Page 50 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
She collapsed onto a chair. ‘That went well. It was manic! Lucie was brilliant and the raffle prizes were all well-received; I was so glad Jan and Colin won the Christmas lunch at The Henville. Such nice people. And I can’t believe the vicar won the bottomless brunch. She seemed pleased.’ She lifted up hergreen suede pixie boots and wiggled them. ‘My feet are killing me, though. Oh hello, Angel,’ she said, as the dog nuzzled her drooping hand. ‘Did you mind missing all the fun? It was a little too crazy for you, my love.’ The springer, having been released from the bedroom and, having had a quick shuffle round outside, now settled in front of the dying embers of the wood burner.
‘I thought it was all marvellous.’ Brian brought over the bottle of Delamain Pleiade cognac, and glasses. ‘Haven’t had so much fun in ages.’ He sat down and lifted the bottle to the light. ‘I say, someone’s been giving this a hammering.’ Pouring them all a measure, he added, ‘And I was full of admiration at how you handled that group at the bar, Liv, darling. The ones with Gerry Wiscombe? No need for me to intervene.’
‘Thanks, Dad.’ Livvy sipped her brandy. ‘Just hope they were too drunk to remember I promised their next round was on the house.’ She frowned. ‘We do good business from them in wet sales on a Sunday night but I don’t want to encourage a crowd like that.’
‘No indeed.’ He turned to Simona. ‘And we are very grateful for your help, my dear. You were an absolute angel behind the bar.’
Angel, at hearing her name, lifted her head and whined.
Simona giggled. ‘Not you, my little darling doggie. It quite took me back to my working days. I was fortunate to marry a rich man, Brian, and gave up any idea of working for my living but sometimes I miss it.’ She lifted her glass to his and they clinked them together.
Livvy glanced over at Mark. He was still dressed in the bottom half of his costume, a thick pair of brown corduroys. He’d taken off the brown jumper with the enormous flashing red nose on it and the antlers. His hair stuck up in sweaty spikes and his cheeks were flushed. His white T-shirt showed off surprisingbiceps; she’d never seen him in so little clothing. It made Livvy go hot all over. Tortoiseshell specs on, he was engrossed in his phone so she didn’t want to disturb him.
His sister, Natalie, had gone out with friends, so he’d come along to the quiz alone and had manned the scoreboard. Santa’s Little Helpers, who for some reason had come dressed as flamingos, had come in a close second, so had demanded a recount. Livvy wondered a) why some people took quizzes so seriously, and b) just what the fascination Lullbury Bay had with big pink birds. The marking team conducted a recount and the What the Dickens team was proclaimed the winners. It had been a stressful half hour, but he’d handled it all with calm efficiency. That was the key to his personality, Livvy realised. Nothing seemed to ruffle him.
‘Oh my feet though,’ Simona echoed Livvy’s moan. ‘Had I known I was to become mine host I would have worn my Crocs.’
Livvy smiled. ‘I can’t believe you have any Crocs, Simona.’
‘Of course, sweetness. One can’t wear Manolos all the time.’
Livvy giggled. ‘Help yourself to food. Think you’ve all earned some. Plates!’ she exclaimed. ‘I’ll go and get some.’ She began to haul herself off the chair but her father rose, pushing her down by the shoulder.
‘I’ll go.’
Simona watched him go through narrowed eyes. ‘He is simply dreamy, your father. I’ve had an absolutely heavenly time, Livvy. Any chance of letting me do it again?’
Livvy surveyed her over the rim of the brandy glass. ‘You really want to work in a pub, Simona?’ she asked disbelievingly.
‘Well, only this pub. I can’t tell you what a fabby time I’ve had. And maybe I could choose my shifts? Give you a hand when you’re really busy like tonight?’ Simona cocked her head on one side and Livvy thought she detected wistfulness. ‘I wouldn’t expect a salary. Maybe a gin and tonic every now and again.’
‘But why would you want to work unpaid at a job which can be really hard work?’
‘Christmas is coming up, darling. It’s when I miss my Terence the most. He loved the season, you see. We’d hole up somewhere beautiful and snowy, eat wonderful food, just be together, the two of us, cocooned against the world. And then in the new year, we’d go skiing.’ Simona bit her lip, her eyes dewy. ‘Being busy would take my mind off him a little.’ She brightened. ‘So you see, darling, it would be you doing me a favour, not the other way round.’
Livvy was touched. ‘Of course you can. It would be lovely.’ She meant it. Simona was fun to be around. The customers thought so too.
Brian brought the plates through and dragged over another table to give them more space to eat.
‘Don’t feed her too many sausages, Simona,’ Livvy warned as the woman fed Angel a treat. ‘She’s getting tubby now she’s retired. I wouldn’t have you down as a doggie person.’
‘Darling, the least said about my past sex life the better.’ Simona giggled, back on form. ‘Oh, I see what you mean! I absolutely adore dogs. Just couldn’t have one. Terence and I were never in one place long enough and the yacht never seemed the right place.’
‘No, I can imagine,’ Livvy said drily. Her parents were wealthy, but Simona’s lifestyle was something else. She took a brie and cranberry tart. It was the first time she’d had a chance to eat all evening. Closing her eyes in bliss, she chewed.
She heard Simona give a silvery giggle. ‘Seeing as your daughter has checked out, I’ll do the honours. Would you care for a sausage, Brian? They’re delicious.’
He chortled. ‘I don’t mind if I do.’
‘And do you cook, Brian? I can quite see you in a frilly apron.’
‘It’s usually me who cooks Christmas lunch. Off to the Caribbean this year. Jolly good fun.’ He lowered his voice conspiratorially. ‘Just as well The George has Fabio and Stewie. I wouldn’t trust Livvy with a turkey baster.’
‘I heard that!’ Livvy said, not bothering to open her eyes.
‘What are you doing for Christmas Day, Simona?’
‘I’ll be all on my own. I was going back to Italy to stay with friends, but travel is so tedious at Christmas. I have a Marks and Sparks feast and am going to enjoy cuddling up in a blanket in front of some mindless Christmas specials on the TV.’
