Gary gave his scotch a twirl. The night was warm and inviting, but he did not want to go out. The fling with Tamara is over now. When he just arrived in Hong Kong, he met her working as a waitress in Craig's restaurant, and she offered to show him around. She also helped him find a place to stay in such an expensive city. She was funny and kind, and they fast became friends.
In his first few days in Hong Kong, he sent Miranda a postcard with his address, hoping that she would send him something back. He still wanted to hear from her despite what happened prior to his departure. A letter, a note, just anything, in her lovely handwriting. He knew the moment he heard from her, these words he wanted to hear all these years, he would immediately book the next flight to Heathrow. Weeks went by without hearing back. She has forgotten me. He hated spending the lonely nights thinking about her, and went clubbing with Tamara. She was worried that he was becoming an alcoholic, and tried to comfort him. They hooked up admist his drunken states as an attempt to get over Miranda. A few weeks later, when he sobered up, they called truce.
Two months into his trip, Gary started to find Hong Kong less appealing. The work was exciting, but his mind kept telling something was missing. He attempted to revive the lifestyle he had in Malaysia, but they were no longer fun. He knew deep down that he could still not forget Miranda. He tried to cope, using the only way he knew: baking muffins. She loves muffins. I can just imagine that she is here, enjoying the food I make. He went on to develop a savoury muffin recipe, inspired by the savoury cakes that he tried during his trip. Asian food can be fascinating sometimes, he thought, seeing how they combine sweet and savoury, something highly unusual in Western cuisine.
As he perfected his recipe, he thought how exciting it would be to show Miranda. There you go again, Gary Preston. Why can't you just move on? You came back from Malaysia, choosing to work around where she was, clearly hoping you would bump into her. However, he remembered vividly the pure joy on her face when enjoying the muffins he made. Thoughts about her made him happy more than anything else. He was reminded of her all the time, even in a such a different place like Hong Kong, even during his hookups with Tamara. He knew he wanted to come back. Honestly, I wanted to come back the moment I left. But can I? Things will be so awkward with Miranda.
Gary received a call from his mum in Birmingham. She told him about a job opportunity there and she would like to see him. 'It's about time you went home and settled down'. That was a good idea, he thought. Things would not be awkward, he could visit Miranda in Surrey every now and then, and that would probably be enough for him. Before he left, Tamara asked if they could get married for her green card to study in the UK. He hesitated at first, but seeing he owed her a massive favour during difficult times, he agreed. He did not think too much about marriages anyway, it is something he was fundamentally dismissive of.
After giving notice and sorting out the 'marriage' with Tamara, he immediately booked a flight. Something kept nagging him to fly to Heathrow, instead of Birmingham. He missed Miranda, and really wanted to see her. Maybe just for a day, he thought, catching up with her. That would be ok right? He mused happily at the thought of meeting her again. He knew he couldn't wait to see Miranda when he got off the train in Surrey. He did not even want to find a hotel and drop his bags, he came straight to the restaurant knowing she would be there. Only to see her kissing the new chef.
Gary felt the worst at a brief moment, before Miranda realised he was there and fell of the chair.
- Gary, what are you doing here?
- I have come back! Sorry, I was too busy to send a note.
- But a few days ago you said plans were still up the air?
- What? Where did I say that?
- In your postcard!
- What? It just arrived? I sent it months ago, the moment I reached Hong Kong!
- Oh... Anyway I will need to go home and change.
Miranda ran out of the restaurant, and Gary cursed the bad luck they had. So that's why I have not heard from her. But is she with this guy now? I need to know. He was taken back to reality when Danny introduced himself.
- Hi! I'm Danny.
- Gary, nice to meet you. I suppose you're the new chef here?
- Yes.
- Cool, well I used to work here, so just coming over to say hi to people really. - Clive quickly interrupted.
- Welcome back Gary! We have been missing you.
- Thank you Clive, how has everything been?
- It has been ok. Now I need to talk to you about that deferred contract. It did say that you are welcome back within a year. Are you still on?
Gary took some time to reflect. I need to talk to Miranda about the postcard thing. Most importantly, I missed her so much. Even if she is with this Danny guy now, I still want to be around as friends. I simply want to see her everyday. I realised that much whilst in Hong Kong.
- Sure Clive, that would be great. Danny, I'm sorry you are going. I heard about this job in Birmingham that you might be interested in.
- Oh that's great, thanks Gary.
- Are you ok with this though? I mean, you are seeing Miranda right?
- I'm not really sure. Why don't we come over and ask her?
- Good idea.
They came over to the shop just as Miranda was talking to Clive and Stevie. Being the good friend he was, Gary stated that he did not want to make things awkward if he stayed. Immediately Miranda was stammering around the word 'awkward'. Danny said he sensed that he was in the middle of something, to which both Miranda Gary said hastily that they were just friends. Danny smiled, gave Miranda a peck on the cheek and left.
Gary looked at Miranda in a mixture of wonder and awe.
- So, things have changed a bit.
- Yeah... it's just the new me, you know.
He wasn't sure what to think, before seeing Penny coming downstairs talking about a goat. At the same moment, someone came in demanding Miranda compensation for damage to his restaurant. Another person came in accusing Miranda of impersonating her. To top it off, a delivery for kids' ball pools have arrived. He looked at Miranda in bemused tenderness. Things are falling back into places. She is still here, my Miranda. Something certainly has changed. But in some ways they have not.
- Welcome back!
- I think I preferred the old you anyway. Come here.
He gave her a tight hug, enjoying the sweet lemony smell of her that he has been missing so much. Admit it, you wanted to get rid of this Danny guy buy sending him off to Birmingham. You did not know if they were really dating, but your instinct was to keep her to yourself. What a relief they are no longer a thing. Perhaps he was a bit selfish, but he no longer cared when she's in his arms - he has never been happier for months.