‘Make him? I couldn’t have stopped him.’ When Connie went quiet she tried not to sound so cutting. ‘You know boys, they like to take over. And we’d left it far too long. Bet you put yours up ages ago.’
‘It’s been up a while.’
‘And what’s the theme this year?’
‘No theme.’
‘Really?’
‘I decided I’d go back to basics.’
‘Any plans for the big day?’
‘My friend Jill is coming over from Wales.’
‘She’s the chef, right?’
‘I’ll be well looked after but I’ll be helping her. She’s already made a timetable of preparation and cooking.’ She sounded brighter now, perhaps the thought of Christmas keeping her going. ‘She’s making her famous sticky figgy pudding with caramel sauce.’
‘Well, don’t you two have too many Irish cream liqueurs this time, I know what you’re like when you get together.’
‘I’ll do my best.’
‘Jill usually heads off somewhere hot, doesn’t she? How come you’re getting the special treatment this year?’
‘I think she fancied a change.’
‘Good for you, eh.’ When an awkward silence overtook the sisterly banter she asked, ‘I was wondering, do you still have the bauble Kyle made?’ If he wasn’t going to mention it then she would. ‘The special one with the fire truck.’ God, please don’t let her have thrown it away. He’d be devastated. ‘Connie, you still there?’
‘Still here.’
‘Have you got it?’ If she’d thrown it out Amelia would have to break it to Kyle and she already knew the kind of reaction he’d have.
‘I still have it.’
‘Kyle says you don’t put it on the tree anymore, since you went all designer.’
‘Is this call a chance to chat and tell me about your holiday or is it all about me and what I’ve managed to get wrong with my son?’
‘Connie…’
‘I need to go, Amelia. I should get up and go into work.’
Her voice softened. ‘I think we both know you’re not going anywhere. You sound like shit.’
‘Thanks, love you too, sis.’
‘Don’t worry, I get it. I’m a ratty cow too when I’m not well,’ Amelia smiled. Hangover or just a cold, her sister really did sound terrible.
‘I haven’t forgotten Kyle, you know, even though he’s away with you.’
‘I know you haven’t.’ Her heart warmed at the admission.
‘I think about him all the time, every day. I think about his future – what if…?’
‘What if what?’
‘Nothing.’ Her voice trembled before she asked whether he was awake. ‘I’d love to chat with him.’
