'I'll just be a minute,' called Kat as she nipped out of the flat. It was crazy in there. Packed full of people, noise and greasy snacks. New Year's Eve was trying to get into the swing of things and they were low on ice. She'd offered to go - anything to get out of the bubbling chaos.
It was busy in the local shop. People stocking up on snacks and last-minute booze top-up options that weren't their first choice. Kat had to dodge her way through the aisles to get to the freezers at the back. The pickings were slim, there wasn't much left. But where was the ice? Ah, there, on the left-hand side. Kat reached in to grab the bag and ended up grabbing an arm instead.
'Oh. I'm so sorry.' They both said at the same time. 'Sorry.'
Kat blushed and let go of the person she had inadvertently picked up.
'I was just...' 'I wanted the...'
'Ice.'
'Yeah.'
Kat looked into the young man's face and her heart melted a little.
'Here, you take it.'
'Are you sure? Only... it's New Year. You kinda need ice.'
Kat smiled. 'We'll manage, I'm sure. Have a good night.'
'Thanks.'
Kat turned to go.
'Hey, Happy New Year!'
She turned back and wished it back. The warm glow she got from saying it and meaning it for the first time that year lasted for the rest of the night, despite the roasting she got for coming back without the ice.
*****
'And don't forget the ice!' shouted Kat's sister as she left the apartment. It wasn't New Year's Eve yet but this was definitely the last time she was headed to the shops. Her sister was in a tizzy trying to plan a party that would outdo last years.
It was surprisingly busy at the supermarket. Kat had opted to go the larger one on the edge of town, figuring it would be quiet in that weird week between Christmas and New Year. She'd been wrong.
Pushing her trolley around, dodging other shoppers, Kat picked up the various random bits and pieces her sister had asked her for, finishing up in the frozen aisle where she picked up two bags of ice to be on the safe side.
She hauled it all onto the conveyor belt and was humming along to the tinny supermarket music while the cashier scanned through her items.
'You got your ice then.' A male voice spoke to her.
She looked up in surprise and saw that her cashier was the young man she'd given up her ice to last year.
'Um, yeah. Hi.' She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
'Hey.' His grin made her stomach swirl, in a good way. 'Having a party?'
'Yeah, at my sisters.' Kat had a crazy idea, 'Do you, er, have plans? I mean, you could come, if you want.'
'Oh, um, I'd like to but I've got plans.'
'Honey, we've all got plans,' piped up the old lady behind Kat.
She blushed.
'Sorry. I er... sorry.' She knew she was red-faced. She just wanted to pay and leave. Whatever had she been thinking, inviting a total stranger to her sister's party. She pulled out her debit card, willing the total to flash up on the card machine. Stuffing the shopping into her bags for life, she swiped the card and felt a flush of relief at the whole embarrassing moment being almost over. She gathered the bags and fled.
'Don't you want your receipt?' called the young man after her but she was already gone.
*****
'What do you mean you're not having a New Year's Eve party? It's the law.' Kat's sister sounded absolutely stunned. 'I invited people. I said I'd do the food. All you have to do is get the ice.'
'All I have to do...' repeated Kat with a sinking feeling. It sounded like her quiet plans were going to pot. 'Fine. I'll get the ice.' She didn't really want to spend the New Year on her own. Maybe a party would be fun.
But in the sudden panic of needing to clean her flat and finding something to wear, Kat forgot to get the ice and once more she found herself nipping out to get some ice. The local shop was busy but they had ice and she grabbed two bags to be on the safe side. She couldn't help but look for the handsome young man she'd almost met the past two years. No sign.
'I've got the ice,' she called as she let herself in. The party was in full swing, she could hear people talking and laughing in the front room, dance music blaring.
'Here, let me help.'
Kat knew that voice. She looked up slowly putting the bag of ice on the table. It was him. Here in her kitchen.
'Hi.'
'Hi.'
'What are you doing here?' blurted Kat. 'Did you... did you come with someone?'
'Er, no. I was at a loose end. My mate asked me along. It's er... it's great to finally meet you.' He held out a hand. 'I'm Owen.'
She took his hand, her skin tingling as he did.
'Kat. Nice to meet you.'
They smiled, lost in each other's gaze as the ice cubes slowly began to melt, forgotten on the table.
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
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