Page 29 of Christmas Romance Galore!
The following afternoon found me lying on the sofa in the lounge, watching our Christmas tree lights blink on and off, listening to the trains rattle by our window. Sometimes, the noise of the trains drove me insane, but at other times, like today, it was soothing and comforting, providing an order to my day. And I needed order today, because yesterday had been studded with disorder.
I’d kissed Nicola Sheen while she was trying on her wedding dress. Or had she kissed me? However it happened, I didn’t come out of it covered in anything resembling glory. But it was a one-off — she was marrying Melanie, so I had to let it go. It was just stupid, pre-wedding jitters. After all, this kind of thing happened with brides and grooms all over the world. It’s what stag and hen parties were created for.
I got up and stood at the window, staring into a train below our window, stuck at a signal. Our flat was close enough that you could see people’s faces, make out the newspaper they were reading. But you never knew what they were thinking, whether they were looking at you, whether or not they could make out the turmoil embedded into my Saturday. To them, I probably just looked like a normal young woman without a care in the world.
My phone beeped and I grabbed it.
It was a text from Nicola. Okay, so yesterday could be slotted neatly into the pile marked ‘pre-wedding nerves’. But today? I didn’t know why she was texting me again today. Okay, not 100 per cent true — I had an inkling, but the omens weren’t good. I clicked to find out.
‘Working today, but wondered if you fancied meeting after work? A quick chat would be good.’
Nicola’s texts were always short, sharp and vague. A meet-up. A quick chat. Only things never went quite according to Nicola’s plans, did they? I knew I should say no, of course I did. We’d kissed yesterday and she was getting married in three weeks.
My plans today had involved going to the gym, then relaxing after my messy week. Nicola hadn’t featured. But then again, I was only going to sit and stew thinking about what had happened, so perhaps meeting up and writing it off would be a good thing? The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. We could talk about it like adults, and put a full stop under it once and for all.
I texted back after I’d made myself a cup of coffee and was sure of my actions. Nicola passed by the flat on her way home, so I gave her my address and told her to stop by after work.
I sat down on the sofa, but couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that was sat right beside me.
By the time Nicola knocked on the door an hour late at 8pm, I’d managed to work myself up into something of a frenzy. I’d spent the afternoon punching bags and lifting weights in the gym, but it didn’t seem to have popped my energy bubble much. At 7.30pm, when Nicola still hadn’t shown, I’d decided alcohol was the answer and had poured myself a large gin and tonic. It had taken the edge off my self-infused frazzle, but only the outer corners. The nerve centre was still strapped around my emotions and was ready to explode at any time.
I opened the door to a flustered looking Nicola. “Hi,” she said. “I’m so sorry I’m late — paperwork at the station and a bit of a staff issue. I couldn’t get away.”
My earlier steely resolve melted as she fixed me with her sad eyes and I waved her apology away as if none of it mattered. She was dressed in jeans and a black Fire Dept shirt that accentuated her breasts, and I tried my hardest not to stare for too long. Not quite a full fire uniform, but a hint of one.
“No problem, come in.” I stood aside and breathed in Nicola’s scent as she walked past me. I could still detect what had drawn me to her all those years ago. Promise.
I led her through the hallway and into the lounge. “Can I get you a drink?”
Nicola took in the lounge. “Wow, I’d forgotten how much you like Christmas. It looks like Santa’s grotto in here.”
I smiled. “Only comes round once a year.”
“Does your dad still go crazy for it too?” she asked.
I dropped my eyes to the floor and inhaled. “He did.” I paused. “But he died seven years ago.”
Nicola’s hand covered her mouth. “Shit — I’m so sorry. I know how close you were.” She took a step towards me, but I waved her away.
“You weren’t to know — we’ve been out of each other’s lives for a long time.” I fixed her with my gaze, letting the words sink in. “Drink?”
Nicola licked her lips. “Beer would be great.”
I took one of Holly’s from the fridge, knowing she wouldn’t thank me for that. Holly was a very generous person, but not when it came to Nicola Sheen.
We sat at opposite ends of the sofa and eyed each other cautiously.
Nicola picked at her beer label before speaking. “So, thanks for agreeing to see me.”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”
The comment hung in the air above us, lit like a neon sign.
We both knew the answer.
Nicola shrugged. “Because the other day wasn’t your typical dress fitting.” A train rattled by outside the window and Nicola turned to watch. “Very handy for trains here,” she said, still looking out the window. She turned back to me and our eyes met.
I felt a rush between my legs. Those eyes.
