Page 68 of The Best Little Christmas Shop
Chapter Fourteen
I woke the next morning unable to move. Finally managing a wriggle, I lifted my head and looked down. Apollo was sprawled out on top of the bed, and me, with a serene look on his face, snoring gently. Dogs were definitely family in our house but they weren’t allowed on the beds, not least because with a habit of always finding the biggest pooch in the rescue centre, it leftlittle room for the humans to whom the bed belonged. As expertly demonstrated by Apollo right now.
‘Apollo. Come on, boy, wake up.’
The dog continued to snore. I made an attempt at wiggling. He groaned, shuffled, and snored.
‘Apollo! Get off! I need a wee!’ At this, he opened his eyes, looking as bleary as I felt. ‘Seriously, boy, if that happens we’re both going to be in trouble with Mum.You’re not even supposed to be on here.’
He gave a little whine.
‘I know. My fault. I won’t tell if you don’t, so long as you get down now.’
Apollo gave a little sigh and stood up. I let out an “oof” as he stretched, putting one front paw on my stomach and arched his back down. I gritted my teeth. ‘That’s really not helping matters, dog.’
Wrapping myself in the oversized, thick fleecy dressinggown I’d found hanging new in my wardrobe when I’d got home, I opened the door ready to mooch over to the house for breakfast before work. Luckily, I wasn’t starting early today. I’d finally risked a look in the mirror when brushing my teeth and what greeted me hadn’t been good. The fine snow that had given Apollo a dusting last night had built itself up into a heavier effort overnight and acovering of white now draped itself over everything, softening edges and muffling sounds.
Yanking on my wellies, I let Apollo out and he raced down the steps, leaving paw prints in the pristine snow and then another less adorable sign of his presence. Pulling a bag out of my pocket – like any good dog owner, it was a rare piece of clothing that didn’t have a poo bag secreted in it somewhere –I tidied up and dropped the bag in the bin on my way into the house. Crossing to the sink, I washed my hands and then flopped down at the long kitchen table, it’s. pine faded and worn from many years of use and scrubbing. Mum came in from the living room and wrapped her arms around my shoulders, dropping a kiss on my cheek.
‘Morning, darling.’
‘Hi, Mum.’
She bustled about and moments latera steaming cup of tea was placed in front of me. Mum took the chair next to me.
‘What would you like for breakfast?’
I took a sip of the tea and savoured its soothing heat as it warmed its way down. ‘It’s all right. I’ll get something in a minute if I feel like it.’
‘I don’t mind doing it.’
‘I know.’
‘Actually, I’d quite like to make the most of fussing over you if you’re thinking of takingthat job with the new team. You know there’s always a job here for you, if you want it. The boys say you’ve been such a help with the shop since you came home. I know it’s different but I’m just saying, the option is there if you ever fancy a change.’
‘I know. And thank you. I have actually enjoyed getting stuck in and working with them more than I thought I would. But … being a race engineeris what I know. What I’m good at.’
‘You’re allowed to be good at more than one thing, Lexi, darling. And clearly you are. I know the boys don’t say much but honestly, take it from me. You’ve made their lives a lot easier.’
‘Is that emotional blackmail?’
Mum gave a laugh. ‘No. It’s not. I just want you to know that you’re valued here. It’s not just nepotism. You’re already proving yourself areal asset to the business, so just don’t jump into anything you’re not absolutely sure of.’
I took Mum’s hand and fiddled with her engagement ring, twirling it round first one way and then the other. ‘Would you be upset if I started with another team? You know, being away a lot again and stuff?’
‘Not as upset as you are about whatever happened between you and Cal last night I’m thinking.’ Ikept my head down, focused on catching the light with her diamond. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’
I’d learned a long time ago not to play innocent with Mum. ‘I don’t really know.’ I leant my head on her hand and closed my eyes. ‘I know it’s the right thing to do, so why does it feel so wrong?’
‘Maybe you’re trying too hard, my love. Emotions rarely fit into boxes. You have a very logical mind.You know what goes where, and why things work on machines. But that logic just can’t be applied to some decisions. Sometimes you just have to follow your heart.’
‘I am. Sort of.’
Mum gave me a look I’d seen on more than one occasion. Generally, when she thought I was telling porkies.
‘From the look on your face, I’d definitely say this was your logical brain sticking its nose in. Your fatherand I have never told you what you and your brothers should or shouldn’t do. We always thought that the best way for you to learn was to make your own mistakes. So, assuming that wasn’t going to result in anything terrible, we’ve left you to it, offering advice but never dictating. I’m your mother, and it’s hard to see you so sad like this. You’ve had enough pain and seeing you happy and relaxedagain these last few weeks has been wonderful. Having bumped into Cal at the newsagent early this morning, I know for certain that you’re not the only one hurting this morning.’
‘He’ll get over it.’
