Page 40 of And A Partridge on Pear Street

“I think you might have mentioned something when we left this morning,” I smile at him.

“Hmm,” he looks up thoughtfully. “Maybe I should tell you again, just to be on the safe side.”

“Maybe,” I shrug with as much nonchalance I can manage through the butterflies in my belly.

“Or, you know, I could show you,” he grips my waist and pulls me flush against his body.

“Someone could see,” I whisper but the argument is weak as my lips ghost his.

“You want to stop?” The amusement in his voice tells me that he knows I don’t.

“Well, you are under the mistletoe, don’t want bad luck or whatever.”

“We certainly don’t,” he murmurs just as his lips meet mine. He’s soft and gentle as he kisses me, sweet and tender. His tongue pushing lightly at the seam of my mouth, waiting for an invite, not claiming as he has done before. I let him in and moan softly as our tongues slide against one another.

“What the fuck!?”

We break apart but Jake’s hands stay at my waist so we don’t look guilty. Harry is stood in the hall, arms full of toys that he’s likely meant to be taking upstairs. Instead, he’s staring at us wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

“What. The. Fuck?” he says again, more anger in his voice, his eyes narrowing as he drops the toys into the corner so he can put his clenched fists on his hips.

“H,” Jake starts cajoling.

“My sister, Jake? Mysister?”

My stomach knots at the disgust in Harry’s voice. His utter revulsion that his best friend would sink to settling for me.

“What the Hell is happening here?” Harry demands.

“What’s wrong?” Lisa comes round the corner, looking at Harry with concern but when she sees Jake and I, she slows and lets out a knowing, “Ooooh.”

Lisa knows?

“Babe, let’s just take a minute to stay calm,” Lisa places her hand gently on Harry’s arm. He turns and glares at his wife, seeming to calculate something in his head before clenching his jaw tight.

“You knew about this?”

Her eyes flick to Jake and back. “Not exactly, but you know, it makes sense.”

“How, Lisa? How does this make sense?” He gestures wide with his arms, confused by the whole situation.

She shrugs. “They’re both young, single, and hot.”

“Oh, Jake’s hot now?” Harry sneers, his anger now being directed wherever is easiest.

Lisa isn’t deterred by his attitude, rolling her eyes and sighing. “Yes, Harry. Jake is hot. Nel is hot. It makes sense they find each other hot.”

My brother’s face contorts as he seems appalled at the very idea and something in me snaps. I am so angry. Angry that the kinship we seemed to have just minutes ago is lost so quickly. Angry that I was enjoying this big family Christmas that I had been dreading for weeks only for it to be ruined. Angry that my brother doesn’t think I’m good enough for his best friend.

“Honestly Harry, I know I’m not your favourite person in the world, but I didn’t think I ranked so low that you’d be this upset about this.” I’m impressed by the strength of my own voice.

“What?” He jerks back as my words hit him, the anger fading to give way for more confusion. It looks like he might say something else, but I don’t give him the chance to continue.

“I get it, okay? I’m fat, you have reminded me at every opportunity.” Shit, my eyes are starting to sting and I can feel the tears gathering, ready to spill. Harry’s mouth gapes open, apparently shocked that I’m standing up for myself. Jake’s hand slips into mine; a show of silent support. “And you’ve made it abundantly clear that you’re ashamed of what I do. But honestly, I think everyone would be more offended by the fact you thought they’d judge me on it than they are by the fact I take photos of people in their underwear. Maybe I don’t have my shit together all the time like you do, butthis,” I gesture between Jake and I, “has nothing to do with you. And you don’t get to be mad at me for it.”

Everyone is quiet for a long moment, digesting the situation and my outburst. Jake’s hand tightens over mine and Lisa is giving me a proud smirk behind Harry’s shoulder.

“What are you talking about?” Harry screws his face up. “You think I’m ashamed of you?” The hurt in his voice takes me aback slightly, my shoulders dropping an inch. “I’m not ashamed of you, Nellie.”