Page 31 of A Festive Surprise

‘And I like you.’ She locked gazes with him and a smile brimming with understanding passed between them.

After walking the length of the promenade, they made their way back. Georgia closed the event and the crowd dispersed, dropping money into a bucket. Per chatted to Farid for a few moments. Holly didn’t speak; her smile was frozen and she flicked at something on her sleeve.

‘We’re going for a drink. Maybe catch you in the pub,’ said Per with a wave.

Farid raised his hand. The crowd swallowed Per and his family.

Holly took his arm. ‘Let’s just go home.’

‘Ok.’

They jumped in the car and made their way back.

‘What in the name is this?’ Holly pulled out her phone and scrolled through messages. ‘Oh my god.’

‘What is it? Something wrong?’ Her tone said there was.

‘My dad’s had a heart attack. He’s been taken to hospital.’

‘Oh no.’

‘Shit.’ She wedged her fingers into her hair. ‘I need to make some calls. My mother, my sister, maybe my aunt. They’re all messaging me.’

‘We’ll soon be home. You can do it there.’

He pulled up outside the cottage. Holly flipped her phone in her hand, staring at it.

‘Do you want me to come in?’ He jumped out after her. She gave him an odd look. ‘Just to be with you so you’re not alone if bad news comes.’

‘I can’t make you do that.’

‘I don’t mind.’

‘Then yes.’ She nodded. ‘Please.’

‘Of course.’ He moved forward and held her; she stumbled into his arms.

‘There’s nothing I can do from here. It’s out of my control.’

Farid rubbed a gentle circle on her back. ‘Yes, jamilati, I know exactly how that feels.’

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