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‘Not much.’

‘Maybe he’s picking up signs that you’re not interested.’

‘Mm.’

‘Now’s your chance to ask him.’

Frankie whirled around to see Ben walking along the pavement a few feet behind her. He looked up and when he saw her, his face broke into a wide smile.

‘Hello, Ben!’ Valentina practically gushed. ‘We were just talking about you!’

Ben gave a little laugh. ‘Should I be worried?’

‘Not at all! We were just discussing a little mulled wine and mince pie evening Frankie’s having and working out a guest list.’

Frankie stared at Valentina. No they weren’t.

Ben smiled warmly. ‘Sounds great. I hope I make the cut.’

‘Of course you will. And now I’m on maternity leave, I’ve got all the time in the world to help Frankie plan a—’ Valentina stopped mid-sentence and took a sharp inhalation of breath.

Frankie frowned at her sister’s sudden change in demeanour.

‘You okay?’

‘Yup, just a bit of a twinge, that’s all. Um… you know, I think I will go and get those earrings for Mum.’

‘Do you want to sit down for a…’ but Valentina was already hot-footing it away from them.

‘How have you been?’ Ben asked Frankie.

‘Good thanks, you?’

‘Yeah, busy but all good. Sorry, I meant to message you but got bogged down with work.’

‘Oh don’t worry about⁠—’

‘Hey, Frankie!’

Frankie turned at her name being called. It was Jay, and he was loaded with bags from what looked like most of the shops in Drumkeldy. He was wearing sheepskin ear muffs and an oversized chunky knitted jumper, his nose red from the cold… A memory poleaxed through Frankie’s chest; the same look, same setting…

‘Hiya!’ Frankie managed, feeling suddenly tongue-tied. ‘How are you?’

‘Great!’ Jay held up his bags. ‘I bought some baubles and fairy lights. Because Mum spends all winter in France now, all her decorations here are ancient.’

Beside them, Ben shifted his weight slightly.

‘Oh,’ Frankie said, slightly flustered. ‘Jay, this is Ben. Ben, Jay.’

Jay popped down his bags and shook Ben’s hand.

‘Ben is staying in Drumkeldy for a couple of weeks,’ Frankie explained.

‘Lovely, it’s a great wee place.’

‘It is. I’m guessing you’re a local?’ Ben said.

Jay nodded. The two men looked at each other as if sizing one another up.