Page 60 of The Night Before Christmas
What the hell is wrong with you, girl?
‘Thank you. And you’re right, by the way,’ he said. He was squinting at her in the bright sunlight, which at least meant his gorgeous eyes were not functioning at their full intensity.
‘I know I’m right,’ she said, arms crossed. ‘About which part, exactly?’
‘You do deserve better.’
He looked as though he might say something more. Then the moment passed. He gave a curt nod as she left the table and walked under the archway into the manor grounds. As she got halfway across the immaculate lawn she turned back, wondering if he might have followed her. Almost hoping he would for some twisted reason.
But no, she was alone again.
Alone, and confused.
Nothing new there then.
There were no more Adam incidents but she did spend the rest of the day wondering if he was going to show up again. Which was super annoying. And then most of the night running through their conversation over and over in her head.
Bloody man.
The next morning on her way to the airport, and still looking over her shoulder the whole time, she took a detour and knocked on the Bissons’ door.
Cherie answered it. She looked tired.
‘Oh, hello, my dear,’ she said with a weak smile. She sounded tired too.
‘These are for you,’ said Felicity, handing over the flowers and chocolates she’d hastily bought from the petrol station on the way.
‘Thank you, they are beautiful,’ said Cherie, not looking at them.
‘I just wanted to give you something…’ Felicity tailed off. ‘Um. Are you okay?’
‘Me? Oh yes, my dear, thank you, I’m fine.’
‘Thank you so much, for everything. You’ve changed my life. I mean that.’
Cherie looked at her for a long moment. Or past her, perhaps.
‘You are welcome, my dear.’ Then, after a pause, ‘He’s still in love with your mother.’
‘Yes,’ said Felicity. What else could she say? And then, ‘I’m sorry.’
‘It’s okay,’ said Cherie. ‘I think I always knew he was, deep down. I suppose I asked for it really. I poked the bear. I couldhave just walked past you that day, couldn’t I? You would have been none the wiser.’
‘You were so kind to me, madame, I am just so grateful to you. I’m so sorry if it’s caused problems for you.’
Cherie shrugged in a way that was already so familiar. ‘You coming here, someone coming for the house, it was always going to happen. I am glad you did. Honestly.’
‘But you’re also glad I’m going home?’ said Felicity with a grin.
‘Yes. Yes, I am also glad you are going home,’ said Cherie gently.
‘Will you be okay?’
Cherie gave her a tired smile. ‘How do you say in English? We “rub along okay together”. We’ll be fine.’
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Back to workon Thursday morning, and an extremely grateful Sophie who looked like she’d worked for twelve weeks without a break, not just a few days. She threw her arms around Felicity’s neck as soon as she walked in, chattering away about the animals and her experiences and how ‘gorgeous’ James was and how ‘divine’ Andrea was and being super enthusiastic about the whole thing, but Felicity could see and feel that she was exhausted.
