Chapter 40
“Ican’t believe you played matchmaker,” Jules said. “When I think of all the complaints you make when I do the same for you. You hate anything like that.”
I took in my friend’s amused disbelief. Watching her get on with the last of her present wrapping, I was surprised to find the woman was still sane, let alone happy. After weeks and weeks spent in that chair, the Jules I knew and loved should have been downright miserable. “Someone had to step in,” I said. “Because as desperate as the man was to get to know Marianne, left to his own devices it was never going to happen.”
Jules stopped what she was doing to look at me direct. “Which is exactly what I say.”
I let out a chuckle, knowing she was right.
“Marianne,” she said, with a sigh. “You even know the woman’s name.” Jules put down her gift packaging altogether. She again looked straight at me. “I’m so proud of you, Antonia. A few weeks ago, no way would you have interfered like that. You’d have said it was none of your business. Maybe I was wrong and you’re a people person, after all.” She giggled. “Or maybe I was right, and you just needed to find your circle.”
I shook my head and smiled. Despite the contradiction, Jules had accused me of both. Observing her as she talked, I wondered if I was imagining the glistening fluid that had developed in the corner of her eyes. Concerned she was about to cry, I questioned if I’d been mistaken when it came to the state of her well-being and that she wasn’t happy at all.
“I honestly thought you’d lock yourself away, pretending to research your skip ratting business,” Jules carried on.
“Roadside reclamation specialist.”
“Same thing.”
I decided to let it pass.
“But instead, you’re out and about making friends. As for Christmas Day…”
“You’re the one who suggested the Christmas swap,” I said. “In fact, it’s because of you mine’s grown into what it is.” I recalled her ever-increasing excitement as she kept adding to my invitation list, the way she clapped her hands together as she came up with the idea for Santa Claus’s visit, and her detailed instructions as she outlined her suggested menu.
“But I didn’t expect you to go for it. Then again, I suppose you were already halfway there thanks to little Sebbie.”
I cocked my head, suddenly confident that, yes, the woman was losing it. “Little who?” I asked.
“Speaking of Christmas, how are things going? Are you organised?”
“As much as I can be. All the food prep is sorted. Once I’ve set the table, I think I’ve done everything I can for today.” I flicked through my notes to make sure. “Then it’s just a case of getting ready for tonight.”
Jules’s shoulders slumped. “I wish I could be there,” she said. “Little Sebbie’s face is going to be a picture.”
I wished she’d stop calling him that.
“Oh, to believe in Father Christmas and all his magic at this time of year.” She sighed. “Antonia, why do we have to grow up?”
I let out a nervous laugh. Jules’s mood seemed to be all over the place.
Jules pulled herself together and quickly changed the subject. “So, are you looking forward to seeing the gorgeous Mr Chase later?” she asked.
“I am,” I said, cautious. The way she was behaving, I almost dreaded the woman’s response.
Jules’s eyes narrowed. “What? No blushing, no dismissing, no head-shaking at the mere suggestion you might like the man?”
“Nope.”
She looked at me, suspicious. “There’s something in the water, isn’t there? Either that, or there’s been an alien abduction and I’m not looking at the real Antonia here. I’ve never seen you so… so…” She stopped speaking for a moment. “I think I’m going to cry.”
While Jules reached for a tissue and dabbed her eyes, I remembered her tears during our last video call.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I can’t seem to help it. I’m just so happy for you.”
Feeling bad for my friend, my body crumpled at the sight of her sobbing, before it tensed again at the unnecessary noise as she blew her nose. “Jules, are you sure you’re all right? I mean you have been confined to the house for a good while now. Maybe you should think about getting out into the fresh air?”
“I’m fine,” Jules said. She grabbed another tissue and gave her eyes a final wipe. “Although I am feeling a bit fed up sat here all day.”
