Page 26 of Tiers of Joy

“Great, let me finish up here. I will head home and change and be back to pick you up at seven.” He states, going back to cutting up whatever it is he’s cutting.

“Bob, you want to finish early? It is two days until Christmas after all.” I state looking at the clock. It’s 5pm now. Bob, Gaige, and his apprentices have been working till near seven some nights.

“Oh damn right I would. We will be back in the new year. You have a good Christmas now. Where are you going? Are you heading home?” He asks.

“No, I'm just staying here by myself. Oh wait there Bob, I’ve got something for you.” I lift up a dust sheet and open the box where I've hidden the Christmas presents.

“Here you go Bob, that’s for you and there’s a little something for your wife too. Also boys, here’s a little something for you.” I hand Bob and the apprentices their gifts.

“Thank you sweet girl, now you take care. Are you sure you don’t want to join us for Christmas? I know the wife would be more than happy to have you.” Bob kindly offers.

“No, I'm good thanks Bob. I just want to be on my own.” I admit with a sad smile.

I haven't told Bob about Jay because he hasn’t asked. I figure they all just think my husband left me. I can’t be doing with the town gossiping about Jay. I'm really thankful that Gaige isn’t a gossiper.

The guys leave including Gaige. I jump in a quick shower and decide to put something a little smarter on than what I usually wear at the moment. I pull out a jumper dress: it is a cream cable knit form hugging dress. It has a V-neck that shows off a little cleavage. I put on my black thick tights and low heeled brown ankle boots. I put on some mascara and a light pink lip gloss. I spritz on some perfume and grab my handbag.

I walk downstairs to look out for Gaige. I see him pull up so I grab my coat.

I step outside, lock up, and come face to chest with Gaige.

“Opps sorry.” I smile, leaning back and looking up at Gaige.

His eyes sweep my body. I hold my hands out to the side and twirl.

“Do I scrub up okay?” I ask.

“Yeah.” He answers, his voice gravelly.

I look at Gaige. He’s wearing black jeans with a light grey fitted sweatshirt that hugs his broad chest and muscly arms.

“You look very handsome Gaige.” I compliment.

He doesn’t smile or say anything. He takes my hand and leads me to his truck and opens the door for me.

“Such a gentleman, thank you.” I smile.

Gaige jumps in and drives us to the pub. My face is practically pressed up against the window.

“Oh the town is so beautiful.” I whisper.

I still haven’t had a chance to explore the town properly other than going to the grocery store or hardware store.

All long the bay are fairy lights with red, blue, green and many more buildings. It’s so picturesque.

Gaige pulls up outside the pub with fairy lights strung outside. I can't help but smile.

I hadn’t even realised Gaige had got out of the truck until he opened my door.

He smiles at me, holds out his hand for me to take, and leads the way into the pub.

We take a seat in a booth and a lady with a kind smile greets us.

“Hi Gaige. I'm guessing this is the famous Esme!”

“Famous?” I ask.

“Yes deary, there are a lot of people talking about you in the town. All good, I promise.” She smiles.

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