Chapter 68
SIXTY-EIGHT
Christmas
Declan had politely declined Jess’s invitation for Christmas, explaining that he would be spending it with his mother.
‘It’s always difficult for her at this time of year,’ he had explained.
‘I understand,’ Jess had told him, even though she could never begin to comprehend how it must have felt for his mother to lose her daughter, or Declan his sister. At least they would get together on New Year’s Eve.
Jess had suggested a lucky dip for the Christmas lunch table, rather than people feeling the pressure of having to bring gifts for everyone else.
Not that she expected them to, of course, but even so a lucky dip was always rather fun in work, so she was pleased when everyone was on board with the idea.
Although Jess completely understood Declan’s reasons for not attending Christmas lunch, she could not help feeling it would not be the same without him there.
She had quietly come to the realisation that she no longer wanted to deny her feelings towards him. And could only hope that she had not left it too late.
Christmas Day was a lot of fun, and Maisie had been overjoyed to receive the latest toy that had sold out in almost every outlet in the country.
Her father had returned from working abroad, where he had managed to purchase one of the most desired toys on Santa’s list. He had also taken Maisie to the Lego store in town, and treated her to a new Lego set, before a slap-up lunch at her favourite pizza restaurant.
Thankfully, Maisie had been just as overjoyed with her bicycle that Jess had saved up for and surprised her with.
Maisie had become accustomed to her father’s infrequent appearances, without it causing her too much distress.
At least Jess hoped that was the case. She could only hope that she was surrounded by enough love from the people in her life to compensate for her father’s absence.
She tried not to think about when Maisie was older, and whether she would have a reliable male role model in her life.
Alice had enjoyed her Christmas lunch immensely, and laughed at her lucky dip prize, a pair of knee-high stripy socks.
Once home, she had changed into her nightwear and slipped into bed to read. It felt strange not spending Christmas night in the house she once shared with George and she hoped the new family would enjoy their first Christmas in their new home.
‘I have been very well looked after today,’ she said to another framed photograph of her husband.
‘In fact, my friends have been wonderful looking after me for some time. I managed to survive a nasty fall, which was my own fault, but perhaps you already know that.’ She smiled, thinking of how she had forgotten to place her jigsaw box under the coffee table, and stumbled right over it.
‘Such a silly thing to do, but I am getting on in years.’
She felt her eyes become heavy, as she began to yawn. She wondered how many more Christmases she would have on this earth, but when the time came, she would be ready. In the meantime, she would enjoy every minute.
‘Goodnight, my love. Merry Christmas.’
It wasn’t long before she had drifted off to sleep and she dreamt of Christmases past in the house she once shared with her husband. She was in a room filled with singing and laughter, as her family and friends sang along to a tune George was playing on a piano in the drawing room.
Beside it was the huge real Christmas tree that George always insisted on.
Alice would grumble about the needles dropping onto the floor, but as it was George who would decorate it so beautifully, going over the top with lights and bows, she did not complain for long.
It was the season of goodwill after all.
Jess had deliberated for so long over what she should wear for the party. She had spotted a gorgeous black dress in town but thought it might be a bit much for a house gathering. Then again, it was New Year’s Eve.
‘You look beautiful,’ Carol had told her when she had tried the dress on in the shop. ‘Wear the dress for the party. I would, if I still had your figure,’ she joked.
‘Do you think I should?’ Jess asked doubtfully as she gave a little twirl in front of the mirror. She had to admit it did look good on her.
She was torn between the dress, and a fashionable trouser suit, that had a more relaxed look.
‘Definitely. I’m wearing a dress. My trusty red wrap over that I have had for years. It’s very forgiving.’ Her mum had laughed. ‘Especially after some food and drink.’
Declan had insisted on paying for the quality buffet that would be delivered to Alice’s in the late afternoon of the party. He had also ordered champagne for the celebration. He would never be able to pay Alice enough for her generosity.
When Mark found out, he had purchased some outdoor lights to drape along the fence, as well as a couple of patio heaters, should the party spill over outdoors.
Jess and Carol had taken over the purchasing of balloons and banners to decorate Alice’s flat, as well as a celebration cake from the food hall at M&S.
‘I am so looking forward to the party,’ said Alice to Declan as they chatted one morning on the landing.
‘Me too,’ he told her. Declan realised that Jess would be there, and the thought of it gave him a warm feeling inside.
‘So where are you off to?’ he asked Alice, who informed him she was heading to the church opposite the Co-op.
‘Hop in, then,’ he said. ‘I’ll drop you off, unless you want to be all independent,’ he teased. He was heading into the office a little later today, as things were quiet in between Christmas and New Year.
‘You know me so well.’ She smiled. ‘Although on this occasion, I will accept a lift. It is rather cold out there.’
After Declan had been into the office and checked a few emails, he would pop into town and buy himself a new suit.
He had decided to splash out on something of quality that would serve him well in his new role meeting up with clients, as well as for New Year. And maybe even something to wear at a top restaurant in the city if he got up the courage to invite Jess.