‘I’ve never felt less impressive.’
‘Oh, I don’t know,’ Sarah replies, laughing. ‘I hear you do a good Scabby the cat voice. That’s noteworthy.’
‘I appreciate the support, but I think I’m just going to eat myself to death. Can you overdose on pancakes?’
‘Definitely. I brought Alfie here last week,’ she states, browsing her menu. ‘You’ll be happy to hear the spicy chicken ones are to die for.’
I frown at the menu. ‘No offence, but who the fuck eats pancakes with chicken? Or steak, for that matter? I think I’ll stick to the sweet ones. Nutella for me.’
She grins and rolls her eyes. ‘I eat them, and you will try them and like them.’
‘Oh really?’
‘Yes,’ she replies. ‘And in return you’ll give me some of your chocolate ones because it’s only fair.’
I chuckle. ‘Are you this bossy with Matt? Do you make him eat weird food combinations too?’
She thinks for a moment. ‘Nope. But he’s a bit of a fussy eater, isn’t he?’
‘I know!’ I reply, laughing. ‘He cooks like a professional, but he’ll order a plain burger and then add his own ketchup in case they do it wrong. Or he’ll be personally offended if there’s broccoli anywhere in his meal.’
She grins widely. ‘See, this is why you’re perfect! You know him so well. You can help me.’
‘Help with what?’
‘Matt’s birthday present! Alfie is getting dropped off here after work and we’re going shopping. Youhaveto come and help me choose something; I’m at a loss.’
‘Hmm, I’m not sure I’d be that much help,’ I inform her. ‘I mean, we don’t even buy each other presents.’
‘You’re kidding?’
‘No! It’s just not something that guys do. Same with Christmas presents. We just do food or go out for drinks.’
Sarah waves over the waitress to let her know we’re ready to order. ‘Well, that’s ridiculous and depressing, but it still doesn’t exempt you. Come on. . . please? You’d be doing me a huge favour.’
‘OK, fine. I’ll change after work and meet you at the coffee shop.’
She gives an excited squeal and orders lunch. Turns out spicy chicken pancakes are delicious.
Chapter Fourteen
Southview Shopping Centre in the evening is an entirely different beast to the one I’m used to seeing during the day: very few children, lots of teenagers flirting with each other from twenty feet away and many flustered-looking adults who have obviously just come straight from the office. Everything is still as shiny and festive as ever, with a large pop-up Christmas market running the length of the ground floor which makes the entire area smell of roasted chestnuts.
After stashing my Santa costume in a locker, I change into my jeans and shirt and head to the café where Alfie and Sarah are already waiting. The thought of sharing my evening with them is a charming one.
‘Nick!’ Alfie yells, running directly into my legs. ‘We’re going to get a pretzel!’
‘Hey, bud,’ I reply, ‘that sounds like a great idea, I’m starving.’
‘Pretzel after shopping, sweetie,’ Sarah reminds him. ‘Hey, Nick. Thanks so much for this – you’re a lifesaver. If I can sort Matt’s birthday present tonight, then I can dash around and do some last-minute shopping for everyone else’s Christmas presents tomorrow.’
‘No worries,’ I reply, running my hand through my hair. That hat makes it so damn flat by the end of my shift. ‘Though you know you still have ten days before Christmas. . .’
‘Yeah. Well, no; I’m going home to the Cotswolds for Christmas,’ she replies as we walk towards the open market area. ‘But Matt’s doing dinner on the 21st before I go. All of us – present company included. I’m bringing the crackers.’
‘Oh really? What if I’m busy?’ I reply. ‘What if I have a hot date that night?’
‘Do you?’
