Chapter Sixteen
On Christmas morning, my bed is so snuggly and warm that if I wasn’t looking forward to a day with Tomas and Albert, I probably wouldn’t want to get up.
I stretch my feet across to the other side of the bed and throw my arm onto the pillow beside me. I try to stop thinking about how I wish Tomas, with his dark curls, was lying on that pillow. I don’t even know where the thought comes from. Perhaps my subconscious is trying to tell me something. It appears that all the desires I didn’t allow myself to think about seem to be escaping. I desperately try to shake the image of Tomas before I force myself to get up. I need to get myself ready and suitably wrapped up for a river cruise along the Vltava that Tomas has organised for this morning.
Meanwhile, at the hotel breakfast, the staff are cheerful, and everyone is wishing each other a Merry Christmas. Tinsel is wrapped around a giant ice sculpture of a reindeer on the breakfast buffet, and I treat myself to the ubiquitous Danish pastries and chocolate muffins that are laid out beside it. There is no way I am going for the avocado on wholemeal toast on Christmas Day.
I am still tucking into the feast when Tomas turns up looking for me. We had agreed to meet in reception, but I have been so busy getting carried away with the buffet that I didn’t notice the time.
I offer him a muffin, but he declines. I figure he eats healthier than I do. After all, you don’t get a body with a washboard stomach like he has by eating muffins and pastries for breakfast.
‘How did you sleep?’ asks Tomas politely.
‘Great. Like a log after all that fabulous food I ate last night. Albert is right. You’re such a great cook.’
‘Ah, thank you. I used to be a chef.’
‘Oh, you never told me that before.’
‘I studied food science at uni in Cardiff, but I enjoyed being hands-on in the kitchen. I like making people happy with good, nutritious food.’
I do hope he isn’t too disgusted by my plateful of muffins. After all the time we have spent together, I didn’t even know what his job was. We haven’t spoken much about his personal life. Not even the story of Milena, which is getting more confusing by the minute. He certainly can’t be serious with her or surely he would be with her on Christmas morning? Maybe this is my chance to learn more about him.
‘So, you’re not a chef any more?’
‘It’s a bit of a long story. With the cost of food at the moment, it’s been difficult. But I’m opening my own bar soon. Time for a bit of a change.’
‘That’s amazing. I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful success.’
For someone who is about to open a new business, he doesn’t look too thrilled when he talks about it. He quickly finishes the coffee I ordered him and downs it in one go.
‘Anyway, we’d better go. We don’t want to miss the cruise.’ For some reason, I get the feeling the bar business could be a sore subject, just like the name Milena.
‘Oh, of course. Sorry, I’ve been enjoying breakfast a bit too much this morning.’
I try to resist throwing one of the gorgeous Christmas pastries in my bag for later as we pass the buffet table on the way out. I can’t say I will have as much restraint when Tomas isn’t with me though. But then I realise that I fly home early tomorrow and there won’t be time for another breakfast here. That makes me feel incredibly sad. Never in a million years would I ever have thought that I wouldn’t want to leave Prague, and if I am honest with myself, I don’t especially want to leave Tomas either. I try to put it out of my mind and instead focus on enjoying what is left of my stay.
I take out my bright pink bobbly hat and pull it down over my ears as we walk towards the river. The temperature feels like it has dropped again. Maybe we won’t have snow on Christmas Day as I had hoped we would. So far, there has only been a sprinkling while we were at the castle, although the clouds in the sky hint that there might be something on the horizon.
Arriving at the pontoon, I think at first that we might be in the wrong place. There are big boats, which appear to be ferries transporting people around, but the boat at our mooring is much smaller and more intimate. The captain greets us in a sailor suit and tells us that we are the only ones onboard today so we can set sail immediately.
‘This is perfect,’ I say to Tomas.
‘Just wait,’ he smiles.
As we set sail, a hostess comes up to us with a glass of champagne.
‘Sorry, but I haven’t ordered any,’ I say.
‘It was pre-ordered by your friend here,’ she explains. Tomas smiles and then clinks his glass to mine, saying Happy Christmas once again. I take a sip of the delicious, chilled bubbles as a swan swims alongside our boat. Then we head under a little bridge decorated with a Christmas garland, glass of fizz in hand. What an experience Tomas has introduced me to. I could get used to this.
Tomas’ eyes light up as he looks at me and smiles with that beautiful grin. Then, he points out an empty building.
‘You see that there?’
I look up to see a place that used to be a restaurant, with the menu stuck on the door and chairs on top of disused tables. Even though it is looking a little neglected, it is in a beautiful spot with its riverside location.
‘This is where I’m opening my new bar next year.’
‘Oh, it’s going to be beautiful.’
‘I hope so. A new beginning.’ When he says that, I see the same look in his eyes that he has whenever Milena is mentioned. I wonder if the closure of his restaurant is to do with her. I have a feeling that something is definitely linking them both.
‘It’s good to have a new beginning sometimes,’ I say, clinking my glass to his.
‘For sure. Here’s to new beginnings, Olivia.’
I could listen to him say my name all day with that bewitching Czech accent he has when he speaks his perfect English.
I may not know much about Tomas’ background, and he doesn’t know much about mine, but sometimes perhaps it is better that way. Who needs baggage?
As we weave our way along the river and through tight tunnels, the air gets chillier. The hostess brings blankets over to us, and we huddle under them with our chilled champagne. What a way to celebrate Christmas. This is heaps better than slaving over a turkey and then realising you forgot to put the spuds on, which is what I once did, despite insisting I was organised.
I look up towards the castle, the cathedral, and all the sights I have enjoyed on my trip, and that gloomy thought that I have to leave tomorrow reoccurs.
‘I can’t believe I’m going home tomorrow. We haven’t even got through all the letters yet.’
‘There are so many. Do you have to go home? I was thinking we could start them again this evening, and tomorrow perhaps. Is there any chance you can delay your flight back?’
‘Oh, gosh. I hadn’t thought of that. I’d have to check.’
‘You know, I have a good friend at the airport. Which airline are you flying with? Let me see if he can arrange something for you. Lucky for you, airlines don’t close on Christmas Day.’
‘Really? You can do that?’
‘Leave it to me. How about you stay until the New Year? We have a party every year on New Year’s Eve. You’re invited… Unless, of course, you already have plans back home?’
I pretend to think about it for a moment. I am usually in bed by 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve with a cocoa that I forget about that eventually gets cold.
‘What about the hotel? It’s not cheap, and it might be full.’
‘Let me make a few phone calls. I’ll let you into a secret. I used to be the head chef at your hotel before I started my business. I know the right people, and I still get discounts.’ Tomas winks at me, and I wonder if any man on earth could be more gorgeous.
‘You never cease to amaze me,’ I laugh.
‘So, if you can leave me to arrange everything, will you stay?’
‘You know what? We do have quite a few letters to go through. Give your friends a call and see what they say. Why not?’
I feel excited at the thought of doing something so unexpected. This is so different for me. I never thought I would extend my stay. It means I still have to leave in a few more days, but at least I have a reprieve for now. Who knows, it might give Tomas and me the chance to get to know each other better?
As Tomas speaks on the phone to his friends at the airline and then the hotel, I drain my champagne glass.
‘Would you like another?’ asks the hostess. I would normally say no, but it’s Christmas and a whole day intended for indulgence and sheer gluttony.
‘Ooh, why not?’ I smile.
By the time the hostess has finished pouring my fizz, Tomas has put the phone down.
‘All sorted. I’m so pleased you can join us for our party.’
‘Me too.’
As if by magic, the sky opens up, and flakes of snow drop down upon our boat. It feels like my every wish is coming true – snow on Christmas Day!
‘Oh, Tomas. Thank you for arranging everything so that I can stay. And for this today. I’ve had the time of my life.’
Tomas smiles shyly. I notice how he always gets uncomfortable when someone hands him a compliment. He does the same shy smile when Albert compliments his culinary skills.
As the snow collects on the bow of the boat, I sit back and enjoy myself. The birds will still have plenty of seed left in their feeders, and nobody is going to miss me back home. I am confident that I made the right decision by extending my stay.
In fact, looking at Tomas as he gazes out at the river, I know I have made the right decision. I snuggle deeper into my blanket with the biggest smile on my face, even as I try to deny my feelings towards Tomas.
What I don’t realise is that Tomas has arranged a further treat for us after our boat trip. I assumed we would visit Albert right away to wish him a Merry Christmas, but Tomas insists that he doesn’t get up until late at this time of year. Not even the thought of opening more of the letters can get him out of bed on Christmas morning.
So, after we leave the riverside, we head back towards the Old Town where two beautiful white horses and a carriage are standing. It is just like the carriage I saw when I first arrived here.
‘Your carriage awaits, madame,’ says Tomas.
‘We’re going in this?’ I am flabbergasted. This was not what I expected.
‘It has to be done. You’re not a tourist if you haven’t done a horse and carriage ride around Staré Město pra?ské .’
I can’t hide my excitement and clamber in, almost diving into the pink velvet seat for two. It isn’t the most gracious entrance, and I dread to think what Tomas must have thought of me. But then, I haven’t had much practise at climbing into a carriage.
As soon as we are seated properly, the horses start clip-clopping along the cobbled street. I feel like a princess in a horse-drawn carriage as people move out of the way to let us go ahead and tourists admire the scene. My cheeks start to hurt with all the grinning I am doing.
‘Are you enjoying this, by any chance?’ asks Tomas.
‘It’s amazing.’
We clippity-clop near the Astronomical Clock, the market stalls and the Christmas trees on the square. Since it is higher up in here than by foot, I notice pretty, decorated windows and Gothic arcaded houses that I missed when walking around. What a way to spend Christmas Day!
As we turn a corner, the wind catches me, and I try not to show Tomas that I am shivering. But I can’t seem to hide anything from him. He is one of those people who notices everything.
‘Are you cold?’ asks Tomas.
‘I am a bit.’
Tomas leans forward to the two empty seats in front of us and grabs a blanket.
‘Here, put this over you.’
‘What about you?’ I notice there is only one blanket on board.
‘I’m fine.’
‘No, you’re not. It’s really cold.’
‘Excuse me, driver, do you have any more blankets?’ I ask.
‘No, they got wet earlier with the snow.’
Tomas pulls the collar of his coat up towards his chin, and I feel terrible. It is such a lovely ride that I can’t have him cold like this. I shift closer to him and spread the blanket over both of us.
‘You’ll just have to share this,’ I say.
As we sit tight under the blanket, with the sound of the horse’s hooves hitting the cobbles, more snow starts to fall.
‘It’s snowing again!’
‘I love how enthusiastic you are about the snow,’ laughs Tomas.
‘Well, it’s just the icing on the cake, isn’t it? I mean, could this day be any better?’
Tomas looks at me seriously and puts his arm around my shoulder.
‘No, it doesn’t get much better than this.’
‘I agree. This has to be one of the best Christmases ever.’
‘For me too,’ grins Tomas. ‘For me too.’