by Clare Lydon
Damian nodded. “I’ll tell security to expect you.”
Delilah squeezed Fran’s shoulder. “Great. Gotta dash, I’m meeting my new producer. See you later.”
Fran stared as she left the office. She turned to Damian. “Did that just happen? My ex, who used to cause me no end of problems, is now the expert problem-solver?” Fran’s mind was still whirling.
“Maybe singers aren’t the tyrants you make them out to be,” Damian replied.
Fran shook her head. “Maybe not.”
“Now you can go back to Mistletoe with no worries. I’ll take care of things this end.”
Emotion rose up through Fran. Damian wasn’t just a work colleague. He was a friend, too. She got up and hugged him.
He hugged her right back. “One condition, though,” Damian said. “I want a present from mystical Mistletoe. Plus, I want to come to the Tree Contest next year. It sounded awesome.”
Fran smiled. “You’re on. My parents can put you and Isla up.” She put a hand to her chin. “A present from Mistletoe.” She twisted her mouth. “How about some shit on a twig?”
Damian let out a howl of laughter. “That would be perfect.”
Chapter 27
Ruby jumped off her quad bike and grabbed the chainsaw from the back. The Nolan family — two mums and twin girls around seven — stared at her with wide eyes. That it was a queer family made this extra-special. What did the girls call their parents? Mum and Mummy? Mum and Mamma?
Ruby recalled the chat she’d had with Fran about what she called her two dads. It seemed an awfully long time ago. Especially because she hadn’t heard from her since yesterday morning, and today was Saturday, the day of the concert. Ruby was still forgetting words. Still googling those photos. Still thinking the worst.
“Okay, I need you to stand back behind that tree with the yellow flag on it.” Ruby wasn’t going to focus on Fran. Instead, she was going to chop this tree and start this family’s Christmas.
The family moved, then Ruby grabbed the chainsaw and ripped the cord. Power rippled through her. She pulled her visor over her eyes, then got to work felling the tree. When it collapsed to the ground with a thud, one of the girls grabbed her mum’s leg, the other whooped. Ruby had been a whooper as a child, following her dad around the farm like he was some kind of Christmas magician. Now, she held the magic.
She collected the farm’s walkie-talkie from them, and made sure they knew how to get back to the barn. “See you there in half an hour to collect your tree!”
Ruby had one more tree to cut before she made her way back. That was going to be her final one for the day, before she headed back to the house and started getting ready for tonight. A gig it looked like Fran wouldn’t make it back for. The trains weren’t working, and Fran was clearly too busy. Chopping down trees had helped Ruby to rationalise it a little.
But this was showbiz. The show must go on.
The buzz of another quad bike approaching made Ruby look up. She waved at her dad, but at that distance, she couldn’t make out the person he was giving a lift to. However, she recognised the yellow coat. Her dad cut his engine, and the passenger hopped off.
It was only when the woman removed her helmet that Ruby was sure. Fran. She’d made it back.
Ruby’s skin tingled all over.
“You got any more to do before you go back?” her dad asked.
“One more,” Ruby replied, keeping one eye on Fran.
“Okay. Do that, then give Fran a lift back to the barn. Scott can take over from there. You need to get ready!”
Her dad hauled the Nolan’s tree onto his bike. “See you later.” He put his helmet back on and rode off.
Ruby gazed at her dad’s departing bike, before turning her attention to Fran.
She clutched her helmet in her hand, but looked anything but comfortable.
“Of all the forests in all the world,” Ruby began. She walked nearer to Fran. “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming back? I thought Fast Forward and Delilah had won.”
“It was never a contest. I’m sorry I didn’t let you know.” Fran winced. “Yesterday was manic with the gig, then I was going to tell you on the drive here, but my phone ran out of charge. So I thought I’d make it a surprise.”
“It’s certainly that,” Ruby said.
They stood awkwardly looking at each other. Ruby couldn’t quite work out what the next move was.
Fran took a lungful of air. “Have I mentioned the smell in this forest is still insane?”
Ruby eyed Fran. “Once or twice.”
“The courtyard looked busy. How’s business?”
Ruby went with it, although business wasn’t at the forefront of her mind. “We’ve had a good week. We’re expecting a big crowd for tonight, too.”
“It’s why I’m here. I told you I’d try my hardest.”
“I’d resigned myself to you not coming after I heard about the trains. You said you drove?”
Fran looked down and dug her hands into her pockets, before catching Ruby’s gaze.
The way the sunlight caught Fran’s face and hair through the trees was stunning. Fran was so beautiful. Why hadn’t Ruby told her yet? Why hadn’t they touched? Because they were still sussing each other out.
“Delilah lent me her car and I drove over.” Fran sucked on her top lip.
Delilah. There was that name again. Ruby’s defences rose. She pulled her shoulders back. “I need to cut down one more tree. You want to jump on the bike and do it with me?”
Ruby didn’t want to dwell on Fran’s words. Actions would make them go away.
Fran nodded. “Love to.”
Ruby put on her helmet and jumped on the bike, waiting for Fran to do the same.
When Fran’s body cosied up to Ruby and her arms wound around Ruby’s waist, Ruby could hardly breathe. It had only been five days since they saw each other, but it felt like longer. So much had gone on since then. Fran had lived a whole other life with a pop superstar. Ruby couldn’t match up to that. Ruby had no idea if she was who Fran still wanted.
However, having Fran’s arms around her felt exactly right. Like this is where Fran should have been the whole time.
Delilah wasn’t going anywhere. Come January, London would be where they all lived. There had to be room for all three of them in such a vast city.
Ruby fired up the bike and turned to Fran. “Hold on tight!” she shouted over the engine noise.
Fran nodded, then clutched her tighter.
Ruby concentrated on driving, but it wasn’t easy.
They rode down the line of trees, colour-coded with orange tags that meant they weren’t going to be chopped for another two years. Ruby had a dream to have a house big enough to fit a ten-foot tree one day. She wanted to put it in her hallway so everyone could comment on her tree from Mistletoe Farm.
Ruby pulled up at the next tree to chop, and waited for Fran to jump off. Ruby grabbed the chainsaw from the back and flipped her visor.
Fran took off her helmet and shook her blond hair.
Ruby wanted to reach out and touch it. “You want to chop down a tree?”
Fran wrinkled her brow and shook her head. “I’ll leave that to the experts.” She paused. “But I have to say, a chainsaw suits you. You wield it well.”
If that’s what Fran thought, Ruby was going to put on a show. One that told Fran she was a better bet than Delilah — even though she couldn’t give her a car, or any other riches. Ruby fired up the chainsaw and approached the bottom of the tree. She cut at an angle, and within minutes, there was a dull thud as the tree hit the ground. Ruby put the chainsaw back on the bike, then took off her helmet. “Was it as good as you’d hoped?”
Fran smiled. “It was better.”
Ruby wanted to say something cool and effortless in reply, but nothing came to mind. There was an awkwardness to their speech and movements, as if they’d never met before. They were laboured. Ruby was desperate for something to ease the gears and for them to click again,
but it wasn’t coming easy.
“How did the gig go last night?” Ruby decided to stick to safe ground with Fran. Work.
Fran nodded. “The girls overcame their nerves and did a great job. Delilah helped out, too.” Fran winced. “Sorry, I seem to be mentioning her name a lot, but she’s been around a fair bit this week. She’s been really helpful with the band, and lending me her car.”
Ruby ground her teeth together. It was still a little hard to swallow. “You worked out your differences with her? I saw the photos of you.”
Fran gave her a steady stare. “As I told you, it was just dinner with a friend. She’s going to come out to her parents over Christmas, so it’s a big deal. I think the thought of losing her current relationship spurred her into action. She knows she fucked up with me.” Fran’s gaze never wavered. “But we’re in the past. I’m looking to the future now and I hope you’re in it.”
Ruby breathed out and banged her gloved hands together. “I hope so, too.” Her heart was pounding. That was good news, right? “Can you give me a hand getting this onto the bike?”
Fran nodded and together, they heaved the tree into position.
Fran stood one side, Ruby stood the other. Six feet and thousands of pines separated them.
“Before we head back to the barn, can we clear the air? Things don’t feel settled between us and I really want them to be.” Fran fiddled with her gloves.
Ruby held back. She was still annoyed at this week. Mostly at herself for how jealousy had crept up on her. Fran had been honest with her. She shouldn’t be holding a grudge. “No better place to clear the air than here.”
Fran took in her surroundings. “You’re right,” she said. “I want you to know that I hated being away this week. Especially after Monday.” She paused. “I’ve been replaying that night in my head a lot. It’s helped me get through this week.”
Ruby broke. “I have, too.” She gave Fran a smile.
Fran’s shoulders sighed in relief. “I’ve hated the distance and not being able to chat properly.”
“Me, too.” A gust of wind sailed through the forest. Ruby glanced at Fran. “It wasn’t easy seeing photos of you with Delilah. I’ve got no hold over you, you’re not my girlfriend. We never spoke about anything beyond Monday. We slept together once. Yet, it felt like more. Which scared me a little.”
Fran walked to her, then put a hand on Ruby’s arm. “I missed you, too. And it was more.” Fran put a hand over her heart. “I felt it right here.”
Ruby’s breath caught in her throat. “I’m glad it wasn’t just me.” She glanced up at the sky, the bluest of blues. “But you scared me.” She brought her eyes back level with Fran. “When you said you might not make it back. I thought you didn’t care as much about us. About the gig. About Mistletoe.”
Fran shook her head. “I was covering my bases. But I shouldn’t have. I should have committed. To you, to my parents. I know that now. I’m sorry I’ve come off a bit flaky this week. But the thought of seeing you again today has been keeping me going.”
“Even though I’m not a superstar or vying for the Christmas number one?”
Fran shook her head. “I’m not after that, I never have been. You’re a star in your own right. I hope you know that.”
Fran really thought so? Ruby’s pulse thundered. “I don’t quite believe it yet, but I’m going to fake it until I make it.” At least having this heart-to-heart with Fran was taking Ruby’s mind off the gig. Hundreds of people staring at her.
“You’re going to be great. And you know what the best thing is? They’re here to see you. This isn’t a rock club and nobody’s going to heckle or boo you off stage. Just remember that when the lights come on tonight.”
Ruby blew out a breath, nodding. “I’m glad you came back.”
Fran took Ruby’s gloved hand in hers. “I’m glad, too. I’m looking forward to what we might have in the future. We can be neighbours. Friends. Lovers.”
Ruby shuddered. “I hate the term lovers. It sounds like all we do is shag.”
Fran gave her an amused look. “And that’s a problem because?”
Ruby gave her a proper, cheesy grin. “You know what I mean.” She pulled Fran closer. Now, from not quite knowing what to say or do, Ruby knew exactly what to do.
“What term would you prefer?”
Ruby hesitated, then decided to be brave. “Girlfriends?”
Fran’s smile grew wider. “I was hoping you’d say that. I’m sorry if I made you doubt me this week.”
“Are you coming back for Christmas, too?”
Fran nodded. “I can’t miss my first Christmas in Mistletoe, can I? It would be nearly as bad as missing my girlfriend’s big homecoming gig.” Fran pulled Ruby closer and pressed her lips to hers.
Red-hot desire throbbed through Ruby. She kissed Fran back, emotion swirling inside. When they eventually pulled back, her breath was shaky.
“I better get this tree back to base, otherwise we’re going to have a riot on our hands. Jump on the bike?”
Fran nodded. She put her helmet on, then wrapped her arms around Ruby once more. Only this time, it was perfect. This time, their bodies slotted together like they were meant to be. Ruby turned the ignition under her hand and revved the bike. When they went over rougher terrain, Fran grabbed her tighter, which made Ruby want to do it more. They pulled up outside the barn minutes later.
Scott ran over and grabbed the tree, giving them both a grin before he walked away.
Ruby took off her helmet and shook her hair. Her skin prickled. She threw her helmet onto the back of the bike and did the same with Fran’s. Then they stood looking at each other.
A shy smile graced Fran’s face. “That was pretty cool. This morning I left London a little uncertain and praying I made it back. Now I’ve got a girlfriend who can wield a chainsaw and ride a quad bike. I feel like all my lesbian Christmases have come at once.” Fran ruffled her hair and moved closer to Ruby. “Thanks for believing in me.”
Ruby’s smile loosened. “I had my doubts this week, but you’re here and that’s the main thing. But I need to get ready. Walk me back to the farmhouse?”
Fran threaded an arm through Ruby’s.
They walked through the tree barn, busy with Saturday buyers, then out into the equally buzzing courtyard. Ruby’s feet crunched on the grit her parents had put down this morning, just in case.
“Have you remembered the words to the Christmas hits yet?”
Ruby shook her head, eyeing the stage as they passed. “Don’t.” She walked up to it, nodding at the stage floor. “Victoria came up with a wicked back-up plan.” Laminated lyric sheets were already stapled to the floor. “Just in case stage fright renders me numb.” They carried on walking towards the house. “Tonight’s sold out,” Ruby added. “The weather’s good, so it’s going to be in the courtyard. 500 tickets all gone. There aren’t many gigs around here, so people are really coming out.”
Fran squeezed Ruby’s arm. “They’re also coming to see you. Because you’re amazing.”
Ruby took the compliment on the chin. It was a perfect winter’s day, that would hopefully lead into the perfect winter’s night. Crisp, clear, a success.
They pulled up outside the front door.
Fran dropped Ruby’s arm.
Ruby already missed her. “Stop by the barn to say hi beforehand if you like.” She tried to sound casual, but she wasn’t sure it worked.
“I don’t want to ruin your preparations.”
Ruby leaned forward and kissed Fran’s lips. “I promise: you being there won’t ruin a thing.”
Chapter 28
Fran walked back down the farm drive a few hours later with her parents: it hummed with activity. She could taste the anticipation in the air.
From being sure about Ruby, now Fran had nerves on Ruby’s behalf. However, nerves were good. Fran had worked with enough acts to know that. But tonight was different.
This was Ruby getting over her personal
demons, as well as performing to all the people she loved the most.
The crowd ahead was already thick, and Fran had to shout to clear a path for her pop. He hobbled towards the stage on crutches, Dad guiding his every step. They were so sweet together, and they’d been the perfect role models for Fran. She wanted that in her relationship, too. She hoped she might have found it with Ruby.
They located the elevated seats Mary and Paul had reserved for them, and Fran got her parents settled.
“We’re in the VIP section by the look of it,” Pop said.
Dad gave Pop a smug smile. “It pays to be in with the farm owners.”
“Beer? Mulled wine?” Fran asked.
Dad shook his head. “Mulled cider. Paul introduced me to it this week and it’s delicious.”
Pop scoffed. “I’m surprised you’re going back in after the way you felt the morning after.”
Dad gave him a shy grin. “I’m not planning on drinking quite as much tonight. I just got a bit excited on Wednesday.” He paused. “Can you get us a couple of buttered pretzels, too?” He rubbed his hands together. “I love living near a Christmas tree farm. Christmas treats on tap!”
The queues at the bar were minimal, and Fran got a hug from Victoria when she got there.
“I’m so pleased you made it back, I know it means the world to Ruby. Especially after this week and everything that went on with...” Victoria’s eyes widened. She dropped Fran’s gaze and cleared her throat.
“Everything that went on with what?” What had Ruby said?
Victoria shook her head. “Just the gig, her forgetting her lines. It’s been a stressful week.” Victoria’s cheeks coloured purple. “Have you seen Ruby yet?”
Fran let it go. What Victoria knew or didn’t know wasn’t important tonight. “Not tonight. I saw her earlier. I’m going to try to poke my head around if there’s time.”
A strum of an electric guitar made them both turn their heads. The support band were tuning up. The gig kicked off in ten minutes.
“I know she’d appreciate it.” Victoria ladled three mulled ciders from her massive steel urn, putting lids on the cardboard cups to keep the heat in.