She unpeeled the tape and opened the present. Inside was a book,The Time Traveler’s Wifeby Audrey Niffenegger.
‘I didn’t know if you’d read it or not,’ he said. ‘It’s a special edition—something to do with decorated pages, apparently. I bought it for the title. Though I suppose it should really be calledThe Time Traveler’s Husband.’
Greta checked out the back cover. ‘It’s wonderful. I’ve always wanted to read it.’
‘It was either this one, or a book aboutDoctor Who,’Jim said. ‘I figured this was the sexier read about time travel.’
Greta held the book to her chest. Jim was obviously trying. ‘Going to Mapleville wasn’t time travel. It was more of a timehopto somewhere else . . she explained.
‘I spent a while in the book shop, and didn’t see anything with that title.’ He laughed.
‘So . . .’ She hesitated. ‘Does that mean you believe that I actually went to Mapleville?’
Jim pursed his lips. ‘As much as I can do. Someone helped me to understand things more. You mentioned Edgar Barker to me, and said he’d experienced something similar to you. I wanted to know you were okay, so I paid a visit to Barker’s Treasures. It was, well . . . quirky. A very interesting shop.’
Greta felt like she’d just stepped onto a sunlit balcony on holiday. Jim had listened to her and taken the initiative to go to see Edgar. ‘What did he say?’
‘Well.’ Jim laughed. ‘I think I came away with more questions than answers. But he was a nice guy, and I figured there can’t be two people who’d both cook up such a bizarre story about a magical coffee shop.’
Greta briefly pictured Iris smarting at the wordmagical.
She ran her fingers over the glossy book cover. It was more than just a gift. It was a gesture. Something that told her Jim listened to her and cared. He might not always have the right words, but he was always kind and thoughtful.
She wanted to reach out, to trace the wrinkles around his eyes with her fingers, just like she used to do. Instead, she gripped the book even tighter.
‘Happy Christmas, Greta,’ Jim said with a searching smile.
Greta felt her cheeks flushing. ‘Merry Christmas, Jim.’
‘Hey, Mum. Dad,’ Lottie called out, barging into the room and breaking the moment. Her footsteps slowed when she saw her parents gazing at each other, and her mouth twitched upwards in the corners. ‘Jayden’s asked if I can stay over at his place on New Year’s Eve. His mum’s having a party for their friends and relatives. I get on with Jayden’s sister, and I can share her room.’ Her eyes were full of longing. ‘Can I go?Please.’
New Year’s Eve. The date that had been etched in Greta’s thoughts for months. She looked at Jim, and he nodded it sounded okay to him.
‘Yes, that’s fine,’ Greta said. ‘I’ll chat with Jayden’s mum to check on the details.’
‘Yep. Sure,’ Lottie said. She pulled a face as her stomach rumbled. ‘Um, are we eating soon? Dad’s pancakes were a bit . . . flimsy.’
‘Hey,’ he said, pretending to look hurt.
‘I’ve got some of our favourite bits and pieces to eat sitting on the sofa. Sound okay to you?’ Greta said.
‘Sounds great. Are you staying, too, Dad?’
Greta turned to face Jim again.Say yes,she willed him. ‘You’re very welcome, Jim . . .’
Jim’s gaze passed from his wife to his daughter, as if tempted. ‘Thanks, but I should be going,’ he said. ‘I’ve had Lottie all week, and it’ll give you girls a chance to catch up.’
Greta walked with him into the hallway. She wanted to tell him about accepting a job in Brewtique, but standing by the door wasn’t the right time or place. Her news would have to wait for a while.
Jim turned to face her. ‘It’ll be New Year’s Eve soon,’ he said. ‘Our decision day.’
A shiver of anticipation ran down Greta’s spine. ‘I know.’
‘Have you got any plans?’ he asked.
‘No. Have you?’
Across the hallway, a cheer rose up. Someone watching football on TV in the flat opposite.
