Page 44 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

22

SETH

They loaded the purchases into the back of Seth’s van alongside Tara’s vintage stock. There was something nice about going shopping together then heading home together. Seth had really enjoyed his time with Tara, and he hoped she felt the same.

Seth started the engine. ‘Would you like some music on?’

‘Sure, why not?’ Tara stifled a yawn.

‘You tired now?’ he said.

‘A little.’ She shifted in her seat, so she was facing him. ‘Aren’t you?’

‘A bit but I’ve had a great day.’ He glanced at her and his heart gave a flutter.

‘Me too,’ she said softly.

‘Music!’ he said. ‘You want to choose?’

He drove out of the car park and Tara leant forwards and turned the radio on. Chris Rea’s gravelly voice filled the van as he sang about driving home for Christmas.

‘I love this song,’ Tara said.

‘It’s a good one.’ He tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. ‘Always makes me feel festive.’

He froze. Had he just said that?

‘It makes you feel festive?’ she said.

‘Uhm… Well, as festive as I get. What I meant was that when I hear it, I know Christmas is on the horizon. And it’s such a cheery song that it’s hard not to feel positive when you hear it. Plus I like music so I guess that explains why I like that song, right?’ He gave an uncertain laugh. He might not be a fan of Christmas but the song, and a few others, did make him feel quite upbeat. ‘And it’s about driving and I like driving and I like home.’ Now he laughed properly and Tara joined him.

‘That all makes sense,’ she said.

The song changed and Wham’s Last Christmas came on.

‘This is a favourite of mine,’ Tara said.

Seth glanced at her again, aware that anyone who was lucky enough to be given her heart would be mad to give it away.

‘It’s not bad.’ He flashed her a smile. ‘Reminds me of childhood.’

‘I think it’s the same for everyone because it was always on the radio at Christmas.’

‘Isn’t it funny how music can make you feel a certain way?’ He slowed down as the lights ahead changed. ‘Happy, sad or even a combination.’

‘Absolutely. Like, this song makes me feel young and yet conscious of how time is passing. It makes me feel happy but also nostalgic for childhood.’

‘But time passes and you can’t ever go back.’

She settled back into her seat. ‘That’s so true. And it’s also why we should try to get things right at the time.’

Seth stopped at a red light then he looked at her. Really looked at her. With her warm chestnut hair framing her face and her hazel eyes flecked with gold, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The urge to hold her and kiss her overwhelmed him. But they were in the van at traffic lights, so he had to tear his gaze away and watch as the lights changed and the traffic started moving again.

‘It would definitely help to get things right first time, but sadly, it doesn’t always work out like that,’ he said, feeling a tugging in his chest.

‘It doesn’t. But we learn as we go along.’ She reached out and gently touched his hand where it rested on the steering wheel.

Warmth swept through Seth along with the awareness that the drive home was different to the drive to Battersea. Earlier, they had been landlord and tenant, tentatively getting acquainted, but now they were somewhere else. Friends. Connected. And, even though he was afraid to say it, possibly something more.