‘And mine,’ she said. ‘And I believe we owe it all to you.’
‘You owe me nothing. All I did was move into Middle Cottage and hope I could persuade my neighbours to put up some Christmas decorations. You two did all the rest yourselves. All three cottages now look so festive, I’m the one who should be thanking you.’
Despite my own broken heart; and as ridiculous as that might be, it did feel as though Alec had broken my heart with those two little words – my wife; I had a lovely time with Adele. And I ate far too many cinnamon cookies. But I’m allowed. That’s what you do with heartbreak.
All I wanted to do on Wednesday was stay curled up in bed, and I’d have done the same on Thursday if I could. But I had to be at the market stall on Thursday. And that meant a new can of worms.
Paul had texted me and phoned me twice. I had replied by text saying I was unwell. Berry texted to see if I needed anything, but I said I didn’t, and thanked her.
I couldn’t leave this any longer though. I’d have to tell them I had changed my mind about dating Paul.
I dressed in my favourite black trousers, and wore a sparkly, glittery, Christmas jumper with a Christmas tree on it that litup. I wore Christmas tree shaped earrings to match, and I put on some make up to help myself feel more human and less like death warmed up.
I arrived at the market stall at eight on the dot and Berry came over right away. Our stalls weren’t together today. Her stall was a few stalls away and there was a stall selling Christmas spiced punch, mulled wine and other festive drinks; one selling mince pies, Christmas puddings and Christmas cakes, and another selling handmade Christmas stockings.
Fortunately, several customers arrived at my stall before I’d finished displaying my stock and I told Berry we’d have to chat later. The morning flew and by lunchtime the market was packed. But I spotted a face I recognised in the crowd, and Marcus, having spotted me, came over to chat while there was a lull in my sales, as everyone made beelines for food and drink stalls.
‘I’m glad things worked out with you and Adele,’ I said.
He beamed at me. ‘Me too. I owe you more than I’ll ever be able to repay.’
‘No you don’t. I still owe you for those wines.’
‘Nope. I’m in your debt,’ he laughed. ‘Seriously, Noelle. I had thought this was going to be another awful Christmas. Now it’s going to be my best Christmas ever. And that’s all thanks to you.’
I saw someone approaching and panic set in.
‘I meant what I said. You owe me nothing. But … I know this is a huge thing to ask and I wouldn’t, except I’m desperate. Would you kiss me, Marcus? Please? Right now. No questions. I’ll explain later and I’ll tell Adele.’
His face was a picture of astonishment. ‘Oh. Erm. I don’t know. Cheating isn’t something I do.’
‘It’s not cheating. It’s just a kiss for a friend. A friend in dire need. And it’s an emergency. There’s no one else I can ask.’
‘Erm.’
‘P-lease! I’m begging you. Just put your arms around me and give me a kiss.’
He took a deep breath. ‘If this causes a problem with Adele, I’ll never forgive you.’
‘It won’t. I promise. She’ll understand when I explain. Two seconds left to help me.’
‘Fine.’
I flung my arms around him and he wrapped his around me and we kissed. But our lips hardly touched and neither of us made any effort. I peered over his shoulder and when I was sure it was safe, I whispered. ‘You can stop now.’
He stopped immediately and we stepped away from one another. Paul and Berry stood open mouthed just a few feet away.
‘Oh no,’ I said, linking my arm through Marcus’. ‘I’m so sorry you had to see that. I wanted to tell you both before you found out. The thing is. I’ve fallen for someone else. He’s been looking after me, and well, you know how it is. These things happen. Love moves in mysterious ways. I hope we can still be friends.’
I could see Marcus looked as astonished as Berry and Paul, who both turned on their heels and marched away.
Perhaps this had been a mistake after all. What on earth had possessed me to think this was a good idea? But it was the only thing I could think of that would ensure Paul didn’t ask me out. The prospect of explaining that I no longer fancied him had filled me with dread, but I hadn’t thought this through. I might lose Berry’s friendship over this. I’d probably lose Paul’s. Why had I been so crazy?
‘Explain, please,’ said Marcus in a low voice, still looking a little shell shocked.
‘Give me a minute and I’ll try,’ I whispered.
‘Love moves in mysterious ways, does it?’
