Page 59 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
‘How did your board games afternoon go?’
Mark had released her arm now they were on the flat. Livvy battled the urge to grab it back. She longed to grabhimback and, in the intimacy of the dark evening, kiss the life out of him, but resisted. She was fond of Simona and she’d never been the sort to go after another woman’s man. She couldn’t help thinking they made an odd couple, though. Hadn’t Mark himself said Simona would be too much for him as a girlfriend? Still, they’d been friends for a long time and friendship often ran into love. Mark had hinted he could be lonely, and Simona missed Trevor. A relationship could grow from such roots. The thoughts chased relentlessly around her brain.
‘I said, how did the board games afternoon go?’
Livvy forced herself to focus. ‘Sorry. Concentrating on where I was walking.’
‘You can have my arm again. Keep me warm.’ There was a definite twinkle in his eyes.
‘No, I’m good thanks.’ Was it her imagination, or did he look disappointed? Was he flirting with Simonaandher?Not on, Mark. I didn’t have you down as a player.‘The board games afternoon was great,’ she began matter-of-factly. ‘We had about fifteen there. A lot brought their own games which helped as I’ve only managed to accrue a few, Fabio’s mince pies went down a treat, they drank us out of tea and we even sold a few gin and tonics and a pint or two. Brenda somebody and Avril – that’s Jago’s mum – even brought books and settled by the wood burner and read. I made the mistake of making up some mulled wine and Aggie got tipsy and began singing.’
Mark snorted. ‘Good old Aggie. What did she sing? “White Christmas”?’
‘Nothing so sedate. She brought an old-fashioned record player in and some vinyl. It was great, I’m keeping it to get out another time. Going to get customers to bring their own records along. We could have seventies nights, eighties nights.’ She laughed. ‘Although I can’t see Fabio willing to make cheese and pineapple hedgehogs and Black Forest gateau. Aggie treated us to “Christmas Wrapping” – which, according to her, was a big hit for The Waitresses back in the eighties – and “Run Rudolph Run”.’ At Mark’s bemused expression, Livvy explained, ‘Old Chuck Berry track. I was streaming a Michael Bublé Christmas collection thinking it would be restful and she completely drowned it out. What was worse, she got everyone else joining in! It was a riot and I had trouble booting them all out for evening opening.’
‘Will you do another?’
Livvy nodded. ‘Absolutely. I’ll be more organised next time though. I need to figure out a way of getting people in who don’t know anyone. That’s who it’s aimed at really. I really need to resurrect the darts board too. I never got around to putting that back up after the refurb.’
‘Good idea.’
‘I’d like to develop the pub’s community feel more.’
‘Okay.’
‘But I’m not sure it’s a good fit with a foodie place.’
‘Don’t see why not.’
‘Sorry. Going on about work again. Oh look,’ Livvy added, ‘we’re here.’ Mark’s responses had become stilted. She was sure it had been the mention of Fabio which had changed the atmosphere between them. Lapsing into silence, they turned off the road and began to ascend the steep slope which led to the church. ‘Quite a queue to get in,’ she said. ‘I like the knittedChristmas post boxes. The Ninja Knitters have obviously been at it again. They’ve covered the bollards. Look, one’s even got knitted letters sticking out of it.’ She peered closer. ‘And is that really knittedtinsel?’
‘Livvy, I wanted to–’
‘Livvy! Mark!’ Daisy ran up to them, giving Livvy a kiss. ‘Can I hang with you guys? Rick’s working at the restaurant and Mum and Colin are on a date so I’m Billy-No-Mates.’ She thrust her arm through Livvy’s. ‘Good to see you having a night off. You won’t regret it. Verity’s Christmas service is always wonderful. And, of course, you get to admire my magnificent flower arrangements. I supplied them. Oh, and the tree, of course. Verity loves to dress St Winifred’s at Christmas. I’m particularly proud of the colour theme this year, white and gold with the biggest star you’ve ever seen on top of the tree.’
‘Hi, Daisy,’ Livvy greeted her. ‘We must get together in the new year and discuss a regular flower order for The George.’
‘Absolutely. Let’s do it over a January glass of wine. We’ll have more time then. Like you, now is my busy time.’
‘Thank you for the Christmas wreaths you sent over and my tree is fabulous. I meant to say on the night of the quiz, but it was manic.’
‘No worries. It was a good night. Made a change for me to dress up. I’m usually in jeans.’
‘I feel like that about tonight. Feels most odd to wear a dress.’
‘Not to mention a bit draughty.’ Daisy giggled. ‘It’s freezing tonight. Austin says–’
‘It’ll snow!’ they chorused, shuffling forwards in the queue.
‘Doesn’t St Winifred’s look beautiful all lit up?’ Daisy added. ‘I love how the stained-glass windows glow. We need some welcoming light at this time of year, as Honor often says.’ She cocked an ear. ‘And is Lexie bashing out “Joy to the World” on the organ?’ She chuckled. ‘It will have made her Christmas. She’sthe music teacher at the primary school,’ she explained. ‘Usually only gets to tinkle the ivories on the school’s ancient upright.’
They found seats in a pew halfway back. There was room for two on the end so Daisy and Livvy squeezed in next to Brittany, Avril Pengethley and her little girl. By the time Livvy had said hello to them all she missed where Mark had gone to sit.
The church gradually filled. Livvy recognised many of those coming in. Austin and Aggie walked purposefully to the front, she saw Honor in charge of a group of school children, Bee said a quick hello as she went by and Lucie and her enormous Wiscombe clan chattered noisily three pews ahead. Verity climbed to stand behind the massive eagle-shaped lectern which dwarfed her, and a hush descended. With the decorated tree glowing next to the altar and a full congregation it felt magically Christmassy.
The service was lovely, even to Livvy who was no church goer. The carols were traditional: ‘I Saw Three Ships’ and ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’, which, given the weather outside, was mournfully appropriate. Verity’s sermon was a simple but heartfelt message about hope bringing light to the world at its darkest time, and forgiveness.
‘For when we forgive others,’ she said, ‘we forgive ourselves. And I am currently forgiving myself for eating three mince pies this afternoon.’
