Nope! Ginny Dean was on a new mission, and nothing was going to get her down ever again.
She hoped.
Perhaps she could put the star in the window. It wouldn’t hurt, and it did normally go there. It didn’t symbolize anything. It was just a star for Christmas. It wasn’t as if she thought about Will Pendleton anymore anyway. He didn’t even bother to send his sympathies when her mum died. So, no, there was no connection between him and her star. None whatsoever.
‘I’m hanging up my star,’ she mumbled, defiantly marching towards the window.
Climbing the stepladder to place it high, her mouth gaped as she spotted Will over the road, staring out to sea.
Are you looking for your North Star?
He huddled his arms into his chest, then walked off in the direction of the B&B.
Something inside Ginny snapped. She took the star, ran outside, and yelled his name.
Will turned, surprise in his eyes.
Ginny shoved the star straight into his chest, forcing him to catch the shiny item. ‘You do know my mum died, don’t you?’ she yelled into the gust of wind blowing around them.
He gave the most pathetic nod she’d ever seen.
‘And you didn’t think to pop by, see how I was doing?’
‘I thought you hated my guts because of the tea shop thingy.’
Without saying another word, she marched back to her café, slamming the door for good measure.
Jan stepped away from the window, lowering the mug of tea from her lips. ‘Good to see you’re healing nicely, Gin. Now, sit down. We’re going to talk some things through.’
Ginny glanced at the door. ‘I do need therapy, Jan,’ she said quietly, deflated on every level. ‘Look what I just did to Will. That was so unfair.’ She went to stand. ‘I should go apologize.’
Jan waved her back to the seat. ‘Take a breath, Ginny. Let’s have a chat.’
Chapter 19
Will
The annual Christmas tree lighting at Old Market Square was supposed to be a happy event, but Will couldn’t find his holly jolly anywhere.
All around were food stalls and smiling faces. The church choir was on top form, belting out merry songs while the bell ringers rang their instruments lined up on tables over by the entrance to Anchorage Park.
Will was due to perform with the Berry Buoys later to raise some money to buy chickens for the Christmas parcels. He was in no mood, and the reindeer antlers Jed stuck on his head didn’t help matters.
The smell of hotdogs filled the air along with laughter and light snowflakes. Councillor Seabridge was gathering people closer to the tall Christmas tree while little children ran around his podium, waving tinsel hats and candy canes.
Will gazed at the steeple of the beautiful stone-built church peeping over a small hill, no more than a two-minute walk away, wondering if sitting inside might help clear his muggy head. He had a rotten cold, his throat was itchy, his eyes weary, and his heart torn in two by Ginny, who for some reason had practically stabbed him with a star a few days ago. He had thought about running after her, even contacting her the next day, but things seemed so messy between them. He really had no idea what to do for the best so ended up doing nothing at all.
Jed came bustling through the crowd, holding a disposable cup filled with mulled wine. ‘Neck that, son. It’ll sort your pipes.’
Will sniffed the drink, wishing he could simply snuggle in bed with some honey and lemon. Ginny would be another choice, but the idea of her becoming his partner had flown southfor the winter. Probably forever, knowing his luck. Why did she get so far into his heart? He sipped the warm liquid and sighed. ‘I’m not sure I’ll be able to sing, mate.’
‘Course you will.’
‘I’ll make us sound off.’
Jed flapped a hand, then used his other to wave at whoever it was dressed as Father Christmas. ‘If it gets too bad, just mime. I swear that’s what Artie does.’ He slapped Will on the back, making him cough. ‘Catch you later.’
Will sneezed, then blew his nose while glancing around to see who else was about.
