Page 32 of The Naughty Or Nice Clause

“Come with me into the village, and I can introduce you around. We need help setting up for this evening and making sure every stall has the ingredients and equipment it needs,” Mrs Klaus said.

Sounds easy enough,Lyla thought.

In the village square, a grand stage with numerous kitchen stations had been set up. The lamp posts were decorated with gingerbread-house-covered banners advertising the competition. Lyla was intimidated by the sheer scale of it all.

“Are you sure you want to do this? I don’t wish to overwhelm you,” Mrs Klaus said.

Lyla nodded, wrapping her coat around herself. “It’s only a gingerbread house competition – it’s hardly rocket science.” She hoped.

“The local school painted the backdrop,” Mrs Klaus told her as they walked along the stage while workers fluttered around them on the snow-shovelled paths. Ovens and tables were being set up in rows. Lyla wondered how the event would continue if it snowed, but she figured they must be prepared for something so likely.

“They did a great job,” she answered, looking at the painted gingerbread house; though it was slightly tilted, it was perfect for the event. She was happy to finally feel useful – until she noticed Natalie from the dress shop coming towards them.Bloody hell, I can’t even walk in heels on a normal road without falling over! Anyone who wears heels on cobbled paths is taking their own life in their hands.

“Natalie!” Mrs Klaus beamed. “How good of you to help. Your mum said you had volunteered, though I didn’t expect you so early.”

“The school term is finished, so I thought I would lend a hand, since everyone is so busy,” Natalie said, embracing Mrs Klaus. Lyla resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Mason’s ex-girlfriend was dressed to perfection in a wrap dress and long overcoat, and Lyla couldn’t help but feel inferior, considering she was dressed in more layers than a yeti– but then again, they were used to this climate, whereas she still feared losing a limb to frostbite.

“If there’s anything else you need during this time, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I can only imagine how hard this is for you,” Natalie continued, pretending Lyla didn’t exist.

“Thank you, but I haven’t a moment to think on it – and Lyla’s arrival has certainly brightened up the whole house.” From Mrs Klaus’ side glance, it hadn’t escaped her notice that Natalie hadn’t addressed her presence. “Would you be a dear and work together– show Lyla what needs to be done? I have to get to the council for a meeting on the gala,” she said, before being called away by a group on the other side of the stage.

The two of them were left in an awkward silence. The last thing Lyla wanted was to be ordered about by Natalie, but since it would make Mrs Klaus’ day a little easier, she was obliged to listen –and if they were busy, at least they wouldn’t have to speak.

Natalie surprised her by taking her hands and pulling her in close. “Now that we’re alone, please tell me how they are really doing? I do worry about them all,” she whispered.

“They’re doing fine. I’m sure once the season ends it will be harder for them, but I think they welcome the distraction,” Lyla said, trying to take back custody of her hands, but the woman was determined to keep her hold.

“It hurts me so much that there’s such a distance between us now, but that’s the way life works.” Natalie was looking at her as though she was the cause of said distance, and the not-so-gentle squeeze of her hand only confirmed it.

Lyla ignored that, seeing a rare opportunity to learn more about Mason’s past. “You were close to the family? You said before that you and Mason were childhood friends?”

Natalie released her hands, only to slap her lightly on the arm. “Childhood friends – that would be putting it mildly. Since we’re friends now…” She paused for a minute to ascertain that they were alone on the stage. “I think I can tell you, and I don’t think Mason would mind me informing you, that we were engaged before he left.”

Lyla felt her stomach hit the floor.He was engaged before he left? He was so young! And a warning that I might be ambushed by the jilted fiancée would have been nice.

“Engaged? Surely he broke it off before he left?” The question flew out before she could stop herself.

“Yes, we were, and yes, he did break it off. Rather abruptly, I might add. Of course, I’ve forgiven him. We’d been together since school, so his family became a second to my own. You can understand why I’m so worried about them,” Natalie told her, unboxing what looked like equipment for each competitor to use later. “If you want to start unboxing, that would be a great help.” Clearly, she had finished divulging information.

They worked in silence, setting up the cooking equipment, ingredients and tools, and laying out clipboards for the judges. It wasn’t long before they were finished, and a flustered Mrs Klaus appeared on the stage.

“Two of our contestants have dropped out! They’re too busy at the workshop, and with the sleighs needing more work, Lou can’t spare them!” she exclaimed.

Lyla thought,I don’t blame them. Baking wasn’t her favourite activity at the best of times, but doing it in front of people and competing with others sounded like her worst nightmare.

“Oh no!” she said aloud. “What a shame.”

Natalie looked over at her, and then said brightly, “Why don’t you and I fill in for them, Lyla? I’m sure that would be a huge relief for Edith.”

Lyla panicked. “I really don’t think that’s a good idea. I’d like to help, but for the safety of everyone involved I shouldn’t be around an oven,” she gabbled, though it only seemed to spur Natalie on.

“There’s no need to be modest. We’ll give you everything you need. We would be more than happy to fill in,” Natalie announced, and Lyla groaned internally. She could hardly boil water.

“Baking isn’t my strong suit. Maybe there’s something else I can—”

“Don’t be silly! It’s all for fun and charity – the school needs a new theatre. The villagers bid on their favourites, and the highest bid is the winner. There are instructions for every step. It’ll be easy, and how wonderful for everyone to see the new Mrs Klaus embracing our traditions,” Natalie rattled on.

“I wouldn’t want you to feel any pressure,” Mrs Klaus chimed in, though the relief in her eyes at having the positions filled weighed on Lyla.There’s no way I’m getting out of this.

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