But she stuffed her feelings deep inside. Just like she always had with Morgan. This learned behaviour would take quite the gear shift to change. Because when the glare of a Morgan Scott smile snagged Ali, all she really wanted to do was lean in and soak it up. It had always been that way.
Morgan was Ali’s sunshine.
“And if you are embarrassed in the morning, I have two words for you.”
“Ms Cherry?”
“How did you guess?” Morgan replied.
CHAPTER11
Morgan slept well, which amazed her after what happened before they closed their eyes. They’d managed the entire night in the same bed without touching each other, which was a feat. That Ali didn’t snore or hog the duvet helped.
Still, Ali’s revelation had caught her off-guard. But beyond Morgan’s surprise, it also impressed her. Ali had always been comfortable in her identity, even from a young age. It had taken Morgan a while longer to get there. What’s more, from what she’d seen so far, that played out in their lives, too. Morgan was the organised, methodical one. She had to think about things first before she acted. Whereas Ali was far more spontaneous and brave. She’d saved them from Maud last night. She’d booked this bed-and-breakfast from the train. Plus, she’d drawn back the curtain on her past. She wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable. It was a quality Morgan admired, and one she taught through her work. Ali didn’t need her help with that. She was in control far more than she gave herself credit for.
They’d eaten a full English breakfast to set them up for the day ahead, but Ali insisted they head back to the Snowton Gift Shop before they left.
“There’s a little something I want to pick up.”
So it was a short while later, Morgan found herself surrounded by more Christmas than she knew what to do with. This store might even overwhelm her Christmas-obsessed mum. What to buy? A festive hat? An apron? A Christmas loo seat cover? The whole store smelt of pine trees, and some old-school Ronettes blared from the stereo. Between that and the snow still piled up on the pavement, she couldn’t help but feel festive.
Also, quite cold. She really needed a hat.
“What about this?” Ali appeared by her side, holding up a Christmas bra, replete with fur holly lining and Christmas puddings over the nipples.
Morgan held up her hand. “I can’t unsee that.”
Ali put it back on its hook, then held up a small bag. “I’ve got what I came for, so let’s go. Also, just to let you know, I messaged Dave and asked about your phone, so we wait to hear.”
“Thank you.” Resourceful and thoughtful. Morgan was touched.
Shelley dropped them at the car rental place, which was a 15-minute drive away, and Morgan gave her a box of Ferrero Rocher as a thank you.
As Shelley drove away with a wave, Ali gave Morgan a clap.
“What’s that for?”
“You and your magic sweets. Everywhere we go, you whip them out and charm the locals. I’m learning a lot this trip.”
Morgan raised an eyebrow. “That makes two of us.”
Ali’s blush was damningly red. “I’m going to get the car.” She walked off, avoiding Morgan’s gaze.
* * *
Half an hour later,they were on the road, Ali driving a grey Ford Focus on the same motorway they’d touched twice yesterday. Morgan had a severe case of déjà vu.
Morgan got the heating going, then put their destination into the sat nav. “It says it’s only 6.5 hours away!” They could be home for dinner. That seemed like dreamland.
Until they slowed to a stop in increasingly thick traffic once more.
Ali glanced at the sat nav, then frowned. “What do all those thick red lines mean?”
“Re-routing,” said the sat nav.
Morgan winced. “Let’s see if the radio can fill us in.” She switched it on and tuned until she found a local station. They caught the tail end of Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’, and then the travel news followed.
“Bad news if you’re trying to drive south on the M6 right now. There’s a pile-up just before Penrith. It’s grid locked, so be prepared to sit in traffic. Keep it here for festive tunes to keep your spirits high!”
