‘Thanks to the kiss, I feel like my old self again,’ he opened the carton packaging. ‘Seriously though, I heard how you knew where to find me. That was impressive.’ He put the carton aside and pushed himself off the chair, joining her on the sofa.
‘A lucky guess,’ she shrugged. ‘They would've found you eventually.’ she sunk back in the comfort of the big, plush cushions.
‘You have a gift, Zoe,’ he gently moved a lock of her hair from her face. ‘I don't understand it, but I know I'd never knock it again. Oh, I didn't mean that I did…’
‘I know what you meant,’ she smiled. ‘I was so worried about you…’
Their eyes met. Aidan put down the plastic container and draped his arm around her. ‘I'm sorry to have worried you. It was scary being in that water, especially as it was colder than normal. The snow blizzard didn't help, either.’
‘How did you make it to Caldey?’
‘I really couldn't tell you. I just remember being lifted out of the water… Not by the man who found me though,’ he looked towards the fire. ‘I couldn't help but think that was it for me. And do you know the only thing I regretted?’
Zoe shook her head.
‘I kept thinking about how much I badly needed to tell you….’
‘Tell me what?’ she sat up, caressing his face.
‘I needed to tell you how much you mean to me…’ he moved closer so their lips were almost touching.
‘I wanted to tell you that too.’ She looked into his eyes. ‘I couldn’t imagine a life without you in it.’
‘Do you mean that?’ he asked, softly.
‘Of course I meant it…’
‘But there’s something else, isn’t it? I think I know what it is. When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting. If it takes a year or two. You do what you’ve got to do and if you ever feel the same way...’
‘I can’t expect you to wait for me, that wouldn’t be right.’
‘You’re worth waiting for, Zoe. Believe me.’
Chapter Twenty One
Aidan’s kiss swam around her head as she made her way to the train station. Part of her didn’t want to leave, but she knew the business would go under if she didn’t at least make an effort. She texted Jessica.
I'll be in London by ten. Shall we meet after I've had my meeting?
For the three hour journey, she flipped between checking for messages on her phone, reading the business proposal and helping Felicity with enquiries about what crystal would help with what ailment.
‘Felicity, just for now please check the crystal bible I left by the till,’ she commanded, flustered and beginning to regret hiring her.
The announcer said that Paddington was the next stop, so she said goodbye, put her phone away in her bag and closed the laptop.
Stepping onto the platform, her phone rang again only this time it was Aidan. She accepted the call, straining to hear him over the noise of the busy station.
‘I wanted to wish you good luck for the day. Sorry I couldn't see you off at the station this morning.’
‘No, that's fine. I've just made it to London so I'll call you later to tell you how I got on.’
‘Alright, you take care. I miss you already.’
‘I miss you, too.’
She got into a taxi, asked for Piccadilly, and sat back against the seat.
They arrived outside Sam's headquarters. The glass door revolved, and she went in remembering how it felt when she had her own firm. Sam stepped out of the elevator, and walked towards her.
‘Zoe, it’s so good to see you again.’
‘You too, Sam. So… ‘She looked around the building. ‘I see you've done well for yourself.’
‘Yeah, I haven't done too badly, but so have you. Look, let's get this out of the way now so there's no awkwardness. I'm sorry about your company, I hope there isn't any hard feelings.’
‘No, it's just business and we were friends before we were ever rivals, right.’
‘Right. So, come with me, I'll take you to the boardroom. Do you want a coffee or anything?’
‘Coffee will be fine, thanks, ‘she said walking into the elevator.
Sam took her aside. ‘I don't expect an answer right away, but the job is yours if you want it. If not, no worries the deal is safe.’
‘When would you need to know by?’
‘Before we close for business on the 23rd. I need the position filled as soon as possible.’
‘I understand, thank you for considering me.’
‘We are partners now. It was nice seeing you again, Zoe. We'll catch up soon.’
As soon as she left the building she pulled out her phone to call her parents.
‘Zoe do you know what time it is?’ Her father grumbled. ‘But it’s nice to hear from you. How's the shop?’
‘Can you put me on speaker so Mam can hear?’
‘Don't tell me something has gone wrong.’
‘No, don't be a pessimist. Besides if it wasn't me for me you'd be selling your shop to James.’
‘How do you know about this?’
‘It wasn't that hard to discover when you left bills lying around the house. Anyway, you don't have to worry about him because I'm paying your loan.’
‘Yeah, thanks Zo, but what with? Monopoly money?’ Her mother sounded dubious.
‘Have a little faith, Mam. While you two have been basking in the sun, I've been working. I came up with an idea that kinda took off. My old friend heard about it and wanted to add it to their catalogue. They paid me a lot of money.’
'Really?'
'Yes, really. So you can relax now. I have everything under control,' she said. But she didn't have everything under control.
'His name is Aidan?' said Jess, taking a seat. 'So what's he like?'
Zoe took off her coat and said thanks to the waitress for bringing over their coffee. 'Yes, it's Aidan and he's so nice. I didn't think so at first but he's grown on me.'
'So what's the problem?' Jess asked.
'Tenby.'
Jess laughed. 'It's not that bad, is it? You can't let one bad experience taint your view of it forever. It was your home.'
Zoe had to agree. 'But I must say, it's great to be back in London.'
'Actually,' Jess said, putting down her coffee. 'Do you know what I think? Since you've been home, you're a lot more relaxed, despite what you may think. Look what you've achieved in such a short amount of time.'
'I know, it's crazy, isn't it?'
'Maybe you really ought to consider your next step. Perhaps London isn't for you anymore.'
Zoe wondered how her friend became so wise. 'Hark at you. But I think you may be right. Whether I stay in Tenby or somewhere else, I think it is time for something different.'
Chapter Twenty Two
‘You're back! How did it go?’ Cried Felicity, happy to see her walk through the door.
The shop was busy for a change.
‘It went really well,’ she unravelled her scarf. ‘Here,’ she gave her a ten pound note. ‘Go and get us two coffees and we'll have a chat.’
‘Excuse me, love. Is this crystal for love?’ He held up a pink rose quartz in the shape of a heart.
‘Well, Rose Quartz is a great stone for love, yes.’
‘I plan on giving it to my girlfriend for Christmas. Love is all that matters at the end of the day, right.’
Zoe nodded with agreement. Her thoughts shifted to Aidan. ‘You're absolutely right. Would you like it gift wrapped?’ She asked taking it to the till.
‘Yes, please.’
‘I'm sure she'll love it,’ she handed him the gift bag.
Tired from travelling, she sat down on the stool when Felicity came through the door.
‘Here you go. So what's the good news?’
‘The good news is, the shop is saved. Good news number two, I've been offered a job in London. A very well paid job, I may add.’
‘You have?’
Zoe nodded.
‘You don't look
too happy about it.’
‘Oh I am, it's just… Nevermind, eh. I'd better get things ready for the Christmas Market.’
‘Look, why don't you go home, you're tired. I'm sure I can survive for a few more hours. Besides, I've got to earn my money somehow.’
‘Are you sure?’ She yawned, happy she mentioned going home to rest because her body was exhausted.
About to turn the key in the lock of her front door, she heard a car horn from behind her. She turned around sharply surprised to see Aidan waving at her.
‘Felicity said you were back.’ He ran up the steps and gave her a hug. Zoe felt happy and secure in his arms and realised she had missed him too, a lot more than she let on. ‘I've fetched your favourite,’ he beamed and ran back to the car. He emerged with a white plastic bag. It was hard to mistake the smell of Tina's special.
‘That better be…’
‘... Chips and battered fish from your aunt Tina's. I thought I'd surprise you,’ he said but his smile soon waned. ‘You look tired, hon, I'm sorry I should've…’
‘Don't be daft, come in. I am quite hungry as it happens so it's perfect timing.’
‘I've also brought wine to celebrate your news, too. I'm so proud of you.’ He leaned forward, pecking her on the cheek. She smiled, averting her gaze from his. How could she tell him she had a job offer in London and she was seriously considering it?
‘Come on, let's eat before they go cold.’ she shivered, stepping into the warmth of the house. She stomped the snow off her shoes on the welcome mat and scooped up the envelopes.
‘No decorations?’ He asked, following her through the hallway to the kitchen.
‘No, I just haven't had the time,’ she lied, taking off her coat. She reached into the cupboard for plates and wine glasses.
‘Let me do this, go and relax,’ he said, opening the white polystyrene boxes and dishing the food onto plates.
‘Thanks. Come on, let's go in the living room. How have you been feeling, anyway?’ She asked, pushing the living room door open with her foot.
Aidan swooped in, switching on the lights with his elbow.
'Happy now you're home.'
‘Why on earth is the tree in the living room?’ she said, looking at the box on the sofa. ‘I don't remember putting it there.’ She put the plates down on the coffee table and lifted the box off the sofa, putting it on the hallway where she was sure it was when she left for London.
‘Don't move it, come on, chuck on a cheesy Christmas movie and we'll put it up.’
'Are you serious? It's like days away from Christmas. Hardly worth it if you ask me.'
Aidan mockingly pouted. 'Please. I've been deprived of a Christmas tree for years,' he laughed.
Reluctantly, she agreed. ‘I suppose I'd better had. My mother insisted that I'd put her gifts under the tree.’
‘She's right, you know.’
‘Oh, of course, you'd agree, you're her number one fan.’
‘Alright, let's eat first then we'll put it up, but I'm picking the movie.’ He grabbed the TV remote from the coffee table.
‘Not an action film, I hope.’ Zoe helped herself to food and poured them each a glass of wine.
‘Santa Claus the Movie. My childhood favourite but don't tell anyone.’
‘It's mine too.’ Instantly she felt a lot happier and the thoughts about the job offer disappeared. She sat down on the sofa while Aidan had made himself comfortable sitting on the floor beside her.
‘I still think we ought to put up the tree.’ He looked up at her, grinning from ear to ear.
Zoe rolled her eyes. ‘Alright, if it makes you happy.’
Aidan grabbed the boxes from the hallway and put them down on the coffee table. ‘Where do your parents normally have it?’
‘Ah, I’m not sure…’
‘You’re not sure?’ He laughed incredulous. ‘Shall we put it by the window?’
‘I think that would be a good idea, yeah. It’s where they used to have it when I was a kid.’
‘So, er,’ Aidan chose his words carefully as he ripped open the tape on the box. ‘How did it go in London?’ He pulled out the branches. ‘It’s just that Felicity mentioned you got a job offer too. That’s good,’ he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Zoe flopped back down on the sofa and opened a box of decorations. ‘I was going to tell you, it’s just that I haven’t really had a moment to process the whole thing yet. What with the deal on the gift bags, I was just overwhelmed, you know.’
‘You’ve got nothing to apologise for. Look at it this way, at least you’ll be getting out of here in a few weeks. Some of us aren’t so lucky.’
Zoe looked up, surprised by his statement. ‘Are you saying you want to leave Tenby, too?’
‘No, not exactly.’ He began stringing the lights around the tree in a contemplative mood. ‘I’ve been thinking of selling The Seashell and opening my own business, but selling my parent’s legacy makes me feel like a bad son, you know.'
‘What is it you want to do?’
‘This may surprise you, but I actually trained as a chocolatier.’
‘No way! Really? But you’re so… so… fit,’ she blurted and immediately regretted it, even though she knew it was the truth.
Aidan laughed, ‘Come on, it’s not like I said I wanted to be a ballerina or anything.’ He tossed her a plastic bauble. ‘You're not getting away with it, get up here and decorate.’
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh, it’s just so not what I pictured you doing.’
‘Hey, I’m laughing with you, but yeah, I went to Catering College and then went to London for a while, so I’m not just a country bumpkin. I’m sure you thought that too, right,’ he joked, nudging her with his elbow.
‘No I didn't actually. I don't think I should tell you what I thought at the beginning, but then again, you did ask for it,’ she climbed on the step-ladder.
‘I can probably guess. Arrogant?’
‘Yeah, that was one of the words I’d use…’
‘One? Of how many?’ He chuckled.
‘Oh, you know, maybe a few,’ she shrugged trying not to laugh.
‘And you still wanted to be my friend.’
‘Of course, well, eventually,’ she lied as she really wanted more but she also wanted the job too. ‘So, did you rent the house yet?’ She deliberately diverted the conversation.
‘Unfortunately it didn't go through so it’s back up for rent. I actually think I'd be better off selling it. Anyway, miss, you didn't say when you're going back to London?’
‘No I didn't, did I?’ She felt disappointed as she rather hoped he’d be the reason she would’ve stayed. It didn’t seem as though he had any intention of wanting her more than a friend. ‘I plan on going back the day after Boxing Day. My friend kept the room for me.’ She hoped.
Aidan handed her a golden, shiny star.
‘That's good of her,' his voice dipped and he turned away. ‘It’ll be quiet around here without you, you know.’
Zoe could tell he sounded disappointed and wanted nothing more than for him to open up to her. She watched him pick out baubles from the box and longed to wrap her arms around his waist and tell him how she really felt, but fear reared its ugly head once again and she lost her nerve. She climbed the chair and reached to put the star on the top of the tree.
‘Is that what you really want though? You don’t have any desire to take over your parents shop?’ He asked.
‘I do, eventually. It’s just….’ she shrugged her shoulders. ‘It’s complicated.’
Aidan looked her firmly in the eyes, waiting for a response. They held their gaze for a moment, until Zoe backed off and went into the kitchen asking if he’d like a drink.
Chapter Twenty Three
‘Tina, please tell me what to do.’ she whined, sitting by the counter, stirring her tea mindlessly.
‘Love, I can't tell you what to do with your life, that's something you need to work out for yourself,’
she topped up her tea. ‘Why don't you come around tonight? We're having a Christmas party. There'll be wine. Lots of it.’
‘You’re throwing a party? Well, you've twisted my arm, I'll be there.’
‘At least it'll take your mind off things. Perhaps if you're not thinking about it too much you may find your answer.’
‘Maybe. Can I get a couple of mince pies to go? I've got to get the stuff ready for the stall.’
‘Of course love. You’re looking a bit knackered if you don’t mind me saying so.’
Zoe yawned. ‘I am to tell you the truth. I’ve been run off my feet the last few days.’
Tina clicked her fingers, trying to remember something. ‘Oh that’s right, did I tell you, we've got the Welsh news coming to film. How exciting is that?’
‘Oh brilliant, another thing to worry about - our appearance.’ Zoe laughed and took the box.
Zoe was about to pull the door handle and leave when Tina called her back.
‘Zoe, love, be honest with your aunt Tina, do you love that Aidan or not?’
Stunned, Zoe stood by the door feeling like a rabbit caught in the headlights. An old couple seated by the door turned to look at her, waiting for an answer. But she couldn't muster enough courage to say the words. The last thing she wanted was to get hurt again. Tina smiled and gave her a wink as if she knew.
‘Well there’s your answer, and you can’t lie to me. Tell him, love. I’m sure he feels the same way. He’s just too bloody stubborn like you to admit it.’
The main street was a flurry of activity as she left the cafe. People were already setting up stalls and canopies ready for the morning. She said hello to everyone as she passed when she thought she heard what sounded like her mother’s voice calling her name over and over again.
‘Zoe, we're home.’
‘You’re kidding me?’ She muttered to herself as she looked in amongst the crowd for her parents.
Sure enough, her parents were walking down the road heading towards the shop.
Christmas Magic at the Tenby Crystal Shop Page 9