The Christmas Present

Within seconds Mitch's reply came back. I’m so glad they found you Sharni. I didn’t know how else to let you know. Sorry.

 That’s okay, she sent back. Get well

I’ll contact you as soon as I’m fit company.

Sharni smiled to herself and sent, no worries. Have a good Christmas.

I’ll be calling you before then, he sent.

Her smile widened. She was glad he didn’t want to wait. Sounds good. Take care, she sent.       

See you soon.                                                               

Sharni decided to still do her shopping but she set about it with a lightness in her step and quite a bit of determination. Now she wanted to be well on top of things so that when Mitch did ring she’d have time to meet him.

It was three days later, the day before Christmas eve when Mitch rang Sharni to arrange getting together. He had texted her several times during that time and they’d had some good conversations but it wasn’t the same as talking face to face. She was at work when her phone rang late in the afternoon.

“Hi Sharni, it’s Mitch.”

“Hi, how are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling one hundred percent. Sorry it’s been so long but I wanted to be sure I didn’t pass anything on to you. I’ve just been to the doctors and I’ve been given a clean bill of health.”

She was touched he’d been so thoughtful. “That’s okay” she said. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

“Thanks, so I was wondering if you were free to meet tonight or tomorrow? If you still want to that is?”

“I’d love to” she said “and I’m free for both. I finish work for the year this afternoon.” Meeting Mitch sounded like the perfect way to end the day and the work year.

“So tonight then?” he said.

He sounded so eager Sharni smiled to herself. “Okay” she said.

“Where would you like to meet? I’m guessing not at that café.”

Sharni laughed “I don’t mind but maybe away from shopping centres might be a good idea at the moment.”

“Good point” he said then after a pause he added “how about we get a drink somewhere?”

“Where were you thinking?” Sharni said feeling a little wary. She didn’t like the idea of waiting for him alone at a hotel. After last time she couldn’t help but worry that something would prevent him from turning up.

“How about the steak restaurant about a kilometre along the highway from the shopping centre? It’s got a bar area out the front.”

Sharni was relieved. A restaurant was a much better option and she knew the place he was talking about. She’d been there many times and would not feel uncomfortable if she had to wait alone. “Perfect” she said. “What time?”

“You tell me, you’re the one working. I’ll fit in with you.”

“Is six okay?”

“Six is good and I promise I’ll show up this time.”

She laughed “okay, see you soon.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Bye Sharni.”