Page 57 of Christmas in Mistletoe
“Anyway, as my friend, how about dinner tonight?” Delilah asked.
Fran took a deep breath, then nodded. “You’re on.”
Chapter 23
Scott leaneda Christmas tree against Ruby’s till point, then gave his sister a wink. At seven feet, the tree was 12 inches taller than him. Scott’s dark hair was hidden under his black bobble hat, his cheeks red from the cold.
“The Varnish family tree. They should be around here somewhere?” Scott’s gaze raked the barn. It stopped at an excited young boy running in their direction. “And there’s the smallest. I gave him a ride on the quad bike earlier. I’m now his best friend forever.”
As if backing up that claim, the young boy ran up to Scott and gave him a super-sized grin. “Hey, Scott!”
“Hey, Aaron.” Scott stood back. “Here’s your tree. Ready to take it home?”
Aaron’s eyes were wide as he nodded, looking at the tree like it was the best thing he’d ever seen.
Ruby couldn’t help but smile as his parents appeared, along with an older sister who was far too cool for Christmas. This family were like so many who came to Mistletoe Farm. Choosing their tree signalled the official start of their festive season. Mistletoe Farm was all about making memories, and Ruby was proud to be a part of it.
“I’ll leave you in the very capable hands of my sister, Ruby, to wrap it for you.” Scott walked away.
Mrs Varnish peered at Ruby. “Are you doing the gig on Saturday?”
Heat worked its way to Ruby’s cheeks. “That’s me.”
The woman waggled a finger between herself and her husband. “We’re coming, and we can’t wait! We used to go to loads of gigs before we had kids. I’ve been listening to your stuff and you’re amazing. I can’t believe you’re serving us a Christmas tree.”
Ruby netted the tree with a smile, clambering over her embarrassment. “I hope you’re happy with the tree and the concert.”
“We can’t wait. We love it here. Any excuse to come back.”
It seemed like the gig was doing its job.
When the family left, Ruby glanced at her phone. No message from Fran yet today.
Fran had sent one when she got back to London yesterday, and it had left Ruby in no doubt that Fran had enjoyed Monday night just as much as she had. However, they were still separated by distance this week, and it was gnawing at Ruby. She had to remember she lived in London usually, and after Christmas, she and Fran would both be there together.
If they were an item by then. Ruby ran her fingers over the top of her woollen hat. She wanted her and Fran to work more than she’d care to admit. What’s more, if Ruby had made a different decision, she could have been in London with Fran right now.
Somehow, Mistletoe had sucked her back in. But this year was different. She was happy to be helping out and spending time with her family. But something had shifted inside her. Was it time for a change? Could this be the last year she’d be netting Christmas trees? Her dad’s words had got through. Fran’s words had got through. Even the words from her last customer, who couldn’t believe she was serving her. Ruby shouldn’t be here. She should be in London with Fran. In London, working on her career.
That thought pulled her up short. Had Fran made that much of an impact on Ruby?
Ruby needed to get out of her comfort zone. But even as she thought that, doubts began to surface. Playing here was one thing. Playing to big crowds elsewhere was quite another. She made enough money doing what she did. It wasn’t a lavish life, but she got by. Not every artist had to be a big star, did they?
Damn it, she confused herself. No wonder she’d been stalling, unable to move forward.
Fran’s words rang in Ruby’s ears.‘Putting your career on hold for a month every year is something most people wouldn’t do.’Was she self-sabotaging without realising it? Ruby ground her teeth together. Not only was Fran sexy. She was also shining a light on all the areas Ruby had been steadfastly trying to ignore.
Her phone ringing broke Ruby’s train of thought. She glanced at the screen. It was Fran. She looked around the barn. Her mum was to her right, chatting with a customer. “Mum?”
Mary turned.
“Can you cover the till point for five minutes?” She held up her phone. “I just need to take this call.”
Mary nodded. “No problem.”
Ruby scooted over to the barn office, which did nothing to dispel memories of just how sexy Fran was. She still very vividly recalled two nights earlier, when Fran fucked her against the desk she was now leaning on. She could easily have sat on the sofa, or even in the office chair. But somehow, perching on this desk, legs spread, was her new favourite position.
“Hello to you,” Ruby said. “Guess where I am?”
