A Good Week

Friday afternoon, 2:30pm. The end of the first week of trading for that bank at The Glen. Max was pleased with the ladies he had chosen as bank staff. They were both taken on part time, but had worked all week by his side opening up the accounts after Max had given his customers the financial advice they had ask for. He’d sent them off home while he locked up. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned.

"Hello, lover," Ceri whispered as she hugged her man tightly. "How’s it been?"

"We’ve had a good week, darling," Max replied, kissing her gently.

They walked round the village square hand in hand. Max stopped and took a deep breath. "I love it here, Ceri. I thought I’d miss the bustle of big city life, but The Glen suits me just fine."

"I’m so pleased, Max. I was worried that you wouldn’t settle down in a rural environment, even though you used to spend so much time with your Uncle Henry when you were a boy."

"Ceri, you know I told you that my home is wherever you are from now on. The Glen reminds me of how things used to be back in England years ago. Good, friendly neighbours, a nice slow, laid back way of life…but Coffs just a half hour away when we need some night life."

Ceri squeezed his hand and smiled. Life was good.

"To celebrate the week, I’ve got you a little gift."

"Oh, Max, you didn’t have to do that," Ceri smiled.

"Walk with me," Max said, pulling Ceri out of the square. They seemed to be heading for Colin’s garage. Ceri wondered what on earth Max have bought for her.

"G’Day Max, Ceri," Colin called out as he saw them approaching. "How’s it going?"

"Good thanks, Colin. I think you have something for us?" Max enquired.

"Sure do. It’s round the back. Follow me."

They rounded the back of the garage to a small lot that Colin had in place for cars awaiting servicing. "It’s over in the corner, Max."

Max took out a silk scarf he had in his pocket and gently tied it round Ceri’s eyes. "I want this to be a complete surprise," he murmured in her ear.

Taking her hand to lead her towards the ‘surprise’, he winked at Colin. They stopped and Colin took the cover off as Max untied the scarf with a flourish.

Ceri stood staring at her gift. She was amazed. "It’s…it’s a ‘roller-skate’,"

Max looked crestfallen. "But…at least it’s not lime green, and it’s a convertible," he spluttered.

Ceri turn to look at him, realising that he was upset. "Darling, I love it, it’s just a shock. Why do I need another car?"

Perking up, Max managed to smile. "Well, I thought it would be good for you just to run around The Glen in, maybe when you want to do some photography in the immediate area. You know you don’t really like taking the big car out for short runs."

Ceri threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. Colin smiled at the happy couple and walked back towards the garage building, throwing them a playful, "Get a room," as he left them alone.