Page 62 of Millie & George: Young Love
‘Bacon sarnie?’ Sally offered.
‘Yes, please, Mrs Halcyon. I’m starving.’
‘Call me Sally, love. You know I said that back in the summer.’
‘Yes. Sorry. Thank you, Sally.’ Millie took a sandwich and, looking around the group, she asked. ‘Where’s Mr Halcyon–is he still in bed? I thought I was the last up.’
‘He’s away on business,’ Owen answered.
Millie’s brow puckered. ‘Shame, and on Christmas Day too.’
‘Work’s work, and he’s been unavoidably detained,’ Sally said with a defiant smile and a raised eyebrow that told Owen she wasn’t unaware of the hidden meaning in her choice of words.
Sandwiches devoured, they moved through to the living room carrying mugs of tea.
George and Millie exchanged gifts first. A pendant for her and a cashmere scarf for him.
‘And these are from me.’ Sally handed them each a brightly wrapped parcel. Millie’s packet contained some earrings to match the pendant.
‘Oh, Sally. They’re beautiful.’ Millie cuddled Sally.
‘When I saw what George had bought you, I knew you should have the matching earrings. I wasn’t sure though if your ears are pierced.’
‘Aye, they are.’
‘Good. Now you’ll be able to wear the full set for our Christmas dinner.’
Next, George opened his parcel, containing gloves to match the scarf Millie had given him.
‘They’re great. Soft and warm, like the scarf. Thanks, Mum.’ He dropped a kiss on his mother’s cheek.
Owen stepped forward with his gift for George. ‘From me,’ he said.
George grinned at him and ripped the paper to find the tattered paperback Owen had been staring into the other day.
‘I thought it was the only way I’d get you to read it,’ Owen said.
George laughed. ‘You’re probably right. I’m not a bookworm like you. It better be good.’
‘It is. Believe me. Now, what have you got for your mum?’
‘Oh, yes.’ George turned and whispered something in Millie’s ear.
‘I’ll get them,’ she said and disappeared to the other side of the tree. Owen and Sally dared a quick exchange of looks – a fleeting kiss with their eyes. The tree lights shimmied, and the decorations tinkled while Millie rootled in the shadows and George too busy watching her to notice his mother and Owen.
‘Here we are.’ Millie passed the packets to George.
‘For you, Mum. From Millie and me. Happy Christmas.’
‘I hope you haven’t spent too much,’ Sally said, arching an eyebrow at him.
‘Of course not. I’m a penniless student.’
The first packet contained a silk scarf in emerald green. ‘My favourite colour,’ she said, and kissed Millie on the cheek before she turned to the second parcel. ‘I think I know what this might be.’
‘Bottle of scent, perhaps.’ George grinned impishly.
‘No, too big.’ Sally shook her head, playing along with George’s teasing game.
