Page 40 of A Very Crumbleton Christmas
‘That’s… actually, that’s a really nice idea,’ said Jo grudgingly.
‘Yeah, it totally is!’ said Milly with a sly smile.
‘That’s why I’m here,’ said Caroline, deciding she had no choice but to run with it. ‘To make sure the shop will be open – and that you two are up for it.’
‘I’m in,’ said Jo. ‘As long as I get the chance to do some shopping too.’
‘I guess I can’t really say no!’ said Milly.
Caroline grinned at her. ‘Nope, you really can’t!’
Tough!
If her friend had been planning a relaxed evening being all loved-up with Murray, she should have kept her mouth shut and not forced Caroline to make up something so ridiculous on the spot.
Then again… itwasn’tso ridiculous, was it?
Jack had said he wanted to start meeting people in a low-key way. He could turn the lights on and then she could quietly introduce him to a few people. A bit of a last-minute shopping event along with carols and hot chocolate would help take the spotlight off him a little bit. As long as she didn’t announce his presence in advance, he should be fairly safe from any press… other than her, of course!
‘So… who’s the special guest going to be?’ said Jo.
‘It’s a surprise,’ said Caroline quickly, before Milly could put her foot in it again.
‘That means you still don’t have anyone, doesn’t it?’ laughed Jo.
‘Worst case scenario, you can do it Jo!’ said Milly.
‘Always nice to be bottom of the pile,’ huffed Jo, heading over to tidy up the shelves bearing her Grumpy Plant collection.
‘So,’ said Milly, sidling up to Caroline so that she could whisper right in her ear.
‘So what?’ said hissed Caroline.
‘So - youlikehimlike him, don’t you?’
Caroline shivered as Milly’s warm breath hit her ear. She bit her lip, not saying anything.
‘You’re not starstruck, are you?’ demanded Milly.
Caroline eyeballed Milly and shook her head.
‘Wait… was that a “no” to question number one or number two?’ said Milly. ‘No, you don’tlikehim, or no, you’re not starstruck?!’
‘You’ll just have to wait and see!’ said Caroline with a grin.
‘Aww, tell me!’ said Milly.
Caroline shook her head again. ‘Thanks to you, I’ve got an event to plan… must dash!’
CHAPTER 14
JACK
‘Well, this is a turn-up for the books!’ said Brian, shooting Jack an intrigued look as he clambered into the front passenger seat of the taxi. ‘Who’d have thought you’d fancy coming to Crumbleton when everyone in town’s going to be out and about?!’
‘Well… itisChristmas,’ said Jack vaguely. ‘I fancied a bit of company.’
‘Rubbish,’ said Brian, catching his eye and giving him a penetrating look. ‘There’s something else going on, isn’t there?!’
