Chapter 8

They settled on the table.

"Everything smells delicious Iris," Hugh said.

"Well, I can't wait for you to try my turkey roast." She said and started serving the food.

She took a bite of Hugh's beef roast and moaned. "Wow. This beef roast is so delicious. I have never had anything like this before."

Hugh beamed. "It's my mother's recipe. By the way, turkey is unbelievable. You are officially the best cook in England."

Iris laughed.

"Let me serve the Merlot," Iris said and went to the kitchen. She took out the bottle of Merlot from the refrigerator and traced her fingers on the bottle and smiled. She was finally sharing it with someone.

She walked outside and served. "Today this wine has turned 63 years old." She said. 

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. My grandfather had gifted this to my grandmother on their first Christmas together after getting married. She never opened it. She gave it to me when I graduated from college. I didn't have the heart to open it until a few years ago. I would only have a glass every Christmas and keep it back. Only two glasses were left and I'm sharing it with someone else for the first time."

"Your grandfather sounds like a very romantic man. And I'm glad that someone else is me."

Hugh said with his usual crooked smile and raised the glass. "To our friendship." He said.

"To our friendship." Iris raised her glass too and sipped.

They went on having dinner and chit-chatting. 

"So, you never told me what you do," Iris said as she took the last sip of her wine.

"I work in a chemical factory. It's been twelve years now. Initially, I worked as a common laborer and five years ago I was promoted as the supervisor."

"Oh! That sounds wonderful. So is your factory here in Avebury now?"

"Yes. The old factory is still in Middleham. The new one has been constructed here just near Green Street. So, they transferred me here. I denied it initially, but they gave me a raise. I took it and moved here leaving my mother and my older brother Liam in Yorkshire. My father passed away ten years ago. Liam isn't married. He lives with our mother. I had bought a house near to them after getting married to Olivia. After her passing away I spent most of my time with my mother and Liam. They weren't happy that I had to move away, but I had no choice. I couldn't quit this job."

"Do you miss them?"

"I do. My factory will start operating on January 2nd. I will try to take some leaves after a month and visit them."

"That is good. Family is important." Iris said with a smile.

"Yes, they are. Your brother never visits?" Hugh asked.

"No. I don't really care about him." Iris said. Her voice glum.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Hugh placed his hand on hers.

Iris shook her head. "No, you didn't. Graham and I were never really in good terms. He writes to me sometimes, but I don't bother to open his letters."

Hugh nodded and squeezed her hand softly. 

Butterflies tickled in her stomach again. She exhaled softly. Hugh took his hand away.

"Should I get another wine?" She asked.

"Sure," Hugh said.

She poured their glasses. Tonight, she didn't feel the need to get drunk on her cheap rum and pass out on the couch like every Christmas.

After the dinner was done, Hugh helped her set the food and crockery back into the kitchen and they sat on the couch with their wine glasses.

"Bugger! I almost forgot. I have something for you." Iris said excitedly.

"What?"

"Just wait here."

She kept her glass on the dining table and went into the bedroom. Opened her wooden cupboard and took out Hugh's gift.

"Here you go." She held out the gift to him with a grin.

"Iris! What is it?" Hugh asked. A soft smile on his face.

"Open." She said.

"You bought me a gift." He said.

Iris sipped her wine and smiled as Hugh unwrapped the gift.

He took out the red Scarf from inside of the gift paper and his eyes sparkled.

"Iris!" He exclaimed. "This is spectacular."

"You liked it?" She asked.

"Of course. This is the most beautiful Scarf I have ever seen." He touched the fabric and turned it around to see the whole of it. The smile never left his face.

"Thank you so much," Hugh said.

"No problem." Iris smiled.

Hugh wore the Scarf around his neck and tied on a knot in the front.

Iris forgot to breathe for a moment, looking at the red Scarf complimenting his godly face. "I was right. It suits you perfectly. Also goes with your maroon sweater." She said with a smile.

"Well, you Madame have an amazing taste." Hugh bowed his head to her. 

Iris laughed.

He stood in front of Iris and held out his right hand to her. "Dance?" He asked.

Iris laughed. "I can't dance Hugh. And I don't have a home theatre."

"That shouldn't be a problem." He said and slid his hand in his jeans pocket and took out his cell phone. He traced his thumb on the screen and played an old song.

He then kept the phone on the table and held out his hand again. "Come on now."

Iris laughed and shook her head. "I really can’t." 

"Try."

She held his hand and got on her toes. Hugh placed his hand around her waist and Iris placed her hand on his shoulder. Their bodies were positioned together. They moved slowly with the music. His hands touching Iris's skin was like magic. Her world was suddenly beautiful.

Hugh leaned towards her ear and whispered. "Happy Birthday."

Iris gasped and craned her neck to look at the wall clock. It was twelve. She smiled.

"I didn't even realize it. Thank you!"

"Wait here," Hugh said and walked near the door. Iris looked at him in puzzlement.

He took his jacket and slid his hand inside its pocket and pulled out a tiny gift box. He then turned and walked towards her with his half-smile. His chocolaty brown eyes were glued to Iris's ocean blue eyes.

Her glossy lips curved into a smile. Hugh's heart started to stutter.