17
Rayna
Louie,Jillandco.arrive four days after Aria, and the house is so full.I love it immensely.
There is constant noise.Whether it is from the TV going, or someone playing a song to show the latest viral dance.There is always something happening in each corner of the house.
It’s Christmas Eve, and Bernice asked if I would let a friend of hers set up Christmas decorations in the house as they were starting their business of special occasion decoration hire in the new year.They had a few images in their portfolio, but needed more examples, so of course I said yes to help them out.
Marlee arrives with boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations.There are enough people in the house to assist and make light work of getting them into the house.And everyone being the amazing people they are, offered to help her and stood by, awaiting Marlee’s instructions on what to set up and place the abundance of green and red items.In a few short hours, the house is transformed into a tasteful Christmas explosion.
Marlee asks if we can pose in a few photos, and I gleefully sit next to Louie, wrapping my arms around him as he places his hands on my arm while we smile her way.My heart is full.
“Thank you so much for letting me do this today, Rayna.”Marlee’s voice is laden with stress as I walk her to the front door.
“Do you need to do anything else?”
“Not here.I have another two clients to set up today.”
“Would you like to take anyone from here with you to help you?I am sure they would be happy to help.”
“No, gosh, no.Thank you so much.I really appreciate it, but I don’t want to put anyone out.I can handle it, and I need to be able to handle it on my own.”
“Just remember to ask for help when you need it.Asking for help is okay.Especially when you are starting out.”
“Thank you so much.I’ll remember that.”
“Please feel free to tag me in those pics when you post them on socials.I’ve a lot of friends who I’m sure would love to take the headache out of setting up their Christmas decorations next year.”
Marlee and I say our‘goodbyes’ and I head back in to Jill, Koby and Louie preparing some lunch for us all.They prepare some salads, antipasto, and sandwiches.A light lunch in preparation for a Christmas Eve dinner.
It’s a laid back lunch where Louie and Teddy have brought up some names of some of the new talent emerging from training camp Teddy and Jill run in New Zealand.
“There is a really exciting new talent that I think will be ready to join a team next year, Rayna.She’s in her mid-20s, started later than normal, but she is making up for the late start.Rapid progress in her training.”
“You think she will be ready by the start of next season to go into one of the lower categories?”
“Definitely.She would only need a year at the Nationals level to get used to the tracks and would be an easy transition over to Infraction32’s team.”
“Let’s chat about it after Christmas and see where we could fit her into a team.”
Teddy nods enthusiastically and shoves a massive bunch of baby spinach leaves into his mouth.
I chuckle at the sight and look over at Jill.Wineglass in her hand, horrified look on her face as she takes in Teddy and blinks over to me.
“I know he’s hard to resist, but he’s mine.”She shakes her head and takes a gulp.She continues with a drawn out, “Actually, Rayna, how about you let me set you up with someone from work?He is so nice!”
“Ahh, you live in New Zealand?I don’t feel like a commute boyfriend, thanks.”
“Nooo, he lives in Sydney.He’s one of the therapists.”
“Hard pass, thanks.”
“Why not, Mum?Can’t hurt?”
I’m surprised Louie is chiming in on this matter.
“It’s fine.I’m not interested in dating.Happy being on my own.Enjoying one’s own company?”This is a bit out of left field.Why has this come up?
