Page 53 of Tis the Season
I looked to Erin for assistance, but none was forthcoming. Instead, she picked up her wine glass and raised it.
CHAPTER28
‘Oh my word,’ Joyce said as Alex placed a tray of drinks on the table. ‘These are like Christmas decorations.’
She was right. Alex’s White Christmas Mojitos looked too good to consume. He’d mixed rum and soda water with thick and creamy coconut milk, poured it over crushed ice and muddled mint, lime and sugar. Sat on what could only be described as a snowy mountain in a glass, pomegranate seeds served as a bright and festive garnish, giving the cocktail a delicious winter wonderland vibe.
The only seat available was the one opposite me and hesitating over taking it, Alex met my gaze. He smiled, but I could see it was forced.
‘What are you waiting for?’ Joyce patted the vacant spot. ‘Sit down.’
Despite his reluctance, Alex did as he was told.
‘Cheers, everyone,’ Joyce said.
Trying to summon the expected enthusiasm, I raised my glass. ‘Cheers.’
Savouring the flavours, Joyce swooned. ‘This definitely tastes as good as it looks. Talk about feeding your Christmas spirit.’
‘I agree,’ Erin said, putting her glass down. ‘Alex, you’re a genius.’
His furtive glance towards the bar told me he was desperate for Ted to finish his pint so he could excuse himself. Having never seen Alex so uncomfortable, my chest ached.
‘So what are you doing for Christmas, Alex?’ Joyce asked.
His eyes lit up. ‘I’m heading home to spend it with family.’
As he and Joyce shared their expectations of the upcoming holidays, I felt Erin’s hand on my knee. I hadn’t realised my foot was bouncing up and down and as she steadied it, she discreetly jolted her head in Alex’s direction. She willed me to join in with the conversation, but I shook my head, just as discreetly declining.
‘I miss family Christmases,’ Joyce said. ‘Instead of a cruise, it would have been nice to fly out to Australia to spend time with Nial. But Richard doesn’t do aeroplanes. Which I suppose is a good job. With no guarantee of keeping Richard out of the kitchen, why spoil their day too?’
I sucked on the straw of my White Christmas Mojito. Compared to everyone else’s drink, mine appeared to be vanishing at pace and I put my glass down, giving the others a chance to catch up. Listening to Joyce and Alex, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to include myself in their discussion. I just knew everything I said would sound contrived; nothing like the easy interaction I usually enjoyed.
Joyce suddenly fell silent and narrowed her eyes. ‘You’re quiet all of a sudden, Hattie.’
I should have known her gossip antennae would activate, and I made another grab for my glass. ‘Just enjoying my drink.’
She looked around the group, suspicious. ‘What have I missed?’
‘Actually, Joyce,’ Erin said, jumping in. ‘I wondered if I could have a quiet word.’
‘Oh no,’ Joyce said, shaking her head. ‘We’re not doing that again.’
Ignoring her protests, Erin indicated the door. ‘A quiet and very private word.’
Joyce looked from me to Alex and like any good bloodhound, she knew when she was onto something. ‘You may as well tell me.’
Erin rose to her feet and taking Joyce’s arm, hauled her into a standing position.
‘What about my cocktail?’
Erin picked it up and shoved it into her hand. ‘Happy now?’
‘This is the second time you’ve hoicked me off,’ Joyce said. She eyed everyone present. ‘Someone better start talking.’
Erin looked to me, her eyebrows raised as if asking what she should do.
Joyce’s tenacity knew no bounds and realising I had no choice but to relent, I nodded, giving Erin the go-ahead to explain.
