Page 56 of Christmas in Mistletoe
“Maybe you could be that person.” A light bulb flickered in Fran’s brain. “In fact, they’re coming in today and it’s the lead singer, Tenny, who’s having the biggest jitters. Would you stick around and talk to her? Damian’s tried, but coming from you, it would mean so much more.”
Delilah checked her phone. “Sure. I’m having lunch with Jules and Niall, but after that?”
“That would be brilliant. Thank you.”
Delilah put a hand on Fran’s leg. “Anything for you.”
Right at that moment, Damian came back with the coffees. He put them on the table in front of them, then ran away.
Fran put a hand to her forehead. “Perfect. Now Damian thinks we’re back on.”
“Sorry.” Delilah put her hands in the air like she was under arrest. “I’ll keep my hands to myself from now on.”
Fran shook her head. “It’s fine.” She grabbed the coffees and gave one to Delilah.
Delilah peeked under the lid. “Damn that boy. He remembered no milk.”
“He’s good. It’s why I keep him on.”
Delilah leaned back on the sofa and eyed Fran. “Who’s this woman you might be having a thing with?” Something flickered across her face, but Fran couldn’t quite place it. Regret? If it was, she was a little late.
Fran put her head back, before tilting it towards Delilah. “Ruby O’Connell. Her parents own a Christmas tree farm in Mistletoe, and my dads bought the cottage next door. And yes, I know that sounds like the plot of a Hallmark Christmas movie. She lives in London usually, but she’s back there helping out her parents for Christmas.” Fran paused. “She’s also a shit-hot folk singer who I tried to sign, and she turned me down.”
“Ouch,” Delilah replied. “Before or after you slept with her?”
Fran laughed. “Way before. Seven months ago. Her living in Mistletoe was a head-fuck at first, but we’re over our differences now.” Fran got up and grabbed her phone from her desk, ignoring the interested looks from her colleagues.
“Have you heard of her?” Fran sat back down.
Delilah wrinkled her forehead. “I don’t think so. I’ve been too busy touring to listen to any new music.”
Fran called up Ruby’s new song on her phone. “Her new single is incredible.” She hit play.
Delilah listened, rapt.
When Fran clicked stop, Delilah nodded her head approvingly. “That song is dynamite.” She paused, glancing at Fran. “You think this could go somewhere? Not the music, but with her?”
Fran swallowed down a breath. “I think it could. It’s early days, but signs are promising.”
“I’m pleased for you. You deserve love from someone better than me.” She put up her hand. “And before you tell me I wasn’t that bad—”
“I wasn’t going to,” Fran replied.
Delilah mimed a dagger to her heart. “Wow, you’re harsh. But I know I put you through it, so I deserve it. I’m just pleased you’ve found someone who wants the same thing you do. We were wrong time, wrong place.”
Fran nodded. “We were.”
“But we can still be friends, right?”
Fran eyed her, then nodded. Perhaps enough time had passed and they really could be. Like proper grown-ups. “I guess we can.”
“Fabulous.” Delilah sat forward and sipped her coffee. “That single is amazing, by the way. It’s still going around in my head.” She got her phone from her bag, called up Ruby on Spotify and hit follow. “She’s still not signed? Doing this on her own?”
“She is. Adamant. She’s been burned by a label before. I’m leaving it for now, but I’d love to see her hit the big time.”
Delilah shrugged. “You can’t force her. People have got to come to it in their own time. A bit like coming out and being yourself.” She eyed Fran. “But I agree. She could be big.”
It was good to hear confirmation of that from Delilah. It made a difference.
