An Extract from 'The Perfect Gift' by Susan Williams

‘Are you in there!’

That’s all she needed. Mason had followed her home.

‘Hannah, I know you’re in there. Your shawl has caught in the door.’

‘I’m sick,’ she said, trying to sound poorly and then coughing loudly to prove a point.

‘It’s really cold out here and my toes are numb,’ he said, trying to lighten the mood.

‘Mason,’ she whispered.

‘I can’t hear you, whisper louder,’ he said seriously.

Which she tried to do and then was angry with herself for being so gullible.

‘Let me in, we need to talk.’

‘It’s late. Look, I am really sorry about leaving you without explaining why, but I’m not sure if we’re suited.’

‘Meaning?’ he asked, as Hannah heard the faint sound of a foot hitting the wall.

‘It’s not going to work, I’m not like the other girls, they are all so sophisticated and I’m, well, I’m just not.’

‘That’s your best quality Hannah. I like you because you’re not like the others.’

Hannah walked over to the door and opened it slightly. Mason looked at her and smiled and she raised half a lip in acknowledgement and said shyly, ‘It is?’

‘Yes. Now let me in please, I’m freezing. We need to sort things out. I really like you Hannah.’

‘If you like me so much, why the hell did you let me go to that ball in this damned dress.’

‘I didn’t have the heart to say anything, I thought you liked it.’

‘Well I didn’t, and I’m not saying that there will be another occasion like this, but if there is, I expect you to tell me the truth about my appearance, is that clear.’