Chapter 8 #2
Emily wanted to do a little Christmas shopping at the Christmas market in Cambridge before she left for Birmingham.
She and Blair developed an easy friendship and would grab a coffee from time to time, so she decided to phone him to see if he would be interested in the Christmas Tree Maze at the market.
When Blair answered, he sounded genuinely delighted to hear from her. He took her up on her offer and picked a spot and time to meet.
Within the hour they were in front of King’s College Chapel, conveniently located for access to all things Cambridge.
It was a crisp, clear day, and the town was decked out in all of its historical holiday charm.
“What are your plans for Christmas?” Emily asked Blair.
“I’m going to Edinburgh to visit my brother, his wife, and their toddler.”
“How lovely,” Emily said. “Nothing like a wide-eyed child during the holidays.”
“Indeed. I hope I am up to the task,” Blair joked.
“What do you mean?”
“He’s at the throwing food stage.” Blair snorted.
“Oh … that age.” Emily had no idea at which age children began to treat their food like toys.
“Yes. That age.”
Emily was quite comfortable enough to thread her arm through the crook of his.
Their relationship was platonic. Both were on a path to complete their studies and neither wanted the emotional commitment required for a sustainable relationship.
They agreed: Relationships are hard. But there was a certain amount of affection they felt for each other.
They walked slowly toward the Christmas market, admiring the festive decorations of every shape and size. Garland was draped on anything that could accommodate it. Lights were shaped like ornaments and streamed down from the rooftops.
Parker’s Piece, a twenty-five-acre green common, hosts the market every holiday season and transforms it into a magical adventure land.
Amusement-park type rides, a skating rink, and several eateries add to the festive atmosphere.
The rest of the year, the common is open to the public for picnics and games.
Some say it is the birthplace of the rules of football, better known as soccer in the US.
As they approached the holiday village, the Big Wheel glimmered in the distance, beckoning visitors to ride the 118-foot Ferris wheel. The view from the top is incredible, offering a perspective of the city that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
The village was bustling with over one hundred stalls, boasting many unique, handmade items. Thousands of lights, garland, candy canes, and gingerbread men adorned the great marketplace.
Gifts from around the world were part of the offering in addition to local, handmade items, such as pottery, scarves, booties, dolls, wooden nutcrackers, candies, cookies, and much, much more.
Holiday music filled the air. It was truly a magical wonderland.
The strong pine scent of the Norway spruce greeted them yards before they approached the maze. Ice-skaters whizzed around the rink, while others rode the carousel and other amusements.
Emily and Blair’s first stop was for some glühwein. “It’s required by law,” Blair joked, referring to the mulled wine. “I am legal counsel to all things holiday oriented.”
Emily enjoyed Blair’s sense of humor. The time she spent with him was refreshing.
“You don’t suppose I can talk you into a spin on the Big Wheel?” Blair inquired.
“That would be glorious!” Emily wasn’t necessarily a fan of heights, but this was something quite special, as the wheel is only there during the holiday season.
“I was hoping you’d say that. I took the liberty of securing tickets,” Blair said sheepishly.
“I just might have to bury my head in your coat,” Emily said cutely. It almost felt as if they were on a date.
Blair opened his jacket and looked inside. “There’s sufficient room.”
When they finished their wine, they began to walk through the village admiring the artful crafts.
“I have to find something for my mum.”
“What does she like?” Blair asked.
“Lots of things, I suppose.” Emily stopped to inspect a beautiful handmade sweater. It was classic. Elegant. It didn’t scream “Ugly Christmas Sweater,” of which there were plenty. It was a simple, beige cardigan made from silk. She held it up to her shoulders. “What do you think?” she asked Blair.
“It’s stunning.”
Emily was concerned that the price might be out of her reach, but she asked anyway. “It’s for my mum,” she informed the woman, not that it mattered. Or so she thought. The vendor replied, “One hundred quid.”
Emily didn’t balk. She knew it would be more than double at a bricks-and-mortar store. “I shall take it.”
“Splendid. I think your mother will appreciate it very much,” the woman said kindly. She folded the garment, wrapped it in tissue, and placed it in a shiny tote.
Emily handed the woman the cash and happily slipped the tote over her wrist. The woman thanked her and they wished each other Merry Christmas.
Emily locked arms with Blair as they moved their way toward the wheel.
“You got yourself a good deal,” he commented.
“Yes! I don’t think I could have afforded it anywhere else.”
“Did you notice the tag?”
“What tag?”
“The tag that was pinned inside.”
Emily stopped short. “What are you talking about?”
Blair pulled her over to be out of the way of the growing crowd. Emily carefully opened the bag and peeked through the tissue. “Crikey! This says it’s one-hundred-fifty quid!” Emily squinted at the price tag. “She must have made a mistake.” Her eyes darted back to the vendor’s stall.
“No. I think dropping ‘it’s for my mum’ warmed her heart a bit.”
“Are you taking the mick?”
“No, I am not trying to tease you. You sounded quite sincere, and she could tell how much you appreciated the sweater.”
Emily scrunched her forehead.
“Keep in mind, she wasn’t simply selling a sweater. She was selling something which she crafted. Something from her soul. Your obvious appreciation may have tipped the scale in your favor.”
Emily nodded. “I had no idea I was being overly effusive.”
“Not effusive. More like enthusiastic. And it’s for yer mum.” Blair winked.
“I should give that a go more often. ‘Eh, barkeep. May I have a wee dram of your finest whiskey? It’s for my mum.’” She chuckled.
“I dare you.” Blair egged her on.
“Alright. The next time we are near libations, I shall try my new approach.”
“Yer on.” Blair put his arm around Emily’s shoulder and guided her to the Big Wheel. It was most definitely starting to feel like a date. “After this we should challenge ourselves to the maze. That’s why you wanted to come here, correct?”
“Yes! I have never been here before and the tree maze sounds like a three-dimensional work of art,” Emily gushed.
“This entire market is a work of art, if you think about it,” Blair reminded the art researcher.
“Excellent point!”
They followed the queue for the wheel. When the next available gondola approached, Emily grasped Blair’s coat.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“Just a wee nervous.” Emily pursed her lips.
Blair opened his coat. “It’s safe in here. Feel free.”
Emily was now convinced it was truly a date.
Blair assisted Emily into one of the plexiglass capsules and helped fasten the seat belt around her while another couple climbed aboard.
Everyone exchanged happy holiday greetings and a few moments later, the big wheel began to move, rising above the market, and all of Cambridge.
The sight was spectacular. Emily was enthralled.
She felt like a kid again, a kid before her father disappeared.
For a moment she felt a pang of melancholy.
Blair sensed something in Emily’s body language and turned toward her. He noticed the tear, which was about to fall, and he brushed it from her face. “You alright, love?”
Emily blinked a few times. “Yes. It’s simply beautiful.”
Blair put his arm around her shoulders. “It is, indeed.”
Emily felt the physical and emotional warmth from Blair. She decided if—and it was a big if—he was interested in a bit of romance, she would seriously consider it. But she certainly wasn’t going to make the next move.
The ride was over quickly; they wanted to let as many holiday merrymakers as possible enjoy the experience.
Blair offered his hand to assist Emily from the gondola.
They bid their fellow riders a lovely holiday and proceeded to the Christmas Tree Maze with three-hundred illuminated trees and festive decorations.
Squeals of delight from children resounded through the branches.
Emily was totally enchanted with the entire experience, beginning with the glühwein, to the best sweater bargain, the wheel, and now an adventure through Nordmann fir, Norway spruce, and pines.
After they found their way through the maze, Blair suggested they grab a bite to eat. “Bratwurst or the Brewhouse?” he asked.
“While I enjoy the aromas of street food, I think I could use a bit of a sit, sip, and eat.”
“I hoped you would say that.” Blair crooked his arm. “Shall we?”
“We shall.” Emily easily slipped her arm through his again. This time she noticed his strong, toned arms. They were chiseled much like his facial features.
The Brewhouse was jam-packed with holiday shoppers and celebration seekers.
The ruckus made it difficult to have a conversation, and the wait for a table was over an hour.
Blair spotted two empty stools at the far end of the crowded bar.
He looked at Emily and raised his voice so he could be heard.
“What do you think? Shall we give it a go?”
“Ace!” Emily replied.
Blair grabbed Emily’s hand and they wormed their way through the throng, Emily being mindful of her precious package. When they arrived at their destination, Emily saw how close the stools were. “Ya can’t put a butter knife between ’em!”
Blair laughed out loud. “I’m willing to give it a go, if you are.”
Emily knew they would be knee-to-knee, elbow-to-elbow, and practically in each other’s lap. She decided if Blair was game, then why not?