Page 41 of A Very Crumbleton Christmas
Jack grinned. It was basically impossible to keep a secret from Brian, and now that he was on the way to Crumbleton for the big event at last, he couldn’t really see any reason not to come clean.
‘It’s like this,’ said Jack, ‘I simply can’t miss the big switch-on of the Christmas lights.’
‘Lad, I hope you haven’t been getting too excited,’ chuckled Brian. ‘I mean, all that happens is someone flips the switch off, and someone else flips it back on again.’
‘Yep, I know,’ said Jack. ‘Because I just happen to be the “someone else” in that scenario.’
‘What? You aren’t… are you?’ gasped Brian. ‘You’re the top-secret special guest?’
‘Yep, I am,’ he laughed.
‘You just wait until I tell Trish!’ said Brian. ‘She’ll bethatproud. So… I’m guessing Caroline Cook got to you and turned the thumb screws then?’
‘Something like that,’ chuckled Jack, staring straight ahead in case his friend spotted the excitement in his eyes at the sound of her name.
Jack had practically driven himself to distraction over the past few days. Ever since Caroline had left the morning after the snowstorm, he hadn’t been able to sit still. He’d wanted to call her… to visit her in Crumbleton… to spend time with her…
He’d felt like a teenager, hovering over his phone, waiting for Caroline to call with the promised details of the Crumbleton Christmas Lights event.
To stop himself from making an epic prat out himself, Jack had upped his number of daily sea swims to keep himself busy - but even those hadn’t been enough to keep the bubbly, bouncy ray of sunshine out of his head for long.
‘Mind you,’ said Brian, dragging Jack’s attention back to the present, ‘this does mean our efforts have been wasted.’
‘What efforts?’ said Jack, blinking as he did his best to catch up with the conversation.
‘Me – dashing around, keeping your presence quiet,’ laughed Brian. ‘Poor Trish – I still don’t think she quite believes it, even though she’s been working for you for more than a year.’
Jack laughed. ‘Well… just to say – your efforts weren’t wasted. At all.’
‘I was just pulling your leg, boy,’ said Brian, shooting him a warm smile.
‘I know, but I’m serious,’ said Jack. ‘Thank you, Brian, for all your friendship. I don’t know what I’d have done without your help. Trish’s too.’
‘Oh, good lord, you’re going all soppy on me,’ said Brian. ‘I wish you wouldn’t when I’m driving and can’t give you a hug!’
‘Now who’s a softy?!’ laughed Jack.
‘Takes one to know one, boy,’ said Brian seriously. ‘But… you’re welcome. We’re always glad to help.’
‘You and Trish have been my safe space whenever I’ve come home – and there aren’t many people I can say that about.’
‘Quit it, or you’ll make me cry,’ huffed Brian. ‘And then I won’t be able to focus on my darts.’
‘Okay, fine,’ said Jack. ‘But I owe you. I’ll find a way to repay you both for your kindness one day.’
‘Well,’ said Brian, ‘that’s easy enough. You can pay us both back this evening.’
‘Oh yeah?’ said Jack, suddenly feeling slightly uneasy. Was his friend about to ask him to sign his wife’s butt cheeks or something? It wouldn’t be the first time he’d endured that request… but it woulddefinitelybe a bit more awkward, given the small-town setting.
‘Yeah,’ said Brian. ‘I can’t get no blighter to come and join me for darts later tonight. Ruby’s busy with her book deadline, and I think Oli’s making sure she stops to eat and drink occasionally.’
‘Darts?’ said Jack.
‘I’d consider it a great favour,’ said Brian. ‘Besides, if you want to get the locals on-side, a trip to the Dolphin and Anchor is a good plan anyway.’
‘Hey – no need for the made-up reasons,’ chuckled Jack, ‘I’d love a game. Does… erm… does Caroline ever play?’
‘Caroline Cook?’ said Brian, his beady eyes snapping to Jack – who instantly wanted to kick himself.
