Page 25 of Cooking Up a Christmas Storm
‘Those were friend pizzas. This is date pizza. It’s a whole different thing.’
Netty nodded. ‘She’s right. Date pizzas are fancier.’
Pavel took a deep breath. ‘It’s just pizza and I think I’m capable of dressing myself. Thank you very much for your input.’
The two women shook their heads. ‘We’re just excited,’ his mum muttered.
‘The whole village is excited,’ added Netty.
Wasn’t that the truth? Anna in the shop had spent a good twenty minutes trying to persuade him he needed twelve red roses when he’d popped in earlier to get bread, milk and dog food for Mrs Timberley. The shop didn’t normally have flowers. He had a strong suspicion they’d got them in specifically for him.
‘It’s such a good match.’
Netty nodded.
‘And we’ve not had a wedding in the village for years.’
‘Not since Darcy and the old baron.’
‘God rest him,’ his mother added.
‘Adam and Bella are getting married,’ Pavel pointed out.
‘Well, they say so, but they’ve not set a date yet, have they?’
Netty clapped her hands together. ‘You could beat them to it.’
‘It’s just pizza.’ Pavel felt like he was stuck on repeat.
‘Such a good match though,’ his mother murmured. ‘And you like her, don’t you?’
For the first time there was a hint of disquiet in his mum’s voice that stabbed at Pavel’s gut. She wanted him to be happy. Of course she did, and she was excited about the idea of him finding someone and falling in love. There was nothing wrong with that. Pavel was the one overcomplicating things here. Jill was great. He and Jill together were great. Everyone agreed that they’d make a great couple. The only people not besides themselves at this apparent blooming of new romance were the ones who’d thought they were already going out.
Pavel’s phone buzzed on the floor next to the bed.
Jill calling
He tapped to answer.
‘Hi. I’m really sorry. Mr Oakley from the post office in Lochcarron had a heart attack.’
‘Is he OK?’
‘I’m not sure, but his wife’s on her own cos Millie’s on bed rest until the baby comes, so I need to go and be with her.’
‘That’s fine.’ Pavel felt the knot in his chest ease a little. ‘I understand.’
‘Thank you.’ She paused. ‘I’m really sorry though. We can reschedule?’ Her voice was hopeful.
‘Yeah. Yeah. Of course we can.’ Pavel nodded. ‘Looking forward to it.’
His mother folded her arms. ‘She’s dumped you already?’
‘Something came up with work.’
Netty nodded. ‘That’ll happen if you’re married to a minister.’
‘I’m not married to…’
