Page 55 of All I Want for Christmas

Darcy’s phone buzzed. ‘Aksel,’ she said, looking down. ‘...Oh no,’ she groaned.

‘What is it?’

‘He’s got to cancel tomorrow night. One of the senior partners at his practice has called a town hall meeting.’

‘Damn.’

‘He’s asking if we can do Wednesday night instead.’

‘Well, that’s okay, isn’t it?’

Darcy shrugged.

‘You look disappointed.’

‘I guess. I was looking forward to...overwriting yesterday’s events.’

‘You mean, the sooner you kiss someone else, the better?’

‘Exactly.’

‘Well, at least it’s only switching up the days. He’s not bailing altogether. And it’s good you’re feeling a bit mugged off. Shows you do actually like him a bit.’

‘I haven’tmethim yet.’

‘But you’ve connected. You’ve been talking every day for a week now, getting to know one another. By the time you do actually meet in person, you’re going to feel like old friends.’

‘Maybe.’

‘Definitely! Plus, Wednesday is a sexier date night than Tuesday. It’s basically the start to the weekend.’

Darcy grinned. ‘Is it, though?’

‘Optimism, my friend,’ Freja said, tapping her temple. ‘Aksel’s going to come through for you, I can feel it.’

‘What news, Viggo?’ she asked brightly, walking into the gallery on the dot of seven the next morning. It was still as dark as midnight outside and she hadn’t expected to find the old archivist upstairs. They didn’t open to the public for another two hours but he was armed with a small electric screwdriver and was attaching a clear plaque, inscribed with a painting description, onto the wall.

He straightened, moving stiffly but looking pleased to see her. ‘Darcy – another early start for you.’

‘Needs must,’ she shrugged, unwinding her scarf. She had cycled in again and her hands and cheeks were pink with cold. ‘Every minute counts at the moment.’

‘Yes...’ He gave an apologetic smile. ‘About that.’

‘Oh, no,’ she groaned, guessing what he was about to say next.

‘I called through to the head office yesterday afternoon and pleaded your case.’

‘But they said no?’

‘It’s a no. The material is either escorted a short distance up the road and overseen by one of the trustees – in this case, Mr Lorensen – or it doesn’t go at all.’ He spread his hands and gave a shrug. ‘I’m sorry. I did try.’

She groaned, pulling her hands down over her face. ‘I know. And I appreciate your efforts.’

‘It’s not so bad, is it? Max Lorensen has left a spare key here so you can let yourself in whenever you need.’

‘No, I won’t be doing that,’ she said with a slow shake of her head.

Viggo hesitated, as if not sure whether to go on. ‘I appreciate it must be a little strange working in someone’s house, but if it helps, I heard he would be away this week.’

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