It was nothing, she told herself as she massaged shampoo into her hair. Nothing. So why was she grinning like an idiot?
‘You look very cheerful, love,’ her mum said in the kitchen, wrapping sandwiches for Liv’s lunch. ‘Did you have an artistic breakthrough in the night?’
‘Oh that,’ said Ivy, pouring a glass of juice, feeling herself going pink once again. ‘No, sadly inspiration didn’t strike.’
Her mum squinted at her. ‘Well,somethinghas changed. You’re positively glowing.’
Ivy flushed deeper. ‘Maybe the Winter Wonderland magic is getting to me after all.’
‘Hmm.’ Her mum thrust one of the foil-wrapped bundles ather. ‘I hope so. You always loved it as a kid. Now, remember to have lunch. I’m worried you’re being run ragged down there between the shop and the show.’
Ivy found herself smiling again as she gave the car its customary warm-up, repeatedly turning the ignition and praying the engine co-operated. She switched on the radio and when a cheesy ballad came on, she didn’t turn it off in disgust. She even found herself humming cheerfully along. All she could see, as the darkened houses flashed by, was Trip, looking down at her as the lights flared into life, his expression serious and questioning.
She shivered happily. Suddenly she couldn’t wait to see him, irrepressible good humour, endless chatter and all.
Ivy parked down one of the cobbled side streets. She headed to Fin’s bakery and carefully selected the fluffiest, butteriest-looking croissant for Trip and then chose some more pastries for Brooke, Josie and herself. She was in such a good mood she even bought Pushkin a cat biscuit.
‘You seem happy, love,’ said Fin, handing her the paper bag. ‘Going well at the shop, is it?’
‘Yeah,’ said Ivy. ‘It is actually.’
Whistling, she headed up the street and pushed open the door to Wildest Dreams, suddenly breaking off mid-tune. Trip and Brooke were standing by the counter, wearing coats and hats, with suitcases at their feet.
Josie was already behind the counter, pencil tucked behind her ear. ‘Morning, darling!’ she called. ‘Glad you got here in time to say goodbye. These two are making their escape from Fox Bay.’
‘Oh,’ Ivy said, feeling like she had suddenly been soaked in cold water. Her gaze darted to the cases.Goodbye?‘You’re … leaving? Did the Winter Wonderland put you off?’ She gave a nervous laugh, but she felt uneasy.
Trip shook his head, smiling as he tugged on his gloves. ‘It’s not really goodbye – we’re just off to London for a few days. Someone called Ted is driving us to the station.’
‘And he’s late,’ added Brooke, eyeing her Apple Watch crossly. ‘Honestly, I said 8.30 a.m.’
‘London?’ said Ivy. She felt a rush of relief that he wasn’t leaving for good.
‘Didn’t Trip tell you?’ Brooke said, smoothing down her navy coat. ‘We’re catching the nine o’clock train. Or we should be, if this guy ever shows up. Does everything in this town run half an hour late?’
‘No, I—’ Ivy paused. ‘You didn’t mention London.’ She hated how crestfallen she sounded.
Trip looked, Ivy thought, slightly evasive. ‘Brooke said I needed a proper city fix.’
‘You can’t come to the UK and not go to London,’ Brooke said firmly. ‘I’ve booked us a great boutique hotel in Covent Garden.’
‘But what about the show?’ Ivy asked, trying not to sound forlorn.
‘Mr H says it’ll be fine for a few days,’ Trip said. ‘I chatted to him last night. I’ve left all my notes and Callum has the sound cues down, Erin is up to speed on the script, Mei was born to be stage manager … she’s like a different person withthat headset on.’ He shivered. ‘A slightly intense one, but she’s working wonders.’
‘Yeah, I think the Fox Bay extravaganza can cope without you for a few days,’ said Brooke.
Josie tutted. ‘Still, you’re going to miss allsortsof fun things,’ she said. ‘There’s going to be the annual bonfire on the beach and dancing. It has an almostpaganenergy.’
‘That’s a shame,’ said Trip, sounding genuinely regretful. ‘I love a bonfire, especially a pagan one.’ He glanced at Ivy. ‘When is it? Maybe we’ll try and come back in time.’
For a moment, Ivy imagined being on the beach with Trip, branches crackling as the flames flickered into the dark night, woodsmoke scenting the chill air. His arm round her, pulling her close—
‘It’s on Monday night,’ she said quickly. ‘The bonfire. If you wanted to come back for it, I mean.’
‘I’m not sure we’ll make it,’ said Brooke. ‘We’re going to be pretty booked up till at least then.’
‘Booked up?’ said Josie, frowning. ‘With what?’
