Page 63 of All We Want for Christmas
There were tours and festive afternoon teas at the Castle Café until Christmas Eve, plus a host of events to finalise and organise for February half term, Easter, and then Mother’s Day. Magazines needed features several months in advance and Lara had to help supply details to the castle’s part-time PR officer, even though blossom festivals and egg trails were the last things on her mind, what with Christmas tunes and fairy lights surrounding her.
She was meant to have a day off, but she had so much catching up to do that she spent it hidden away in her cottage where no one would disturb her.
She only emerged to meet Jazz for coffee at the Waterwheel Café. With Molly working there, it felt strange, but it was convenient for Jazz, who was on her way to see her youngest in the school nativity play.
Jazz had just got out of her car when Lara parked next to her in the Landy. Her heart skipped a beat and sunk simultaneously when she spotted Flynn talking to Molly near the entrance. He was holding Esme and making faces at her.He didn’t look totally comfortable, but he was obviously making a good attempt at entertaining her.
Lara climbed out of the Landy and the expression of amazement on Jazz’s face didn’t surprise her. ‘Flynn seems to know Molly very well,’ she said to Lara from the shelter of the open car doors.
‘You have no idea …’ Lara said. She heaved a sigh. ‘I need to tell you something and I don’t want it to go any further. And I think I should tell you before we go inside the café.’
Acknowledging Flynn was unavoidable, so Lara raised her hand to him and threw a smile at Molly. At first, she thought that they would say their goodbyes and part, but her heart beat faster again as he walked over to her with Esme in his arms and Molly alongside.
‘Oh, God, they’re coming over. Jazz – help.’
‘Why help?’ Jazz asked with a puzzled frown.
‘Because … because … he’s Molly’s dad and the baby’s grandad.’
‘What the—’ Jazz cut off the expletive. ‘No. You’re joking! He can’t be. He’s too young.’
‘He isn’t and it’s true, and I only found out a couple of days ago, and it’s all been very awkward and stressful – please, just act dumb for now. I mean, just nod and smile. I’ll tell you everything after they’ve gone. Promise.’
Leaving a stunned Jazz standing next to her, Lara steeled herself and pasted on a smile. She wasn’t even sure if Molly knew that she knew about her.
‘Hello!’ Lara trilled when Flynn, Molly and Esmereached them. Her voice was far too shrill. She tried to take a breath.
Flynn gave a very awkward smile, holding Esme in his arms. The child stared at Lara most disconcertingly, as if she could see right into her mind.
‘Hello,’ Molly said, nervously Lara thought. It made Lara suspect that Flynn had told her that Lara was aware of the situation.
Flynn finally found his voice. ‘We – er – met up here for coffee.’
‘That’s nice,’ Lara said. ‘It’s a lovely café, but you know that because you work here. Obviously.’
Molly laughed nervously and Flynn just looked pained.
‘I don’t like meeting friends here normally because it’s work, but it was convenient for Flynn. He has to go back to the castle. He says you’re all very busy.’
‘It’s a busy time of year,’ Lara said. ‘Isn’t it, Jazz?’
‘Er – yes. Very.’ Lara dared not even glimpse her friend’s face. Was no one going to mention the elephant in the room?
A few wet flakes of snow had started to fall, and one landed on Lara’s nose. Esme let out a little moan.
‘It’s cold and it looks like sleet,’ Molly said. ‘I should take Esme home.’
‘Good idea,’ Flynn said. ‘I should get back to work.’
‘OK,’ Molly said, taking Esme from him. ‘Grandad’s so busy at the moment but we’ll have more time to see him after Christmas.’
Jazz had a coughing fit.
Flynn was grinning in a slightly hysterical way.
‘See you soon. Wave to Grandad,’ Molly said, but Esme buried her face in her mum’s shoulder.
‘I’ll message you,’ Molly said.
