Page 61 of The Village Christmas Party

‘I know that, but I guess I am just looking out for you, like you do with me. But you’re right, I’m sure she is probably just a friend or a family member. I’m sorry.’ Gemma reaches over and covers my hand with hers. ‘Maybe I’m a bit mistrusting of blokes after that last one who turned out to be still married.’ She sighs.

‘Well I can understand that. Yet here you are accepting drinks from strangers.’ I smile as I gesture to the guy who is making his way towards our table with some drinks.

‘I’m just letting my hair down, it’s Boxing night,’ she says. ‘Besides, I vaguely recognise him from around town, he lives locally.’

‘Well just be careful,’ I advise her.

Mike, having managed to push his way through the crowd, places a pint and two glasses of wine down onto the table, even though there is still wine in the bottle.

We chat for a while and it turns out Mike is a really nice bloke who works locally in a garage. His friend was supposed to join him this evening, but has ended up being on call at a local fire station.

Having finished my drink, I explain I am in work tomorrow morning, so politely decline the wine Mike bought.

‘You two stay on and enjoy yourself,’ I tell Gemma, even though she has work tomorrow too.

‘I will, if you fancy keeping me company?’ She turns to Mike, who is more than happy to do so. ‘If you don’t mind me not sharing a taxi home with you, Lauren?’

‘Of course I don’t. Knock yourself out.’ I smile.

It’s just before eleven, so I decide to call Dad, who I know will still be awake as he’s always been a night owl who likes to watch films until well after midnight.

‘Let us at least wait with you outside then,’ says Gemma, following me into the car park with Mike in tow.

When Dad arrives, Gemma wishes him a merry Christmas, before darting back inside with Mike when she hears the sound of a dance tune being played.

Having spoken to Gemma, I realise she was just showing concern as Kian bought a woman’s gift and then she saw himwith someone around town, as I did too, so I can’t really blame her for putting two and two together I suppose.

Putting it out of my mind, I decide there must be a simple explanation for the mystery woman we both spotted him with. He would hardly be walking around town with her otherwise, knowing he could bump into me at any time, surely? All the same, I can’t help wondering if I am doing the right thing in going out with him. I certainly don’t want to go get my heart broken again.

‘Have you had a good night, love?’ asks Dad as we drive along. The streets are quiet for a Boxing night, although maybe most people are still indoors partying somewhere.

I feel a bit like a teenager being driven home by her dad. I’m half expecting him to ask if I met any nice boys at the disco.

‘It was nice thanks, and the live band were really good.’

Really good, in fact. It’s a pity I didn’t find the lead singer attractive, but maybe that’s because I have someone else on my mind.

As we drive past the fish and chip shop Dad glances at me hopefully.

‘A fish supper is off the menu for you at the moment, I’m afraid,’ I tell a disappointed Dad. ‘Especially at this time of night,’ I say, even though my own stomach is giving a little rumble.

When I’m home and getting ready for bed, I recall Gemma’s lack of enthusiasm for my forthcoming date and fleetingly wonder if I am doing the right thing? What if he is seeing someone else, not being the type to date someone exclusively? But then, would he really introduce his daughter to someone he wasn’t interested in? Maybe I am just overthinking everything as it’s my first step into the dating world in a long time. I dearly hope it won’t be the last.

THIRTY-THREE

‘So how was your evening?’ I ask Gemma after I have served a customer with a discounted jacket in the sale. There are some real bargains on offer, but I rein myself in as I have a wardrobe full of clothes, some I have only worn once.

‘Really good.’ She has a kind of dreamy faraway look in her eyes. ‘Mike is lovely, and he makes me laugh.’

‘I’m glad you enjoyed your night. Will you be seeing him again?’ I ask and she shrugs.

‘Gosh I hope so, oh, I don’t know.’ She sighs. ‘I really liked my cousin’s friend, didn’t I? I mean I was considering moving to Wales.’

‘But now?’

‘Then Mike comes along and kind of makes me realise there might be some nice men around here,’ she says, tidying a jewellery stand, someone having carelessly flung a necklace over the top of it.

‘But surely you would need more reasons to move back to Wales than a bloke you fancied?’

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