Page 59 of Christmas at the Movies
‘How’s it going?’ he asked when she answered.
‘Great!’ said Sarah. She sounded wide awake, despite the late hour. ‘I’m nearly done reworking the opening scenes. I just hope it’s OK; it’s been such a long time since I’ve done this …’
‘I’m sure it’s fantastic.’ He was determined to be supportive. He could tell how much she needed this – and not just because of the money.
‘What have you two been up to?’
‘We just watchedHome Alone,’ said James. ‘I was thinking maybe that should be one of the Twelve Films of Christmas. And maybeLove, Actuallytoo.’
‘About that …’ said Sarah, worry creeping into her voice. ‘As much as I want to do it, I just don’t see how I’m going to have time to plan the festival this year. Not with this deadline.’
Here was the perfect opportunity to step up, to give Sarah the space she was craving and let her shine. To show her that he wanted to help.
‘Leave it to me,’ James volunteered quickly. ‘I’ll manage the film festival. We’ve left it a bit late, but I’m sure I can sort it out.’
And hopefully, in doing so, he could also sort out their marriage …
30th November 2009
‘Come in,’ said Sarah, opening the door to let their friends Nora and Simon Walden inside the cottage.
Nora handed her an apple tart, still warm from the oven.
‘Oh, this looks delicious,’ said Sarah. ‘Thanks so much.’
The couple owned a bookshop in Stowford. Fellow film buffs, Nora and Simon had been thrilled to have a cinema in the area again. Their bookshop always posted the week’s cinema listings on their noticeboard and when a film based on a book came out, the cinema promoted the book on behalf of the bookshop. As parents of an eight-year-old daughter, Nora and Simon had also been an invaluable source of parenting advice.
James came downstairs holding Holly, whose second birthday it was tomorrow. Sarah felt a rush of love as she saw her daughter in her Winnie-the-Pooh pyjamas, chubby cheeks flushed pink and dark brown curls damp from the bath.
‘Someone doesn’t want to go to bed yet,’ said James.
‘Da da,’ said Holly, looking pleased with herself – and wide awake.
‘Oh, I remember those days,’ said Nora, smiling fondly.
‘To be honest, bedtime doesn’t get much easier,’ remarked Simon. ‘Charlotte wants us to read at least two chapters ofHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallowsevery night.’
‘We brought something for the birthday girl,’ said Nora, reaching into her bag. She handed Holly a copy ofThe Gruffaloand a chocolate advent calendar.
‘Thank you so much,’ said Sarah.
‘Charlotte loved that book when she was little,’ explained Simon.
‘Let me get you a drink.’ James passed Holly to Sarah.
Holly wrapped her little arms around her mother’s neck. Sarah delighted in the squidgy solidity of her daughter and her intoxicating baby smell – better than any perfume. Caring for a headstrong toddler was exhausting, but Sarah loved every minute of it. She couldn’t believe Holly was two already. Every day, more of her personality revealed itself. Their little girl was lively, strong-willed and quick to laugh. She loved any sort of music, bobbing her head to anything with a beat. It was exciting to watch her become a little person, but Sarah already felt nostalgic for the baby days.
Maybe we should start trying for another one …
She and James hadn’t discussed having another baby yet. They were both frightened of another difficult birth. But Holly was such a delight that it hadn’t put Sarah off her desire to have another child. She wanted Holly to have a sibling. Growing up, Meg had been Sarah’s constant companion. Being an only child had to have been lonely for James.
They went into the living room, where Pari was sitting on the sofa, chatting to Roger and Omar. Ian from the antiques shop was there too. Pari had come for the weekend, to celebrate her god-daughter’s birthday with a trip to the Cotswolds wildlife park. Sarah hoped her best friend wouldn’t find the gathering too provincial, or too couple-y.
Ian was studying their framed poster ofDiamonds are Forever. ‘Is this signed by Sean Connery?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ replied James, opening a bottle of wine.
‘Oh, I love Sean Connery,’ enthused Roger. ‘Nowhe’swhat I call a film star.’
