Page 48 of The Day After Christmas
James laughed. Despite what she put away on a regular basis, Felicity was titchy by anyone’s standards. ‘Sounds like a fun challenge.’
‘And that’s why I love you,’ said Felicity, suddenly filled with a rush of affection for this man who always managed to make her laugh, no matter the situation.
As the waiter put two gargantuan ice-cream sundaes in front of them, along with gin glasses the size of fish bowls, Felicity was conscious all eyes in the restaurant were on them, but she didn’t care. Ice cream was always the answer, after all.
They ate in silence for a few blissful moments.
Then, ‘What’s a cankle?’ said James.
Felicity snort-laughed into her gin glass. ‘Trust me, you do not want to know.’
CHAPTER 25
At 10.45 the next morning, both rather the worse for wear, James and Felicity had their faces pressed up against Valerie’s fence, trying desperately to get a glimpse of their little donkey.
‘She did say eleven. I can’t imagine she’s going to want us to be early,’ said Felicity, feeling irrationally excited just being there.
‘Do you think Jessica is okay?’ said James, a little frown line forming on his forehead.
‘I expect so. She’ll be so happy to have some little friends. Is it true they don’t like to be alone?’
‘Why are you asking me?’
‘You’re the Donkey Man.’
‘Ha. Is that my new name? I think I preferred being a Penguin. Less smelly.’
‘Are they? I think penguins are pretty stinky.’
‘Ha. I suppose that doesn’t come across on the documentaries. Well, I don’t know much about donkeys other than what I told you, but I know they need to be kept together, they can die of sadness if they lose their best mate.’
Felicity’s heart twisted. ‘Do you think that’s what happened to Jessica? She seemed quite happy, though, in a weird way.’
‘She did but it’s hard to tell with donkeys, they never seem to show how they’re feeling. That’s why people always think they’re dumb. And why they get badly treated. Because they put up with a lot without complaining. I remember my aunt telling me Jessica got really sick once, and she only knew because her breathing got a bit faster. Thank God she spotted it in time.’
‘That’s so sweet and so sad that they are so misunderstood. Was she okay?’
‘Yup, the original Jessica lived to the ripe age of forty-three. That’s quite impressive, and also why we use the phrase “donkey’s years” in case you didn’t know.’
‘You really are full of…’
‘Also, never run from a donkey. That’s the other thing I know.’
‘What?’
‘Especially a male donkey.’
‘That’s very disturbing.’
‘Yup. And that’s all I’m saying on the matter.’
‘But I have so many questions.’
‘I’m sure you do.’
Thankfully that was the moment Valerie spotted their eager little faces at the fence and finally invited them inside.
And straight into donkey heaven.
