Page 32 of Fast Track to Forever
“You're too kind, Chris. I can't imagine anyone would want to buy something I made.”
“No way, you're just talking yourself down. I haven't told you this, but I do screen printing.”
My mind is racing. “You've always been so talented at art stuff, I'm not surprised. Say, maybe we could collaborate on some pieces. T-shirt, skirts, dresses. Hit me up before I go back to York.”
She cocks her head. “So you still intend to leave.”
I let out a sigh. “My life is in York. My job. My friend circle.”
Chris raises her eyebrow. “And what about Will? He lives somewhere glamorous like Monaco, doesn't he?”
I bite my lip. “Indeed he does. We’ll see.”
Chris nods sagely.
Will bursts out of the lounge, an eerie energy about him. “Well, at least I'm not last.”
He wraps an arm around me.
“Are you like this when you're racing? Super competitive?”
Will notices Chris and chuckles. “Oh, Hi Chris, didn't see you there. Pretty much. I get restless.”
Christelle picks up her phone. “Can I take a photo of you two?”
Will frowns, looks at me. I shrug. He purses his lips. “Okay. Then maybe send it to me or Kat please.”
Chris nods and takes a few steps back. “Okay, get closer please.” Will pulls me even closer. I look up at him. “This is good! You look down at her Will.” Will obeys and smiles when he encounters my gaze. “All done, take a look.”
Chris passes us her phone to check them out. They're all great. Will's brow is furrowed in concentration.
“This one.” He chooses the last one, where we both gaze in each other's eyes.
“You can post it, Kat, and tag me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep. Seems more official that way. Making a statement.”
I check the photo sent by Chris again and post it on my Instagram and tag Will in it, then let out a breath.
Daryl runs past us. “Last one in the pool is a sloth.” He divebombs into the water.
Will shrugs, discards his shirt and jumps in, splashing me.
“You…” I shake my fist. I spent half an hour doing my hair this afternoon.” For you. That remains unsaid.
Chapter 11
The Next Day
Will
As I strollthrough the unchanged yet ever-evolving Queenstown Gardens, my heart feels full. By my side is Kat, not as a friend but my girlfriend. Her hand fits perfectly in mine as she points with excitement at the ice cream cart outside the Gardens.
“I’m dying for an ice cream. Come on!" She pulls me towards the mint-colored cart that reminds me of Goody Goody Gumdrop ice cream. "They probably don't have the Hokey Pokey flavor in Monaco. That used to be your favorite.”
I grin. Her enthusiasm is infectious. “You're right, they don't. Let's go get some, it's been too long.”
