Everyone laughed at that, but they all nodded, even Melody. Although I don’t think she understood the real meaning behind that comment.
Marcus raised his glass. ‘Here’s to new friends, and to neighbours, and to being snowed in with people we like.’
We all raised our glasses and said, ‘Cheers’, to that.
‘And to snow people,’ Melody added, her glass of fruit juice still raised.
‘And to snow people,’ we all agreed, raising our glasses once again.
I wished Sam was with us. But I hadn’t heard a word from him.
It would be just my luck that I’d get snowed in up here on Midwinter Ridge, and Sam would be snowed in down in Fairlight Bay.
So near, and yet so far.
Again, the story of my life.
It wasn’t until more than an hour later, during our conversations, when I’d told them all I designed wedding dresses, and that I helped my mum run a bridal shop and an online business, and Noelle asked to see some photos of the dresses I’d designed, that I remembered I’d left my phone on charge in my bedroom in Far Cottage.
Fourteen
I’d told myself I would only have one glass of wine. I’d also told Marcus the same thing. And yet I lost count after the third, I think. But once I’d realised I hadn’t got my phone, and the ramifications of that fact had fully dawned on me, I seemed to sober up.
More so when Melody screamed out joyfully that it was snowing, and pointed to the large flakes falling into the back garden of End Cottage, lit up by the outside lights on Marcus and Adele’s patio.
‘I’ve had a lovely time,’ I said, getting slowly to my feet, unsure of how steady I might be. ‘But I’m expecting a call from … a friend, and my phone’s on charge in the cottage, so I think I’d better say a huge thank you for this evening, and make my way back. We were … supposed to be meeting up later. I think.’
‘Oh that’s a shame,’ said Adele, sounding genuinely sad I was leaving. ‘But do pop round again whenever you like. And feel free to bring your friend.’
‘Is this someone you’d like to be snowed in with?’ Noelle asked, as if reading my mind.
Heat rushed to my cheeks. ‘Well, I wouldn’t say no,’ I said, regretting it immediately.
‘Oooh,’ said Adele, jumping up from her armchair. ‘Is it someone in Fairlight Bay?’
Now my cheeks were burning.
‘It’s someone I knew a long time ago,’ I said, moving towards the door.
‘Between us, we know almost everyone in town,’ Adele informed me, following close behind.
‘Adele,’ said Marcus, laughing, as he got to his feet. ‘You’re embarrassing Lucy. Leave her alone, or she won’t want to come back.’
They all got up now and followed me into the hall, apart from Alec who was looking out of the front window.
‘Does your friend own a motorbike?’ Alec asked, popping his head around the door frame.
‘Erm. Why?’ I asked, unsure how to answer.
‘Because one is just pulling into the parking area, and … Oh. I recognise that bike. I think it might be Sam.’
‘Sam!’ I shrieked, half in delight, half in surprise.
‘Sam?’ Marcus queried. ‘You mean Sam Worth?’
‘Of course,’ said Alec, as if there wasn’t anyone else called Sam in Fairlight Bay.
‘Sam’s your … friend?’ Noelle’s eyes lit up, as did Adele’s, and they exchanged knowing glances.
