Page 75 of Twilight at Croftwood Library
‘Perfect. Any thoughts onIt’s a Wonderful Life?’ she asked him with a very serious expression on her face. How he answered that question meant something to her.
‘Okay, this might be controversial so I’m going to need assurance that you’re not going to throw me out into the snow.’
‘You don’t like it, do you?’
‘Sorry.’
‘Neither do I! I’ve never told anyone that before. I don’t know why there are Christmas Eve screenings of it everywhere when people, not all people obviously but me and you at least, would much rather see something more Christmassy. It’s just not festive enough.’
Amy loved the film. He’d never understood it. He’d bet good money that she’d watched it last night. It was another sign.
The fire was back to its former glory. ‘Right. I’m going to put the dinner on and make some mulled wine to have with the film. Do we need snacks?’
‘Shall we have some Twiglets?’
‘No. I’ll suggest Cheeselets instead and accept that we don’t agree on everything.’
He could still hear Lois laughing when he got to the kitchen and he realised he had a huge grin on his face too. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed like that with Amy. This unexpected Christmas was highlighting all the differences between his life and this try-out life he had for a couple of days with Lois. Yes, it was skewed because of the season and because of the snow but it still niggled him. He’d rather be with Lois.
He put the roast into the oven and put the potatoes on to boil. The mulled wine smelled fantastic. He’d added some orange liquor which Lois had found in the cupboard the day before and a sachet of mulled wine spice which he had brought with him. While it was heating gently on the stove, he took out his phone. There was a missed call from Amy. He’d called her first thing that morning, so he was surprised she’d called again.
‘Hi, how’s it going?’
‘Where were you when I called?’ There was no let-up at all.
‘I went out for a walk and forgot to take my phone. Sorry. Are you having a good time?’ He tried to take the weariness out of his voice.
‘Yes, it’s been lovely. I went sledging with Mum and Lottie,’ her niece, ‘and we’re just settling down to watch a film. I miss you.’
‘I know, me too.’
‘What are you doing tonight? I bet there’s not much going on in Croftwood is there?’
‘No, it’s going to be a quiet night in. I’m going to watchLove Actuallyand open a bottle of wine.’
‘I’m sorry we weren’t together today, Oliver. I should have stayed in Croftwood until you were ready to leave and then we’d be together now.’
‘Just enjoy being with your parents, Ames. Next year.’
‘Yes, next year will be our year. And Oliver, I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch about the book club and things. You know I love you, I’m just a bit insecure.’
He assumed the ‘things’ were Lois. Most of the arguments they’d had recently revolved around the book club and Lois and whatever he thought was going to happen with him and Amy, he was glad that she could see reason.
‘It’s fine, Ames. I know things have been difficult. Maybe these couple of days apart will help.’
‘Maybe.’ She sounded uptight again.
Perhaps he shouldn’t have said that. ‘So, have a great evening and I’ll call you tomorrow?’
‘Happy Christmas, Oliver. I love you.’
‘Happy Christmas, Ames. Talk to you tomorrow.’
He exhaled. He might have been holding his breath for that whole conversation. He felt like he was lying to Amy for the first time since he’d got to Lois’s. Before, he’d felt justified in being secretive because he knew, or thought he knew, what Amy’s reaction would be if he told her the truth. But now, he wondered if he’d made the right decision because however amazing the past two days had been, it had cast huge doubts for him over his relationship with Amy and that was not going to be easy to navigate.
41
Lois lay in bed wondering whether Oliver was up yet. She had planned to make some eggy bread for breakfast so she needed to get downstairs first. She didn’t want him to start breakfast before she had the chance, but she was so cosy, it was hard to drag herself out of bed. Christmas had been brilliant. Going from thinking she’d be alone as she stood on the platform at Foregate Street station only two days ago to having what she truly felt was the best Christmas she’d ever had, it seemed unbelievable.
