‘Same Difference,’ Ivy said.
Everyone stared at her with blank expressions.
‘Who are Same Difference?’
‘Hello everyone, we are Same Difference!’ A shout from the stage came, and they turned to see a man and a woman standing on the stage, beaming smiles on their faces. Behind them, X Factor branding told the audience why they should remember this duo before they launched into a rendition of a pop song.
‘Good one,’ Deb said.
‘I quite like Same Difference,’ June said, and she turned back to the stage and waved with excitement.
Deb rolled her eyes but turned her back on Quinn and Ivy.
The others in the group disappeared into the crowd, leaving Quinn and Ivy standing together alone, watching the rendition of the X Factor contestants on the stage.
‘I submitted some chapters to Hermione,’ Quinn said.
‘You did?’ Ivy gasped.
‘I did.’
‘Oh, but that’s wonderful! You have the connections, too.’
‘I don’t know about that…’
‘The job offer? The friend in London?’ Ivy said. ‘Come on, shehasto go with you.’
‘Depends on if she likes my chapters.’
‘She will. I’m sure of it.’
‘How are you sure?’
Ivy winked. ‘I know all.’
Same Difference finished their performance, but not before telling the crowd they had a new album coming out, and then they went off the stage to cheers. Quinn groaned when they were replaced by…
‘Bloody Blair Beckett.’
‘Be nice.’
‘He can’t hear me.’
‘Hello Hay!’ Blair boomed over the microphone. Deb and June jumped in front of them. Quinn looked around for any stray champagne. ‘Well, it’s almost time to turn on the lights, and get this town feeling even more Christmassy than it already is. Even in the snow, you’ve all turned out to see this, and we could not be more thrilled!’
‘Why is he even still here?’ Quinn asked Ivy.
‘I’m still here because I just love Hay, and I’ve decided I’m going to stay for Christmas,’ Blair said to the crowd, and Ivy’s eyes widened.
‘You didn’t tell me you had the gift.’
‘The gift?’
‘Psychic!’
‘Ivy, please.’
‘Now, please join me in welcoming to the stage Miriam Margolyes!’
