Page 55 of Christmas in Mistletoe
Delilah sat beside her, kicking her legs out. Unlike Ruby, Delilah’s legs were short. They’d sat next to each other like this a thousand times when they were together. However, now Delilah didn’t need to police her every action around Fran, she seemed more relaxed. Which was more than a little sad.
“How’s the tour going?”
“Really well. The crowds are so responsive, I’m blown away. It’s everything I wanted, and it’s all down to you.”
Fran raised an eyebrow. “It might have something to do with you, too.”
“You know what I mean. You signed me.”
Fran snagged her ex’s gaze. “Those start-up days were heady, weren’t they? Playing those smaller clubs all around London. Look at you now, playing major venues.”
Delilah nodded. “It’s amazing. Also fucking exhausting. I’ll be glad to just chill at my flat for a few days and do nothing.” She paused. “Maybe you’d like to catch up over dinner one night?”
Fran’s bum cheeks clenched. Dinner with Delilah was not a small thing. Paparazzi followed her everywhere. There would be photographs, and she knew how it would look to Ruby. They were still so new. Then again, it would be lovely to catch up. She’d just have to warn Ruby first.
“I’d love to,” Fran said. “Gretchen not around?” Gretchen was the singer Delilah was dating, also still in the closet.
Delilah shook her head. “She’s in Canada. Staying there for Christmas, catching up with her folks. She’s coming back for New Year.” Delilah sighed. “The most trying time of the year is on us again.”
“No change with your parents?”
Delilah shook her head. “About as likely as a meteor strike. But you’ll be impressed.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve decided I’m going to do the deed this year and come out to them. My tour’s wrapped until after Christmas, so my plan is to drive to their place and tell them.”
“Over Christmas dinner?” Fran was horrified. “Maybe not the best time.”
“Christmas Eve. Don’t worry, I have a back-up plan. If they throw me out — highly likely — I’m going to my cousin’s. But in the unlikely event they want me to stay, I will. I’ve done too much avoiding over the past few years, and it’s causing me anxiety. My therapist and I decided to tackle it head-on.”
“Therapist?” Fran was amazed. Delilah had resisted all help when they’d been together.
“Yep. I might not have acted on anything you said, but Iwaslistening. Everything you said was right. It’s time to be brave.” Delilah fiddled with her hair. “How are your dads?”
“They’re good. They’ve moved to a small village called Mistletoe. It’s like living in a Christmas card.”
Delilah spluttered. “How are you feeling about that? Ms ‘Christmas is just an overblown roast dinner’?”
“I said that in the village bar. It didn’t go down well.”
“I can imagine.” Delilah looked her up and down. “What about you? The label going well?”
Fran nodded. “It is. Fast Forward are breaking out in style. They could be bigger than you.”
Delilah smiled. “I hope they are. Girl power and all that.” She clenched her fist and pumped it up. “Talking of girls, how are things in that department. Are you seeing anyone?”
Fran bit her lip, trying to damp down her emotions. Was she? On their first unofficial date, they’d shagged in Ruby’s parents’ office. It was hardly what she’d call a relationship just yet. “Kind of. Sort of.”
Delilah’s clenched fist stayed that way as she nodded.
Fran threw up her hands. “I don’t know. We slept together on Monday, and then I had to rush back because Fast Forward are having a meltdown. I should have been here anyway, so that was my fault. But this woman is… She’s…” Fran paused. What was she? So many things. Sexy. Smart. Gorgeous. Infuriating. But they probably weren’t things Fran should be telling Delilah of all people. “I don’t know what she is.”
“It sounds like she’s got you in a spin.”
“Something like that.” Fran held up her hands. “But now I’m back dealing with pop stars, like normal.”
Delilah sat up. “Why are Fast Forward having a meltdown? I love their Christmas single.”
Fran gave Delilah a tight smile. “They’re new on the music scene. They’re getting a whole lot of flack on social media because they’re women. Remember what it was like being new to the business and having a vagina?”
Delilah raised both eyebrows. “I do, and I’m still dealing with it every day. They need to get off social media and ignore it, but it’s tough at the start. I wish someone had told me in no uncertain terms.”
