Page 164 of Our Secrets and Lies

‘I’ll text you the details.’

‘I’ll come too,’ Kelly said.

‘Can I go?’ Ollie asked.

‘Sure I’d like to see it too,’ Darren said.

‘I’m free,’ Jenny said.

‘So we’ll all go together,then,’ Sarah said.

‘I don’t want to. Football is so boring,’ Shannon complained.

‘James will be playing.’ Dylan smirked at her.

‘Ooooh! Is he the hot one with the blond hair?’ Shannon asked.

‘Yep, and he’s just broken up with his girlfriend.’

‘I’m coming!’ Shannon squeaked. ‘What’ll I wear, though?’

‘Preferably something that covers your arse,’ Darren muttered.

‘Will you do my make-up?’Shannon asked Jenny.

‘Jesus, Shannon, it’s a football match,’ Darren said, shaking his head.

‘It might be a football match to you, Dad, but to me it’s a potential meeting with my future husband.’

Everyone laughed.

‘Ollie, will you help me with dessert?’ Lucy said, when they had all finished eating.

‘Really?’ Ollie said. ‘Sure.’

Lucy and Ollie went out to the kitchen. She poured brandy overthe Christmas pudding and let Ollie light it. They walked from the kitchen into the lounge and placed the pudding in the middle of the table.

‘It’s a Christmas miracle,’ Darren said. ‘Ollie lit the cake and didn’t set the house or himself on fire.’

‘Shove off, Dad. I never mess up any more. I’m responsible now, aren’t I, Billy?’

‘You are, Ollie. You’re a great lad.’

‘See?’ Ollie pointed athis father, knocking a glass of red wine all over Tom.

Sarah jumped up. ‘Ah, Ollie.’

‘You’re a muppet,’ Shannon shouted at him.

‘So sorry, Tom.’ Sarah handed him an extra napkin.

‘You’ve been baptized, Tom,’ Darren said, laughing. ‘You’re part of the family now, that’s for sure.’

Silence.

‘What I mean is –’ Darren spluttered.

‘Nice one, Dad,’ Shannon drawled.

---