Page 29 of A Brambleberry Manor Christmas
All the way along the winding drive, I tell myself it wasdancing with Bob that made me feel this way. It wasn’t anything to do withNoah. Deep down, though, I know I’m kidding myself.
What a magical night!
But as I turn out of the snowy drive and onto the road backto Sunnybrook, reality crashes in as I wonder how things will be with Taviewhen I get home.
She flounced off to school without even shouting a goodbyethis morning. Grounding her and warning her she might miss her party prettymuch guarantees me a frosty reception tonight – that’s if she even bothers toemerge from her room.
Hopefully, she’ll be asleep so I won’t have to face her.
I hate the feeling of relief this thought brings me. Itshouldn’t be like this…
I’m putting the kettle on when I hear her bedroom door open…footstepsrunning down the stairs. She bursts into the room, all smiles.
‘Guess what? I’m going to St Lucia for Christmas!’
CHAPTER TEN
‘St Lucia?’ I murmur. ‘What…but when?’
‘I was on a Zoom call with Mum and then the kids got out ofbed and wanted to join in, and Danny told me. We’re all going. Mum just bookedit as a surprise. We’re flying off the day before Christmas Eve.’
‘Really? But that’s less than a week away,’ I say with atwinge of alarm.
‘I know. But it’ll only take me ten minutes to pack.’
I laugh. Her excitement is infectious. ‘Yes. And then I’llhave to unpack your case and do it all again.’
‘Well, you’re far better at packing than I am. Ooh, I’llneed some new clothes!’ She pulls me into an ecstatic hug. It’s so unexpectedthat for a second, my arms hang limply. Then I hug her back tightly. ‘Oh,Jenny, I can’t believe I’ll be spending Christmas with Danny and Megan. AndMum, of course.’
I nod as she pulls away. ‘It’s wonderful news.’
Her ecstatic smile slips. ‘You’ll be okay, though, won’t you?I mean, you’ll probably be quite glad not to have me making your life a miseryon Christmas Day.’
I smile ruefully. ‘You’d never do that.’
‘Well, I might. But just think, you’ll be able to stay inyour pyjamas all day and eat whatever you like and watch lots of crappy TV. Andyou won’t have to put up with my loud music or wet towels on the bathroomfloor. It’ll be great. Won’t it?’
She searches my face and a lump forms in my throat realisingshe’s genuinely concerned about me.
‘Of course it will.’ I force a smile. ‘Don’t you worry aboutme. I’ll be having a ball while you’re whooping it up with your family.’
‘Oh, my God, I can’t believe it, Jenny.’ She grabs me andjumps up and down excitedly, and I join her, but we’re a little out of step andwe end up crashing into each other and laughing.
The next morning, she goes off to school – the last day ofterm – with a big smile on her face, and I’m so pleased for her. I love thatVivian has thought to include her in their family trip.
It will mean so much to Tavie…
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Menu – Day 3
Turkey & all the trimmings
Prawn & avocado cocktail
***
Turkey, pigs-in-blankets & roast potatoes
