Page 30 of The Village Christmas Party

‘I know what you mean. Do you know, someone made a purchase in the shop the other day, without even glancing up from their phone. It’s plain rude sometimes.’

‘So that’s where I have seen you before,’ says Kian. ‘When I saw you at the gingerbread evening, I was racking my brains. You look kind of different out of that uniform.’ He glances at me, dressed in jeans, jumper, and boots. ‘It’s quite a formal look in the shop, isn’t it?’

‘It is. Bentham’s strives for the formal image alright. I kind of like getting dressed up for work though.’

‘I like it. It’s quite sexy in a way.’ He gives me a sideways glance and almost has me blushing once more. ‘Sorry, that probably makes me sound like a sexist pig.’ He pulls a face. ‘It’s just you know, the tight black skirt and white blouse, it’s reminiscent of the nineteen fifties. Especially with the red lipstick.’

So he has noticed my lipstick?

‘Sorry if that sounds bad. I’m never sure what is the acceptable thing to say these days. I just mean, it’s quite a glamorous look,’ he explains a little awkwardly.

‘I don’t see how anyone could be offended by being told they look good,’ I reassure him. ‘Maybe words like sexy are a bit off though.’ Which seems a bit like a double standard as he is known as hot shop guy to me and Gemma, but never mind.

‘Duly noted.’

‘Oh, and this warm seat is just too comfortable,’ I say, changing the subject. ‘I’d be worried I would fall asleep if I was driving any distance,’ I say, enjoying the warmth around me.

‘I never use it on a long journey for that reason.’ He smiles. ‘And I always start a long journey with a double espresso.’

It’s a short journey to my house, and I ask him to drop me off at the corner, just in case, even though he seems perfectly normal. And a good father by the sound of things but you just can’t be too careful, especially these days.

‘Um, thanks for the lift then. See you around,’ I say, before climbing out of the car.

‘I think you made it home just in time,’ says Kian, glancing up at the sky. ‘Or you might have been in for a second soaking.’

I look up to see that dark clouds have gathered above.

‘And maybe next time neither of us will soak each other.’ He smiles that gorgeous smile once more before driving off, and thankfully not loitering to see which house I go into.

There’s a brightness all around despite the grey clouds above, which can only mean one thing.

My clothes are almost dry as I turn the corner and head up the path to my house, just as a raindrop falls onto my face. Except it isn’t a raindrop, but a snowflake. I glance upwards to see tiny white flakes fluttering towards the ground.

SEVENTEEN

It’s the eve of Christmas Eve and it’s crazy busy at Bentham’s. The light dusting of snow yesterday didn’t stick to the ground, leaving the roads a little slushy, but at least it means we won’t have any issues transporting the pensioners to their party tomorrow. I’m mentally running through everything in my head, hoping there isn’t anything I have forgotten, however unlikely that might be as I have been ticking things off my list.

I’m not sure why, but I find myself scanning the crowds in case Kian decides to pop in for some last-minute shopping this morning. I was also surprised that I found myself thinking about him last night when I got home. Halfway through the morning service a similar-looking bloke walks in, with the same easy-going, almost beaten-up look, wearing a brown leather jacket and accompanied by a good-looking redhead.

But it isn’t him, and to my surprise I breathe a sigh of relief that Kian wasn’t with a woman and wonder what on earth has got into me? I’d noticed him in here for the first time the other day, but maybe he has only just moved into the area.

‘I’m really looking forward to Christmas Day this year,’ says Gemma, spraying herself with a sample of a very expensive perfume that we have behind the counter. ‘My family are comingup from Wales, there’s going to be fourteen of us. I haven’t seen my cousins for two years,’ she tells me. ‘We always have such a good laugh, I am really looking forward to it.’

‘It sounds wonderful.’ I smile, thinking of how this year it will be just me and Mum, which suits me just fine though after the craziness of Christmas Eve at the community centre. I wish Dad could join us too, but I know that is selfish of me. He has his own relationship with Rose. I just hope he heeds the doctor’s words and doesn’t overindulge on the day.

‘Why don’t you and your mum join us on Christmas Day?’ offers Gemma as if reading my mind. ‘The more the merrier, I say. Mum’s dining room is huge, and everyone will be pitching in with the cooking. Apparently, one of my aunts is bringing half of Tesco with her.’ She laughs.

‘That’s so kind, Gemma, but honestly? I’m quite happy quietly spending the day with Mum. And I’ll be popping over to see Dad and Rose in the morning with their presents.’

Rose is quite difficult to shop for, not being one for perfumes or cosmetics due to a skin sensitivity, so I have bought her a new heated styling brush as she mentioned needing a new one last time I visited.

‘Of course, but if you change your mind you will be more than welcome,’ she says kindly as a man approaches the counter with a box of sparkly tree baubles. He could probably get them for half the price at the huge discount store on a nearby retail park, but obviously likes to support local business. It seems most of the patrons feel that way, telling us they would hate to see the store close due to the onslaught of discount shops as many other high street stores have done. I like to think that as we sell quality items, along with such wonderful sales, the customers are still getting great value for money.

‘Thanks, Gemma.’ I feel blessed to have such a good friend. I don’t know what I would do without her.

The day rolls on with festive cheer as excited shoppers cram into the store for that last-minute gift. Christmas tunes are playing in the background and I feel a tingle of excitement myself, knowing that everything is prepared for tomorrow. I can’t have forgotten anything, I have been over things so many times and it isn’t as if it’s the first time this is happening, so it should run like clockwork now.

A father with a little girl, who I presume to be his daughter, is picking out a gift and I find myself wondering how Kian’s day will go with his daughter Bella on Christmas Day? Will it just be the two of them, or will they be joining in with the rest of his family? I wonder if he lives in an apartment or a house? Gosh, what is the matter with me?

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