Page 77 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
CHAPTER 40
Snowball – the classic Christmas cocktail made with advocaat, lime and lemonade. Add a glace cherry for retro appeal.
From then on, it was a constant stream of visitors.
Karl popped by with his wife on his way to his in-laws. They’d walked all the way dressed in thick boots, woolly hats and bulky coats. Standing at the kitchen door, he handed over a card saying, ‘Happy Christmas, Livvy. We couldn’t pass without stopping to wish you season’s greetings.’ He harrumphed, looking embarrassed. ‘And wanted to say I’m sorry for not keeping a closer eye on Eli.’
She flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly. ‘Oh, Karl, don’t be sorry. It was all my fault.’
‘Wasn’t your fault,’ Jen, Karl’s wife, declared fiercely. ‘It was that bugger Jason. Just hope it don’t put you off running The George. My Karl’s been that happy working here.’
‘I’m the one who’s lucky to have him working for me, Jen.’ Livvy ran to the bar to retrieve an envelope. It contained Karl’sshare of the Christmas tips. ‘Thank you for all your hard work. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.’ She pressed it into his hand. ‘Happy Christmas, both. Take care walking down the hill and have a lovely day with your family.’
‘We’ll be okay,’ Karl responded. ‘Silent Ernie’s giving us a lift into town. He’s going to try to clear the worst of the snow on the main road so folk can get in and out. Happy Christmas, Livvy!’
Livvy shoved on some boots, threw on a coat and followed them out. They watched as Silent Ernie manoeuvred his tractor back out of the car park, its enormous tyres leaving three-foot-deep gouges in the snow. She smiled as she saw the cab was festooned with tinsel and fairy lights. It seemed a long time ago, and in another life, that she’d been hoisted up in the cherry picker. Glancing up at the lights, switched on for Christmas Day, she realised it might be the only way to get them back down again. Waving them off she was just about to join in with Mark, Nats and a white fur-coated glamorous Simona who were building a snowman in the beer garden, with Angel dancing around them, when Daisy, and Lucie and Eli Wiscombe staggered over.
‘Just come up to wish you Happy Christmas,’ they chorused, red-faced from the exertion of climbing up the hill in deep snow.
‘It’s madness in town,’ Lucie added. ‘People are skiing down the main street and there’s snow on the beach. On the beach!’ she repeated incredulously. She tugged off her hat and raked a hand through her bright red hair, fluffing it up. ‘Never thought I’d say this but, for once, Austin’s weather forecast came true. He said it would be a white Christmas and it is. You coming down to join in the fun?’
Livvy shook her head. ‘Maybe tomorrow. Looks like I’m hosting Christmas dinner for four.’ She pulled a horrified face. ‘Just hope they survive my cooking.’
‘We’ll maybe see you tomorrow then. Don’t think this snow is going anywhere any time soon.’ Lucie came closer. ‘Thank you for giving Eli another chance. Think he’s been through hell and back. I knew something was up with him but couldn’t figure out what. I’ll give him a good talking to after Christmas.’
‘No, don’t do that.’ Livvy watched as Eli, hampered by the snow drifts in the car park, lurched over to greet a just arrived Brittany and Stewie. ‘I think he’s learned his lesson.’
Lucie gazed at her. ‘It hasn’t put you off running this place, has it, Livvy? Lullbury Bay would miss The George if you went. Think the town would missyouif you went. I know it’s not been long, but you’ve really become part of the community.’
‘Lucie’s right,’ Daisy piped up. ‘We want you to stay in Lullbury Bay. I mean where else can I dress up as a fairy? Don’t let Jason ruddy Lemmon drive you out. I’d miss you if you went.’
Livvy didn’t have time to answer as Brittany began a vicious snowball fight against the boys. She looked at them. ‘Think Eli and Stewie need help. Up for a challenge?’
Screaming a battle cry, they went in on full attack.
‘Sweetie, you’ve got snow all over your coat,’ Simona said, as she, Livvy, Mark and Nats made their exhausted way back inside. The others had gone, after a snowball fight which recognised no rules. ‘Let me get it off you.’ She began to beat snow off Livvy’s back. The snowball fight had got out of hand with them all joining in, and with Bee from the bookshop turning up. She’d brought an old-fashioned wooden sledge and, having squeezed Daisy behind her, had whizzed off down the hill.
‘Thanks, Si. Ssh, Angel, stop barking. Ugh. My hair’s soaking. Is that the landline ringing? Go into the bar everyone and makeyourself a drink. I need to get lunch sorted.’ Livvy escaped her coat and ran to get the phone.
‘Buon Natale, bella!I’ve been trying your mobile but there was no answer.’
‘Fabio! Happy Christmas. We’ve all been outside having a monumental snowball fight. Are you having a good day? Did you get home okay last night? The snow was really bad.’
‘Took a while, babe, but got home eventually. Not going anywhere today though. Just me and Mama and a turkey big enough for a football team.’
‘I forgot to give out everyone’s Christmas tips last night. I was in such a state. Only Stewie picked up his and I’ve given Karl’s his today.’
‘It’ll keep. I’ll be back in the day after Boxing Day.’
‘Oh yes, we get a whole two days off and then it all starts again.’
‘And you love it,’ he accused.
‘I do. Have a lovely day. Love to your mum.’ She put the phone down only for it to ring again immediately.
‘It’s Austin and Aggie here wishing The George very warm felicitations. Happy Christmas, Livvy. Hello? Is there anyone there, or am I speaking to an answerphone?’
‘Hello, Austin. It’s Livvy. A real live person here. Happy Christmas to you both and thank you for supporting The George. And you were absolutely right about the snow.’
