Page 25 of Fast Track to Forever
Queenstown, NZ
Will
The snow-white tableclothis adorned with intricate red and green patterns. My parents outdid themselves again. Plates overflowing with golden roasted turkey and glazed ham take center stage, surrounded by bowls filled with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, and steaming stuffing. A platter of colorful vegetables and a sparkling bowl of cranberry sauce complete the spread.
Daryl takes the final croissant morsel from the platter and scoops some jam. “Delicious. Though I can definitely tell it's not Featherstone flour.”
My dad's expression turns thunderous.
“I was just joking!” Daryl takes a bite and speaks while chewing. “Can't tell the difference. It's a croissant. Anyway, what a great Christmas we've had. I'm stuffed.”
John kisses Daryl’s hand, and I roll my eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes, Will.” Daryl looks ready to throw the last bite of his croissant at me. “You know if Kat was here you'd have your hands on her in a flash.”
My mum clears her throat. “Daryl! Anyway, thank you so much for the presents, Will. Once again it's too much.”
I shrug. I like spoiling them. “Glad you like them.”
Daryl checks his bag. “What's not to like about flight vouchers, spa experiences, designer gift cards? I won't even know how to spend this.”
John raises his eyebrows. “Oh, you will, you just told me…”
Daryl interrupts him. “Hush.”
My dad is uncharacteristically quiet.
“Anyway…” I’m scared that if the conversation continues, Dad will say something I don’t want to hear. “I'd really like it for you all to come and see me race at least one race. You choose which one. Singapore, Malaysia or Japan are the closest to New Zealand, if you don't like long flights. Even though you can fly first class.”
My dad looks downcast. “We can't promise. The lodge. You know.”
I nod. “I know. But you have that option.”
They nod. Daryl pats my back. “We're coming. Want to see the others whoop yo’ ass.”
I raise an eyebrow.
Daryl winks. “What about Kat? What did you get her?”
“My lips are sealed. As a matter of fact, I need to head out for a bit to give her the present. I’ll see you later for dinner.”
I hug my family, and go to the car in a fantastic mood, swirling the keychain on my fingers.
I'm going to see Kat after two days. A realisation strikes me, as I glide around the lake towards Sunshine Bay. How am I going to do this long distance thing when I'm so full of need after 48 hours? Can I really go for weeks without seeing her?
Before last week you hadn't seen her in years. And now look at you.
I park up, do a once over to make sure the’ house is tidy enough for guests and put her present on the kitchen counter.
Do I have time for a game of FIFA? Or perhaps the news? I check my watch. Nope, she'll be here any minute. I check myself in the mirror. I look decent. The dark circles under my eyes have gone. The jetlag is fully gone. The only thing that's left is need.
The gate buzzer goes. I check the camera, see Kat's car, and let her in. I should probably give her a key pass. I make a mental note to see if there are any spares. I want to make myself as accessible as possible to her.
I open the door and stand in the doorframe. Something's wrong. I can feel the ice from a few metres away.
She shuts the car door and carries a small bag. She must have got me something as well.
“Come on in”, I extend my arm towards the living room and invite her through.
