Page 35 of Christmas in Mistletoe
“If it’s not, you could use The Bar. It’s free until it opens at six and the shop has good Wi-Fi. I’m sure Victoria wouldn’t mind. That way, you get your own office of sorts.”
“That would be a lifesaver if it’s still down.”
“Leave it with me and I’ll ask.”
“Thank you,” Fran said. “By the way, I love your hat. Very on-brand.”
“That’s me. I’m not a singer while I’m here. Just a Christmas-tree seller.”
More customers approached Ruby.
“I don’t think you’re ‘just’ anything.” Fran pulled her hat further down her forehead. “I’ll see you later.”
Ruby captured her gaze. “You will.”
* * *
Fran wokeup the next morning to a text from Ruby: ‘The Bar as your office is go. Just go to the store. Victoria’s expecting you.’
She grinned at her phone: at least that was working, even if the reception was patchy. Once she’d picked up Dad and Pop from the hospital and settled them back here, she could work at The Bar this afternoon. At least then, the time in Mistletoe wouldn’t be such a bust.
Three hours later and after lunch with her parents, Fran walked up Farm Lane, nodding at the horsey tree, then the Elvis tree, before she reached Mistletoe Stores. The trees were already such a part of the village and her daily life. She was going to miss them when they were taken down. Dad and Pop had been so thrilled to see her this morning. Bringing them home and making lunch of toasted tuna sandwiches (Pop’s favourite) and strong coffee had made them wildly happy, too.
If Fran was being honest, it had done the same for her. These daily pleasures of just sitting and having lunch with her parents was something she didn’t do often. When she came home, it was often just for 24 hours on a weekend, and she was always rushing, meeting someone else or checking her phone. In Mistletoe, Fran slowed down.
Now she stood outside the store, admiring the window display. Panettone, Florentines, and those German gingerbread biscuits she loved. She hadn’t expected that here. They were mixed in with more local biscuits, Christmas puddings, and yule logs. Her mouth watered as she pushed open the door to the shop. She had to buy a panettone. It was one of her go-to Christmas treats.
“Hey Fran! How are you? How’s your dad doing after his fall?”
Fran approached Victoria who was behind the counter. She really did look nothing like her sister. “Doing well, thanks. Just brought him home this morning, so I’ve left them both on the sofa with a Christmas movie. They do love a festive film.”
“Who doesn’t?” Victoria motioned with her hand. “Come behind the counter. We have a secret door to the bar from here. I’ve put the heater on, and help yourself to a coffee from the machine. The cups are behind the bar.”
Fran followed her through as Victoria hit the lights. The bar looked a lot bigger now it was empty of people. “I really do appreciate this, you’ve no idea. I’ll leave some money for the coffee. Also, I want to buy some panettone and Florentines while I’m here. I love your display, very festive.”
Victoria gave her a smile. “You’re welcome to use the space whenever. It’s just sitting there otherwise. Plus, you’re a local now. In Mistletoe, this is what we do.”
Fran was discovering that.
Chapter 15
It was justafter 8pm when Ruby arrived at The Bar. She’d been in the Christmas tree yard for 12 hours, and she needed a break. When she walked in, a rousing rendition of ‘White Christmas’ was underway, with Audrey, Sue, and Penny all in fine voice. They’d clearly been here since the place opened at six. What Ruby hadn’t expected to see was Fran in the middle of them, dressed in her regulation black. She must have worked here all day, and then stayed. Fran was truly turning into a local. That thought made Ruby smile.
“Ruby!” Audrey jumped to her feet as the chorus kicked in, shouting. “Your new friend is proving herself an asset to the community. She knows all the words to ‘White Christmas’, along with many other songs. Apparently, she works in the music business, did you know?”
Ruby was pretty sure Audrey knew that already, but had forgotten. It wasn’t unusual.
“I told her she has to help with your music.” Yup, she was still shouting. “I mean, Fran’s in London, you’re in London. It could be a good match, right?” Audrey tapped the side of her nose with her index finger and gave Ruby an exaggerated wink.
Ruby walked to the bar, giving Fran a slight wave.
Fran waved back, also miming the words ‘help me’ to Ruby.
Ruby shook her head. Fran was going to have to get out of this one herself.
Five minutes later, Ruby pulled up a chair and joined the group.
“Is it a bad sign you’re in here when the farm is still open?” Sue put both elbows on the table, her chin in her palms.
