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“Oh Mack, I’m so pleased for you.” My heart skips a beat. Does that mean he’s free now?
But he says, “I’m so tired. I’m going to take tonight to crash. I wondered if you’re free tomorrow?”
“Definitely,” I say, my heart swelling.
“I don’t suppose you play tennis?”
“Oh! Yes, actually. I did quite well at school. I haven’t played much this year, but I still have my gear and racket.”
“Well, Huxley has organized a one-day tournament for tomorrow. It’s for charity, all proceeds going to Cancer Research. I forgot that he’d roped me in some time ago—I was supposed to be partnering Victoria in the mixed doubles, but she’s sprained her wrist. So I wondered if you’d like to be my partner?”
Delight fills me at the thought of not only partnering him, but also raising money for the charity currently closest to my heart. “I’d love to.”
“Cool.” He grins. “There’s a party afterward at the club we can go to if you want.”
“Okay. I’ll bring a dress as well.”
He nods. “Well, before I go, can I come in? I have something for your folks.”
“Oh.” I chew my bottom lip, knowing Mum would prefer to tidy up before seeing him. But hell, she’ll have to deal with it. “Of course.” I wave to Jamie in the car. “He’s welcome to come too.”
“Nah, I won’t stay long.” He comes in, and I notice then that he’s carrying a backpack. “In here?” he asks, gesturing at the living room, and when I nod, he goes in.
“Oh!” I hear Mum say, and I go in to see Mum, Liam, Kate, and Julia all getting to their feet, flustered.
“Please,” he says, “don’t get up. I’m sorry to disturb you all, but I just called by to see Sidnie, and I wanted to see how you were doing.” He directs it at Dad, who’s sitting in his chair with his feet up.
“I’m good, thank you,” Dad says. “It’s been a tough few days for Sid. I’m glad you came to see her.”
Mum pats down her hair. “Can I get you a drink?”
“No, thank you,” Mack says, “I won’t keep you long. I just wanted to drop off a few Christmas presents.” He grins, lowers onto the sofa, and unzips the backpack.
As puzzled as the others, I watch as he takes out a bottle in a beautiful silver display case that makes it look as if the bottle is suspended in mid-air. “Sidnie told me you drank whiskey,” he says to Dad. “I know you’re not supposed to drink while you’re on your medication, but I thought this could be something to look forward to when your treatment is finished. I’m sure Liam won’t mind sharing it with you.” He smiles at my brother-in-law, then hands it over to Dad. “Sid said you liked Glenfiddich. This is my favorite—it’s a thirty-year-old. I hope you like it.”
Dad’s jaw drops as he turns the case in his hands. Mum usually only buys whatever’s on special at the liquor store, which is usually a cheap blend. “It’s wonderful,” he says. He nods and swallows. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.” Mack clears his throat. “For the ladies in the house, something to treat yourself with.” He struggles to remove a large box from his backpack, and in the end I have to hold it so he can wiggle the box out. He hands it to Mum. “It’s from the Treats to Tempt You chocolate shop in Doubtless Bay,” he says.
“I know it,” she replies, jaw dropping. “They do specialist chocolates.”
“Yeah. I know the owner—Tasha. Sidnie said you really like cherries, so I asked Tasha to make up a special box. The bottom layer is all cherry-filled chocolates. The rest are assorted flavors.”
She glances at me, her eyes sparkling, then smiles and bends to kiss his cheek. “Thank you so much, they’re wonderful.”
Finally, he looks at Julia, delves in a hand, and brings out a rugby ball. He spins it on his hand, catches it—smart bastard—and hands it out to her.
Shyly, she comes forward and takes it, then stares at it as she realizes there are signatures all over it. She lifts her gaze to his, and her jaw drops.
“Yeah,” he says, “I know someone who works at Eden Park. The All Blacks were there on Tuesday, and he asked them to sign the ball for you. They’re all on there, I think.” He points to a couple of the signatures and reads out the names.
“Thank you,” Julia says, her eyes like saucers.
“Yes, thank you,” Kate murmurs. “That’s so thoughtful of you.”
He shrugs, smiles, and gets to his feet. “Well I’d better go. I’ve slept, like, six hours in five days. I’m dead on my feet.Kia kaha.” He directs the words at Dad—it means stay strong. He waves and heads for the door.
I glance at my family and silently mouthOh My God!then follow him outside.
