“Mmm?”
“Can we wind back the clock, right back to decades ago, before Brighton Court?”
“Why?”
“Remember when you did my make-up after my injury? You said you had a crush on me. Back then, I asked you out and you turned me down. Now I want to ask you again.”
“Okay.”
“When you’re out of the hospital, will you go out with me?”
She reaches for my arm and pulls me close.
“Only if you let me give you a haircut.”
Chapter 53
Lucy
Back from the hospital, I pack slowly. It’s good exercise. I study the properties for rent in the local paper, but none is as nice as the ones in Brighton Court.
In my letterbox there’s a flyer for a Christmas concert – carols by candlelight – up at the old church on the corner. I message Phoebe and invite her, with or without Jaxon.
Christmas was always the network – the shows, the parties. Sometimes the network was at our home. We had at least three photo shoots around our huge tree in the living room. I’d love helping make our place into the set, decorating the tree and loading it up with gifts.
Phoebe and Jaxon are coming for drinks with me on Christmas Eve. I try not to dwell on the thought of them joining Bart and Mishelle on Christmas Day. I’m practicing using their real names, for Phoebe’s sake.
At night, the neighborhood around Brighton Court sparkles with Christmas lights. Donna and I have been busier than ever unpacking ahead of the holiday. Seems everyone wants to be home for Christmas, even if their home is brand new.
Donna will join her large family for the day, and I won’t tag along. She invited me – what a friend – but this is their time. Donna and I are practically welded together every working day in these busy weeks. We’ll take a break.
I’ll just be glad of a rest – glad for a break from scanning the internet for apartments to rent.
I go for a walk. There’s a frenzy of pre-Christmas interest at Jill’s and the other boutiques and I’m happy for them. I pick up a small plum pudding at the deli, and some smoked turkey – a feast for one.
As I round the corner, I see the little church. A Christmas banner advertises the choir. The concert is this evening; Carols by Candlelight. The church is so pretty, I rush home and dress, excited as a girl. I’ll carry the candle for my mother.
