Page 63 of A Festive Surprise

Blair waved and got the attention of the two women.

‘Oh, yes.’

‘This is my friend, Holly,’ Georgia said to the old lady.

‘Lovely to meet you,’ said the old lady.

‘This is Mary, Rebekah’s aunt.’ Georgia smiled at Blair’s partner. ‘Is that right?’

‘It’s more complicated than that,’ said Blair. ‘Cousins twice removed or something.’

‘That always sounds strange though,’ said Rebekah.

‘Aunt will do fine,’ said Mary.

‘And this is Farid,’ said Georgia. ‘And you’ve met Blair already.’

Holly half-rolled her eyes. Was Georgia going to introduce her to the whole island? ‘So, what am I to do?’

‘Two minutes and these guys will be on their way, then I’ll sort you out and introduce you to Santa.’

‘Great.’

Georgia either missed or ignored the sarcasm.

‘She tried to rope me into doing the elf,’ said Kirsten, ‘but we already had this tour planned. I’m glad she found someone else.’

‘Yeah,’ said Holly. ‘A piece of luck, that.’

‘Are you going on this trip too?’ Farid asked Blair.

‘Yes,’ said Blair. ‘I’ve always wanted to go up in the plane.’

‘And they’re keeping me company,’ said Mary. ‘They’re my family now. Wonderful pair, so they are.’ She patted Blair, then Rebekah on the arm in turn.

This was all lovely, but could they get on with it?

Eventually, Georgia led Holly and Farid to the grotto.

‘Hello, Santa.’ Georgia swung open the door and beamed.

‘Ho, ho, ho,’ said a man with a shiny red face and a real bushy white beard.

‘I have an elf and a lumberjack to help you today.’

‘Great stuff.’ Santa rocked in his chair, patting a fake round belly. The interior of the shed was like a cosy haven in a winter wonderland. Seriously? What was she doing here?

‘And what’s your name?’ Santa asked.

‘Farid.’ He nudged Holly.

‘What?’

‘Holly, her name’s Holly.’

‘Holly.’ Santa chuckled. ‘The perfect name for my elf.’

‘Funny,’ she said. ‘And what’s your name?’

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