Page 106 of The Best Little Christmas Shop
Chapter Twenty-One
The room was so full of happiness, it almost felt tangible. Mum had barely stopped crying and the rest of us weren’t far behind. Cal was standing chatting with my dad, Dan’s arm slung across his shoulder as a bubble of laughter broke from them and I was happy to see him caught up in the joy despite the undercurrent of unhappiness I knew I’d help place in his heart.
‘I shouldgo.’ Marco leaned in to me to make himself heard. ‘Your fabulous weather is getting worse and I have a flight to catch early tomorrow.’
I laughed, turning to him, the outline of his face seeming slightly fuzzier than it had earlier. Having a large family, my dad always believed in having a box of champagne in the house in the event that it might be needed for emergency celebrations. This definitelyconstituted an emergency celebration and as such, he had been circling the room topping off glasses on every pass. I had the distinct feeling that mine had been topped off more than I originally thought.
‘You own the plane, Marco. It’s not likely to go without you.’
He made a conciliatory gesture with his hands, lifting his palms. ‘True. But still.’
I studied him for a moment, tilting my headto the side before realising that wasn’t such a great idea for my balance. Marco steadied me and waited.
‘Why did you come?’ I asked. ‘I mean, here. Tonight. Not that I’m complaining. You’re my friend. I love to see you. Obviously …’ I struggled with the “s” for a moment, won and carried on. ‘But why tonight?’
Marco lifted the glass from me, and taking a hand that had until moments ago beenhappily employed in lifting alcohol, led me away from the others and out to the kitchen. Under-cabinet lights cast a cosy, soft glow into the room kept warm by the Aga. On the far side, a net of white fairy lights like I’d helped Cal put up in his kitchen, twinkled prettily, adding to the comforting feel. Apollo was sprawled out next to the oven, snoring softly. I smiled as we passed him, pausingfor a moment and causing Marco to wait too as he kept hold of my hand. Bending, I gave the dog a gentle rub, then leaned forward to plop a kiss on his head. I swayed as I overbalanced, and Marco hauled me up.
‘I don’t think he’d appreciate you flattening him while he’s trying to sleep.’
‘He does it to me all the time.’ I put a finger to my lips. ‘But don’t tell Mum. He’s not supposed to be onthe bed.’
Marco let go of my hand, placed his own either side of my face, and kissed my forehead. ‘I’m fairly sure she already knows. I get the feeling she doesn’t miss much.’
I blinked. ‘What did she say to you?’
‘Actually, nothing. Not like you’re implying, anyway.’
‘Look, Marco, I know what I’m doing.’
‘Do you?’
I squinted, the effects of the alcohol suddenly receding a little. ‘Yes.’
‘Which is what?’
I ran a hand back over my hair. ‘You made me two very lovely offers, Marco. Offers anyone in my position would be stupid to turn down.’
‘But you’re going to.’ A statement rather than a question.
‘No.’ I saw the flicker of something behind his eyes. ‘Well, one of them.’
He gave a small smile. ‘I have a feeling I know which one you are turning down.’ There was a resignation tohis expression. He’d known the answer before he’d even got here. I could see that.
‘I am sorry, Marco. I just don’t think that’s the right thing for either of us.’
We stood together in silence for a moment before Marco prompted me on. ‘And the other offer?’
‘I’m going to take the job. You and I both know I’m the best person for it.’
‘I agree that for the team you are definitely the best person.You have talent and I trust you. But I have to say – I don’t think this is perhaps the best thing for you. At least not right now.’
‘It is! It’s the perfect thing, and especially right now! Marco, I need this. Don’t you dare change your mind on me.’
‘Lexi …’
‘Is this because I don’t want to get back together with you?’
His perfect teeth showed in a smile, sudden and genuine. ‘You really thinkI would be that petty?’
