikos crosses his arms. “And who do we have here? Little Kitty Kat. Howdy, cuz.”
It's the height of summer but I swear the atmosphere’s turned cold. Kat is positively glacial. “Hey Nikos, long time no see.”
He nods and says, “I guess I'll see you guys around. Need to organise a catch up, bro. Hit me up.”
I nod and wave, as he walks away.
“He's going to ask you for money, I hope you know that. He asked me the other day.” Kat's words stop me in my tracks.
My brow furrows. “He wouldn't be the first one. I don't mind.”
“You've always been so generous, even before you made it big in car racing. Remember when I lost my headband at school, and you made me one from twigs?”
I smile. “You were crying on the playground. I was a goner then.”
Kat laughs. “Best get that tree before more people jump out from the bushes.”
I find someone who works there, wearing a battered cap, and point to the tree Kat chose. “Can we have this one please?”
He flips his cap backward then chops the tree cleanly in two strokes. He lifts it up and tosses it to me.
“Good catch!” Kat winks. “I’ll take a look at the ornaments. I know they have lots of really nice handmade ones from local artisans.”
I carry the tree to the till, and I'm greeted by a wonderful sight.
“Mrs Jones!” I exclaim. “Kat, come here, look who it is.”
“Will and Kat, oh my. Look at you.” Mrs. Jones, our old school teacher, embraces each of us. “I'm so happy to see you. I taught you both at different times. I'm so proud of you, Will. We're all very proud of you. “
