Page 24 of Fast Track to Forever
My dad smiles for the first time in days and helps me hand out the teas and coffees.
“I think we did well today, pet. Don't you?”
I swallow and nod. I really need to talk to Will. Surely this isn't true.
“Can we leave a bit earlier, Dad? It's Christmas Eve. I'm sure the workers would like to be with their families.”
“Ok. Tools down in fifteen minutes at three PM.” The ten workers whoop happily.
I arrange some files to make the time pass and say goodbye to the workers as dad and I walk to my car.
“I have a bit of a headache, Dad. Let's go straight home.” He nods and I speed home, my heart pounding and about to shatter into pieces. So that's why Will hasn’t messaged me. He's busy with others.
The road home feels like a blur. I take my handbag upstairs and take my phone out.
My unsent message is still sitting in my drafts. I sigh and delete it. Then I begin sobbing.
Just at that moment, a message comes through from Will.
Will: How was your day, liefie? Were you busy?
I look at the message for a while.
Kat: I went to the factory with my dad.
Will: And how was it? Interesting? Or dull?
Kat: Fine. Where were you?
I consider deleting but send anyway. I'm too wound up.
Will: ?? Around. When can I see you tomorrow? I have something for you.
I sigh. I spent hours making that leather bracelet lucky charm for him. I should give it to him. If I see him for ten minutes perhaps. Then I won't see him again. It's too painful.
Kat: Tomorrow before lunch? Can squeeze half an hour. I'm a bit busy.
I lie through my teeth. It's Christmas day. I'm not busy at all.
The three dots show he's typing for a long time.
Will: Ok. How about 11am at the Sunshine Bay house?
I don't want to be alone with him, particularly at that house.
Kat: Or maybe in town? Grab a coffee?
Will: Nah, been a bit difficult today in town.
So hehasbeen in town, like Nikos said. The scoundrel! I could go to Sunshine Bay for five minutes. Literally give him the bracelet and take off. Nobody could stop me. Nobody.
Kat: Fine, I'll drop by. For a very short time.
Will: See you tomorrow, liefde.
Chapter 9
Christmas Day
