Page 34 of Christmas in Mistletoe
She fiddled with the settings, and turned her laptop on and off again, which was normally the magic bullet. Still no go. She grabbed her phone, and tried to get the hotspot to work, but the universe was against her tonight.
Fran sighed, glancing out of her window. She checked her watch. Just gone 7pm. The farm would still be open and hopefully busy now they’d hit December. Perhaps she could work down there for a couple of hours? She could buy a coffee and a sandwich for their trouble.
Plus, she’d get to see Ruby, who’d been pressing on her mind for the whole day. Just to say hi. Let Ruby know she was back. Nothing more.
Making the decision and not second-guessing herself, Fran stamped down the grey carpeted staircase and wrapped up again.
Minutes later she walked down the farm drive, her laptop bag hanging from her thermal-gloved fingers. The farmhouse lights were off, but the main courtyard lights were blazing. It was Thursday, December 6th. Not long until Christmas. The courtyard was busy with customers shopping, eating and drinking at the picnic tables, and carrying trees to their cars. Fran popped her head into the cafe and the shop. They were both bustling, but no Ruby. She walked through to the Christmas tree barn.
Ruby was serving a customer. Her hair was tied up today, put under a thick Mistletoe Farm beanie, complete with mistletoe knitted into the design. She was wearing blue jeans, scuffed Doc Marten boots and a coat that looked like it had its own central heating system. Standing in a barn open to the elements all day long, Ruby needed it.
Fran arrived at her till just as Ruby finished serving the customers.
“It’s a Noble fir, so non-drop. Pots are in the shop on the way out, as are stands, wreaths and mistletoe. Don’t forget the mistletoe. Who doesn’t like a kiss at Christmas?”
The couple chuckled at Ruby’s joke, and thanked her.
Ruby ripped the receipt from the credit card machine. When she looked up, her smile grew wider as she clocked Fran.
Ruby said goodbye to her customers before addressing her. “If it isn’t the Londoner returned. I guess you’re back to see your dads don’t break any more bones.”
“That’s the idea, but boys will be boys. Even when they’re in their mid-60s.”
“My dad’s the same. Although I fell off a ladder the other day, so there’s an epidemic of clutz around.” Ruby’s cheeks coloured red.
Fran stepped forward. “Are you okay?”
Ruby shrugged, snagging her gaze. “I’m fine.”
Fran saw Ruby’s lips moving, and tried not to stare. She failed. Suddenly, she’d forgotten why she was there and what she was meant to be doing. Ruby was having a detrimental effect on her ability to go about her daily life.
“I liked your joke about kissing.” Had that really just jumped out of Fran’s mouth? Apparently, it had.
Ruby blushed a little more, and stuck her hands in her pockets. “It’s Mistletoe. Gotta give the punters what they want, right?” She paused, looking Fran up and down. “Do I spy a new, more Mistletoe-appropriate coat? And a yellow one at that?”
Fran did a twirl. “You do. The city girl splashed some new colour into her wardrobe. Somebody told me colour affects your mood, so I thought I’d buy a coat of my favourite shade.” She grinned. “I bought some new clothes, too.” Fran patted her head. “Do you like my new hat and gloves?”
Ruby gave an approving nod. “Very much.”
“Plus, I bought some fleece-lined boots. I am ready for the season. No more freezing my tits off.”
“Tits are important, so it’s a good move.” Ruby cleared her throat, then shifted her gaze to the floor. “How long are you staying?”
“At least until Sunday. Which is why I’m here. My dads’ Wi-Fi is down. Is yours working?”
Ruby nodded. “It is.” She fished in her pocket for her keys. “You want to take these and work at the kitchen table? Nobody’s in the house, but you’re welcome.”
Fran shook her head. “No, that would be weird. I thought I could just sit in the cafe and work there?”
“Be my guest. Joyce is working tonight with Ben. Just tell them not to disturb you.”
“Thank you. Hopefully tomorrow it’ll work again.”
Ruby wrinkled her nose.
Fran fought the urge to tell her she looked cute when she did that.
Be cool.
