Chapter 15
I ’d never been one to sit on my hands, so with Ruby’s baby blanket safely delivered, I’d decided to knit some Christmas stockings. I always gave the children of my fellow Settledown traders a handmade festive gift and the pattern I’d chosen was perfect.
The new project had kept my mind occupied, stopping it from overthinking in the run up to my date with Gideon. But as our time together grew nearer, my focus diminished and I found myself wondering why Gideon had organised it.
I looked up from my stitching and stared out of the window, unable to shake off the uneasiness I’d been left with following his behaviour towards Alex.
It was after that that Gideon suggested we go out for a change.
I’d not registered before how insecure my boyfriend was, and it bothered me to think our upcoming date might be more about him marking his territory than getting us back on track.
Realising there was no pleasing me, I took a deep breath and exhaled. I either wanted Gideon to put in more effort or I didn’t. His true intentions would become clear soon enough, and I told myself to give him a chance. Shaking my mind free, I got back to the task at hand.
For an experienced knitter like me, the stockings were straight forward to make and after a couple of days clickety-clacking on my needles they’d been ready to put together.
Having spent the morning crocheting their fronts to their backs, I finally reached the very last stitch of the very last stocking.
Finishing off to prevent any unravelling, I weaved the length of wool into the design, picked up my scissors and snipped it free.
I spread the stockings out on the counter and admired each one’s simple yet individual red, green and white Fair Isle design.
I smiled. ‘Gorgeous. Even if I do say so myself.’ Gathering them together, all I had left to do was stuff the stockings with sweet treats, then wrap and label them.
I wrinkled my nose, wondering if I could nip upstairs and collect what I needed before my next customer arrived.
The shop bell sounded, giving me my answer.
I looked to the door to see Karl, Settledown’s delivery man, enter. Eyeing the parcels he carried, I fast clapped my hands. ‘Wonderful. I’ve been looking forward to those.’
He clocked my pile of stockings. ‘These are nice.’ He looked at me, impressed. ‘Do you ever put your needles down? Every time I come in you’ve got something new on the go.’
I laughed. ‘It comes with the territory.’
Karl placed his deliveries on the counter and offered his handheld device so I could sign for them.
‘How’s the family?’ I asked, finger penning my signature. ‘Lucy normally calls in for a chat, but I haven’t seen her for a while? Is everything okay?’
‘She’s busy getting ready for Christmas. It’s our turn to host this year so her parents are joining us. In typical Lucy-fashion, she wants everything perfect. She’s got list upon list of things to do.’
A part of me envied her. The opportunity to eat, drink and be merry with a house full of loved ones was something to be cherished, especially at Christmastime.
Of course, I knew from experience, the degree of fun to be had depended on the people involved.
Celebrating with Gideon’s family hadn’t exactly been a laugh a minute and the mere thought of returning the favour at my place made me shudder.
‘I don’t know who’s getting more worked up,’ Karl said. ‘The wife or Alfie?’
My heart warmed. At only two years old, the holiday magic was bound to overwhelm Karl and Lucy’s little boy.
‘Although after today, I think Alfie might just clinch it.’
I looked at Karl bemused, wondering what could be so special.
‘They’re off to Santa’s Grotto. No doubt, I’ll hear all about it tonight.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘And again tomorrow. And the day after that.’
I chuckled. ‘You love it really.’
Karl winked. ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’
The shop bell rang again and seeing Alex come in off the street, Karl stepped back from the counter. ‘Looks like it’s time for both of us to get back to work,’ he said, picking up his device and heading for the door.
‘Say hi to Lucy for me,’ I called out, making a mental note to knit one more stocking for their son.
Karl nodded at Alex as he passed him on his way out.
‘I’m glad you’ve called in,’ I said. ‘I wanted to apologise for the way Gideon acted towards you.’
‘Not a problem,’ Alex replied.
‘I wanted to say something the other night at the pub, but I could see how busy you were, what with that office do. I didn’t want to unnecessarily clog up the bar.’
‘Honestly, don’t worry about it.’
‘He’s assured me he’ll be more civil in future,’ I said, needing to reiterate my point.
‘Good to know.’
I didn’t blame Alex for his polite yet curt responses. I doubted he’d ever admit it, but he had to think Gideon was an arse and that I should get rid of him; such thoughts had crossed my mind of late too.
‘He’s definitely on his best behaviour,’ I carried on.
‘So much so, he’s taking me out for once.
I haven’t a clue where we’re going, which means I don’t know what to wear.
I just hope I don’t embarrass myself and ruin the night before it’s begun, all because of the wrong outfit.
’ Clocking Alex’s wide-eyed stare, I fell silent. ‘I’m rambling like before, aren’t I?’
Alex nodded. ‘Just a bit.’
Blushing, I took in his tight expression.
Cringing at my insensitivity, I couldn’t believe I’d expected him to be interested in any of that.
Not after the way Gideon had treated him.
‘I apologise. And from now on, I promise to stay clear of any conversation about me and my relationship with you-know-who. We can talk all things Hirst or Koons, or whatever artist you prefer. You could even teach me to draw if you’re up for that?
Ooh, when you move in, we could do a skills swap. ’
‘About that…’
‘Oh, and these just landed.’ I indicated the parcels on the counter.
‘New bedding and window dressings for your room. I took note of what you said about liking the brightness in there and knowing that’s important, what with you wanting to paint, I went for plain white.
The curtains are white too, but they’re also blackout, so you don’t have to worry about daylight waking you up.
Although at this time of year, it’s not like the sun comes up early, is it? ’
Alex put a hand up to his mouth and coughed.
Pausing, I realised he was silencing me. ‘I’m still wittering, aren’t I?’
Alex nodded. ‘Afraid so.’
I didn’t know what it was about Alex that made me lose control of my mouth, but despite saying I’d shut up, the poor man had yet to properly get a word in.
‘Again, I’m sorry.’ I took a deep breath and bringing up my hands, I placed my palms together and centred myself.
Letting them fall again, I smiled at Alex.
‘How about I stop talking altogether and you can tell me what you came in for?’
Clearly thinking I was bonkers, Alex regarded me for a moment. ‘It’s nothing important.’ His expression softened. ‘I just wanted to let you know Grandma liked the wool I sent up.’