Christmas Shopaholic(64)
Ah. He wants to go.
Ooh, if we hurry, we can watch the rest of the Christmas movie at home!
“What about the hot tub?” protests Nadine. “We could carry on our conversation there, pour some more wine….”
“Yeah, you have to try the hot tub,” says Craig.
“I think we’ll pass,” says Luke, glancing at me. “Yes?”
No way am I ever getting in a hot tub with Nadine. So that’s a yes.
“That’s right,” I say, getting to my feet. “We’d better go, but thanks for a lovely time,” I add insincerely.
A lovely time. Pah. Listening to business pitches and watching TV and being told we don’t cut it as foursome partners? I’d rather just have gone to Pizza Express; at least we’d have got pizza.
This evening is the absolute opposite of what I expected. And the biggest disappointment is Craig. He’s gone from mesmerizing charmer to…blah.
We make our farewells and both Craig and Nadine say, “Thanks,” over and over to Luke and pump his hand, and Craig even gives him a long, heartfelt hug. (He doesn’t hug me, I notice.)
But soon enough we’re outside again, walking back through the village, with a bright moon overhead and owls hooting in the distance. The whole evening feels like a surreal dream.
“Weird,” says Luke at last.
“Weird,” I agree. “What did you think of her business pitch?”
“Awful,” says Luke, so definitively that I can’t help laughing. “It was painful. I still have no idea quite what her proposed business is, except that it involves Brandon Communications giving her large amounts of money and setting her up with a staff and a car.”
“Oh my God.” I can’t help giggling. “Did you say no?”
“I’ll say no when we talk again,” says Luke. “I really just wanted to cut her off. I’ll let her down lightly,” he adds in a kinder voice. “There are some people she could usefully talk to. I’ll make her a list, give her some contacts. I mean, kudos to her, wanting to pitch, but she needs some stronger ideas. She has a lot to learn.”
I squeeze his hand because that is so him—to want to help her anyway. How could Nadine not want to have sex with him? I think indignantly—then hastily amend my thoughts. Obviously, I wouldn’t want them to have sex. But still. She has zero taste.
As we near home, I pause underneath an overhanging holly bush and impulsively draw Luke into a long kiss. I know it should be mistletoe—but I don’t know where to find any. (I should carry my inflatable mistletoe wreath around with me.) Kissing in streets is sexy. It reminds me of when we first got together. We should kiss in streets more.
The mustache is still not ideal, hand on heart. But other than that, this is pretty perfect.
“I think we’re a hot couple, anyway,” I say at last, as we finally draw apart. “I would totally want to have sex with us.”
“Me too,” says Luke. “They lost out.” He tugs at the bow on my blouse. “Does this untie?”
“Might do.” I glint teasingly at him as he loosens the bow. All this thinking about foursomes has kind of got me going. As soon as Kay leaves, we’ll light some candles…pull up a sheepskin in front of the fire…put on a sexy playlist…mmm…
Oh, but what about the Christmas movie? I suddenly remember. What about Rae and the lumberjack? I have to know what happens—
No, it’s fine, we can get it with On Demand. God, technology is great.
CHATS
Suze & Bex
Suze
So??? Are you all tangled up in the hot tub with Craig and Nadine??!!
Bex
No!!! I’m watching a Christmas movie with Luke, actually.
Suze
Watching a Christmas movie?? What happened??
Bex
They didn’t want a threesome. Or a foursome. Or any kind of -some.
Suze
Really??? I swear I read Craig’s into that kind of stuff.
Bex
He is. They are. But not with us.
Bex
They said, “You’re not our type.”
Bex
Suze? Are you there????
Suze
Sorry. I was laughing so hard I dropped my phone.
Becky & Jess
Becky
Hi, Jess! Just wondering, will Tom definitely be back in England in time for Christmas??
Jess
Yes
Becky
Only he’s been away quite a while, hasn’t he?
Jess
Yes
Becky
That must be really hard for you.
Jess
Yes
Becky
Anyway, Suze and I wondered if you’d like to meet up sometime? Shall we go to Waste Not Foods? It’s a packaging-free shop with a vegan café! Doesn’t that sound perfect??!!