Page 97 of The Best Little Christmas Shop
I cleared my throat. ‘As a matter of fact, he did. But I haven’t taken it yet.’
‘But you’re going to?’ Joe said.
‘What did he offer you?’ Dan asked.
I let out a sigh.‘Chief Race Engineer for his new team. He’s announcing his retirement and the new team in a press conference tomorrow.’
‘Chief Race Engineer,’ Mum echoed. ‘Well, that’s marvellous, dear. It’s what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it?’
I looked across the table to her. ‘Yes.’
Her eyes filled with tears. ‘Well, there you go then.’
‘Oh, Mum, please don’t cry! I haven’t even accepted it.’
‘But youhave to if that’s what you want, Lexi.’ Her bright smile, although genuine, clearly took some effort.
‘Oh, Mum.’ I shoved my chair out and hurried past Cal whose body was now practically humming with tension. I scooched down beside my mum, wrapping my arms around her waist as I’d done when I was a child. Just as I still was to her. Her youngest. Her only daughter. Her baby.
‘Honestly, I’m fine!Don’t take any notice of me. I knew it was just a matter of time. But you did seem to be in two minds still about the other job because it put you back down the ladder. I suppose I had my hopes …’ She dabbed at her eyes with one of the Christmas-themed napkins. ‘I’ve just got used to you being here again and incredibly selfishly would love you all to be here all the time, but of course, it isn’tpossible and it’s just me being a silly old duck.’
I squished myself up against her and she bent and kissed the top of my head.
‘You’re not silly or old.’
‘To be fair, she’s not a duck either.’ My dad added, doing his best to lighten the mood. Mum giggled and flicked her napkin at him.
‘Please don’t get upset, Mum. It was just a conversation. And I told him how happy I am here at the moment.’I risked a glance at Cal but he’d switched to studying his water glass.
‘Lex, you have to do what’s best for you,’ Dad said. ‘Whatever it is, we’ll all support you.’
‘Auntie Lexi?’
‘Yes, Harry?’ I stood up, glad of the diversion by my nephew.
‘Does that mean you’re going to miss my birthday party again?’
Excellent. Like I didn’t feel enough of a shit. His mum shushed him and gave me an apologeticlook.
‘No, Harry, sweetie. You know I’ll always do my best to get to all your parties.’ I gave what I hoped was a winning smile and prayed for someone to change the topic. Dad made reference toGame of Thronesand the conversation veered quickly, and thankfully, away from me as I retook my seat.
A short while later, Cal excused himself, saying he had some work to catch up on. He thanked my parentsfor having him, checked that George was OK and happy to go ahead with his sleepover at Harry’s, and then said goodbye to the others. As he wished my brother a happy birthday, Joe swept him into a massive hug and landed a big smacker on his cheek, making him laugh. Cal caught my eye and shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. Joe was so going to feel like crap tomorrow.
With no pretence atsubtlety, my family then disappeared back into the living room, herding a few children who were still up way past their bedtime, and leaving Cal and I stood together in the kitchen.
‘Sorry. They’re not very good at subtle.’ I pulled a face and tried to smile, but it felt awkward. ‘They mean well, and they’ll get used to it.’
‘Used to what?’
‘Us.’
‘You mean the non-us.’
I met his eyes, hopingfor a flicker of amusement but there was none.
‘Congratulations on the job offer.’
I nodded.
