Page 62 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
Daisy went to him and cuddled into his side. Livvy watched on with envy. She could really do with a hug right now. ‘Look, Livvy, if there’s anything we can do, just ask. If you want to borrow Primrose – that’s my work van – until yours is back up and running, then please do.’
Livvy stood up, shaken at how wobbly her legs felt. ‘Thanks, both. Thank you, Mark. You’ve all been so kind keeping me company. Oh and, Daisy, we didn’t even have that drink.’
Daisy came to her and kissed her on the cheek. ‘There’ll be other times. Night, my lovely. Stay safe.’
‘I’ll see you out,’ Mark offered.
Livvy collapsed onto her chair, turning her mug of tea round in her fingers. She looked up as he returned. ‘You should be getting off home too. I suppose you’ll have to ring a taxi?’
He shook his head and sat back down. ‘I’m staying here tonight.’ Putting up a hand to deflect her protestations, he added, ‘I’ve rung Nats. She’s fine and sends her love by the way. Neither of us would dream of you being here alone when this has happened. Besides,’ he grinned, ‘taxis are hard to come by at this hour in this town and I really don’t want to walk all that way in the cold. Call me a wuss.’
‘I wouldn’t dream of it, but honestly wouldn’t you rather be in your own bed? Oh, Mark,’ her hand flew to her mouth. ‘Will you be able to get your car fixed in time to drive up to York?’
‘I’ll have a ring round tomorrow but it’s Christmas Eve, it’ll be a bit tight.’
‘I’m so sorry,’ Livvy said in a small voice. ‘That’s your Christmas ruined.’
‘Not at all. I’m sure I’ll be able to find somewhere open to replace the tyres.’
‘What about the paint?’
‘That might take a little more sorting. Tell you what,’ he said briskly, ‘how about that drink? Think we could both do with one.’
‘Absolutely.’ Livvy rose but her legs gave way, everything crowded in on her and she staggered. Her face crumpled and, putting her hands up to cover her distress, she began to sob.
Mark surged to his feet, wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He crooned comforting nonsensical phrases until she’d stopped shaking. Leading her to the settle under where the darts board used to be, he arranged the cushions around her. ‘Back in a mo.’ He returned with two tumblers brimming with whisky. ‘You’re in shock. I’m not entirely sure this is the right remedy, but it was the only thing I could think of seeing as we’ve done tea and biscuits.’ Putting the glasses down on the table in front of them, he slid in beside her, putting an arm around and pulling her close. He rested his chin on top of her head. ‘I’m so sorry this is happening to you, Livvy.’
‘It’s not your fault.’
‘I just wish I could find out who’s done it. I’m fucking furious.’
It was so unlike him to swear, Livvy almost giggled. Squashing down the building hysteria, she said, ‘I’m so sorry about your car.’
‘Oh, Livvy.’ He sighed and swore some more under his breath. ‘I don’t mean about my car, that’s fixable. I mean this targeted campaign, because that’s what it’s beginning to look like.’
Much as she’d loved the feel of his arms around her, Livvy sat up and moved away. Picking up the whisky, she took a mouthful. Feeling the liquid run a fiery path inside brought her back to herself. ‘Sorry.’
‘You keep apologising. There’s no need.’ Mark pointed his tumbler.‘Youhaven’t done anything.’
‘It’s just not the way I envisaged the evening turning out,’ she said sadly. ‘I loved the Christmas service, felt all warm and glowy inside. Was looking forward to a quiet drink here with friends and then it all went wrong.’
‘And, as I say, you’ve done nothing to deserve any of this. For all we know it could well be bored kids.’
‘I’d rather it was, than a focused campaign.’ She swallowed another mouthful of whisky. ‘Makes about as much sense but makes me feel far less hated.’
He took her hand and held it. ‘You’re not hated, Livvy. Far from it.’
She sucked in a breath. ‘Good. Right then,’ she added decisively, needing to do something practical. ‘We’d better get you sorted with some bedding. And go to bed. I’ve an early start tomorrow. Loads to do. Got the stock taker coming round, got to prep for the party and there’ll be the visit from the police of course.’
‘I’ll be okay. I’ll sleep down here in front of the fire.’
‘Oh no you won’t,’ Livvy said, horrified. ‘Not when I’ve a spare bedroom. My mother may not have approved but it’s decent enough. And I might even be able to find you a toothbrush. Could you, would you mind–’ she let the question trail off, embarrassed.
‘Anything.’
Livvy winced. She hated asking. Hated being so dependent. ‘Would you mind coming round with me making sure it’s all locked up down here before we go up to bed?’
‘No problem.’
