The absolute best way she communicated with Ali was with her lips pressed against hers, and her fingers deep inside Ali. She blinked, then shook herself. Thoughts like that were not safe for Christmas Day.
What was Morgan doing right now?
Ali glanced up at the fireplace, a framed photo of her parents smiling back at her, so happy together on their wedding day. They had many more years of happiness, as her mum kept telling her. She always said she wasn’t going to dwell on the past, but look to the future. That’s exactly what Ali was doing in prioritising New York.
Although she knew what Tobias had said was also true.
Had she made the wrong decision? Was Morgan someone she should give more thought to? She hadn’t slept last night thinking about it.
What if she was turning down the love of her life?
That thought made her jump up from the sofa. Christmas dinner sat heavy in her stomach. It had been delicious, but she’d overdone it on the roasties.
“Anyone want a wine top-up?”
Her mum nodded. “I might have my first glass with dessert. I’ll get the crumble and custard ready soon.”
They’d all agreed on a rest after their lunch. The queen’s speech, followed by a spot of present opening. Her mum had bought her an NYC baseball cap, along with a New York guidebook, as if the internet didn’t exist. The whole family had been thrilled with their double lot of gifts—the originals, and the ones Ali had bought in Lower Greeton. The village where everything changed.
Ali grabbed the chardonnay from the fridge and unscrewed the cap. She refilled her glass, then poured a new one for her mum, who’d followed her in and now leaned against the counter.
“Dinner was delicious.”
Mum nodded. The bags under her eyes were far more pronounced since the summer. That’s what came of grief, and having to run a business solo.
Ali walked over and gave her a hug. It was spontaneous, and her mum seemed surprised. Eventually, she gave in and hugged her back. When Ali let go, her mum looked at her with suspicion.
“What was that for?”
She shook her head. “No reason. It’s just been a while since I’ve been in this kitchen with you. I’m allowed to hug my mum, right?”
“Always.”
Her mum took a seat at the table. Outside, the white clouds persisted. Snow was forecast, but it hadn’t arrived yet. Ali sat at right angles to her mum and they clinked glasses.
“Merry Christmas!”
Her mum smiled. “It’s good to have you home. Did I say that already?”
“Once or twice. I’m glad to be here spending it with you.”
“I love your shirt, too.” Her mum stroked her arm. “Are they foxes or dogs?”
Ali smiled. “They’re reindeer.”
Her mum peered over her glasses. “Are they really? Very stylish and festive.”
They heard a wail from the other room, followed by the sound of crying.
“You think Harrison has finally learned the costume doesn’t give him special powers?” Her mum laughed, then peered over the top of her glasses. “Can I ask you a question? No getting mad at me.”
Ali stilled. “Sure.”
Her mum held her gaze. “Morgan. Is anything going on? I know I mentioned it on the phone, but you told me in no uncertain terms that nothing was going on, so I believed you. But now your sister reckons there is, but I don’t want to assume. Then, you did bake gingerbread, and that’s very out of character.”
Ali pressed her teeth together. Did she know the answer to that question?
“We hit it off while we were travelling. Something happened, but it can’t go anywhere with me going to New York, so I’ve nipped it in the bud.” Her heart pulled the duvet over its head. She tried to stop the sides of her mouth turning downwards, but she wasn’t sure she was successful.
