Felix, Baxter, and I wait for Will to make his way up the carriage towards the train doors.
Turning to me, Felix asks, ‘Do I really have to tell Sai all my ideas in the future?’
A smile spreads across my face. ‘Yes.’
Clamping his hand over his forehead he pulls a frustrated face and I laugh.
‘It was lovely to meet you, Will,’ I say as we stand together on the platform and wait for Felix to tie up his trainer laces. Will smiles and places a business card in my hand. ‘If things don’t work out with Rory, drop me an email.’
Baxter is wriggling around in my arms so much; I can’t read Will’s card. ‘Thanks, it was nice to meet you too. I hope you enjoy walking around the Mercedes showroom.’
He laughs and stuffs his hands in his pockets. ‘Ah, yes, I can’t wait. Good luck on your trip. Is your ex-boyfriend expecting you?’
Felix chips in. ‘No, it will be a surprise for Rory.’
An uncomfortable feeling passes over me. Rory probably sent me that message while Beth was making him a cup of tea after a marathon sex session. He is going to get such a shock seeing us standing on his flat doorstep.
Will rubs my arm and with a smile he walks off towards the platform exit. I watch him stride away. In my mind I try to imagine Will putting his arm around me or leaning in for a kiss, but my mind refuses to replace Rory’s image.
Felix scoops Baxter out of my arms. ‘Come on, Aunty Emily, we have to find Rory.’
Before I have a chance to say anything he’s marched away.
‘Felix, can you wait for me, please?’
We hurry along through the ticket barriers and into the main station. I’m immediately distracted by a young woman wearing a stunning fifties black velvet cocktail dress with a gorgeous, pleated wrap skirt finished off with a thick gold belt. She’s got her camel coat draped over one arm and is running her hand through her silky blonde hair. I am in awe of her elegance. The urge to run up to her and ask her where she bought her dress is strong.
Before I have time to take out my phone and take a pic of her for a future dress design Felix drags me away. We head for the exit. In the middle of the doors a woman is trying to manoeuvre a Christmas tree through. It’s so long it’s jammed on the top of the door. I can’t believe she’s travelled with that tree. Someone on the other side is trying to help her get it through as I can see two hands holding onto the branches. Quickly I steer Felix through the doors at the far end. Outside the afternoon light is starting to fade. The sky above has a hint of lavender to it. Before long it will turn into a rich indigo colour. There are twinkly Christmas lights everywhere and a good covering of snow. An icy wind nips at our warm cheeks. I take in a deep breath of fresh air. The sign which reads ‘LEEDS STATION,’ makes me gasp. Felix and I are in Leeds. What the hell are we doing here?
A busker, wrapped in a large woollen hat, a giant scarf and furry boots is stood playing a guitar near to the station. As everyone walks past on their way into the bustling centre of Leeds, he sings them Happy Christmas. I have no idea where to find Rory’s flat. ‘Felix, get my iPad out so we can use google maps.’
I watch Felix take it out and quickly type in my password which makes me let out a heavy sigh. Google maps is taking ages to fire up. ‘Happy Christmas, lady with the smile,’ shouts the busker pointing to me before bursting into his own rendition of Slade’s pop classic.
I take out my phone, but it’s in desperate need of a charge. It’s gone red on the battery sign. Felix has passed me Baxter and is now groaning at the sight of my phone.
By the time the busker has finished his song Felix, Baxter and I are stood huddled over my iPad and phone. I am cursing new technology when the busker waves and whistles at us. ‘You lost?’
‘Bring back physical maps,’ I say with a nervous laugh.
‘Aye,’ he says, strumming a few chords on his guitar. ‘Shopping in Leeds for Christmas?’
‘No, we have come to surprise someone,’ chirps up Felix.
The busker’s grin widens. ‘Oh, a surprise visit for Christmas, I love the sound of it. Will this person be pleased to see you?’
Felix confidently nods and I opt to cast the busker a grimace. Rory will be entertaining Beth in the bedroom so I can’t see him being pleased to see us trooping into his flat. Why did I allow myself to be dragged along by Felix?
Felix points to me. ‘Rory still loves Aunty Emily.’ His voice is shrill and laden with excitement.
I receive a wink from the busker. ‘Well, Rory is a lucky man. Could there be some Christmas romance in the air between you and this person?’
A pink blush blossoms over my face.
Felix pipes up. ‘Aunty Emily and Rory will be together again.’
‘You travelled far?’
‘From Brighton.’
