Page 27 of A Festive Surprise

Farid grinned. ‘You two are funny. Ok, and is this carol singing about Christmas?’

‘Yes,’ said Georgia. ‘It’s usually Christmas songs.’

‘Then Holly might murder me if I take her to that.’

‘Hmm, I forgot about that.’ Georgia wrinkled her nose. ‘Maybe best stick with food then.’

‘Ok, thank you.’

They said their goodbyes and Farid jogged on, stopping for a few seconds at the top of the rise to look out over the murky sea. Carol singing, ay? He pulled out his phone and scrolled through the music he’d downloaded over the past few days. Holly wasn’t here. No chance of her kicking him over this cliff if she heard what he was listening to. He popped in his earbuds and hit play on a traditional Christmas playlist. No way would he learn all – or any – of these songs before tonight. But there was joy in singing outside. Like the adhan echoing around the cities back home. Carol singing would be another chance for him to embrace a Christmas tradition and after he could teach Holly more about home.

He checked his phone for reception as he rounded the coast. One bar. It might be enough to call the café and book a table. Keying in the number, he tapped his toes until it connected. Success! The date was on. He increased his pace, slapping the ground until he arrived at Holly’s door. He knocked, bouncing on the soles of his feet. His smile cracked his face as she opened the door.

‘Hello, hello, hello.’ Holly folded her arms and leaned on the doorframe. ‘What’s all this then?’

‘Date this afternoon. You and me. Blue Whale Café at three, then something special to follow at six.’

She raised her eyebrows. ‘At six?’ Her brow creased slightly. ‘What exactly are we doing?’

‘You’ll see. And wear warm clothes.’

‘Warm clothes? Seriously? Not exactly what I wanted to hear.’

‘Be patient.’

‘I’ll do my best but it’s not my number one virtue.’

As the day wore on, Farid discovered it wasn’t his either. Just as well he’d booked for afternoon tea because he’d never have lasted until evening. Holly, Holly, Holly. When would they be together again? Crazy, huh? Time and its tricks. Holly would be by his side in a matter of hours. He may not see his family for years. The urgency beating in his chest made every nanosecond last an hour. Time dragged slower than ever. But in the grander scheme, it was hurtling out of control. What was he doing with her? Encouraging her flirting, going along with it? Could he deliver what she wanted? He couldn’t exactly practise. One shot. Make it count. Do it right.

By quarter to two, the sun was already dipping. A knock on the door. Farid jumped and sped down the hall.

‘Holly?’

Her dark lashes fluttered, her plum lips sparkled and her glossy hair cascaded over the shoulder of her black coat.

‘You’re very early.’

‘I couldn’t wait any longer.’ She took his hand. ‘Can we just go?’

He squeezed her fingers. ‘Yes. I feel the same.’ He grabbed his coat and they left.

Farid steered along the track to the gate of the Ardnish Estate and onto the main road – it wasn’t much wider.

‘So, what are we doing at six?’ asked Holly.

‘Wait and see.’

‘Oh, you’re such a tease.’

‘But you like it.’

She chuckled. He kept his eyes on the road, letting the joyful sound tickle his insides.

‘We’re far too early.’ He checked the time on his phone as they arrived at the café.

‘Ah well, never mind. Let’s see if they’ll let us in anyway.’ Holly pushed the door open.

A young waitress approached. ‘Table for two?’

---