The Christmas Present

Sharni couldn’t stop smiling as she hung up. Then her smile faded as she began to wonder what she’d wear. She wouldn’t have long at home to wonder about it either. Not finishing until five she wouldn’t get home until about five thirty at that time of night and then she had to change and get to the restaurant in thirty minutes. Still rushing around was better than sitting and waiting, which was why she’d said six to begin with but she hadn’t allowed for deliberation time. 

In the time she had left at work Sharni went through her whole wardrobe in her mind and settled on a black dress she’d had for a while but hadn’t worn often. It was a timeless style and made her feel good when she wore it. She’d also wear black heels and a chunky silver necklace to dress it up. 

That decision made she was in and out of her place in record time. At five minutes to six she set out for the restaurant which was at most five minutes drive away even in the Christmas traffic. She pulled up in the parking lot right on six and after a quick check of her make-up she got out of her car and walked into the restaurant. 

As she entered the bar area and stood waiting for her eyes to adjust to the lower light, she hoped she’d remember what Mitch looked like. It had been nearly a week since they’d seen each other and it was easy to build someone up in your head into something they weren’t from such a short acquaintance. 

She felt a hand touch her left arm and turned her head. Alert for any sign of disappointment from him she realised she’d have known him in a cast of thousands. He was as gorgeous as she remembered. “Hi” she said feeling a little shy.