by Karen King
‘Please, Joel. I know that I hurt you and I’m sorry, truly I am.’ Her bottom lip wobbled. ‘I really love you and I think you still love me too. Please will you give me another chance?’
Joel finally found his voice. ‘What about Drake?’
Toni licked her lips. ‘He isn’t the man I thought he was. He can be so cold and distant. And ruthless. Not like you. You were always so kind to me.’
Yes and where did that get me? He felt sorry for her, and she did look genuinely upset, but no, he couldn’t go back to that life. He didn’t love Toni any longer, hadn’t for a while, and he suspected that despite her protestations, she didn’t love him. She’d probably split up with Drake and was using him as a fallback.
She reached out for his hand again. ‘Remember how happy we were in the early days? We could get that back again. We can be happy together, I know we can. Can we at least try? Please.’
He shook his head. ‘I’m sorry, Toni, but it’s been over between us for a long time. When you said that you wanted to speak to me urgently, I had no idea it was about this. You said that something had come up.’
‘It has. I realised that I didn’t want a divorce. That I still loved you. I had to tell you before the Absolute went through.’
The waiter returned with his coffee and Joel drank it slowly, all the while his mind racing. He hated to see Toni so upset and suspected that Drake had probably taken up with someone else. He knew how that felt. But there was no way he was getting back together with his ex. ‘I don’t think you do love me,’ he said gently. ‘I think you’ve just come to me because you and Drake have split up. You’ll find someone else, Toni. And you’ve got your money from the house sale so can get yourself somewhere to live. You’ll work it out.’
‘That money won’t buy me anywhere decent! Drake’s moved someone else in and I’m in a hotel at the moment. Have you any idea how much that is costing me?’ She wiped a tear away from her eye. ‘I was hoping that, well, if you don’t want to get back with me, could you at least give me a bigger portion of the house money? It’s okay for you, you’re living at your sister’s for a while and you’d be happy with a little terraced house anyway.’
‘Whereas you want a big house like you had with Drake?’ Joel pushed his coffee cup aside. ‘I should have known what this was all about. Money. It was always about money with you. No, I don’t want to get back with you and no, I won’t give you a bigger share of the house money just because Drake has cheated on you, like you cheated on me.’ He stood up. ‘I hope things work out for you, Toni, but you and me are over.’
Chapter Eight
She’d better go after this, Lexi thought, as she drank her second cup of tea. She’d been here a couple of hours, and thanks to the frozen peas – which were now back in the freezer – the bump had gone down on her forehead, and Lloyd had perked up a lot, too.
‘It’s been lovely to have a chat,’ she said. ‘And thank you for the tea but I’ll have to get going in a minute. I’ll pop by again, if that’s okay? And if you need any shopping, I could get it for you while the snow’s on the ground. I don’t mind, my parents only live a couple of streets back so it’s not out of my way.’
‘It’s very kind of you, love, but I like to get out a bit. It breaks up the day, although I do worry about falling. If I break my hip, it takes a while to recover at my age, so I take it nice and steady.’
‘Well, I promise it’s no bother at all to me. I’ll be here for a week or so and like I said, I’d be happy to get any shopping for you.’ She picked up her bag and took out her phone. ‘Let me give you my number, just in case,’ she suggested knowing that a lot of people, especially older ones, didn’t like to give their phone number out and wanted to be in control of any contacting.
Lloyd reached into his cardigan pocket and pulled out an old black mobile which he’d obviously had for years. ‘Can you put it in for me, dear? I get a bit confused doing it.’ He handed her his phone.
‘Of course.’ Lexi keyed in her details. ‘Now let me know if you need anything. Anything at all,’ she said as she handed the phone back.
‘That’s very kind of you, dear. I appreciate your help today. It did shake me up a bit but I feel much better now. There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea and a chat to put the world to rights.’
‘My gran says the same,’ Lexi said with a smile. ‘I’m going to the green to take a look at the fir tree. Gran said that the council are worried it’s diseased and it will have to come down, so the villagers can’t decorate it this year.’
‘Really? I hadn’t heard about that. What a shame, that tree has been there decades and when it’s decorated it brightens up the village. I always have a wander over there Christmas Eve and join in the carol singing. I don’t bother with a Christmas tree now, mine got broken years ago and it hardly seems worth buying one for just me, so it’s lovely to look at the big one on the green.’ He took a custard cream out of the tin and bit into it. ‘It’s always such a happy atmosphere, everyone wishing each other Merry Christmas. Cheers me up no end.’
Lexi was sure that there were lots of other people in the village who looked forward to the lighting-up ceremony and carol service on Christmas Eve and were going to be disappointed this year.
‘It’s a shame they’ve only just told us about the tree, it’s a bit late to organise a carol service anywhere else,’ she said.
‘I know. It just won’t be the same without the Lystone carol service around the tree.’ Lloyd looked quite sad.
Lexi finished the last of her drink. ‘Now, I’d better be going. Thank you for the tea and biscuits.’ She put her cup down and stood up.
‘A pleasure. It’s been grand to have your company today. I don’t see many people. Thank you for taking the time to chat to an old man. It’s brightened up my day.’ Lloyd got up out of his chair. ‘Let me see you to the door. And do pop in again if you’re passing this way.
‘I will,’ she promised as they walked out into the hall and she lifted her coat off the hook. ‘See you soon’
‘Make sure you do,’ Lloyd told her.
Lloyd seemed lonely, Lexi thought as she waved again and set off down the path. She’d ask Granny Mabe if there were any groups he could join. She had a feeling Lloyd had shut himself away after his wife had died, some people did that. Her gran was always out and about so she was sure she could help Lloyd join in village life. She’d pop back and visit him tomorrow and bring a Christmas tree with her, Lexi decided. Her parents were bound to have a spare one, and some baubles, up in the attic. She could help Lloyd decorate it, that would cheer him up. She had an idea that if she mentioned it to him he would tell her not to bother but if she simply turned up with a tree he would be delighted.
As Lexi continued her walk around the village, she noticed lots of signs that her granny and her friends had been spreading the festive spirit. There were knitted Christmassy baubles dangling from railings, festive scarves wrapped around tree trunks and lamp posts and hanging from shop signs. A little girl walking with her parents was pointing at them, her face aglow with excitement. Lexi thought it all looked very merry. She stopped to look at one lamp post wrapped in a red knitted rectangle with a white snowman in the middle of it. Had her gran done that?
‘It’s a disgrace, isn’t it? Nothing more than graffiti.’
Lexi spun around in surprise at the angry words. A woman was standing beside her, her face partly hidden by the hood of her black duffle coat.
‘I think they look pretty,’ Lexi said, stung on behalf of her gran and her friends.
‘Nonsense. They look cheap and childish. And they soon become dirty and bedraggled. They make the village look tatty. It’s irresponsible, if you ask me.’
‘Perhaps people are just trying to make the village look festive. I’m sure they don’t mean any harm.’
‘Well, whoever it is had better watch out because the council are going to fine them when they catch them. And not before time, too. There was a number in t
his week’s local paper for people to call if they see anyone doing this ridiculous “yarn-bombing”.’
Lexi watched worriedly as the woman strode off. She had better warn her gran. She didn’t want her, or her friends, getting a fine. And that was the second person who had complained about the yarn-bombings, so she wouldn’t put it past someone to report them.
The huge village green was right in front of her now, the branches of the big fir tree sprinkled with snow. She remembered what an important part of her life that green had been, how she’d played there for hours with her friends as a child. There was plenty of room for family picnics and games of cricket, they’d even held summer fayres there, with various stalls selling produce, homemade gifts and treats. And the Christmas Eve carol service was always spectacular. She couldn’t believe that the tree had to come down. It looked so majestic – and festive – with its snow-covered branches. She felt so sad to think that they wouldn’t be able to gather around it and sing carols on Friday, like they always did on Christmas Eve. It was as if Christmas had lost part of its magic.
Then she spotted a man pacing around the tree. He was walking slowly, stopping now and again to look up at the branches, as if he was studying it. She could only see the back of him but he was tall and the hood of his parka covered his head. Was he from the council? But it was Sunday, she reminded herself.
Unless they are trying to see if they can save it in time!
Her hopes rising now, she crossed over the green and stood outside the cordon tape. ‘Hi! Have you come to check out the tree?’
The man turned around, a hint of light reddish-brown hair falling onto his forehead. Joel. What was he doing here? Didn’t he know that no one was supposed to go on the green? What did he think the cordon tape was for?
‘Oh, hello, again.’ He smiled at her warmly. His eyes scanned her face in concern. ‘How’s the bump? I hope that hat of yours isn’t concealing a big bruise.’
‘It’s gone down a lot. Lloyd gave me a bag of frozen peas to put on it. I think there will be a bruise but I’ll dab some of my mum’s witch hazel on when I get home. That should help take down the swelling,’ she said. ‘How about you?’
‘My elbow has a big bruise on it,’ he admitted. ‘Maybe I’ll try witch hazel, too. I’m sure my sister will have some in her well-stocked medicine cupboard.’ He pushed his hood back so he could see her more clearly. ‘I hope you don’t have any bruises elsewhere, you did hit the pavement with quite a thud.’
She flushed a little, remembering how she had landed on her backside, which was still tender. ‘I haven’t had chance to look yet, but I think I might have another bruise or two.’
‘I do apologise . . .’
‘Think nothing of it, it was both of us . . .’ Wanting to change the conversation, she glanced back at the tree. ‘You’re not supposed to be that side of the cordon you know. The tree is dangerous. That’s why they’ve taped off the whole area around it. It’s such a shame that the lights can’t be put on the tree and the carol service has had to be cancelled. It’s an important Lystone tradition.’
Joel’s eyes met hers. They were soft and green and framed by long eyelashes that she would die for. ‘I know, I’m a tree surgeon, and my business partner Andy and I have been asked to submit a quote for cutting the tree down. I’ve just come for a quick look at it but will be back tomorrow with equipment to check it out properly.’
‘Cut it down?’ The rumour was true, then. Lexi rubbed her hands together, the cold going through her despite the gloves she was wearing. ‘Is that really necessary? It’s such a lovely tree and a big part of our village life. Can’t you save it? Or at least make it safe enough for us to have one last carol service around it.’
‘Ivy has wrapped itself around the tree and destroyed some of the branches. I don’t know how much damage has been done until I examine it further, but I do know that it could be extremely dangerous for anyone to hang baubles or lights on it as this could cause the branches to fall off and injure someone. It’s not safe for anyone to stand near it. That’s why the council want it cut down as soon as possible.’
That was worrying. ‘How soon?’
‘Within the next couple of days.’
‘You mean before Christmas?’
He nodded. ‘Yes, it’s a high-priority job.’
His words stunned her. The tree would be gone before Christmas.
‘They can’t do that! This tree has been standing here for decades! They can’t cut it down!’ She could feel the outrage rising in her and was aware of the slight shrillness to her voice. Calm down, Lexi, you don’t want him to think that you’re hysterical, do you?
‘It’s a shame, yes, but the council has to put safety first.’
‘Cutting it down sounds so drastic. It’s a beautiful tree, it’s been standing on this green since my gran was a young girl, and years before that.’ She remembered her gran telling her how she and Grandpa Huey used to come to the carol services on the green, and actually met at one when they were teenagers. ‘If you’re a tree surgeon, you should be able to do something.’
Joel frowned. ‘Apparently another company have looked at it and declared it unsafe, which is why the council have cordoned it off. All I’ve been asked to do is provide a quote for cutting it down. It’s normal practice for the council to have a few quotes, then choose the cheapest one.’
‘Well, can’t you at least tell them that you can’t cut down the tree this side of Christmas? Then we can still have the carol service.’
He stuck his hands in his pockets and looked at her, a bit bemused. ‘They’ll just get someone else to do it, and I need the work. I’ve just moved down here, Lexi. I need to build up my business. Work from the council could keep me busy for months.’
This was awful. She couldn’t believe it was happening. She shook her head in dismay.
His gaze rested on her, sympathetic yet detached. ‘Look, surely you can have the carol service somewhere else? I do think people get too worked up over Christmas sometimes. It’s just one day.’
Just one day! Lexi gasped, feeling her eyes widen at his words. ‘Well you sound a right grinch!’ she exclaimed. ‘It’s a very important day. Christmas brings people together, brings out the best in them. It’s wonderful when the villagers gather around the tree to sing carols. Can’t you see how important this is to everyone? It’s part of Lystone’s Christmas tradition.’
He nodded. ‘I appreciate that, but saving lives is more important than traditions.’
‘And making money is more important, too, isn’t it? I’ve heard the rumours that the council plans to chop down the tree and build houses on the green. It’s all about profit now, isn’t it? The same with you, all you care about is the money you’ll be earning from this job. People’s feelings don’t come into it!’
She turned around and stomped off. To think she had thought Joel was nice! Well, he had shown his true colours: it was clear that there was no way he was going to help save the Christmas Eve celebrations.
Joel watched in exasperation as Lexi stormed off. What was the matter with people? Why did common sense go out of the window at Christmas time? Couldn’t Lexi and the other villagers see the danger they could be in if one of the branches fell off the tree and hit them on the head? It could be fatal. They were so obsessed with continuing with the traditional carol service that they didn’t seem to care about safety. It was always the same. Lexi spoke about Christmas as if it was a magical time of peace and goodwill to all men instead of the most stressful time of year, when people got into debt to buy presents they couldn’t afford, had accidents climbing onto roofs to put up ridiculously large Christmas displays, had too much to drink at Christmas parties. The whole world went mad for one single day of the year. It was crazy.
Chapter Nine
‘Hello, Lexi. You’ve been ages! I think you must have walked around the entire village,’ her mother said as Lexi walked into the lounge. She narrowed her eyes and frowned. ‘What’s tha
t nasty bump on your head?’
Granny Mabe peered through her glasses. ‘Goodness, what did you walk into?’ she asked, her needles clinking as she knitted away at a sparkly gold square.
Is that for the yarn-bombing? Lexi thought. She had to find a chance to speak to Granny Mabe on her own and tell her about the council’s plans to find and fine the yarn-bombers.
‘It’s nothing. An old man tripped up and I rushed to help him at the same time as Joel, his neighbour, did and we bumped into each other,’ Lexi explained.
‘Is the old man hurt?’ her mum asked.
‘No, he’s fine, we managed to stop his fall.’
‘That’s good.’ Her mother stepped closer and peered at the bruise. ‘I’ll get you something to put something on that,’ she said, dashing out of the room.