Page 67 of Christmas in Mistletoe
Ruby took off her helmet and shook her hair. Her skin prickled. She threw her helmet onto the back of the bike and did the same with Fran’s. Then they stood looking at each other.
A shy smile graced Fran’s face. “That was pretty cool. This morning I left London a little uncertain and praying I made it back. Now I’ve got a girlfriend who can wield a chainsaw and ride a quad bike. I feel like all my lesbian Christmases have come at once.” Fran ruffled her hair and moved closer to Ruby. “Thanks for believing in me.”
Ruby’s smile loosened. “I had my doubts this week, but you’re here and that’s the main thing. But I need to get ready. Walk me back to the farmhouse?”
Fran threaded an arm through Ruby’s.
They walked through the tree barn, busy with Saturday buyers, then out into the equally buzzing courtyard. Ruby’s feet crunched on the grit her parents had put down this morning, just in case.
“Have you remembered the words to the Christmas hits yet?”
Ruby shook her head, eyeing the stage as they passed. “Don’t.” She walked up to it, nodding at the stage floor. “Victoria came up with a wicked back-up plan.” Laminated lyric sheets were already stapled to the floor. “Just in case stage fright renders me numb.” They carried on walking towards the house. “Tonight’s sold out,” Ruby added. “The weather’s good, so it’s going to be in the courtyard. 500 tickets all gone. There aren’t many gigs around here, so people are really coming out.”
Fran squeezed Ruby’s arm. “They’re also coming to seeyou. Because you’re amazing.”
Ruby took the compliment on the chin. It was a perfect winter’s day, that would hopefully lead into the perfect winter’s night. Crisp, clear, a success.
They pulled up outside the front door.
Fran dropped Ruby’s arm.
Ruby already missed her. “Stop by the barn to say hi beforehand if you like.” She tried to sound casual, but she wasn’t sure it worked.
“I don’t want to ruin your preparations.”
Ruby leaned forward and kissed Fran’s lips. “I promise: you being there won’t ruin a thing.”
Chapter 28
Fran walked backdown the farm drive a few hours later with her parents: it hummed with activity. She could taste the anticipation in the air.
From being sure about Ruby, now Fran had nerves on Ruby’s behalf. However, nerves were good. Fran had worked with enough acts to know that. But tonight was different.
This was Ruby getting over her personal demons, as well as performing to all the people she loved the most.
The crowd ahead was already thick, and Fran had to shout to clear a path for her pop. He hobbled towards the stage on crutches, Dad guiding his every step. They were so sweet together, and they’d been the perfect role models for Fran. She wanted that in her relationship, too. She hoped she might have found it with Ruby.
They located the elevated seats Mary and Paul had reserved for them, and Fran got her parents settled.
“We’re in the VIP section by the look of it,” Pop said.
Dad gave Pop a smug smile. “It pays to be in with the farm owners.”
“Beer? Mulled wine?” Fran asked.
Dad shook his head. “Mulled cider. Paul introduced me to it this week and it’s delicious.”
Pop scoffed. “I’m surprised you’re going back in after the way you felt the morning after.”
Dad gave him a shy grin. “I’m not planning on drinking quite as much tonight. I just got a bit excited on Wednesday.” He paused. “Can you get us a couple of buttered pretzels, too?” He rubbed his hands together. “I love living near a Christmas tree farm. Christmas treats on tap!”
The queues at the bar were minimal, and Fran got a hug from Victoria when she got there.
“I’m so pleased you made it back, I know it means the world to Ruby. Especially after this week and everything that went on with...” Victoria’s eyes widened. She dropped Fran’s gaze and cleared her throat.
“Everything that went on with what?” What had Ruby said?
Victoria shook her head. “Just the gig, her forgetting her lines. It’s been a stressful week.” Victoria’s cheeks coloured purple. “Have you seen Ruby yet?”
