‘Good for you.’ Erin, who’s clearing up, waves a tea towel at me. ‘You never take sick days. So don’t feel guilty.’
‘I’ll try not to.’ Grateful for her support, I go to check the cake, which is out of its loaf tin and cooling on the rack. I turn it over, hoping the cherries haven’t all sunk to the bottom. But it seems fine. I’ll slice and serve it with Earl Grey tea at four p.m. I check the slow-cooker, stirring the pot carefully, and Erin joins me, breathing in the lovely, rich herby aroma over my shoulder.
‘Another triumph,’ she says.
I make a face at her. ‘Wish I had your confidence.’
She shrugs. ‘You should. You’re brilliant. You were miles ahead of me on that cookery course we went on.’
‘Only because you were pining for Mark and texting him every spare minute.’
She laughs. ‘I’d only just met him then.’
‘Right, come on, let’s go and grab something to eat.’ I glance around the kitchen to make sure everything is in order and scoop up my keys before Erin has a chance to get despondent about Mark again.
I’m manoeuvring the car out of the parking area when a horn sounds loudly, making me pull on the break. A big blue people carrier skids to a halt on the road, just ten feet away. When I peer over, wondering whether to reverse back and let them in, a woman in the passenger seat with bright orangey-red hair waves cheerily then leans over and gives the horn an extra jolly toot.
‘Who on earth’s that?’ breathes Erin, as we smile and wave back. She says it in a ‘gottle o’ geer’ way, without moving her lips.
I frown and reverse back into a space. ‘I think it must be Jed and Ryan’s Uncle Bob and his girlfriend, Gloria.’
They park next to us, and two teenagers – a boy and a girl – emerge from the back seat.
I copy Erin’s ventriloquist act. ‘That’ll be Gloria’s kids – nineteen-year-old Tom and sixteen-year-old Ruby.’
‘Oh dear. Ruby looks pretty cross. Maybe they’ve had a row.’
‘She does look quite fierce,’ I murmur. ‘Her hair’s pretty edgy, too. What would you call that shade?’
‘Er … brown and purple with grey highlights?’
I unclip my seat belt and get out of the car to say hello.
Ruby’s door opens and her voice drifts out. ‘It’s total shit, Mum. When are you going to get on to the phone company and give them a bollocking? It shouldn’t just break like that. I barely touched the bloody thing.’
Tom, getting out on his side, snorts loudly. ‘You dropped it off the first-floor balcony onto concrete.’
Ruby reddens. ‘Well, it still shouldn’t have broken. I’m bloody sick of mobile phones.’
Gloria fixes her with a glare. ‘Is that right? Well, in that case, you won’t mind waiting till after the holidays for a new one. And stop swearing.’
‘Get real, mother.’ Ruby looks sulky. ‘Bloody is hardly swearing.’
‘Ruby!’ Gloria gets out and straightens her leopard-print top and lacy black skirt with a flourish, as if the action will herald a fresh start. She smiles a little desperately across at Bob, who’s emerging from his side. ‘Kids, eh? Who’d ’ave ’em? Of course, what our Ruby needs is a good feed. She’s always grumpy when she’s hungry, aren’t you, love?’ She tries to pat Ruby’s cheek but her daughter whisks out of reach.
‘I do not need “a good feed”. I just need a new phone. How am I supposed to do anything without a phone?’
Tom, who’s been calmly loading himself up with bags from the boot, suddenly hisses, ‘Ruby, will you bloody shut up about your stupid phone. We’ve heard nothing else since we left Newcastle. There were people hurling themselves off the train just to escape your whinging.’ He takes the bag his mum is holding and heads for the front door.
‘Ooh, snap your beads, Tom,’ calls Ruby. Then in a loud stage-whisper, just to wind up her brother, she says, ‘He’s fed up because he likes this girl, Charlotte, but he’s too scared to ask her out.’
Tom turns and murders his sister with a look. ‘I’m not scared. I just don’t want a relationship right now.’
Ruby rolls her eyes. ‘Yeah, right. And I’m Lady Gaga’s costume designer.’
Gloria glances at Bob and laughs nervously. ‘Proper comedian. That’s our Ruby. Can I help, Bob?’
Uncle Bob has his head buried in the boot. From what Jed told me yesterday, the first time he’ll have set eyes on Gloria’s children would have been less than an hour ago, when he picked the family up from the station. I wonder if he’s regretting it already?
He straightens up, smiles at Gloria and lays a soothing hand on her back. ‘No, no, you go in, my dear. Make yourselves comfortable.’
He suddenly notices Erin and I, waiting by the car. His face lights up and he bounds across. ‘You must be our delightful Christmas caterers? I’m Bob.’
We shake hands and I explain that we’re just off for lunch but we’ll be back to serve afternoon tea at four o’clock.
‘Would you like some tea just now?’ I ask, unsure if it’s my place to offer.
His smile makes him look quite youthful. Jed said he was sixty-seven but he could pass for ten years younger than that. Bob’s very tall, like Jed. But unlike Jed – who’s broad and muscular – Bob has the slender frame of a marathon runner.
He shakes his head. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll get refreshments on the go. But thank you. Off you go and have your lunch and we’ll look forward to some fine dining tonight!’
‘Excellent.’ No pressure there, then!
‘Can I ask what’s on the menu?’ He twinkles.
I reel off the three courses and he nods approvingly. ‘Sounds delicious. Doesn’t it, Ruby?’ He smiles at her and she nods, trying to look enthusiastic but clearly not caring two hoots.
‘I don’t know about anyone else but I could eat a scabby horse!’ says Gloria. ‘What about you, Bob?’
Bob blinks at her. ‘Well, I’m not sure Poppy mentioned ‘scabby horse’, my dear, but we could always order it in for you. Do you like it medium or rare?’ He regards her solemnly for a moment and Gloria looks perplexed. Then, as a wicked smile transforms his face, she gets the joke and slaps him on the arm.
‘Ee, Bob. What are you like!’ She turns to Erin and me. ‘Sense of humour dry as a witch’s tit!’
Grinning, Erin and I clamber back into the car.
‘I’m already thinking about that Amalfi lemon tart!’ calls Bob.
‘Uncle Bob’s a sweetie,’ says Erin.
‘He is. I hope that cantankerous Ruby doesn’t spoil their Christmas by moaning about her phone all the time.’
Right on cue, Ruby glances around her in distaste and says in her broad Geordie accent, ‘Where’s all the shops, then? The nearest phone store is probably about five hundred miles away from this skanky pit—’
Gloria grabs her arm and whispers urgently into her ear before turning back to Bob and fixing on a bright smile.
‘Poor Gloria,’ says Erin. ‘Her first Christmas with her new man and she’s got an obnoxious teenager ruining her chance of romance.’
‘I’ve a feeling it’s going to be an interesting Christmas, one way or another,’ I murmur with a grin.
Chapter 15
It’s ten minutes to eight. The diners are all sipping drinks in the living room while Erin and I quietly tend to the last little touches before the starter is served.
I’m feeling surprisingly calm and in control.
Then the door opens and Jed appears. And at once, my heart starts beating so fast, I think it might explode out of my chest and make a run for it.
So much for feeling calm!
Jed catches my eye and grins. ‘We’re just about ready for you. I’ll get everyone seated and you can start serving in a couple of minutes?’ He peers closer at the starters. ‘They look amazing.’
A wave of heat washes over me and I smile shyly at him. ‘We’re all set. Would you like us to serve the wine?’
‘No, no. We’ll
do that.’ He rubs his hands together. ‘Right. Looking forward to this.’
‘I’m going to make this for Mark,’ says Erin, standing back from arranging slices of fresh fig on eight white plates.
I check the casserole once more for seasoning, letting the mingled flavours of tender beef, red wine, stock and herbs settle on my tongue for a second. Then I go and peer over Erin’s shoulder, smiling at the gorgeous splash of colour from the damson-coloured figs against the juicy pink ham and fans of ripe honeydew melon.
‘That’s where I fall down. The presentation,’ says Erin. ‘I’m used to just slapping the food down in the middle of the plate, like Mum used to when there were six of us ravenous kids round the table.’
‘Well, you’re definitely learning.’ I smile at her. ‘Those plates look absolutely perfect. Oh God, I hope it’s okay,’ I murmur as we pick up two plates each.
Erin grins. ‘Stop fussing. And breathe!’ She pulls open the door.
We each take a gulp of air, and head out to the waiting guests seated around the long oak dining table.
‘Ooh, it’s just like being in a proper restaurant, isn’t it, Ruby?’ enthuses Gloria as I lay her plate down. She beams up at me, grabs her napkin and starts shaking it out. Her glass of white wine goes flying, all over the place setting next to her, which happens to be Jessica’s.
Everyone freezes for a second.
Then Gloria is up on her feet, almost knocking the plate out of my hand and apologising profusely to Jessica, trying to dab at a small wet patch on her top, dangerously near her plunging cleavage.
‘It’s all right,’ Jessica snaps, stony-faced. ‘Really, Gloria, leave it.’ She waves her away and dips the corner of her own napkin in her water glass, rubbing delicately at the mark.
‘Okay?’ murmurs Ryan, who’s sitting opposite her.
Jessica, flicking away at the tiny mark on her baby-pink chiffon blouse, doesn’t even reply.
‘Ee, you can’t take me anywhere, can you, kids?’ gasps a flushed-faced Gloria, wafting her napkin in an attempt to cool herself down. ‘I’m like a bull in a china shop! And these bloody hot flushes!’
Bob, who’s sitting opposite, leans forward and covers her hand with his. ‘Never mind. It was an accident.’ He turns. ‘There’s a very good dry cleaners in the village, Jessica. I will personally deliver your dress to them tomorrow.’
‘It’s fine.’ Jessica thaws slightly under Bob’s warm smile, and doesn’t even point out that it’s a top, not a dress.
Erin and I retire to the kitchen to start plating up the main course – tender beef casserole with a tureen of creamy mash and serving dishes filled with sweet garden peas and buttered carrots sprinkled with parsley.
Later, when Erin goes in to clear the main course, to my enormous relief, all the plates come back empty.
‘They must have liked it!’ I feel like doing a Highland fling around the kitchen.
‘Of course they did!’ Erin grins. ‘Stop worrying.’
I smile at her, wondering if I’d have the courage to do any of this if I didn’t have my best friend backing me up.
By the time we get to the dessert course, I’m feeling even more nervous. Bob made a point of saying he was really looking forward to my Amalfi Lemon Tart – so it has to be perfect! We take out the plates and Clemmy’s eyes gleam as Erin sets down hers. ‘Ooh, lovely, my favourite.’
There are lots of murmurs of approval round the table, then Jed, who’s sitting next to Clemmy, nudges her and says, ‘It was knickerbocker glories with extra squirty cream once upon a time.’
‘That was in France when I was only sixteen.’ Clemmy sneaks a look over at Ryan, who smiles. ‘My tastes have got a bit more sophisticated since then. Although my pudding of choice does tend to change fairly frequently.’ She leans in to Jed, looking up at him mischievously. ‘There was the “treacle sponge in a tin” phase. Then the “family-size raspberry trifle” period, followed by the “chocolate ice cream with absolutely everything” era.’
Everyone laughs. Even Jessica.
Clemmy and Jed are smiling warmly at each other, and I feel a strange sort of wistful pang at the obvious affection that exists between them. Clemmy is half-nestled up to Jed in a playful way. They’re old friends, of course, from when their families used to holiday together. But still, I find myself wondering if maybe, now that Jessica is occupying Ryan, Clemmy is starting to feel more for Jed.
‘I like a woman who enjoys her food,’ Ryan says suddenly, and Clemmy darts a look at him, blushes and glances down with a pleased smile. Jessica purses her lips, having just made a point of waving away dessert.
As Erin and I leave the room, Jed is looping his arm around Clemmy’s shoulders, pretending to drag her away from the dessert, and she’s giggling like a smitten schoolgirl.
The scene lingers in my mind as we clear up, making me feel strangely unsettled. Harrison and I never seem to joke around like that. Or if we do, it’s always because I’ve initiated it. Of course, the reason I’m feeling a bit morose is probably because Harrison has been away for several days now, and I’m starting to really miss him.
‘Tired?’ Erin gives me a quizzical look.
‘A bit. It’s been a long day.’
‘But very successful.’ She grins and holds up a plate containing the last remaining slice of cherry-and-coconut cake. It seemed to go down very well earlier in the day.
We finish it up between us, glancing guiltily at the door as Clemmy walks in.
‘Caught you!’ she smiles. ‘But I won’t tell.’ She looks around. ‘Tonic water?’
I point to the fridge. ‘Side of the door.’
‘Thank you. By the way, that was a truly gorgeous meal. And isn’t Jed lovely?’ She selects a bottle and turns. ‘I mean, I’ve always known what a great guy he is, but he’ll make someone a gorgeous hubby one day. Don’t you think?’
Erin nods. ‘Looks, personality and intelligence all in one package. I like him a lot.’
Feeling suddenly bafflingly tongue-tied, I nod awkwardly at Clemmy and turn away, picking up a tea towel to dry some dishes. The door opens and Jed himself is standing there. He’s removed his jacket and loosened his tie. ‘That was a triumph, Poppy. Thank you.’
Our eyes lock and a funny little shiver skitters right through my entire body. ‘You’re very welcome,’ I tell him with a prim little smile.
‘Right, Clemmy. Come on, we’re playing charades.’ He casually steers her towards the door.
‘Everyone?’ she asks.
‘Well, no. Jessica’s making an important business call in her room and she’s demanded Ryan keep her company.’
Clemmy’s face falls slightly.
Jed, noticing, murmurs, ‘Sorry, Clem. Was it a stupid idea inviting you for Christmas?’
She paints on a smile. ‘No, of course not. I’m really glad you did. I’m having a lovely time!’
He frowns. ‘It would be lovelier if Ryan hadn’t suddenly decided to bring—’ He shrugs.
She gives her head a little shake. ‘Doesn’t matter. Right, Gloria needs her tonic water!’ She hurries out.
‘Clemmy’s so lovely,’ says Erin.
Jed nods. ‘She is. I’ve been trying to cheer her up.’ He grins sheepishly. ‘I hope it wasn’t too obvious. It’s just my brother’s choices can be a little – erm – puzzling sometimes. I really thought he and Clemmy might …’ He trails off and looks at his glass. ‘Sorry, this is the whisky talking.’
The cogs in my brain are whirring into action. Without pausing to think, I blurt out, ‘Oh, I see! So you invited Clemmy for Ryan, not you!’
He looks at me for a moment, an odd expression on his face. Then he grins. ‘Yes. And that’s the very last time I take on the role of Cupid.’
When he’s gone, I smile at Erin, a funny little burst of happiness spreading through me. ‘Hasn’t today been amazing?’ I busy myself packing stuff into boxes to take home, humming – for some odd reason – All I Want for Christmas is You
.
Erin grimaces at the flat notes then gives me an arch look. ‘You seem perkier suddenly.’
‘Do I? I suppose I’m just relieved it went so well today, that’s all.’
She nods with a knowing little smile that I choose to ignore.
She seems to have got it into her head that I like Jed, which couldn’t be further from the truth. I mean, I do like him. Just not in the way she’s hinting at.
Admittedly, decorating the house with him yesterday was really good fun. I giggled so much, I swear my laughter lines were deeper than usual when I looked in the mirror last night. But I’m almost engaged to Harrison, and I can’t have Erin getting the wrong idea. Perhaps it’s time to tell her about Harrison’s proposal. The trouble is, I’d then have to explain about the cooling-off period and I have a feeling she’d think that was hilarious.
‘I think we deserve a glass of fizz back at yours,’ Erin says. ‘You know, to help you relax and dream up more amazing menus.’ She sticks her tongue in her cheek.
‘Ha! Any excuse.’
Before we leave, I pop my head round the living-room door, where the game of charades is in full swing. The lovebirds have rejoined the group and are cosying up in the same armchair, Jessica perched on the arm, draping herself across Ryan. Gloria is out front, rotating her hips suggestively, as Ruby cringes behind a cushion. Poor Tom looks as if he’d like the sofa to completely swallow him up.
Jed catches my eye and grins.
‘We’re going,’ I mouth. ‘See you tomorrow.’
‘Sex Tape!’ shouts Ryan.
Gloria shakes her head and rotates her hips more frantically, as if that will make her clue easier to solve.
Jed gets up and sees us off from the living-room door. ‘You’re a big hit with Bob, by the way.’
‘We are?’ I smile with delight.
He nods. ‘I told him you specialise in Italian cuisine, and he’s wondering if we could have an evening devoted to all things Italian, maybe on Christmas Eve?’
‘Oh. Yes, no problem!’
‘Good.’ He leans on the doorframe and gives me a lazy smile. ‘Great cake today, by the way. What are you baking tomorrow?’
Christmas at the Log Fire Cabin Page 13