Page 36 of Christmas in Mistletoe
“It’s been pretty busy today, so the lull isn’t unwelcome. Plus, there are still a bunch of staff working, so things are okay.” Ruby glanced at Fran. “Did you get your work done?”
Fran nodded. “I did. I’ve been trying to go home since six, but everyone keeps telling me I have to stay. Particularly since Victoria put the Christmas hits on, and the singing commenced. Any tips on making a great escape? I’ve messaged my dads, but they’ve ordered Thai food and told me I could stay as long as I want.”
“The Bar can do that to you,” Ruby replied. “It can suck you in like a vortex, and in the end, you’re not quite sure what day it is or what your last name is. How many times have you woken up asleep on the sofa over there, Audrey?”
Audrey waved her hand. “Who’s counting?” She gave Ruby a grin. “More than you, but less than Norman?”
“Which is pretty bad, considering you live four doors down.”
“I still look good on it, don’t I?” Audrey gave Ruby her side profile. “Unlike Norman over there, who’s got a face like a dropped pie. Plus, it’s your sister’s fault. She shouldn’t have such comfy sofas, should she?”
All of a sudden, the music was turned up.
Ruby turned her head.
Victoria had a grin on her face. “Come on, little sis.”
Ruby shook her head. “Uh-uh. You know my thoughts about karaoke.”
“This isn’t karaoke! This is you singing in your sister’s bar with a tiny audience of,” Victoria glanced around the bar. “Seven people. Eight if you count Norman, but he’s asleep in the corner. Plus, Fran’s never heard you sing this song.” Victoria waved her hands. “Sing up! I’m going to put it back to the start.” She pointed. “Pick up Sue’s empty bottle of Peroni: instant makeshift microphone.”
Sue passed the bottle to Ruby.
Ruby took it, every inch of her tight as she took a breath. But maybe she should lighten up. Her sister was right. This wasn’t karaoke. It was almost like singing at home. She did that all the time. Ruby pushed the negative thoughts from her mind and took a breath, before starting to sing along with the Wham! classic, ‘Last Christmas’. As she hit the first chorus, the whole table joined in, Audrey waving her hands in the air, getting the words wrong just like every year.
But what wasn’t like every year was Fran’s eyes on her.
Ruby moved through the chorus and the second verse with silken ease, wrapping her mouth around every lyric. This was the song of her childhood, the song that she and Victoria had sung almost since birth. No Christmas was complete without it on repeat.
As they hit the final chorus, Ruby turned her head to Victoria. She was kneeling on a bar stool, arms in the air, eyes tight shut.
Ruby spun around and clocked the group at the table, blissed-out looks on their faces, belting out the song like they’d written it themselves. Ruby’s gaze stopped moving when she got to Fran.
She was still watching Ruby, a soft smile on her face, head tilted to the side, her blond hair a little messy from her hat.
Fran wasn’t singing.
She simply stared.
A fire heated inside Ruby and rushed up her body, from the inside out. She gathered up all her breath to finish strong. She held Fran’s gaze as she hit the final note, pouring everything into it.
When the song finished, everyone clapped and cheered.
Ruby’s skin tingled as she dropped Fran’s gaze, then scanned the room. It was as if she’d been in a daze. She cleared her throat and painted on a smile.
A searing whistle broke the applause.
Ruby turned. Norman was awake, rubbing his eyes. “I can’t think of a much better way to be woken up than with Ruby’s angelic voice,” he said. “Pint of bitter, when you’re ready, Victoria.”
“You old sweet-talker, Norman.” Ruby swept her gaze back to the table, being sure to avoid Fran.
Sue patted her on the back. “You’re destined for big things. I’ve always said so.”
Ruby’s smile tightened. She heard the same thing every year. “Thanks, Sue.”
“I told Ruby the same when I first saw her earlier this year,” Fran added, getting nods from the crowd. “But while you were singing, I had an idea.” Fran caught Ruby’s gaze. “And before you say no, hear me out. Have you ever thought of putting on a gig at the farm to get people to visit and buy a tree, or better yet, order one for next year?”
Panic ran riot inside Ruby. “I told you, I don’t do bigger gigs. I like more intimate stuff.”
