Page 37 of Christmas in Mistletoe
“But this would only be a few hundred, max. Plus, surely Mistletoe is the exception?” Fran’s face was a question mark. “It’s your home town.Everybodywants you to do well. It would be the equivalent of singing to an audience of super-fans. You’ve just sung to us, and you told me you didn’t do that. Why not break all the rules this year? Feel the fear and do it anyway. Who knows what might happen?” Fran’s words held a challenge.
A tremble ran through Ruby. It wasn’t that she didn’twantto. It was just that, it wasn’t what shedid. But maybe itcouldbe what she did? After all, she dictated her own career.
“Think about it,” Fran continued, her hands animated. “You could do a big festive gig. Invite local crafts people to exhibit their wares. Get people buying everything you’ve got for sale already, too.”
Victoria snapped her fingers at the bar, making Ruby twist around.
“She’s got a good point. You’ve always said you’d do a gig here, but you never have. The stage is already set up. The villagers would love it, as would everyone else. We could put on a bar and do food, too.”
Ruby frowned. “Christmas is nearly here.” She checked the calendar on her phone. “Plus, we couldn’t do the weekend before Christmas, it’s too close. Which means it would have to be next Saturday. A week tomorrow.” But she’d done quicker gigs in London. Could she do it here, too, without her infrastructure around her?
“Would the musicians who play with you make the trip?” Fran asked.
Ruby rocked her head from side to side. “Not sure. If they were free, yes. But I know a few people around here who could fill in if necessary. Eric for one, right?”
Victoria nodded. “He could be your guitarist, no problem.”
Ruby’s body fizzed with excitement and fear. She’d always harboured a secret dream of doing a gig in Mistletoe. But what if nobody came? What if everyone was polite, but they hated her music? She wasn’t worried about flying beer bottles. In Mistletoe, she was worried about the people she loved the most loving her back. But also, of trying something new. What if she failed? Or what if she succeeded?
Fran stared right at her. Fran was pushing Ruby out of her comfort zone and she had no qualms about doing it. Fran made Ruby nervous. She also made her think. On top of that, she was giving Ruby a heated stare that made her truly reconsider their relationship. One that made Ruby’s heart pound in her chest.
“You could even play Ikea at their own game. Offer people something free if they place next year’s order now. A free mulled wine or sprig of mistletoe. Free kiss from Audrey or Norman.” Fran grinned. “I could help with the marketing.”
Audrey beamed. “I’m in! So long as I don’t have to kiss Norman.”
Ruby ignored Audrey, still staring at Fran. “I thought you were going back to London?”
Fran nodded slowly. “I am, but I might be able to switch some things around, particularly now my parents need me. No promises, I’d have to check my schedule, but if I can make it work, I will. Also, I’m a local now, aren’t I? I’m invested in whatever happens here. I have experience of digital marketing. You might as well put me to good use.”
Fran was planning on sticking around?
“What do you think, Rubytubes?” Victoria asked from the bar. “Can we turn this around in a week?”
“We did far more than this back in the war, Ruby!” Audrey told her.
“You’re 72 years old, Audrey,” Norman piped up, as Victoria delivered his pint to his corner table. “You weren’t even born in the war, so stop trying to tell us you were.”
“I’ve read books!” Audrey’s tone was incredulous.
Ruby rubbed the back of her neck. “When you’re finished debating history, let’s get back to the matter at hand. Let’s say it’s a tentative yes. The community pulled together for the festival. We can leave the trees up and do this, too. Anything for Mistletoe Farm. But you have to promise to cheer when I’m on stage, okay?” Ruby’s gaze travelled around the table.
“Of course we will!” Sue replied.
“Try to stop us!” Penny said.
“Cheer?” Audrey added. “We’ll do more than that. We’ll raise the bloody barn roof off!”
Ruby glanced at Fran, who gave her a delicious smile.
Ruby’s stomach flip-flopped. She might have just dropped herself in it big time, but Fran’s smile was worth it.
Chapter 16
Ruby waved Norman off,then zipped up her jacket against the cold.
It was the third different jacket Fran had seen her wear. But at least Fran had one to rival it now.
Ruby glanced at Fran’s loaded bag as they left the bar, the last to leave. “You bought some panettone. I was just wondering who did in Mistletoe. But Victoria says it’s a hit in the shop.”
