‘Really easy, thanks. Jessie spent most of the time playing with the Christmas tree.’ Lottie’s head shot up in alarm. ‘Chill, it’s fine. She said it was a magic present tree.’ He gave a chuckle. ‘She took herself off to bed not long ago because she wanted to make sure she was asleep before Santa came.’
‘Great. How’s the new house share going at uni?’
‘Oh, you know. A bit messy in places but otherwise fine.’
‘I can’t believe in eighteen months you’ll be graduated and probably working. Imagine that. My little cousin.’ She reached up to ruffle his hair and he dodged out of the way.
‘I’ve got a job already,’ he said, his expression furtive.
‘Oh great, doing what?’ Lottie had been a part-time waitress when she was at university, and although the pay was rubbish, the tips had been pretty good.
‘Car sales,’ he said, with a grin.
‘Blimey. How did you swing that?’
‘Look, don’t say anything to the rents. They don’t know yet.’
‘No, of course I won’t.’ Lottie understood, they’d only worry about whether he was spending enough time studying.
‘Thanks Lottie. You’re sound.’
‘Thanks,’ said Lottie. It was meant to be a compliment, but somehow it made her feel old. Playing to how she felt, she added: ‘Make sure your degree doesn’t suffer. All right?’
She hung up her coat and didn’t pay much attention to Rhys’s slightly confused expression. Her mind was focused on heating up the mulled wine and getting the nibbles into bowls. Angie joined her in the kitchen.
‘So what’s going on with you and little Joe Broomfield?’ asked her mother, pinning her with her gaze.
‘He’s hardly little any more.’
‘Don’t deflect the question.’
‘There’s nothing going on. He left and now he’s back.’
‘Back with you?’ Angie tipped her head forward in question.
‘No. He’s just back.’ Lottie wanted to add that they were just friends, but right now she wasn’t even sure of that.
‘Well, I’m pleased you’re not bothered,’ said Angie. ‘Any chance of a sandwich?’ she asked, opening the fridge and scanning the shelves.
‘I could do you a bacon sandwich.’ She waited for the reaction.
Without hesitation Angie’s face lit up. ‘Marvellous.’
Lottie shut the kitchen door. ‘I knew it. You’d no more turn vegan than wear cheap make-up. What are you up to?’
‘Come on, Lottie. Scott is completely right for me inevery way.’ Lottie raised an eyebrow. ‘Apart from him being a committed vegan.’
And half your age, added Lottie in her head. ‘But you lied to him. That’s not a great start to a relationship is it?’ She put the mulled wine on a low heat and started stirring.
‘It’s only a white lie.’
‘There’s no such thing. If he loves you, he won’t care that you like to chow down on a lamb shank.’
‘Shhh,’ hissed Angie, checking over her shoulder. ‘It’s like a religion to him. Come on, I’m starved. Your spaghetti was bloody awful.’
‘Thanks.’ Lottie checked her to-do list. She wasn’t past bartering. ‘If you get the presents off everyone and put them under the tree, I’ll make you a bacon sandwich after we’ve done the mulled wine.’
‘Deal.’
