‘So how did you two meet?’
Bailey says blithely, ‘We met at a Christmas party—’
I kick his foot under the table. ‘In early December,’ I add quickly.
‘So you guys have been together only a few weeks then?’
‘But it feels like forever.’ Bailey puts his arm around my shoulder, and my body stiffens at his sudden nearness. ‘As soon as she threw that Santa hat at me, it was all on.’ He brushes my cheek lightly with his lips, and I smile tightly. Oh, OK, we’re doing the kissing thing, are we?
Kate chortles. ‘She threw a Santa hat at you?’
‘I was being annoying.’ I’m surprised to hear him admit this.
‘That doesn’t sound like you at all, Bails,’ says Simon, grinning.
‘He wasn’t really,’ I say. ‘I was just a bit overwhelmed. He had a lot of festive wear happening ...’ I gesture at Bailey’s outfit. He’s changed into yet another Christmas jumper. This one is designed to look like an elf uniform with red-and-white-striped sleeves, a black belt, and gold buttons. There’s even a small embroidered candy cane poking out of the belt.
‘I’m surprised you didn’t run a mile,’ says Kirk. ‘Bailey is a walking Hallmark card this time of year.’
‘Oh, I’ve gotten used to it.’ Surprisingly, I have. His silly jumpers are ridiculous, but I like the way he doesn’t care what anyone thinks.
‘Hey!’ Bailey protests. ‘It’s not my fault I’m a Christmas fanatic. Blame my mother.’
‘It’s true,’ says Jennifer. ‘I possibly overindulged on carols and Christmas cake when he was in the womb.’
Kirk’s attention returns to me.
‘You’re staying for Bailey’s birthday, I take it?’
‘Uh ...’ Shit, is it his birthday soon? He didn’t say anything!
‘You do know it’s his birthday?’ Kirk pounces on my hesitation.
‘Yes, definitely,’ I reply, looking him straight in the eye.
‘Leave her alone, Kirk. It doesn’t matter,’ says Bailey sharply.
‘So what date is it?’ Kirk persists, ignoring Bailey. Everyone seems to be curiously awaiting my answer. I see Kate and Simon exchange a quizzical look.
I open my mouth to say ‘We haven’t discussed it ...’ But Bailey taps my hand under the table. He presses two fingers, then four and then three into my palm. So his birthday is either the 9th or 27th. It can’t be the 9th because it’s already gone. It must be ... ‘The 27th, of course,’ I say confidently.
Kirk looks mollified, and Bailey gives my fingers a gentle squeeze. Phew, quick thinking on his part. I passed the test—for now. I have the feeling Kirk isn’t going to let up until he catches us out. Even more annoying is that I was hoping to sneak away after Christmas Day. But now it seems I have to spend another three nights in Bailey’s bed!
Chapter 14
The rest of the day passes in a blur of Christmas prep. I’m tasked with making chestnut, bacon, and cranberry stuffing for the chicken while Bailey works on his pudding. Various other family members come and go, depending on what they’re bringing to the table, so to speak. At one point, I’m bumping elbows with Hazel as she chops broccoli and carrots. The next, I’m having a conversation with Simon about going vegan.
‘I’m two months in, and it’s been generally OK,’ he says. ‘I haven’t missed meat at all. Christmas will be the true test.’ He eyes the chicken, into which I’m currently ramming stuffing, and licks his lips. I get the feeling most of the nut roast he’s making might end up in the bin.
Someone hooks up a Bluetooth speaker to their phone, and carols tinkle away in the background. Strangely, I don’t mind. Snow is falling outside the window; and in this warm, convivial atmosphere, carols feel appropriate. It’s nicer than having them blasted at you in the shops anyway.
‘We try and do as much as possible on Christmas Eve so we can all relax tomorrow and enjoy it,’ Jennifer tells me, glazing a ham on the other side of the table. ‘No point in everyone being stuck in the kitchen all day.’
‘Hear, hear! I’m all for that,’ says Bailey. ‘Holly, try this and let me know what you think.’
He dips his finger into a caramel-coloured sauce he’s been whisking and proffers it to me.
‘Er, I’ll just use a spoon,’ I say.
