Loss and Longing

Being Saturday it was after midnight, before Stevie got up and got dressed to go home. Grant pulled her into his arms at the front door and said “I’m starting to hate these good byes, and before you start apologising again, I’d hate them no matter when they happened, at night or in the morning.”

She smiled. “I don’t like them much either” she admitted.

He walked her out to her car, “night.”

“Night” she said and after one last kiss, she got in her car and drove home.

Over the next few weeks Stevie and Grant spent most of their evenings together at his place. They went out occasionally but they both preferred being alone together. Stevie was glad he never pushed her to go out and spend money she didn’t have. Nor did he try to spend his money on her. Instead they spent their time in activities that didn’t require any expense. They talked and played cards. They watched movies and Stevie cooked him all her favourite dishes. Grant introduced her to his horses and they went riding. They walked Scout and relaxed in front of the fire. Stevie was happy and her life no longer seemed so hard, even though nothing at home had changed. Holding things together money wise, was still difficult but knowing she had Grant there, seemed to relieve some of the pressure she’d been living with since her father died. The only thing that gave Stevie any cause for concern was what Grant held back from her. She didn’t want to push him to talk but the knowledge that there was a significant part of him he couldn’t share, worried her at times.

Her mother had apparently noticed the change in her too. For one night when Stevie was home for dinner, as the two of them sat drinking a cup of coffee at the table after finishing their meal, her siblings elsewhere, Nina said “isn’t it time we met this man of yours?”

Stevie looked at her and teasing her a little she asked with a smile, “why?”

“Because he makes you happy and anyone who can do that is someone I want to know.”

Stevie didn’t deny it.  Her smile widened and she said, “I’ll ask him later.”

“You’re going around there tonight?” Her mother asked.

Stevie nodded, “after I pick up Catherine.

“I can do that” Nina said “you can go earlier then.”

“It’s fine mum. He’s not expecting me until later so don’t worry. You’ve been working all day, you deserve a rest.”

“So have you” her mother said.

“Yes, but I’m going out anyway so it makes no difference.” And with a smile she got up and started stacking the dishes to wash.

“Don’t even think about it” Nina said “Dean’s going to wash them when he gets out of the shower.”

Rinsing her plate and putting it with the others next to the sink on the bench, Stevie said okay. “I’ll just iron what I need for tomorrow and then I’ll go and get Caty.”

“You could always just take what you need and stay at his place” he mother said with a raised eyebrow.

Shocked, Stevie just looked at her mother. She’d never expected to hear that from her. But then in the last couple of years their relationship had changed. They no longer had a typical mother/daughter relationship. Sharing the responsibilities for the household like they did, they were more on a par.

“We’d get by, you know” Nina said with a smile.

“I have no doubt” Stevie said, laughing, after she’d recovered from the shock. She was able to tell from the glint in her eye, that that had been her mother’s intention. Happy to join in the teasing, she added, “and if I’m ever considering it, I’ll bear that in mind.”

“You do that” her mother said grinning before turning away and walking into the kitchen.

 But this surprised Stevie further still. She’d expected her mother to back off after her comment but instead her response indicated that despite the levity, she was serious.

Astounded Stevie shook her head and moved off. She was thoughtful as she walked into her room to get her clothes ready for the next day. Her mother’s words had got her thinking. Maybe she could spend the night at Grant’s place one night. She’d have to plan it for a day where she didn’t have to take her siblings anywhere the next morning but it was possible.

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.

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.”

Going Home

Part 112

Two days later Josh and Grace were back at work and up until ten minutes before it had been a quiet shift. Now they were looking for an armed man who had attempted to rob a seven eleven. As they made their way down the dark lane way with their guns drawn Grace and Josh strained to pick up any sound that may give away the gunman’s location. Josh scanned the lane as Grace moved down the opposite wall. He knew the gunman was down there somewhere but with so many alley ways leading off the lane he could be hiding anywhere. Looking over he watched as Grace reached an alley way on her side of the lane and covered her as she took a quick look.

She looked around the corner into the alleyway. It was short but very dark. Seeing and hearing nothing she indicated to Josh that she was heading in.

Josh moved across the lane and waited outside the alley with his gun covering her. His eyes becoming used to the darker space, Josh could make out a large metal industrial bin which was housed at the end. It was nearly as wide as the alley making it difficult to see around it.

 Grace moved with caution around the corner of lane and into the alley. She wasn’t taking any chances. The man they were looking for was armed, but she had taken no more than three steps when a shot rang out.

Hearing the shot Josh yelled at Grace to get down.

But Grace couldn’t move. She could hear Josh’s voice but it seemed to be coming from a long way away and unable to take in what he was saying she just stood there. Then feeling a searing pain in her left arm all of a sudden she looked down at it and moving in what felt like slow motion she lifted her right hand to her injured arm. But her hand was still holding her gun to her arm. She could feel the blood pouring from the wound now and turning she looked back at Josh before everything went black.

The Christmas Present

Sharni stood still looking down at the piece of paper while shoppers milled all around her. Should she call him now? What if his being sick is just an excuse? Then why give her his number? Why bother to call at all? If he hadn’t meant to be here he just had to not show, there was no reason for him to look up the number of the café and ask them to pass on a message at a very busy time. There was no reason for him to sound so upset that the woman in the café didn’t want to disappoint him. No reason unless he was genuine. A smile lit up Sharni’s face and moving out of the stream of people she walked over to a grouping of comfortable lounge type seats intended to give shoppers a respite when needed. 

Sitting down Sharni thought about how to contact him. If he was sick she didn’t want to disturb him but if, like her, he was looking forward to their meeting up, he’d be waiting to hear from her. In the end Sharni decided on a text. That way he could answer when he felt like it. 

Typing his name and number into her contact list first, Sharni then composed a message. Hi, this is Sharni. I’m sorry to hear you’re sick. Thank you for arranging the message. When you feel up to it, give me a call and we can try again. Take care. 

Pausing for a second, her finger hovering over the send button, last minute doubts began to creep in. Sharni wondered if allowing him to have her number was a good idea. Then she remembered how bad she’d felt when he hadn’t turned up. She wanted to get to know him. So pushing the doubt aside with the thought that if things didn’t go to plan, she’d just change her number, she hit send.