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Ben smiled and was about to say something when the music was abruptly cut and a local councillor took to the little makeshift stage and began thanking everyone for coming along and name-checking the local shops and businesses that had donated their money, time and goods toward the evening’s celebrations.

Then the countdown started.

‘Ten…’

Although Frankie had been numerous times to this special celebration which officially heralded the start of the festive period, she still loved when the crowd all shouted down the numbers together.

‘Nine…’

Frankie was aware of someone standing close beside her

‘Eight…’ Frankie turned to see Rocco.

‘Seven…’ Rocco pulled the edge of Frankie’s hat down below her eyes.

‘Six…’

Frankie righted her hat and smacked her brother playfully in the stomach.

‘Five…’

‘Four…’

‘Three…’

‘Two…’

‘One…’

A cheer went up as hundreds of multicoloured twinkling lights lit up the Christmas tree.

Paul McCartney’s ‘Wonderful Christmastime’ played out over the speakers.

‘Do you fancy another drink in the Drumkeldy Arms?’ Ben asked Frankie, then nodded to Rocco to include him.

Rocco glanced over at the hotel. ‘I’ll give it a miss, if that’s okay.’

‘He needs his beauty sleep,’ Frankie teased, just as Ben’s phone began to ring. He took the call and a moment later hung up.

‘I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to go. There’s an issue with work and I need to log in to sort it out.’

‘Don’t worry, I understand.’

‘Can I get you a taxi?’

‘I can drive you home, sis,’ Rocco said as he began to walk away. ‘I’m parked outside the butchers. See you at the car.’

‘I love that your brother’s trying to give us privacy.’ Ben looked around ironically at dozens of other folk swarming around them.

‘He’s hardly subtle.’

Ben put out his hand. ‘Great first impression, Ms Bartoli-Barr.’

Frankie shook it mock-formally. ‘Please, call me Frankie. Thank you for the burger and mulled wine.’

Ben winked. ‘I have a generous expenses account.’

Before Frankie could dither over the etiquette of a goodnight kiss on the cheek or not, a group of teens streamed between them, breaking any sort of moment. Once the group had passed, Ben held up his hand in farewell.