Page 6 of Fast Track to Forever
My dad chimes in. “Maybe something to do with business. The mill?”
I shrug. “Probably just a catch-up between friends. We were part of the same circle for years.”
Mum and Dad throw glances at each other.
I pick up my travel bag and go up to my childhood room with a strange feeling of butterflies in my tummy.
Chapter 3
20th December
Queenstown
Will
The lake viewfrom the lodge is stunning. I can't deny it. I grew up with it, I should know. I pine for it when I’m away, and I know there will never be a sight as impressive as this one.
“Remind me again why you and mom haven't retired and moved into the home I bought for you farther down the lake?” I cross my arms and stare down at Dad. Even with his chef's hat on, he only manages to reach my nose.
“This is our home,Willem.” He only calls me Willem when he's annoyed.
“But you don't own it. The Petersons own it. Your name is not on that deed. You don't need to work so hard anymore. I can take care of you.All of you.”
Dad shakes his head. “This is our life, Willem. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. And neither would your mom.Work keeps us going. Plus we need to be here for you when you stop racing. Keep renting out the house in Sunshine Bay. Who knows, maybe one day you'll move back and live there. Find a girl, settle down. Do something responsible with your life, instead of risking it every week.”
Before I can protest at the absurdity of this idea, my mum chimes in. “Speaking of which, when are you bringing Kat over? Dinner's nearly ready.”
I glance at my watch. “Another hour, mum.”
“Well, we're ready, you might just as well go and try to get her early and stop snapping at Dad.”
Daryl pokes his head around the corner. “Sexual frustration.” He ducks before the banana I throw reaches this forehead. John guffaws.
Daryl's head peers back. “Hey, is that watch a Rolex?”
This time the flat peach hits him square on his cheek, and I leg it out the house before Daryl can catch up to me, shouting behind me. “You're right, mum, I'll see if I can fetch Kat early.”
That shot of laughter and adrenaline puts me in a great mood. I miss being close to my family. I reverse carefully and speed towards Kat's house.
When the door swings open,the first thing I see is Kat’s wide blue eyes. Then I see her pink, kissable smile.
“You’re a little bit early,” she says, checking a clock on the wall behind her. “I’m not ready just yet.”
Now I’m feeling small and lost in the endless sea of her ocean blue eyes. I’m always doing the wrong thing or saying the wrong thing.
“I can wait here. Besides, you don't need much to get ready. You look great.”
She smiles. “That's kind of you to say. I'm not far off. You can come to my room. We can chat a bit if you'd like.”
Her… room? I don't think I've been there for ten years. I swallow.
She notices my discomfort. “I'm already dressed, I just need to choose some shoes and accessories.”
I nod. “Okay. Though for fashion advice Daryl's your man.” I follow her upstairs, chastising myself for looking at the shape of her body climbing the steps, but unable to look away.
She opens the door, her long blonde hair swishing with the movement. “Voila. See?” She waves around at the things in her room. A sewing machine. Various clothing items on hangers. A straw hat. Several soft toys.
“Wow, it's like being in a time warp. Nothing’s changed.”
