Chapter 18
We sit around the big table in the library, everyone claiming their usual spot, as people tend to do. Jasper saunters in and I look everywhere but at him. When he takes his place beside me, it’s sort of hard not to say hello, since he directs his gaze right at me. ‘Hi, Aubrey.’
‘Hi.’ Short, sweet, clipped. I can’t believe I kissed this guy on a whim and am now stuck in the close confines of the train with him.
A stupid move in retrospect, despite him setting my soul on fire.
That’s just his off-the-charts sex appeal and not something I should seriously consider.
But if I did stop for one moment and ponder it, what power does the mere mortal wield to make a closed lip peck so earth shattering?
The romance reader in me wants to say it’s a soulmate thing – the practical side of me is more prudent: it’s lust pure and simple, a lust that’s exacerbated by the fact Jasper is drop-dead gorgeous.
He’s wearing a different cologne today – a sweet candyfloss scent. I have to physically clamp my mouth closed so I don’t lick my lips, like some sex-starved fool. Whoever invented perfumery has a lot to answer for.
After chatting to Rox earlier, I consider Jasper anew. Is he a controlling type? What type of man is he? Laid back, easy going – but doesn’t everyone put on a performance when you first meet? Holidays aren’t real life, either. People are generally happier on a trip, more likely to go with the flow.
As the others chat, I feel Jasper’s gaze on me, like a laser beam. The kiss has to be addressed to avoid any more awkwardness between us.
‘So…’
‘So…’
‘You go first,’ I say, hating myself for the heat that pools inside me.
‘I wanted to apologise. For earlier. I’m not sure what came over me.’
Oh God, he’s regretting the kiss. Why didn’t I speak up first? Now he’s not going to believe that I also regret the kiss and he’ll presume whatever I say is a knee-jerk reaction to his rejection of me, because that’s essentially what he’s doing, isn’t it?
I will myself to smile. Do I go on the defence too?
I run with the truth; it’s less messy and Jasper can judge all he likes.
‘I’m so glad you said that! I’m not sure what was in that mulled wine’ – I let out a choked laugh – ‘but I’m never hasty like that, and I’m sure you can agree it’s not the right time.
It was a moment of madness. Let’s forget it ever happened. ’
Jasper’s eyes cloud. ‘Oh. I mean… yeah, sure. Of course. I figured it wasn’t the right time, is all, and I wanted to apologise if I acted hastily.
But I…’ His words peter off as confusion slides across his features.
Why? Did he expect me to be upset at his rejection?
He’s probably used to breaking hearts left, right and centre.
Well, not this heart. Clearly it’s already under maintenance.
He falls silent.
When Sabrina walks in holding a tray of drinks I can’t help but be relieved at the interruption. She’s changed into an elf costume and from the looks of it, we should all be able to keep our drinks on the table this evening; there’s no big tail or gingerbread fur to knock things flying.
I speak too soon, as she trips on her oversized elf boots. The tray goes flying as she takes a messy tumble. Jasper launches himself across the table and somehow manages to catch the tray and the bottle of wine. The glasses bounce to the carpet but don’t break.
‘Whoa,’ CJ says. ‘You’re like a superhero, Jasper.’
I laugh. He did look rather god-like, flinging himself into the air like that.
‘A superhero would have caught the glasses too.’ Ever so humble, our own real-life hero.
I edge around the table and give Sabrina a hand up. ‘Are you OK?’ Her elf tights are laddered where she landed hard on her knees.
When she looks up at me, her eyes are glassy with tears, but she lets out a laugh as if she’s fine, or is pretending to be at any rate.
‘I’m such a klutz. Thanks for saving the day, Jasper.
I’ve already had a run-in with my manager about my performance, which is “lacking” apparently.
’ She darts a glance over her shoulder. ‘Actually, forget I said that. Me and my big mouth. I also got a warning about fraternising with the guests. Apparently that’s forbidden too. ’
I frown. ‘You got in trouble for being out with us?’
She nods, expression miserable. ‘Yeah, someone saw me and reported it.’
Princess pulls out a chair and helps Sabrina into it. On closer inspection, her knee is quite badly hurt; it’s already swelling. ‘Barry,’ Princess says. ‘Can you ask George for an icepack for Sabrina’s knee?’
‘Sure, hold tight.’ Princess and Barry exchange a look and hold it for a fraction of a second too long.
What’s going on there? Barry hurries away and Princess looks anywhere but at me. Is she thinking of chancing love? I’m dying to ask her but poor Sabrina’s bottom lip is quivering as she tries to hold herself together, so I turn my attention back to my young friend.
‘I’m so sorry you got in trouble,’ I say.
‘It’s a ridiculous rule being told what you can do in your time off and, as for all the rest, I’m sure I speak for us all when I say you’re the best staff member on board.
’ Yes, there have been a few accidents, but that’s to be expected on a compact carriage, whilst wearing festive costumes that are more than a little extra.
Sabrina gives me watery smile. ‘Thanks, Aubrey. It’s fine, I have been rather preoccupied and not at my best. I probably deserve the telling off, it’s just they’re a little stricter here than I’m used to and my new manager does not mince her words.’
Barry returns with an icepack and some gauze.
‘What about your knee with having to work this evening?’ I ask. ‘You may need to rest it?’
‘Tell me who this manager person is!’ Princess blurts out.
‘No one threatens you, Sabrina. I mean it!’ There’s fire in her eyes, and I don’t doubt Princess will march down the carriage to staff quarters and give Sabrina’s manager a piece of her mind.
‘WHO IS SHE!’ There’s a guttural edge to her voice that makes us all freeze.
We’re wide-eyed when suddenly the tension breaks and we fall about laughing. ‘Sorry.’ Princess lets out an embarrassed giggle. ‘Even though I don’t have children, apparently I still have Tiger Mum DNA.’
That sets us off again. Once we’re all composed, Sabrina says, ‘Thank you, Princess. I’ll be OK.
Honestly, I did break the rules. But my manager was most upset by all the breakages on board, but like, what breakages?
I’m sure I’m being blamed for someone else’s fumbles.
George probably, but I don’t want to point the finger his way, do I? Not with him being new and all.’
Who’s going to tell her? I move my gaze around the Unlucky in Love Travel Club and realise it’s going to have to be me. No one wants to enlighten the poor girl when she’s already feeling so low.
Gently as I can, I say, ‘I’m sorry to say the breakages were all you, Sabrina.’ She gasps, so I hurry on. ‘But it was not your fault! Your reindeer tail was responsible, being the perfect height to knock glasses, plates, candles to the floor.’
‘What! I’m sure I would have been aware if that was— Ooh.’ She covers her face in her hands. ‘The stupid reindeer earmuffs. I couldn’t hear!’
I bite my lip and nod. ‘And the furry gingerbread costume. Same thing.’
A burst of laughter escapes from her small frame. ‘Why didn’t anyone tell me?’
I pull my lips to the side. ‘You make a very good point.’
Sabrina reties her ponytail. ‘Well, at least there’s an explanation for it. Every time I turned around, George was cleaning mess from the carpet and I just figured he had a bad case of butter fingers. And all that time he was fixing up my mistakes?’
I give her a solemn nod.
With a deep exhale she says, ‘I’ll be more aware tomorrow when I have to dress up as a flipping Christmas tree with gift box shoes, I’m not even joking.
It’s as wide as it is gaudy. Anyway, thanks for this.
’ She points to her knee. The swelling has reduced a fraction.
‘I better get back to it and try to be a bit more spatially aware.’
‘Are you sure?’ Princess asks. ‘I’m quite taken with the idea of having it out with your manager.’
Sabrina grins. ‘I’m sure.’
‘You could buy me a drink, how about that?’ Barry says, throwing an arm around Princess.
‘The drinks are all free, as you know.’
‘We can pretend.’
‘Very well. Can I offer you a glass of the finest’ – she surveys the label on the wine – ‘Beaujolais?’
‘Yes, please. I’d love nothing more.’
Sabrina gives us a wave as she hobbles off.
I can’t help but feel sorry for her – even though she’s made some blunders, she’s a real asset to the Winter Wonderland Express.
Often with travel it’s not just the place, it’s the people you meet, and Sabrina is proof of that.
She’s made this entire experience so much better.
Princess pours wine for the group.
‘So,’ Karen says. ‘Did you see the kiss at the market?’
My belly flips. I’d been so sure they were all out of sight. Jasper stiffens beside me.
‘What kiss?’ Barry asks.
Karen throws her hands up in frustration.
‘Don’t tell me CJ and I were the only ones who witnessed the kiss?
That British guy who wears the cravat, like he’s Sherlock Holmes himself, kissed a woman right by the hot chocolate stand at the market, a woman who is not the one he boarded the train with. ’
Princess cocks her head. ‘Explain the kiss.’