Page 47 of A Merry Irish Christmas
‘Then your top, sweatshirt… wear lots of layers.’
‘Then pants next, I guess?’ Evan was struggling to keep a straight face.
‘Pants, then trousers,’ Owen nodded earnestly.
‘Oh, trousersandpants?’ Evan frowned. ‘So is that two pairs of pants?’
‘Oh, sorry – I forgot you call trousers pants. No, just boxers or whatever first, then one pair of pants.’
‘Okay.’
‘Wear your trunks under your clothes and don’t get undressed until you have to. Keep your shoes on until the last minute. Once you’re ready, no hanging around – get in, get out, get warm. That’s the mantra.’
‘Get in, get out, get warm,’ Evan repeated.
‘And watch out for the children. We’ll have a few hardened swimmers heading out first, acting as spotters and keeping an eye on the crowd. But be mindful of everyone. Little kids can get knocked over in the stampede.’ His gaze flicked to Mary. ‘We’ll miss Abbie helping out this year.’
She nodded. Abbie usually acted as a spotter, swimming out ahead and wearing a wetsuit so she could stay in the water longer.
‘Stand on a towel while you’re getting dressed, and don’t rub your hands together. Just let your body warm up naturally. I wouldn’t advise drinking alcohol, even if someone does manage to sneak some past me. But there’ll be plenty of tea, coffee and hot chocolate.’
‘Okay. I think I’m all set.’
‘Other than that,’ Owen said, his features relaxing in a smile, ‘just have fun! Enjoy yourself.’
‘Right. Will do.’
‘Well, I’ll get off,’ Owen said, standing. ‘I’m sure you two want to get to bed.’ He blushed. ‘I mean, to sleep. Early night and all that! Thanks for the tea, Mary.’
‘See you in the morning,’ Evan called as Mary saw Owen to the door.
‘Wow, that guy is… intense,’ Evan said when she returned to the living room. ‘I’m starting to wonder what I’ve let myself in for. You made it sound like fun, but now I’m scared!’
Mary smiled. ‘Don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as he makes it sound. Owen is the safety officer for the swim, and he takes his responsibilities very seriously.’
‘You can say that again.’
‘It is fun, honestly. And there’s nothing like it for working up an appetite for Christmas dinner.’
16
Mary woke at five on Christmas Day, like she used to when she was a kid, only now it was down to jet lag rather than excitement – though she did feel the familiar tingle of magic that Christmas Day always brought in the split second before she remembered her situation. At least she didn’t have to spring out of bed and dash downstairs to see what Santa had brought. Instead, she turned over and tried to get back to sleep. When that didn’t work, she switched on the bedside light, sat up and read.
A couple of hours later, she got up, had a quick shower and dressed in joggers and a sweatshirt. She pulled her hair into a loose ponytail – there was no point washing it now, she’d only have to do it again after the swim. She picked up Evan’s gift-wrapped sweater and padded downstairs. She was going to feel like an idiot giving it to him when he’d have nothing for her, like she was some crazed fan. But there was no shame in doing something nice for someone, she reminded herself, even if it wasn’t reciprocated. She didn’t want to embarrass Evan now that he was being nice to her, but she could pass it off as a thank-you gift for letting her stay in the house with him.
She was surprised to find Evan already up. He was sitting at the table in the dining room with his back to her, gazing out over the sea where a pale sun was edging over the horizon, casting a silvery glow across the water. Light danced and flickered on the surface like thousands of tiny diamonds.
She tiptoed over to the Christmas tree and placed his present beneath it, feeling shy about giving it to him now. It could wait until after breakfast.
‘Good morning! Happy Christmas!’ she called.
‘Happy Christmas!’ He twisted around in his seat and smiled at her.
‘Oh, you’ve had breakfast already?’ she asked as she walked over to him and saw that there was a spoon and an empty bowl in front of him.
‘Just the first course,’ he said, nodding to the bowl. ‘Owen said I should have a hearty breakfast before the swim, so I’m following orders.’ He yawned and stretched sleepily. ‘Anyway, happy Christmas!’ He picked up a slim red envelope she hadn’t noticed sitting by his mug and handed it to her.
‘For me?’ She raised her eyebrows in astonishment as she took it from him.
