Page 57 of The Christmas Star

Sat on her cruise ship balcony, life on the water obviously suited Joyce. With the sea glistening behind her and the sun shining in the bluest of skies, she appeared the happiest and most relaxed I’d ever seen her. As I folded my arms and rested them on the table, what I’d have given to be in the middle of an ocean as far away from the chaos that had been my life those last days.

Much to my confusion, Hattie wore a cheeky grin. Something I hadn’t expected after a night with Gideon’s family; by all accounts, her previous festivities with them had been awful.

‘Merry Christmas,’ I replied. ‘And sorry I didn’t get round with your gifts in time. Just know there’s something nice waiting for you when you both get back.’

‘Don’t be worrying about presents,’ Hattie said. ‘You’ve enough to think about with your presentation. How’s it going by the way?’ Little did she know it was the least of my concerns.

‘Slowly,’ I replied. ‘How was your first night on the ship, Joyce?’ The more questions I asked her, the fewer she’d be able to ask me.

Joyce’s eyes lit up. ‘Wonderful. Richard is less enamoured, but I think he’s still in shock about being here.’ She cocked her head. ‘Where are you? And why can I hear water?’

I glanced at the thumbnail on my screen, taking in the bathroom door set into the stone wall behind me and the beams above my head. It didn’t take a genius to realise I wasn’t in the minimalist flat I called home or, indeed, Mum’s living room and wondering how to respond, I wished I’d chosen a more neutral backdrop.

‘Never mind that,’ Joyce said, thankfully moving on. ‘What about Maeve and her trip to France? She’s not for telling us where she’s headed, is she? And that sweet little dog they found.’ Joyce put a hand up to her chest. ‘What’s her name again?’

‘Roma,’ Hattie replied. ‘And isn’t she cute?’

I wasn’t surprised to hear she was following Mum’s journey too. Hattie, Joyce and every other Settledown resident probably had a sweepstake going on Mum and Jackson’s final destination.

‘I’m secretly hoping her owners don’t come forward…’ Hattie continued. ‘…and that Maeve and Jackson get to keep her.’

‘Good on Maeve for going all that way. That’s what I say,’ Joyce said. ‘Although I’m surprised you didn’t tag along, Erin. Christmas in the south of France. I’d have thought that was right up your street.’

I knew I’d tell them about my escapades sooner or later, but I much preferred to do it over a glass of wine back at the Royal Oak. The previous evening’s bathroom incident popped into my head. Minus a few details, of course.

‘Talking about surprises,’ Hattie said. ‘I have one too.’

As her grin grew wide, I leaned forward slightly, hoping she wasn’t about to do what many couples did at Christmastime and announce her engagement. I tried to get a glimpse of her ring finger. Naturally, I’d support her if she was, but still stuck in my own head thanks to recent events coupled with the fact I didn’t particularly like Gideon, I couldn’t guarantee the required response.

Patting the seat next to her, Hattie gestured to someone off camera.

‘Hi, guys,’ Alex said as he appeared on screen.

My face lit up. Partly, because it wasn’t Gideon in front of me and partly because the focus had well and truly moved on to someone else.

Joyce screwed her face up in confusion. ‘Alex, why are you at Gideon’s?’ she asked.

‘He’s not.’ Hattie laughed, leaving Joyce even more bewildered. ‘Neither of us are.’

‘We’re celebrating with my lot,’ Alex replied. ‘At Mum’s.’

‘You won’t believe what happened on the train up,’ Hattie said. ‘Talk about the most eventful Christmas Eve ever.’

Yours and mine both, I thought.

The shower in the bathroom went silent, letting me know I had to cut our conversation short. ‘Listen, everyone. Apologies, but I’m gonna have to…’ The bathroom door opened behind me and Theo stepped out wearing nothing but a towel. His modesty barely covered, he pushed his hair back and droplets of water fell onto his broad shoulders and muscular chest.

Joyce’s jaw dropped, Hattie’s eyes widened and Alex’s smile got bigger.

I closed my eyes and feeling sorry for myself, winced.

Realising we had video company, Theo stepped forward. ‘Hello, everyone,’ he said. ‘How are you all enjoying Christmas morning?’

‘Not as much as Erin,’ Joyce said. ‘Evidently.’

‘Aren’t you going to introduce us?’ Hattie asked with a naughty glint in her eye.

I fast shook my head. ‘Nope.’