Page 47 of A Very Crumbleton Christmas
Brian sniggered. ‘Okay, I stand corrected, you’re definitely not a ringer!’ He chalked up a great big number one on the board with a decided amount of glee.
Jack reined in the temptation to stick his tongue out at his friend – which was almost as strong as the temptation to look over at Caroline again.
Throw the dart, idiot!
‘Nine!’ said Brian. ‘Bit better…’
Jack celebrated with a glance at Caroline. She was still nattering away – now to the young girl behind the bar. He caught the gleam of a yellow plastic gem as she reached for her glass of wine. She was still wearing the ring!
Grinning and feeling more cheerful than was probably normal about a tacky plastic ring, Jack hurled his final dart. It went wide and bounced off the protective foam layer surrounding the board.
‘And that’s a big fat zero,’ laughed Brian.
Jack laughed and took a swig of his drink as he watched Brian score three beauties in quick succession.
‘You’re up!’ said Brian.
‘Mind if I team up with someone?’ said Jack, as Brian jotted down his score. ‘Just so that I stand a tiny chance here!’
‘Go for it,’ said Brian. ‘The more the merrier.’
Jack hurried towards the bar and reached Caroline’s side just as a couple approached her. There was something strangely dazed looking about the woman.
‘Wow, you’ve left your laptop!’ said Caroline, leaning in to give the woman a hug.
‘That’s because she’s finished,’ said the man, proudly. ‘And she wouldn’t rest until she’d come out to support you.’
‘Finished?’ said Jack, staring at the pair. He was sure he hadn’t seen them out and about during the festivities, and yet the woman looked familiar…
‘Sorry, where are my manners?!’ laughed Caroline. ‘Jack, this is Oli and—’
‘Oh my god!’ gasped Jack, cutting across her. ‘You’re Ruby Hutchinson! I’m a huge fan!’
He knew his voice had gone all high and squeaky, but right now he didn’t care. His favourite writer was standing right in front of him.
‘Can I have your autograph?’ he gasped. ‘Caroline, have you got a pen? Damn… I haven’t got any paper. Maybe I can get some from behind the bar…?’
‘Dork!’ chuckled Caroline.
‘Wait,’ said Ruby, blinking sleepily as she stared from Jack to Caroline, and then up at Oli, ‘am I hallucinating? I know I’m tired and a bit out of it… but is Jack Jones asking me for my autograph right now?’
‘Yep,’ laughed Oli, ‘he is. You’ve notcompletelylost it.’
‘But… why’s Jack Jones here?’ she said, blinking in confusion.
‘He’s here with Caroline,’ said Oli. ‘At least… I think he is?’
Jack answered with a tiny nod, and Caroline beamed at him.
‘How long was I writing that damn book?’ said Ruby, looking completely lost.
Oli grinned as Ruby frowned. Then she gave a little shrug and nestled her head against Oli’s shoulder, clearly half asleep.
‘Don’t worry, man,’ said Oli, reaching out to shake Jack’s hand. ‘I’ll make sure we sort that out for you… but maybe after she’s had some sleep.’
Caroline patted Ruby on the head and Jack gave them a little wave as Oli drew Ruby away – presumably back home so that she could get some much-needed rest.
‘Wow,’ said Jack shaking his head. ‘I can’t believe I got to meet her!’
