Page 11 of Christmas, Actually

The pockets had white fur sewn onto the edges, and Liam wore a Santa hat which made him look more like a playful rock star than St Nick. She gulped and felt her godmother nudge her arm.

‘Yep. He doesn’t look like any Santa Claus you’ve ever seen, does he?’ she whispered, sounding amused just as Liam turned to look at Clara. ‘We decided to go for something a little different – it was Nora’s idea. The kids love coming to see him, but the mums are just as keen. He makes quite the picture…’ she purred.

‘That dress looks like it was made for you,’ Liam said oblivious, studying Clara, his expression changing from amused to surprised.

‘Clara always looked beautiful in red. Do you remember when you dressed up as a lobster for the school play?’ Eleanor asked, tapping her on the shoulder.

‘Yes,’ Clara said. She remembered everyone laughing at her. How excruciating the whole half an hour on stage had been. She’d been nicknamed ‘Pinchy’ until she’d escaped to secondary school. Although her mother often reminded her of it.

‘I’ve taken it in at the waist, but otherwise it’s a perfect fit,’ Eleanor continued. ‘We’ll probably need to get some red shoes in the correct size, but for now those black boots will do.’ She nodded at Clara’s feet. She’d brought her favourite knee-highs with her from New York along with slippers.

‘I’m dabbling with the idea of a tiara – in fact—’ Eleanor disappeared into the room on the right before reappearing moments later with a glittering wire headband decorated with shiny, red stones. ‘You’ve got the perfect hair for it. That bob’s so sleek and tidy,’ she said, perching it on the top of Clara’s head.

‘It works,’ Liam said. ‘You look…’ He paused, his face brightening before it flattened again. ‘Really good.’ He gulped and held onto Figgy’s lead as the dog suddenly wriggled its nose and then made a beeline for Clara. ‘Here we go, he’s spotted the velvet.’ He sighed, his muscles flexing as he held on to the lead.

‘I’ve got something for him,’ Eleanor said suddenly, disappearing again and returning moments later with a fluffy round toy that looked like a Christmas pudding. The dog began to salivate as she dropped it on the ground. ‘It’s made of plush.’

‘Another of his favourites. Thank you,’ Liam said as the dog immediately pounced and grasped it between his teeth as his tail wagged like a helicopter blade. ‘That’ll keep him occupied until he eats or loses it.’

‘Why don’t I take him, so you can get your photos done?’ Eleanor suggested, holding out a hand for the lead. ‘There are a few spots in the shop that will be perfect. We’re going to use the shots to advertise the events where you’re going to appear,’ she explained to Clara. ‘We’ll also promote you as the main attraction at the Christmas fayre. The kids love visiting Mr and Mrs Christmas, and the adults are pretty keen too.’

Her eyes returned to Liam and Clara wondered again if Eleanor was hung up on the electrician. Except he was closer to Clara’s age, and she’d just said even Ezra was too young for her. Plus, there was something about the Scottish bookshop owner that made Eleanor feistier – accentuating an interesting side to her godmother.

‘Let’s get to it.’ Ezra sighed. ‘I haven’t got all day. I’ve got books to stack.’

‘Oh yes, and don’t forget all those children you need to intimidate, and the glitter and sparkle you have to eradicate. We’re well aware…’ Eleanor said, her voice filled with humour as she led the dog out of the room and to the right.

‘Follow me, I’ll show you where you can set up while I take this one outside for a while.’ She turned to Clara. ‘Can you keep an eye out for any customers while I’m gone please, love? Then after you finish the photos, you and Liam can find somewhere private to practise your song.’

Clara grimaced.

‘No excuses!’ Her godmother wagged a finger. ‘I think you’re going to be surprised by how talented you are.’ With that, she headed off.

‘All done,’ Ezra said, sounding happier as he straightened up from where he’d been kneeling on the ground peering at them through the lens of his camera. They were standing beside a couple of large elf statues and there was a snowy backdrop behind them which sparkled each time the camera flashed. ‘I think we’ve got something we can work with here.’

‘Your pictures are always perfect. It’s good of you to give up so much of your time,’ Liam commented and the bookshop owner shrugged, but Clara could tell he was pleased with the comment.

‘We all give up our free time. I probably have more spare than most,’ he said quietly. ‘Where’s Eleanor?’ Ezra glanced around, his face falling as he realised Clara’s godmother hadn’t returned from walking Figgy. ‘No matter. I’ll show her later. No doubt she’ll come into the bookshop to cause havoc again,’ he muttered before his gaze returned to them.

‘The pictures look great, you’re both photogenic. Now you can go and practise your song, and we’ll see if our new Mrs Christmas can sing. Don’t worry if you can’t – we’ll just get the audience to sing louder and drown you out.’

His smile returned and this time it was wicked. ‘See you at the bakery on Tuesday – I’ll be there to take more photos, and I’ll make sure I bring my earplugs too.’ He waved a hand as he turned and headed from the shop, his gait springier than it had been when he’d arrived.

‘Ignore Ezra, he loves to tease. I think it’s why he gets on so well with Eleanor…’ Liam said as he moved to gaze down at Clara. ‘Where do you want to practise the song?’

‘Siberia?’ she suggested, feeling her cheeks burn. ‘I really can’t sing, Eleanor’s just being kind,’ she whispered, glancing over her shoulder to make sure her godmother hadn’t suddenly appeared. Eleanor often complimented Clara and she knew it was because her godmother simply wanted to make up for the constant criticism she received from her mum. Clara had given up trying to work out why she judged her so harshly, and she really tried not to be upset by it. It was simply part of their relationship now… Nobody escaped her mother’s ruthless disapproval – aside from Hudson who could do no wrong – it wasn’t personal.

Liam nodded, looking amused. ‘You’re going to be fine. We can go upstairs to Eleanor’s flat, or to the stockroom at the back of the shop. It’s where I usually practise with Tabitha – no one can hear us there.’

‘You’re going to hear me,’ Clara said as her stomach constricted.

Liam stared down at her, his face suddenly serious. ‘You know you can always say no?’ he said gently.

Clara considered that for a moment. ‘I’m not going to back out.’ She reluctantly trailed after Liam as he made his way towards the storeroom. Then she suddenly stopped. ‘What about the shop? Someone needs to keep an eye out in case there are any customers.’

Clara heard the sound of Figgy’s bark as the bell on the front door went off signalling it had just been opened. ‘Looks like Eleanor’s returned, so you don’t have to worry about that,’ Liam said kindly, standing aside and waving her into the small stockroom as his phone buzzed. ‘You’re going to be okay, I promise. Eleanor said you can sing and she’s rarely wrong.’

‘Ok,’ Clara said, walking inside, almost jumping out of her skin when Liam put on the light and shut the door.