Page 60 of Christmas in Mistletoe
Dad was quiet for a few moments before he replied. “She was quizzing us earlier on whether we thought you’d make it, and obviously we were non-committal. We know your work always comes first.”
Ouch. That one stung, even though Fran deserved it. She’d not turned up for her parents too many times. She should change that pattern and commit. Starting now.
“I know this is important and I’ll be there.”
“It is. Not just for Ruby. For the village. But don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
Fran didn’t even live in Mistletoe, but she was already connected. “I’m not. By hook or by crook, I’ll be there. Don’t overdo it and I’ll see you at the weekend.”
Fran clicked off the call, then put Delilah’s name into Google. Sure enough, when she clicked on the images tab, the first ones to pop up were from last night, with Delilah walking beside Fran. Delilah was turning her head and laughing. Fran was referred to as a ‘friend’. She winced. Why couldn’t Delilah have been frowning? Looking like she wasn’t having a good time? At least there was no physical contact. Mainly because there hadn’t been. But Fran saw how it might look from Ruby’s side.
She opened up Ruby’s message again. She needed to reply. Should she bring up the photos and Delilah? Ruby was busy, she might not have seen the photos. Fran hadn’t. She decided to ignore it and focus on what was more important.
‘I’m sure you’re going to kill it on Saturday. Fast Forward could use a little of your stage magic. I can’t wait to see you then. Xxx’
Fran stared at the message for a good few minutes before hitting send. She hoped Ruby knew the effect she was having on her. Ruby wasn’t just another girl, or just another singer.
Ruby could be huge professionally. But also,theycould have something huge, too. Fran was going to make it back for the gig, whatever. Her and Ruby’s future depended on it.
Even though she’d have to get the train and it wouldn’t stop bloody snowing.
Chapter 25
“Let’s go again.From the top?” Ruby clutched the mic and sighed deeply. This evening wasn’t going to plan so far, and it was doing nothing for her nerves for Saturday. She glanced around the empty bar. It was Thursday, but they were opening an hour late so they had time to rehearse. Ruby had no doubt Norman was outside in his Morris Minor, frowning.
“Do you want to take five?” Eric rested his right elbow on the top of his electric-acoustic guitar, currently hanging from the well-worn brown leather strap around his neck. Eric was a seasoned performer and had been in many bands. This gig wasn’t fazing him one bit.
Ruby shook her head. “No, I have to get this right. I can’t believe I keep fucking up the words to ‘Fairytale Of New York’. It’s a Christmas standard, for fuck’s sake.”
Eric furrowed his brow. “You’re very sweary today and you’re making me a little nervous.”
Perhaps the tendrils of doubt from yesterday’s call with Fran were beginning to seep through. It hadn’t helped seeing photos of Delilah and Fran together today. Ruby’s mum had helpfully pointed them out to Ruby over lunch. Mum had no idea of Fran and Delilah’s history. Or what their present might be. Ruby, however, was fully aware. Fran had sent a vague text earlier telling her she’d be great on Saturday, but was she even coming? What if Delilah wanted to go to dinner again, and Fran chose her?
Ruby blew out a long breath. She’d tried to conjure up the feelings from Monday night, but they seemed far away. The more Ruby thought about her current situation, the glummer she got. It certainly wasn’t helping the rehearsal.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be snappy.” She gave Eric a half-smile. Ruby couldn’t quite form a full one. “Ready?”
Eric gave her a less-than-certain nod, and began playing the intro to the song.
Ruby gathered up her strength and began to sing. She got through the first verse, then the chorus, then stumbled over the second verse again. Just like she had done the last three times they’d tried it. Her nerves were shredded. How could she not remember the words? And if she couldn’t remember the words to this song, what about all the others? What if it wasn’t just the Christmas songs, but also her own? She’d seen singers hit the stage with lyric sheets on music stands before, and suddenly, she understood.
Or perhaps it was early onset dementia.
Either way, she was screwed.
She let out a yelp of frustration, then stamped her foot. “Sorry, maybe I do need a break.” Ruby put her mic down on one of the bar tables and walked over to the corner table normally occupied by Norman. She slumped back, splaying her long legs in front of her.
The door between the shop and the bar swung open. Both Ruby and Eric looked up.
Victoria swept in, giving them both a wide smile. When she saw their faces, she stopped mid-grin and put a hand up.
“What’s going on? I swear I just heard the opening bars to ‘Fairytale Of New York’ a few minutes ago. I was expecting high fives and smiling faces. Instead, I walk in to Ruby slumped in a corner, and my husband fiddling with his capo. Not a euphemism.”
Ruby threw up her hands, then rubbed her palms up and down her face. She needed to put thoughts of Fran aside. She and Eric needed this time to rehearse. If the past hour had taught her anything, it was that.
“Everything’s fine.” Ruby sat upright. “I keep forgetting the words to all the Christmas standards. The gig is in two days. The whole fucking town is coming to see me and I can’t sing a song without buggering it up. It’s just peachy.”
Victoria walked over to Ruby, sat beside her and rubbed her thigh. “You’ve forgotten words before. You’ll be fine on the night. If you’re worried, take lyric sheets on with you and tape them to the floor. It’s always good to have back-up.”
