‘Yeah! Because it’s the biggest and most famous social event of the year,’ I replied confidently.
‘Well, that’s certainly true, but it’s not the reason why it’s so important to me personally.’
‘Is it because you love Chef?’s Christmas chocolate mousse?’
‘Another excellent point, but not quite right.’ She smiled. ‘It’s because it’s important to you.’
I looked at her blankly.
‘When your father and I split up all those years ago around this time, I was terrified that you would start hating Christmas. Did it ever occur to you that the first ever Royale Christmas Ball was that same year?’
I shook my head.
‘Matthew and I had the idea to put on the most magical Christmas event we could think of, so you would have a wonderful night. And you did. It’s your favourite event of the year, right? Because the Hotel Royale Christmas Ball is all for you. It always has been, right from the start.’
I couldn’t believe what she was saying. That her and Matthew had been in it together from the very start just to makemehappy seemed completely baffling. It wasthe nicest thing ever. I felt so overwhelmed that my eyes began to fill with tears at the thought of it all.
Which is lame but we were totally having a moment so whatever.
‘Mum,’ I whispered, ‘I never had any idea.’
She smiled down at me.
‘Well, as you’ve been so brilliant recently, and as it is, after all,yourparty . . .’ She turned round and pointed up at the shop name under which we were standing: Lewis Blume. ‘I think we had better go and pick up your dress.’
Good seeing you at Sky’s party. Where shall I meet you for the ball?
Hey Ethan! Good seeing you too. Matthew will show you where to go, don’t worry. Are you excited?
Yeah, it’s going to be fun
He didn’t ask me a question
Who didn’t?
Ethan. He texted me and then I replied with a question and then he answered it
Isn’t that a good thing?
No. He’s meant to ask me a question too, so I can reply. Now I can’t reply
Why don’t you just ask him another question?
Grace, I can’t do that!
This is all very confusing. You want me to ask Olly?
NO OH MY GOD
DO NOT ASK YOUR BROTHER, STOP ASKING HIM THINGS
Whoa, OK, I won’t ask him! I can’t believe Ethan Duke is taking you to the Christmas Ball. You are living the dream
Speaking of the ball, I have something to ask you . . .
Want me to look after Fritz?
No, I wanted to ask if you can come to the ball? You’re invited
