Page 60 of A Scottish Christmas Hideaway
‘Just trying to inject some festive cheer into the workplace,’ he said drily. ‘Let’s get to it. We have a village to feed and standing about here chatting won’t get the bread baked.’
Gillian rolled her eyes at Jessica. ‘What has happened to him? He’s never bothered with anything Christmassy before. See what I mean? I am putting it all down to you. You’ve definitely changed him. For the better.’ She paused as she heard the next song start and had to stifle a laugh as Struan strutted around the kitchen snapping his fingers and wiggling his hips. ‘I may have spoken too soon.’
He looked over at her. ‘What?It’s “The Mistletoe Jam (Everybody Kiss Somebody)”. How can younotwant to dance?’
‘Erm, quite easily,’ said Gillian. ‘That’s one of the worst Christmas songs I’veeverheard.’
Jessica grinned at how much she loved working with them both. In that moment she felt as if the magic of Christmas was taking hold.
The next hour passed quickly as they worked together to make sure all the loaves and pastries and cakes were ready for when they opened the doors just after eight.
‘You’re looking very pleased with yourself this morning,’ said Gillian, looking at her quizzically. ‘Anything you want to share?’
Jessica shook her head and feigned innocence. ‘Just happy to be at work with you both.’
‘Hmm,’ she said suspiciously. ‘I don’t think I’ve everglowedin the workplace. But, okay, if you insist. I don’t think you’re telling me the entire truth,’ she continued knowingly, ‘but that’s okay. You can tell me in your own good time. But if I’m honest, you look like you’ve had sex.’
Jessica managed to keep her expression blank. She did want to tell Gillian about Reuben but she also didn’t want to break their promise to each other to keep things between just them for now. She wondered if Gillian would be surprised.
Gillian looked at her, eyes wide open. ‘Did you have sex last night?’ she said in a stage whisper.
Jessica shook her head. ‘No.’ She could feel her cheeks flushing bright red, but before her expression gave her away totally Struan reappeared just at the right time.
‘Right,’ said Struan. ‘That’s us just about ready to open. Make sure you’re wearing your hats.’
‘Can I make a suggestion?’ said Gillian.
‘Of course,’ said Struan. ‘Though it depends what it is.’
‘Then I would suggest you change the music. Luther’s been on a loop for a while now and he could do with a wee rest. So could my ears and you also don’t want to scare the punters away.’
He nodded and scratched his chin. ‘Fair point. Let’s see what else I’ve got.’
Gillian shook her head. ‘This could go anywhere,’ she said, wincing as she looked at Jessica.
They braced themselves as they waited for Struan to select his next song. ‘Oh,’ she said, as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas”started to play. ‘That was unexpected.’
‘I’ve decided to give her another chance,’ he said, walking back through. ‘It is Christmas after all. And it’s snowing.’
‘I’m sure Mariah will be delighted,’ said Gillian.
Jessica frowned as she saw her dad standing at the door. She hurried over. ‘Hi, Dad. I wasn’t expecting to see you here so early. We’re not quite ready to open.’
His face was white. ‘Oh, Jess, love. I couldn’t get hold of you on your phone and I didn’t want to wake your brother.’
She felt panic setting in. She never had her phone to hand when she was at the bakery. ‘What is it? What’s wrong?’
‘It’s your mum. She’s had a fall. I don’t know what to do.’
‘Where is she now?’
‘At home. She told me to come and get you.’
Jessica looked at Struan. ‘I need to go. Sorry, Struan.’
‘Off you go, hen, and don’t give it another thought. Me and Gillian will be fine. You go and make sure your mum is okay.’
She pulled off her apron and hat and ran through the back to grab her coat and bag.
