Page 90 of Only for Christmas

Lucas fetched the sugar. ‘I assume you’re referring to Kath?’

‘Who else?’

‘Why was being taken out for lunch so bad? It sounds great.’

She pursed her lips. ‘Sitting around with a load of old cronies wearing stupid hats is not my idea of fun.’

He spooned in some more sugar in her tea. ‘Did you have Christmas dinner there?’

‘Stop stirring, you’ll wear the mug out.’ She moved her cup with a tut. ‘I’ll admit the food was nice. It’s been years since I’ve had Christmas pudding. Didn’t get the silver sixpence, mind you.’

He had no idea what that was, but thought better of asking. ‘Did you play any games?’

‘Scrabble, and a card game called Sevens.’

‘Did you win?’

‘Course I did.’ She looked so indignant he couldn’t help smiling.

‘So not such a bad day then? Better than spending it alone?’

‘Debatable.’ Her attempted indifference didn’t work on him any more; he could tell she’d had a nice day, despite her grumblings.

He looked around the room, his gaze landing on a selection of puzzle books and a few Christmas cards on the shelf. ‘How are you getting on with Kath?’

‘She’s all right.’ Diana sniffed. ‘A bit too bouncy for my liking.’

Lucas raised an eyebrow. ‘Bouncy?’

‘You know, all chirpy and enthusiastic. She’s almost as bad as you.’

Lucas grinned. ‘That bad, huh? Poor you.’ He noticed a fresh prescription on the table and read through the items. ‘And what about Doctor Khan? How did you get on with him when he called around this morning?’

‘He’ll do. At least his hands are warm.’ High praise indeed. ‘He’ll probably bugger off when he’s had enough too.’

Lucas turned to her. ‘I’m not leaving because of you, Diana.’ If he had his way, he’d be staying for good.

‘So you say.’ She ate another chocolate. ‘Didn’t she want you, then?’

He frowned. ‘Who?’

Diana pointed upwards. ‘The woman upstairs? The do-gooder.’

‘Ah, you mean Sarah.’ Lucas lowered his gaze. ‘No, she didn’t want me.’

Diana wiped her chocolatey fingers down her front. ‘Even after you saved her from that stalker fella?’

‘I didn’t do much,’ he said, with a shrug. ‘Not really.’

Diana slurped her tea. ‘Her loss.’

Lucas smiled, despite his sadness. ‘Is that a compliment?’

‘Don’t let it go to your head.’ She pushed herself to her feet. ‘Right, bugger off then. I don’t want none of your sentimental slush. You’ve done your job; you can go now.’

He held out his hand. ‘It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, Diana.’

She looked in disgust at his hand. ‘Liar.’

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