Page 8 of Fast Track to Forever
“Let's go in, Fritz said the dinner is ready. Hope you have an appetite.” She winks at me.
I fall back with Will. “Older siblings, eh. Good to see Daryl's the same as always.”
Some of the red drains from Will’s face, and the hard line of his jaw softens. I’ve set him at ease, and knowing I can do that makes me… proud.
I step into the room, and Daryl jumps to his feet. “Look at you, you rascal. You look great. This is my fiancé John. We're getting married next winter.”
I shake hands with John and take a seat at the table. Will sits next to me, and our legs touch by accident, sending another shiver through me. I'm shocked by my response. It's only Will after all. Will the red haired viking. The Giraffe. He looks at me to check my reaction and I smile. He looks away and moves his leg. I exhale.
“Kat, so good to see you, my child.” Mr. de Jong hangs his chef's apron and hat and takes a seat at the head of the table. “Ninaliefstecome and sit down.”
Mrs. de Jong brings out a bread basket and places it in the middle of the table. “Now let's hold hands.”
I forgot about their tradition. Will holds my left hand.
After a short word of gratitude and thanks, Mr. de Jong calls out, “Now tuck in!” and everyone does, diving into the mash, stew, bread, and steamed vegetables.
Everyone tucks into the mash, stew, bread and steamed vegetables.
“This all looks so delicious Mr. de Jong. I should come here more often for meals,” I joke.
“The bread is made with Featherstone Mill flour. The best.”
“I'll tell my parents. They'll be delighted. They think the world of your cooking, Mr. de Jong. I know they come here as often as they can.”
I spoon a large serving into my mouth. “Delicious.”
“So, what have you been up to for a while, Kat?” Mrs. de Jong asks.
I swallow my mouthful and take a sip of water. “Well, I finished university in November. I've been helping my aunt with her vintage shop in York. After the holidays I'm going back there.”
John chimes in. “Have you ever been to York, Will?”
Will is taken by surprise. “No, I haven't been. I would love to go.”
“Well, there you go. I'm sure Kat can show you around.”
Will makes a non-committal noise.
Silence falls again, so I restart the conversation. “Hey, Daryl, Will mentioned you might need some help with wedding ideas. What did you have in mind?”
“Oh yes, forgot about that. I'm thinking of a winter wedding, like an elopement on top of a glacier. And then have a party here in Queenstown for family and friends.”
I'm genuinely impressed at the idea. “Sounds amazing.”
Will interjects. “I want to pay for the wedding. As my wedding gift.”
Will’s dad’s spoon clatters into his bowl as his mouth opens. I can see a protest coming.
“Oh, of course!” I interject probably talking a bit too loudly and cheerily. “It’s a wonderful gift, Will.”
Daryl points his fork at Will with a grin. “Thank you. That is very generous of you. I may forgive you for the peach earlier.
I pause with my glass of water halfway to my mouth. “What peach? What are you guys talking about?”
Daryl shrugs. “I said something to wind him up, and he threw fruit at me.”
John coughs. “Well deserved.”
