Page 39 of Christmas in Mistletoe
Now it was Fran’s turn to shake her head. “You’re the least diva-ish singer I know.”
Ruby’s gaze snagged hers in the darkness. “I think there’s a compliment buried in there somewhere.”
Fran nodded. “There is. Anyway, I’m glad you’re not angry.” Fran carried on walking, every muscle clenched, breathing out.
“I’m not,” Ruby said. “Plus, some of what you said was true. I should have played to bigger audiences by now, and I’m not going to get a more receptive crowd than Mistletoe. Nobody’s going to pelt me.”
“Only with love,” Fran replied.
Ruby’s breath caught at that, and she stared at Fran. “Where did you come from?” Ruby shook her head and they carried on walking, past two Christmas trees, and then Ruby repeated her actions of the other night. She took Fran’s hand in hers and tugged her across the road and down a tiny lane. “I’ve got something to show you.”
Adrenaline surged through Fran at their contact. “Where are we going?” She could hardly see a thing because the lane was narrow and covered by thick hedges on both sides. “Should I trust you?” Fran smiled as she spoke.
Ahead of her, Ruby chuckled. “I think you know the answer to that. Never trust a singer.” More throaty laughter.
Okay, Fran deserved that.
“We’re nearly there.” Ruby gave Fran a final tug, and they stopped at a clearing in the shrubbery. In four steps, Ruby made it to a wooden gate set back on the right. It was the width of two cars, the wooden slats reaching waist-height. She beckoned Fran over, then placed her own arms on top of the gate.
Fran did the same. She gazed out across the white field into the inky night.
“This,” Ruby said, “is where I come when I need to think. To get peace and quiet. Just far enough off the beaten track, where nobody I know is going to ask me how I am or can I get some milk.” She put a finger in the air. “Can you hear that?”
Fran cocked her head. “What?”
“The sound of silence. It’s the same whenever I come here, day or night. You can’t see its majesty fully at night, but this is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise and across the lane, the sun set.” She pointed to the gate opposite. “I’ve solved many of my problems leaning on these two gates.”
Fran glanced left at Ruby, who was staring straight ahead. “Is this where you bring women to impress them?” Fran winced. It wasn’t what she’d wanted to say.
Ruby turned her head, her features blank. “I’ve never brought anyone else to this place,” she whispered. “I’ve never brought anybody back to Mistletoe, full stop. It’s too special. Too personal. But you live here now, so you’re starting to understand.”
Fran held Ruby’s gaze, tasting fear on her tongue. “I’m honoured to be the first.” There was something in Ruby’s stare that was different to before, when they’d been on the road. Now they were hidden from view, Ruby had changed. Her guard was down. Now it was just Ruby, Fran, and a wide-open space.
A smile danced around the corners of Ruby’s lips as she turned her gaze back to the field. “Who knows, you might need this place to escape to as well. Especially if you’re staying a little longer now your dads aren’t 100 per cent.” She turned back. “You and me, we’re different to everyone else around here.”
“We don’t live here full-time.”
Ruby nodded. “We get both sides of the story. Country life and London life. But it’s more than that. I never would have said it when I first met you, but you’re not like anyone else I’ve ever met. You surprise me every time I meet you.” Ruby frowned, then turned away. “You know what, ignore me. I’m probably talking nonsense.”
Something wet landed on Fran’s face. She looked up to the sky, which was brighter than before, despite it being late. She knew why now. It was starting to snow. She glanced over at Ruby. “It’s snowing.”
Ruby stuck out her tongue. “I can see.” She moved along the gate until she stood right next to Fran, their bodies almost touching. “We should huddle together. For warmth. Mistletoe rules.”
“I don’t want to go against those.”
Ruby’s body heat crackled next to Fran. Something kicked in her chest. This was dangerous. However, she didn’t move. The Christmas card they were living in had just become animated. A little like her thoughts.
“How am I surprising you?” Fran couldn’t let that comment slide. It had sounded delicious when it dropped from Ruby’s lips.
“You’re making an effort with everyone. You came back. You’refitting in. You’re not who I thought you were.” Ruby turned her head.
Fran squinted in the flakes. “Not such a city slicker?”
Ruby didn’t flinch as she replied. “You’re infinitely better.”
Fran’s heart rippled.
Ruby still stared, her cheeks flushed, her gaze intense.
