The Goody Basket
“That’s pretty what are you up to?” Travis asked sliding his arm around Jan’s waist
“It’s just a little goody basket, I’m going to take it over to Toni Roberts, she’s been through an ordeal and though I haven’t met her, well I think it’s time I did.”
“She’s a sweet lady I met her at Wade’s wedding, pretty too,” he grinned.
“You’d notice that, where are you off too this morning?”
“Tee’s got a game, first one so I thought I’d go support the team.”
“You’re a good uncle, maybe more than that to him.”
“I try to be, you have a good day Jan and tell Toni and Richie I said hello.” He kissed her softly.
“I will, do cheers for me at the game.” Travis gave her a pat on the behind and left.
Jan put the finishing touches on the basket and grabbed her purse.
Toni was ensconced on the sofa with books, magazines and music. Richie brought her a pot of tea and a few biscuits.
“Are you all set now?”
“This is ridiculous Richie, I’m fine.”
“Doc said for you to take it easy and so that’s what you’re going to do…absolutely nothing.”
“You’re spoiling me I won’t be worth a penny.”
“It’s my turn to look after you.”
“How’s your hand this morning?”
“Sore,” the doorbell rang, “who could that be?” Richie went to the door.
“Hi, I’m Jan McGee I brought a little something for Toni.” Jan smiled
Richie took in the tall attractive blond, “I’m Richie, come in she’s in the lounge, you’ve got company Toni.”
Toni pulled herself up from the downy sofa, “Hello?”
Jan went over and extended her hand, “I’m Jan McGee, we haven’t met but I read about your ordeal Toni and thought I’d bring you a goody basket.”
“Oh, well thank you, please sit down, hmm you’ve been to Lucy’s,” Toni smiled checking out the goodies.
“Oh yes, I go there too often, I don’t want to bother you I’m sure you’re still recovering.”
“Nonsense I’m glad for the company Richie’s treating me like a china doll. I’m happy to meet you and a belated congrats on your wedding.”
“Thanks, it was a rather quick affair but it was nice.”
“Sometimes those are the best. I’ve been meaning to go and see you but with the flood and all I haven’t been a good neighbor.”
“Oh we were stranded for days, the crew has been working non-stop to get things back in some kind of order.”
Toni smiled, “I heard about your mother in law and Miss Peeg being swept away in Coffs.”
“That was quite a trip to the botanical gardens,” Jan laughed, “I think she actually enjoyed it once the danger was over. This is a nice room Toni, very cozy and comfortable.” Jan noticed the fresh flowers and smiled.
“Our whole house is that way, its livable not a showplace. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“Yes thank you that would be nice.”
“Richie could you bring another cup please? He’s being so good to me right now; not that he isn’t all the time but he’s pampering me.” Toni smiled.
“That’s nice, Travis pampers me too.”
“Where is Travis today?” asked Richie bringing another cup and saucer.
“He’s over at Nana Glen; Tee’s got a rugby game this morning at the school.”
“Really, wish I’d known I’d have gone too.”
“There will be more this was the first game, Tee hasn’t played rugby before and he’s taken his training seriously.”
“Tell him to give me a shout next time,” Richie smiled
“I will, he’d like the company I’m sure.”
Toni had been studying Jan, “you look awfully familiar, I know we’ve not met before, but I’ve seen you somewhere.”
Jan smiled and dipped her head, “I was a model somewhere in another life.”
“Fashion that must be it.”
“Yes, runways, fashion mags the works.”
“Why did you quit?”
“I was in an accident and messed up my knee.”
“Oh I’m sorry are you okay now?”
“Oh yes, that was nearly two years ago now, I don’t miss it I’m happy with Travis.”
“We’ll have to have you and Travis to dinner; we’ve been enjoying the beef.”
“Travis takes a lot of pride in his beeves; we lost a few in the flood, nearly lost Travis.”
“Oh really what happened?”
Jan told her about Travis’s mishap with the sluice gate
“I know that must have scared you to death Jan, I know, I know what that’s like to almost lose the one you love.”
“I know you do Toni, well I’ll go now and let you rest.”
“Don’t hurry off Jan, I’m so glad you came by and thanks again for the goodies,” Toni smiled and stood up and gave Jan a hug.
“You’re welcome; we’ll get together soon, now you’d better get back on that sofa.”
