Page 35 of The Night Before Christmas

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Andrea seemed about to say something else and then clearly thought better of it. Instead, she walked to the sink and began filling the bucket with soapy water.

‘So,’ she said, mock casually, over the sound of the tap. ‘How was the date?’

‘It wasn’t a date,’ said Felicity, quickly.

‘Whatever,’ said Andrea. ‘Whatever you two want to call it. How did it go?’

‘It was… good. I think.’

‘You think?’

‘Well, I had a great time. He took me to that Victorian place, you know, on the high street?’

Andrea turned the tap off and looked at her. ‘That place is seriously fancy. I thought you said it wasn’t a date?’

‘It wasn’t. I mean, I don’t think it was.’

‘It was,’ said Andrea. ‘A man doesn’t take a woman to a place like that because he wants to be friends. That was a move. Mark my words.’

She lifted down the bucket and began mopping the floor methodically.

‘Maybe,’ said Felicity.

‘Definitely. So… what’s the problem?’

‘He’s a lovely guy… as you know.’

‘But…?’

‘For starters – and please don’t tell anyone this – I fell over in front of him. And I do mean right in front of him. Like an absolute pillock.’

Andrea guffawed, just as Felicity knew she would.

‘Bloody hell,’ she said when she’d stopped laughing.

‘I know, right? Mortifying.’

‘I wish I’d seen that.’

‘I’m very glad you didn’t.’

Andrea stopped mopping and tried to look serious. ‘That wouldn’t put him off though, would it?’

Felicity couldn’t stop the smile that sprang to her lips. ‘No. No, I don’t think so, amazingly…’

‘So, what’s the problem?’

‘Well, I think he might have a girlfriend. Or at least, he’s not completely free.’

Andrea sniffed. ‘A man like that? I’m not surprised. There’s bound to be some woman hanging around hoping he’ll notice her. Doesn’t mean he’s not free though.’

‘I guess not. I hate not knowing. But I don’t want to know at the same time. Does that sound crazy?’

‘I get it. He’ll tell you in time, I’m sure. If you need to know.’

‘I hope you’re right. Oh, and as if all that wasn’t crap enough, let’s just say that Adam got in the way again.’

‘Bugger.’

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