‘Blythe, can I have a word?’ he asked.
She waved a hand at the hive of activity surrounding her as people scurried about like excited elves on Christmas Eve. ‘Bit busy right now, Sam.’
‘Sure. Won’t take a minute.’
‘Right, fine,’ she said, and she marched him away from where Arthur and Norman were arguing about the speaking clock’s accuracy versus Siri.
‘That’s definitely your colour,’ said Sam, pointing at her bright orange vest.
‘Well, it worked for Donald Trump. How can I help you exactly?’
Sam beamed at her and she was immediately suspicious. They’d hardly spoken a word to each other in almost two weeks and she was sure he was making a point of leaving the cottage when she was there feeding Turpin. ‘Any chance of you not lighting up the Grinch arrow sign tonight? I get that you need the character.’ His eyes travelled up the six-foot figure. ‘But the huge flashing arrow pointing at my place isn’t really necessary. Is it?’
‘Sorry, Sam. Leonora would likely strangle me with fairy lights if we changed things at this stage.’
‘You’re not scared of her surely?’
‘Totally terrified and so should you be.’
‘Oh, come on, Blythe. Don’t be so stubborn. I’m being reasonable here. I thought we could compromise.’
‘You had your chance to join in. You chose not to. The Grinchandthe sign are both key to the display. I’m really sorry but it has to be a no. If that’s all, I need to go and prime the vicar.’
Sam sniggered. ‘Why what’s happening to him tonight?’
‘He does the countdown. Have you met him?’ Sam shook his head. ‘You should – you’ve got a lot in common. He hates Christmas too. Gets triggered by “Away in a Manger”.’
They were both pondering this when the local TV van pulled up and Blythe thought Leonora might spontaneously combust with excitement. Sam clocked it too and he scowled at Blythe.
She was considering whether or not to apologise again when Vicky appeared at her side. ‘There’s a problem with an elf,’ she said, before clocking who Blythe was talking to. ‘Oh hi, Sam. You joining in the fun tonight?’
‘Nope. How’s Eden?’
‘She’s sulking because she says she’s well enough to come out but I’ve made her stay in with Phyllis and switch our lights on.’
‘That’s probably wise. I’ll be staying inside too.’ He shot Blythe a look but she wasn’t interested.
‘I’ll be there in a minute,’ Blythe told Vicky, and she disappeared. She turned back to Sam. ‘I hope you’re not going to sulk for the whole of the festive season because the only one who will miss out is you.’
‘You think I’m just being awkward, don’t you?’
‘Youarebeing awkward.’
He puffed out an exasperated sigh and shook his head. ‘You don’t think that maybe I’ve got a good reason to not want to be involved?’
‘No,’ she said, honestly.
He looked like he was considering something but in the pause they were interrupted. Vicky tapped Blythe on the shoulder but addressed Sam. ‘Is that the woman who was creeping around your place?’ She pointed through the crowd but with so many people milling about it was difficult to see who she meant.
‘Right,’ said Sam, and he stormed off in the direction Vicky was pointing.
‘Oh great, a confrontation on the news is just what we need,’ said Blythe, charging off after Sam. At least he was tall and easy to keep in her sights despite the crowds.
‘Sorry!’ yelled Vicky, belatedly.
Sam weaved in and out between people, narrowly missing a tray of mince pies; however, he didn’t see the small fluffy dog on an extended lead that dashed across his path, sending him flying. He landed with an oof. A woman talking to Arthur nearby spun around to see what the fuss was about. And Blythe recognised her. Itwasthe same woman. She clocked Sam and Blythe but before Blythe could say anything she disappeared into the mêlée of people and was gone.
‘Hey!’ said the dog owner trying to tug the lead from underneath a prone Sam. The little dog seemed overjoyed to have a face at his level and he showered Sam with doggy kisses.
