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FRANKIE

Frankie had just made herself a cup of coffee, early that Friday morning when a ghostly face appeared at one of the large picture windows, nearly causing Frankie to spill her drink. It was Valentina.

‘Is it an okay time to call?’ Valentina whispered as Frankie let her in.

‘Yes. Why are you whispering?’

‘I don’t want to disturb you too much as it’s very early.’

‘Frightening me half to death is disturbing, not the decibel you’re talking at.’

‘I didn’t know if you’d be up. I couldn’t sleep and Rocco’s having a lie-in as he’s taken the day off to go Christmas shopping later.’

‘Lucky bugger.’ Frankie looked out of the window, hoping for a little chink of sunrise, but the sky was still a uniform black. ‘I’ve had to shift my dog walks to an hour or so earlier as I’m helping out at the trattoria over lunch.’ Frankie was looking forward to it as she loved working there. ‘Anyway, what’s up? How’s life at Rocco’s?’

Valentina emitted a contented sigh. ‘It’s actually rather lovely. He’s being very sweet and doesn’t act too much like the coaster police, although I did see him visibly flinch when I put my jammy spoon directly on the table yesterday at breakfast, but he’s slowly getting used to a bit of mess.’

Frankie smiled, imagining the scene.

‘He’s also started watching Grey’s Anatomy. From the very beginning, even though there’s about a bazillion episodes now. I’m worried he’s after medical pointers in case of a home birth!’

Frankie laughed at Valentina’s mock-stricken expression.

‘Do you want a drink?’ Frankie waggled her coffee mug.

Valentina shook her head. ‘No thanks, I’ve gone off tea and coffee at the moment. Have you thought about what you’re wearing to your party?’ Valentina said.

Frankie had. ‘I treated myself to something new. I wanted something festive.’

‘Can I see?’

‘It’s hanging on the back of the bedroom door.’

Valentina waddled quickly over to Frankie’s bedroom.

‘I don’t normally wear green, but it’s the most beautiful shade.’

There was a moment’s silence then Frankie heard Valentina say, ‘What the hell!’

Valentina’s head poked round the door of Frankie’s bedroom, her face a mixture of shock and disgust. Frankie was surprised; she’d spent an age, not to mention a small fortune choosing her outfit before plumping for a deep emerald-green crushed velvet off-the-shoulder, mid-thigh dress. Although figure-hugging, it clung to the bits Frankie liked and hid the bits she didn’t.

Valentina stood in the doorway, unable to form a sentence.

Frankie hadn’t expected such a severe reaction from Valentina. ‘Do you not think it’s festive enough?’

Valentina visibly recoiled. ‘How much more festive do you want to get!’

She disappeared for a moment before reappearing, dragging with her a massive green foam Christmas tree costume, complete with gaudily coloured soft baubles hanging from the bright green points.

Frankie burst out laughing. ‘Not that! That’s the costume I wear when I deliver the presents at Cedar Lodge. The dress I bought must be underneath it.’

The relief on Valentina’s face was palpable. She went back into Frankie’s bedroom and came back out a few moments later, face beaming.

‘It’s gorgeous! You’ll be gorgeous!’

‘Thanks. What are you going to wear?’

‘Whatever fits,’ Valentina said, looking down at her bump which Frankie was sure had grown again.