Page 60 of A Festive Surprise

He slumped on the sofa. What to do now? Things he’d enjoyed in Syria seemed far removed from this life. He used to swim and play tennis, but his racket was long gone. He didn’t have a computer and his phone had limited capacity for entertainment. Maybe listen to some more Christmas music?

As he considered returning to his cottage and getting a book, a knock came on the door. He jumped up and hurried through, pulling it open. ‘Hello, Georgia.’

‘Oh, hi, Farid.’ She furrowed her brow a little. ‘Can I come in? I need to speak to Holly.’

‘Sure, come in, but she’s not here.’

‘Isn’t she? Then why are you here?’ She made her way into the hall, carrying a large bag.

‘We have a cake in the oven.’

Georgia raised an eyebrow. ‘An actual cake or do you mean she’s…’ Georgia pushed her hand from her chest to her midriff, making the shape of a large belly.

‘No, no, not that. A real cake. A Christmas cake. It’s baking. I have to watch it in case the house burns down.’

‘Phew, you had me worried for a minute there. So, where is she?’

‘She’s gone to Tobermory for shopping.’

‘Hmm.’ Georgia checked her watch. ‘I have to get to the shop but I have a major favour to ask her. She probably won’t do it but I’m desperate.’

‘What is it?’

‘I need someone to be our elf for a couple of hours tomorrow.’

Farid put his fingers to his lips and shook his head. ‘She won’t do that. No way. She will kill you first.’

‘Yeah, I thought that. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve asked everyone but no one can do it. I can’t do it myself because I have to watch the shop. We’ve got a tour group coming in and Autumn can’t do it; she’s struggling with morning sickness or all-day sickness as she’s calling it. We can’t have Santa’s elf puking on the kids.’

‘I’m sorry. I’m sure she’ll say no. If you want a man-elf, I’ll do it.’

‘I’d let you, but there’s no way you’ll fit the costume. You’re skinny enough but you’re a bit too…’ She dropped the bag, made a fist and flexed an imaginary bulging bicep.

‘Yeah, sorry. I have PJs I could wear but they are in the wash. I must dry them first.’

‘Hmm. That can be the reserve plan, as long as they’re not too revealing. We don’t want the mums fainting.’

‘What?’

‘Never mind. I don’t suppose you could use your charm on Holly.’ Georgia smiled. ‘You have a way with her.’

‘Ya lahui.’ He slapped his cheek. ‘You are joking? She’s already threatened to remove parts of my body this morning.’

‘Oh-kay.’ Georgia glanced from side to side. ‘The two of you have an interesting relationship.’ She checked her watch again. ‘I should go. I’d appreciate it if you dry those jammies just in case and if you have any luck with Holly, let me know, but don’t endanger yourself.’

‘I lock the knives away.’

‘That kind of thing.’

‘Are you sure you want her as an elf?’

‘Not really, but she’s literally the last person on the island I’ve asked, apart from Carl’s aunt Jean who’s in her nineties, though knowing her she’d probably do it.’ She picked up the bag and handed it to Farid. ‘There’s the costume if she’s up for it. It’s only for two hours between one and three and it’d be a lifesaver if she can do it.’

Farid shook his head as Georgia left. So far he’d sweet-talked Holly into all sorts of Christmas capers but surely this was a step too far. He eyed the bag with the costume in it and experienced a hefty sense of déjà vu.

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