Page 80 of Kiss Me at Christmas
“And you are Harriet’s best friend, married to her ex-boyfriend. I love the sound of your blended family, so cool.”
“Thank you.” Emma smiled. “We’re very lucky.”
“And Harriet.” Lyra was full of wonder, like a puppy being taken outside for the first time. “Dad’s told me all about the theater and the famous five and how passionate you are. I can’t wait to see the play.”
James shook his head. “Lyra,” he said, embarrassed.
“Sorry,” she laughed, gripping his arm tighter. “I’m just so excited to meet the people in your life.” She turned her attention back to Harriet. “He’s so cagey!”
Harriet smiled. “Isn’t he just.”
“Have you looked around the exhibition yet? I’m so nervous! It’s the first time I’ve ever exhibited, well, apart from my final show at university, but that doesn’t count, does it? I hope you like it. Dad convinced me to take the chance, I’m not sure I ever would have if he hadn’t kept bolstering my ego. There are canapés too! Would you like some? They’re delicious, I’ve been shoveling them in to soak up all the wine. Sorry, I know I’m talking too much; I chatter when I’m nervous. Mum says I gibber like a gibbon!” She laughed again, clutching at James’s arm with her other hand too, as though she needed to hold herself down. But all Harriet heard was the wordMum.
A woman in an evening gown sashayed over and tapped Lyra on her spaghetti-strapped shoulder.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” she said. “But there’s a gentleman I’d like to introduce you to; he’s interested in buying some of your canvases to take back to New York.”
Lyra’s face radiated joy. It was impossible not to feel endeared; her happiness was a tangible thing like strands of light flowing out of her. However devastated Harrietfelt that James had lied to her, she wouldn’t take it out on this lovely, excited girl, she wouldn’t ruin her night.
“That was the gallery curator. New York!” Lyra squealed. “Oh my god! Can you believe it?” She was smiling at James with pure delight.
“I absolutely can,” said James, gently removing her hands from around his arm and holding them in front of him. “You’d better go and speak to your new admirer.”
Lyra gave another squeak of excitement and looked between Harriet and Emma. “Let Dad show you around. I’m so happy you came. I’ve been dying to meet you.” Finally, she allowed herself to be drawn away but not before calling back, “Dad, can you tell Mum where I’ve gone? She went to see about more canapés, and I haven’t seen her since.”
Oh great, Mum’s here!
When Lyra was out of earshot, James faced her square on and said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to find out this way.” There were those pleading eyes again, just like that first time in Evaline’s car. But heartfelt looks weren’t going to cut it.
“Are you married?” she asked, her voice shaking with anger and hurt.
“No.”
Did she believe him? Until five minutes ago she didn’t even know he had a daughter; it wasn’t that much of a stretch to think he’d been concealing a wife too. She couldn’t believe how quickly this evening had deteriorated.
Emma’s expression was pure, unadulterated rage, and Harriet knew it was taking a herculean effort for her friend not to vent her anger at James in the middle of the swanky gallery, and that the only reason that wasn’thappening was out of respect for her. Harriet took a measured breath and summoned her remaining dignity.
“I’m leaving.” It was hard to speak around the lump forming in her throat.
“Please don’t,” he implored. “I know I owe you an explanation and I promise that you’ll get one. I’ll tell you everything.”
“You lied to me.”
“I didn’t. I promise you, I didn’t.”
“Is that some of your legal bullshit, omission not counting as a lie?” Emma asked.
James looked down at the smooth sanded floorboards. “I can’t explain myself to you here, it isn’t appropriate, but please give me the benefit of the doubt until I can.”
Harriet almost laughed at his audacity. “Why should I?”
“I…” His eyes scanned the room as though he could find an answer in the crowd. “I don’t have a good reason for you right now, you’ll just have to trust me.”
“I don’t think so.” Harriet made to walk away.
He didn’t reach for her but moved to put himself back in her line of sight.
“Please stay. It would mean a lot to Lyra.”
