Page 119 of Christmas at the Movies
In his tux, Mateo certainly looked the part already.
He smiled mysteriously. ‘You’d have to ask my agent.’ Pari, who was standing just out of shot, winked at him.
When the interview was over, she came over and gave Sarah a hug. ‘My favourite client – and this time I really mean it.’
‘I couldn’t have done it without you.’ Sarah knew how lucky she was to have Pari in her corner. Her best friend had been encouraging her to write ever since they’d worked together at the BBC.
As Pari chatted with Mateo, Sarah headed across the lobby to find her family and friends, who were waiting for her in the café area.
“Hello, beautiful. You look like you should be starring in the movie,” said James, handing her a glass of champagne.
Sarah adjusted his bowtie and gave him a kiss. ‘You look very handsome too.’
‘People are saying that the Cotswolds are the new Hollywood,’ said James.
Sarah sipped her champagne and chuckled. ‘I’m not sure I’d go that far.’
“Well, I don’t want to alarm you, but there’s a rumour going round that they’re adding quinoa to the menu at the Fox and Hounds,” teased James.
Sarah didn’t want Plumdale to become like Hollywood – it was perfect just how it was. She’d flown out to LAwith Pari to meet various producers, but had been happy to return home. This was where she belonged, surrounded by her loved ones.
Sarah gestured at the walls of the café where framed illustrations were on display. ‘Nick’s artwork looks wonderful.’
Under Iris’s guidance, their son had experimented with new styles of illustration. Iris had encouraging him to think about applying to art college after finishing high school.
Nick, who was sneaking sips of champagne with Aaron and Julia, was now nearly as tall as his dad, with a hint of wispy facial hair above his lip. Nick and Julia had collaborated on several more volumes of their manga, which Nora and Simon stocked at their bookshop.
‘We’ve sold out of your latest volume,’ Simon told Nick.
‘Our customers keep asking us when the next one will be out,’ said Nora.
Nick held up his ink-stained fingers. ‘We’re working on it.’ He and Julia were saving the money they earned in hopes of travelling to Japan together one day.
Geraldine came over to Sarah and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Congratulations, darling. I always knew you had it in you – although you sure took your time.’
Sarah rolled her eyes. ‘Thanks, Mum.’
At a nearby table, Holly was perched on Aaron’s lap, chatting to her co-stars, Hermione and Ian. Holly had raided Sarah’s wardrobe and was wearing the cheongsam she’d bought in Hong Kong years ago. Sarah didn’t mind – it fit her daughter’s willowy figure perfectly.
‘I’m not the only one who deserves congratulations,’ Sarah told her mother. ‘Holly has some happy news too.’
‘No!’ cried Geraldine. ‘You’re only eighteen! That’s far too young to get married, Holly. Have I told you about the Mosuo tribe—’
‘Chill, Grandma.’ Holly laughed. ‘We’re not getting married. I got offered a place at RADA.’
Everyone laughed as Geraldine gave an exaggerated sigh of relief, then went over to hug her granddaughter.
Sarah wouldn’t be surprised if Holly and Aarondidend up getting married one day. Any qualms she’d had about her daughter’s relationship had long been forgotten. Their love had lasted even after Aaron had gone to university, and having a boyfriend hadn’t distracted Holly from pursuing her own dreams. She’d gone through several rounds of gruelling auditions to secure her drama-school place.
‘Well, Holly might not be getting married …’ said Hermione coyly, holding out her left hand, where a vintage diamond ring sparkled on her finger. ‘But I am – Ian proposed!’
Everyone cheered and crowded around to congratulate the happy couple.
Sarah wasn’t surprised; they’d been joined at the hip ever since filmingEx-mas Evetogether. A few months earlier, they’d merged their shops and opened Cotswolds Interiors, selling antique furniture and home decor. It had been featured in theSunday Timesmagazine, illustrated with a glamorous spread of Hermione lounging on a divan.
‘We’re getting married at Merricourt Manor in the spring,’ announced Ian. ‘And you’re all invited.’
Sarah leaned her head against James’s shoulder, remembering their own wedding day. ‘That’s where we got married.’
