‘I’m really sorry about what happened,’ I say formally. ‘If there’s any way I can make it up to you and your family, please let me know. Everyone’s been so kind to me, especially you.’
Bailey doesn’t reply, and for a moment, I think he’s going to leave me hanging. But then I sense him relax and shift towards me.
‘Apology accepted,’ he says.
I can’t believe it’s going to be that easy.
After a pause, he says ‘So you’re kind of a celebrity,’ in a light, playful tone. He doesn’t seem mad like he was before. I wonder what’s been said downstairs.
‘I guess,’ I say just as lightly. ‘If you believe in social media fame, which I don’t. Believe me, I’ve been doing everything I can to get it deleted.’
‘Lewis is a prick for doing that without your consent,’ he says, which surprises me. Is he on my side?
‘I’m not taking sides,’ he confirms quickly. ‘What you said was pretty scathing. I know you’re not a big fan of Christmas, but it was uncalled for.’
‘I know. If I could take it back, I would.’
‘I believe you.’
I let out a sigh, roll towards him, and bury my head in his shoulder. ‘Thank you. That means a lot. What about your family? Do they hate me?’
‘They don’t hate you. They’re just confused as to why you would say all that stuff. Mum gets it more since you said you were fostered out. She’s an ex-social worker, so she’s seen some things.’
‘I guess I’ve always felt bitter because I never had a proper Christmas myself. I put on an act and say I hate Christmas, but deep down, I’m jealous of everyone who has that and takes it for granted. It must’ve all just come out when I was drunk and Lewis encouraged me to get it out of my system.’
Bailey’s hand finds my arm and rubs it gently. I know it’s meant to be comforting, but since he’s wearing only boxers, it’s difficult to concentrate.
‘How do you feel now?’ he asks.
Rather horny actually. No! Focus, Holly. You should be grateful he’s even talking to you.
‘I feel ... different. Being here with you and your family ... I’ve seen what a real Christmas looks like, and I liked being part of it.’ I shift closer to his warm body, and he puts an arm around me and strokes my back. The relief I feel is palpable. Thank God he doesn’t hate me.
‘I know you haven’t had it easy, but not everyone’s out to get you.I’mnot out to get you. You can trust me.’ He yawns and adds sleepily, ‘Anyway, we can hear what Lewis has to say for himself tomorrow.’
I suck in my breath. ‘What?’
‘Um, yeah. He always visits on Boxing Day and stays for my birthday. We usually try to visit a couple of distilleries. But this year, with the snow, it may not happen ...’ He leaves the sentence hanging as I sit bolt upright.
‘Speaking of telling each other things, don’t you think you should’ve told methat?’
‘Uh, I kind of forgot with everything else going on.’Or he didn’t think I’d still be around by then ...‘He’s bringing Moira, his girlfriend, too.’
‘Bailey!’ Grrr, I could murder him.
‘Don’t panic. It’s a good thing! Now you can have it out with him and get him to delete the TikTok—if that’s what you want.’
‘Of course I want that. But ... I’m not good at confrontation.’
‘You’ll be fine. I’ll support you. I’m as keen as you are to get it sorted out. Don’t really want my elf girlfriend telling everyone she hates Santa’s guts.’ Bailey yawns again. ‘Hey, do you mind if we go to sleep now? It’s been a bit of a crazy day, and we didn’t get much shut-eye last night.’
‘Of course.’
‘G’night then.’ He kisses me on the temple and rolls over.
‘Night.’
But as his breathing evens out, I lie awake wide-eyed and wired, digesting this shiny new nugget of information. Lewisandhis girlfriend are coming here! I’m grateful that everything seems OK with Bailey and his family. But now there’s a new challenge: confronting Lewis.
