Page 21 of Salvaging Christmas

“Let’s just say I’m considering extending Hadrian’s Wall across the middle of the kitchen table before dinner. Tempers. Moods. Tantrums. Where to begin? Last night was nothing short of a nightmare. Made worse by my ex showing up with his heavily pregnant wife. If only you’d left me to drown in that ditch yesterday. But at least with you there at dinner tonight, people are more likely to be on better behaviour. Maybe even be civil to one another.”

“Trev, slow down, will you?” said Rudy, smiling at him. After a moment, though, the smile faded and he pulled his arm away. “Wait. What was that about your ex-wife showing up?”

“Husband,” said Trevor, before catching himself and eyeing Rudy warily. “Oh, hell. I’m not going to lie to you, Rudy. Karl is my ex-husband. Who’s now straight or bisexual or whatever. And remarried. To a woman this time. Who’s also pregnant. And if you hadn’t already worked it out through that verbal garbage, I’m gay. But clearly not very good at it. I’m sorry.”

Rudy tilted his head back and roared with laughter into the sky. Trevor hung his head until he felt Rudy’s arm land across his back. He took the gesture to mean that Rudy didn’t have a problem with him.

“And you think I’m crazy,” said Rudy, shaking Trevor by the shoulders, “because I believe it’s going to snow?”

“Seriously, Rudy. I know it’s an imposition, but if you could join us, you’d be doing me a huge favour. I’d need to check with Mrs M but I’m sure you’ll be welcome, and more importantly you’ll get to sample her incredible cooking. She’s a wonder in the kitchen, and because it’s Christmas Eve, she’ll be doing her traditional beef Wellington dinner.”

“So, what?” asked Rudy, folding his arms, his tone becoming serious. “Just like that, at the drop of a hat, you expect me to cancel my own long-standing dinner arrangements? Not sure that was part of the rental agreement. And just to keep you and your group of misfits from killing each other?”

“Oh,” said Trevor, his cheeks burning. “Sorry. When you put it like that, I see what you mean. I assumed you would be alone in the house tonight. Don’t worry. Forget I said anything.”

“No, hang on,” said Rudy, not letting the point drop. “You’re seriously expecting me to leave my delicious can of tuna in olive oil unopened, just so I can be your dinner mediator?”

Once again Rudy’s wonderful laughter sounded in the crisp morning air.

“Bastard,” said Trevor, putting his head into his hands.

And once again Rudy thrust his arm across Trevor’s shoulders, hugging their sides together and warming Trevor to the core. Never had he ever felt this connected to someone in such a short space of time, certainly not in all the years he had been together with Karl.

“Trev, my friend, it would be an honour. Of course I’ll come. Now get me up to speed with this band of miscreants you want me to meet, or kill. Or both.”

Chapter Six

Imagine

Before heading their separate ways, they agreed that Rudy would come over at six for pre-dinner drinks. Trevor also promised to confirm his invite by text after speaking to Mrs M, although he knew already she would be delighted to have him at their table. Rudy left Trevor at the top of the knoll and threaded a downhill path to the old house. Trevor watched him go for a while, enjoying the effortless grace of the man as he picked his way confidently along the route, down hidden trails and through the wild vegetation. Once he was out of sight, Trevor turned and made his way back to the lodge.

On the way back, grinning to himself, he kept replaying their conversation. The dose of highland air had all but cleared away any traces of a hangover. Moreover, he connected with this guy, found him pleasant company and easy on the eye. His mind wandering, he imagined having a boyfriend like Rudy, holding hands with him and watching everyone turn to stare in envy. He had to concede that Rudy being straight might be problematic. But he also believed that reality should never get in the way of a good fantasy. And at no point did Rudy seem to have a problem with Trevor being gay. They had gotten along so well that his new friend had even opened up to him about his past. And having magnanimous Rudy Mortimer there for Christmas Eve dinner was nothing short of a masterstroke, giving his warring friends a peaceful offering, a kind of impartial intermediary.

A definite win-win all round.

Just after nine-thirty, as he removed his boots in the anteroom and entered the kitchen, the lodge smelled of breakfast but seemed far too clean and quiet, with only the sound of Christmas music playing softly from a kitchen speaker. On the blackboard propped up on the kitchen counter, Mrs M had chalked up the day’s fare.

Breakfast: Full English or Mushroom Omelette with vine tomatoes.

Dinner: Beef Wellington or Vegetarian Moussaka with assorted vegetables.

Trevor smiled at the sight.

Cheryl sat alone at the far end of the huge table, her hands cradling a mug. On seeing him enter, she peered up and managed a smile. Once again she had decided not to bother with makeup that morning, and although the absence made her appear more vulnerable, he had begun to enjoy seeing more of the real Cheryl.

“Morning, Mac.”

“Morning, Cheryl. Breakfast finished already?”

“Frank and Johnny are nursing hangovers. Frank came to get coffee for them both, but said they’ll be skipping breakfast to sleep in. Karl came down saying Mary’s feeling under the weather and is probably going to need breakfast brought to their room each morning. Can you believe? Mum just about hit the roof, and asked him to remind his wife that this is not a hotel and there is no room service, and what part of ‘eat with the rest of us’ did she not understand. I swear she’s going to kill that woman before the week’s up. I actually felt a bit sorry for Karl. He didn’t explain himself very well. He meant he would bring breakfast to her each day. Anyway, after having a quick bite himself, he took a tray up to her. He asked after you, by the way. Jessica and Antoni looked better than anyone. They’ve been and gone, him to finish some work and I think she’s showering and changing right now.”

“What about your mum?”

“Same.”

“Is she pissed off? That we didn’t have breakfast together? Especially after her instructions last night?”

“Not really. Antoni and Jessica joined us. She figured the boys might not make an appearance this morning. I don’t think she’s holding out much hope of Karl and Mary being sociable. And she told us you were out having a guided tour. She saved you a plate of food. Being kept in the warm part of the Aga.”

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