Chapter 43
Christmas Eve, and what a morning. Ware by not spending it alone.’
‘What would you know?’ he muttered.
‘I know what it’s like to only want to attend parties that are pity parties.’ Her voice became more firm. ‘But that, Mister, isn’t going to get you anywhere. You don’t strike me as someone who’s simply all talk. So listen to your own common sense. What would Joe say?’
He looked up. ‘That’s a low blow.’
‘Is it? Because I know what Em would think to the way I’ve been wallowing. She’d tell me to pull my head out of my arse and get on with life, grateful that I can because hers has ended.’
Tommo’s mouth dropped open and then his eyes crinkled. He laughed. ‘Jesus. Okay, okay. I’ll bike over. Anything for a bit of peace.’ Tommo sprang up. ‘Fancy a cuppa?’
‘A quick one would be lovely,’ she replied, eyes twinkling. ‘I’ll put the kettle on whilst you get changed and then we can talk about the best party games to play on Christmas Day…’
* * *
‘And I’m so sorry that quick one turned into two cups,’ said Lili as she sat down in the kitchen at home, coat still on. She looked up at Dylan. ‘I feel really guilty. Not only have you done the shop, you’ve also started the food prep for tomorrow.’
Dylan sat down next to her and took her hands. ‘I love everything to do with cooking and, for the record, what you did this afternoon for Glenda and Tommo is far more important.’
‘More important than a magnificent roast? Don’t get carried away.
’ She leant forwards and they kissed. ‘I did find time to pick up a tin of chocolates, a box of Christmas crackers and plenty of nibbles. Also some Santa paper napkins. And I just drove past an off-licence. I’ll nip out and stock up.
Might get a bottle of Bailey’s – not a huge fan of it myself, but I bet Glenda is.
I also called Meg – she and her gran will definitely drop by but will only want a mini dinner as they’ve bought in everything to eat at lunchtime with a neighbour who’s on their own.
Oh, and Meg messaged Tommo and the three of them are going to share a taxi over, and pick Glenda up on the way. I’ve given them her number.’
‘Whoa, slow down!’ Dylan said and grinned. ‘Sounds like hot chocolates are in order for an energy kick before I tackle making dessert and you do the booze run.’
‘Dessert? Didn’t they have Christmas puddings?’
‘Yes. I got a large one. Two boxes of mince pies too. And, of course, a Panettone. But Christmas isn’t Christmas without a Tiramisu.
Whilst you’re out I’ll ring Mum and Dad again.
Naples airport is still only running a limited service but, fingers crossed, where they are, the rain’s slowly abating.
The water hasn’t reached their sandbags yet. It’s a huge relief.’
‘Thank God,’ she said. ‘And Mum rang me at work. She’s well enough to blame Dad for the Covid as he chose the pub they went to.
’ She grinned. ‘It was good to hear. A bit of realism in their new relationship – it was starting to sound a little too perfect. He’s still invited around to hers but better prepare himself for a guilt trip.
’ She took off her coat and Dylan made the hot chocolates.
They took them through to the lounge, turned on the Christmas tree lights.
They sat on the sofa and he put an arm around her shoulders.
‘It’s weird. Us. It doesn’t seem new. It’s as if we’ve been together for ages. Or is that just me?’ she said shyly.
‘No,’ he replied softly. A smile crept across his mouth. ‘Does that mean I can leave the toilet seat up and my dirty laundry on the floor?’
His smile widened as she pretended to glare and said, ‘Bario won’t last long if that ever happens.’