Page 5 of The Village Christmas Party

‘What? When have I ever said that?’ She looks aghast.

‘When you dragged me out for drinks after work yesterday. It messed up my baking session, not to mention my ice-cold shower. Oh gosh, that does sound really boring, doesn’t it?’

We both burst out laughing.

‘Yes. Do you tell people you can’t go out because you are washing your hair? And as for a cold shower, in this weather, really?’ She gives a little shiver.

‘The scientific benefits are well proven. Cold water therapy releases hundreds of endorphins that can set you up for the day,’ I inform her.

‘So can a bacon sandwich and a mug of tea and I know what I would rather have.’

I hope I haven’t become boring lately, although I did turn down a date from a guy I met at a pub recently, as I wanted to spend the evening cleaning the oven after a cake mix had spilled over. I simply could not leave it any longer, the fact I hadn’t had time to do it before heading to work had already stressed me out. I find ironing quite therapeutic too. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a list that can be ticked off with satisfaction once a task has been completed?

I don’t turn down dates with female friends though, so maybe I just can’t be bothered with men. At this point in my life, at least.

‘Each to their own, I guess. I really am just concerned about you, that’s all,’ I tell Gemma softly. ‘What kind of a friend would I be if I wasn’t? Let’s hope it’s a real separation and he doesn’t go back to his wife.’

‘I promise to be careful. I’ll be off like a shot if he’s lying about his marital status, don’t you worry,’ she assures me.

‘Good, because I don’t want you to be implicated in someone’s divorce proceedings.’

‘I know, and I am grateful for your concern, really I am.’ She touches me lightly on the arm as we head towards the supermarket. ‘Anyway, what are you buying from here?’ she asks, changing the subject as we step through the sliding doors at the entrance.

‘Ingredients for a red velvet cake. You?’

‘A bottle of gin.’

We look at each other and burst out laughing again.

‘I think my evening may just be a little more exciting than yours,’ she teases.

‘You may be right… Just be careful.’ I sigh once more.

‘I will,’ she reassures me, but I get a feeling she will not heed a single word I say.

I love Gemma, but we are so different. I couldn’t be involved with someone in such a complicated situation.

THREE

There are Christmas carols playing on Alexa as I fold and beat the cake, the tempting chocolate aroma filling my nostrils.

Later having decorated it with a rich cream cheese frosting, I am tempted to cut into it and enjoy a huge slice, but of course I don’t. This one is a trial run for the pensioners’ party, which will be offered along with the usual mince pies that will take me no time to rustle up. The staff at work can enjoy this one.

I sing along to the Christmas songs, my voice filling the air, when I hear a tap on the front door. It’s Eileen, my neighbour.

‘Was that you singing?’ she asks as I invite her inside.

‘What? No, the radio I think, although I was singing along to it.’

I’d been singing along to ‘By the Rivers of Babylon’ by Boney M., one of my favourite songs.

‘I think it was definitely you I heard; you have a lovely voice,’ she says kindly.

‘Thanks. I do enjoy singing, but usually when I think no one is listening,’ I tell her.

‘I’d be singing everywhere if I had a good voice, there would be no stopping me.’ She grins. ‘You shouldn’t hide your light under a bushel. Anyway, I only popped in to ask if you fancycoming for tea tomorrow? I’ve made a beef casserole that will be even nicer by tomorrow, and there is far too much for me. I’ll pop some dumplings on before I serve it up.’

Eileen, pretty and with clear grey eyes, waits patiently for an answer as I mentally go through all the things I have planned for tomorrow. I’ve volunteered to work an extra hour to revamp a Christmas display at work, before visiting one of the older ladies from the centre who has recently had a fall, and taking her some flowers. Later, I will be heading into Grizedale Forest for a moon bathing experience with a group of women.

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