Page 68 of Fe
Ripley pushed to his feet. “Do you want some?”
“No, thanks. Finish it off. Oh look, it’s snowing again.”
Ripley emptied the pan onto his plate and glanced out of the window. “So it is.” He came back to the table and sat down.
“I love snow,” Fen said. “I wish it snowed more in London.”
“The lightest fall brings everything to a halt in the city.”
“Including me. But when there’s no traffic, no noise, just feathery flakes fluttering down and covering everything, it’s lovely. Unless you’re homeless, I guess.”
“Want to go for a walk?”
Fen beamed at him. “Yes. Round the block? I would love that.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.”
Ripley could think of plenty he’d rather do but to see that look on Fen’s face… He felt as if he’d have walked to the South Pole if Fen was by his side.
The look was still there when they set off from the house. Ripley was in his ski jacket, walking boots, beanie hat and thermal gloves. Fen wore what was probably his only coat, the Doc Martens he always seemed to have on his feet, and a hat and gloves that had seen better days.
“No crutch?” Ripley squinted as the snow flew into his face.
“Not good in the snow or on wet surfaces. If it snowed a lot, I’d buy a spike attachment for the end but tonight I have you to hang onto.”
Without hesitation, Ripley crooked his elbow and Fen slipped his gloved hand through.
“I figure, as long as you don’t slip, you’ll catch me if I fall.”
“I’ll try not to slip.”
“Oh, look at the lights.” Fen aahed as they headed down the road. “Some of your neighbours have gone to so much trouble.”
Ripley glanced into the window of the house they were passing. It was dominated by a tree smothered in white lights and silver stars. He’d been trying to forget Christmas was coming. Impossible, but he still tried. Though it made no difference to the pain he felt.
Assuming Fen agreed to be with him, would he think it odd if Ripley asked him to go and stay with his mother over Christmas? Probably not if he told Fen why.Except he didn’t want to tell him why.Or I could lie, say I need to go to mine.There was no way Fen would want to go with him after the ring incident. Ripley’s worries eased. He’d figure something out so he could spend Christmas alone—drunk.
As they turned the corner, Fen slipped and clutched at him.
“All right?” Ripley asked.
“Yes. Selfie time again.” Fen held up his camera and leaned into him. “Smile!”
Ripley tried.
“A proper smile.”
He tried again.
“Oh that’s lovely,” Fen whispered. “We could be in a ski resort.”
The snow was falling less thickly now. There was hardly anyone around. Ripley had never walked arm in arm with anyone, nor held hands in public. He was out but not quite that out. The thought made him smile.
“We’ll cut through the park and head back,” Ripley said and they headed over the road.
“Alistair has suggested I set up as a self-employed restorer. He offered to give me pieces to work on.”
“Do you want to do that?”
