A small artificial tree stood near the window – the kind with its own twinkle lights. Two long strings of tinsel, one red and one blue, threaded through the branches. Shapes made from baked salt dough had been inexpertly painted and liberally daubed with glitter. Others were cut from shiny red, blue or silver card. ‘Beautiful,’ Ezz said, charmed by the home-made decorations that twirled in the draught.
‘And now let’s go see the other tree,’ Astrid demanded, tugging Ezz’s hand once more.
Ezz wasn’t sure Grete expected her to turn up to inspect the tree in the lounge, but when she arrived Mats had joined his mother and was festooning the branches with a string of pretty silver bells. Peony, Georgia and Gwen were vacuuming up the last of the needles – carefully, as Alvin was riding the vacuum cleaner with the bowler hat.
‘Astrid wanted me to see the tree in the playroom,’ Ezz explained, in case anyone wondered why she wasn’t back at her desk.
Mats grinned. ‘Impressed?’
Ezz nodded firmly. ‘Very.’
‘I think Ezzie should be our guest for advent on Sunday,’ Astrid announced. ‘We have guests forfikaon advent, and she’s the only friend we have here.’ Persuasively, she swung Ezzie’s hand. ‘Will you come? We’re going to make saffron buns. Farmor, Daddy and Josefin will drink glögg.’ She pulled a face. ‘In Sweden, Alvin and I like Julmust but the Co-op in Broadford hasn’t got any, so Josefin says we’ll have Irn-Bru. That’s Scottish,’ she added helpfully.
Flustered, though feeling a glow that the little girl saw her as a friend, Ezz said, ‘I’m not sure—’
But Mats chimed in. ‘That’s a lovely idea, Astrid. I’m proud of you for thinking of it. Would you come, Ezz? The Swedish often gather with family and friends on the Sundays of advent to welcome the season.Fikajust means an afternoon treat such as coffee and cake.’
With so many pairs of eyes on her, Ezz didn’t think she could say more than, ‘Of course. That’s so kind of you.’ Incredibly touched that Astrid wanted her at advent, Ezzie squeezed her hand before saying it was time to returnto her office. An extortionate quote for public liability insurance for next summer season awaited her negotiating skills.
Josefin followed her out. ‘How about the pub tonight?’ she asked tentatively. ‘But not if you don’t want to, of course.’
Ezz, halfway across the polished tile floor of reception, paused, wondering whether Mats had hinted to Josefin that Ezz had had problems with alcohol. ‘Sorry. Thea’s invited me for supper and to FaceTime our other sister.’ Although she’d discussed her disappointing meeting with Kay and Rick with each sister individually, she was looking forward to discussing it again with them both together now that her emotions were settling. What would they feel she should do next – if anything? What did they think of her having two stranger-sisters? It wouldn’t change how she felt about Thea and Valentina – that was for damned sure. They were her growing-up-together sisters. Loved-you-all-my-life sisters. More-important-than-anyone-else sisters.
Josefin’s face fell. ‘Sure.’
But having had a taste of loneliness recently and having enjoyed Josefin’s company and appreciated the occasional gift of hot chocolate or gingerbread, Ezz added, ‘How about tomorrow evening? We could eat at the pub—’
Instantly, Josefin was all smiles. ‘Fish and chips?’
‘Definitely.’ And Ezz found herself looking forward to it.
She’d barely settled down to wrestle with the insurance quote when her mobile phone rang. When she answered, she was surprised to hear Erik’s bluff tones. ‘Do you know is Grete home?’ he asked, the second that greetings were over.
For an instant, Ezz hesitated. Never before had Erik made such a call. ‘She was a few minutes ago.’
‘No answer from her phone,’ Erik grumbled.
Swiftly, Ezz explained about the tree decorating and the vacuum cleaner. ‘Perhaps she couldn’t hear her phone. Would you like me to—’
‘I call Mats, I suppose.’ Erik sighed, as if this was an enormous imposition, and politely said goodbye.
At about one, Ezz caught sight of Josefin and the children in reception, and Astrid called, ‘We’re going for a walk through the trees.’
‘Sounds great.’ Ezz waved back. She quite fancied a walk herself. Maybe after she’d eaten her salad sandwich. She’d just opened her desk drawer in search of it when Mats appeared through the connecting door and made a beeline for her office.
He presented her with a white-napkin-wrapped parcel. ‘Gwen made chocolate cake. I’m bringing you some to have an excuse to check you don’t mind about advent Sunday. Astrid’s not enjoying the solitude as much as Mum and me. She misses having more people around her – especially her mother, of course – but I don’t want you to feel obliged.’ He plumped down in the chair opposite.
To give herself a moment, Ezz peeped within the napkin. ‘Looks delicious.’ Now she was being offered a way out of what was plainly a family occasion of which she possessed only the sketchiest of understanding, she realised she wanted to be there. Tentatively she said, ‘I should mention that Orla’s off at the weekend, so I’m supposed to be working.’
Mats’ fair brows sank deep over his eyes. ‘Don’t start the “should I take my days off” thing again. I’m certainyou work more hours than you’re paid for, and you’ll be our guest.’
‘Oh.’ She hoped she hadn’t gone too pink at his swift reassurance. ‘Then, thank you. I’d love to.’
‘Three o’clock.’ He jumped up. ‘Just come through the connecting door. It will only be family. Unless Alvin decides he wants to invite the vacuum cleaner,’ he added.
Ezz laughed. ‘Gwen, Peony and Georgia want to get in for a good clean. Gwen’s waiting to talk to Grete about it. Alvin can continue his friendship with the vacuum cleaner then.’
His eyes danced, but then he looked thoughtful. ‘Tell Gwen to clean on Monday. I’ll take the family out for the day.’
