Page 46 of Christmas, Actually

‘I’m sure she’s not available,’ he said as Charlie started to hop from foot to foot impatiently. ‘She has a visitor.’ His voice was tight.

Charlie’s face fell, and Liam felt the punch of it through to his toes. Knew then he was doing the right thing, no matter how much it hurt.

‘We can ask her next time,’ Charlie said after a pause, going to pick up the bauble he’d abandoned on the ground when he was doing the puzzle. ‘I’ll take this instead and Figgy can come too.’

‘Why don’t I help you put your coat on?’ Jenny said, giving Liam a look that said she understood but he was an idiot.

‘I need to get Figgy’s blankie,’ Charlie said before racing towards the kitchen. Liam let him go and his eyes met Jenny’s.

‘I don’t know what that letter said but I can guess.’ She shook her head. ‘You’re making a mistake with Clara.’ She paused. ‘I know exactly what you’re doing. I saw how Mia turned your life upside down. I know how much she hurt you. But Liam, don’t let her do it all over again.’ She paused. ‘Finding someone to love is a rare opportunity. When you get it, you should grab on with both hands, take a risk that you might get hurt.'

Liam felt his insides turn over and licked his lips because suddenly they felt dry. ‘I can risk my own heart, Jenny, but I’m not going to risk Charlie’s…’ He looked up sadly as his son came sprinting back into the room carrying the scrap of material Clara had given Figgy.

There were so many reminders of her here – they were everywhere now – but he was going to have to stay strong. He might have fallen for Clara, but he was just going to have to make himself fall out of love with her now. He really had no choice…

21

CLARA

The Mistletoe Magic Shop looked quiet when Clara arrived. She’d dressed early, excited about seeing Liam. They hadn’t spoken at all after he’d dropped her at The Cosy Christmas Shop yesterday. She’d texted a quick hello at the end of day, but the phone had remained silent.

She understood why, though, he was busy. He had Charlie to think about and a business to run. But after her talk with Hudson, she felt confused. Unsure of herself and unsure of how Liam felt about her. She knew she wasn’t going to return to the relationship with her ex, but she had an empty feeling in the pit of her stomach. A fear that she’d been kidding herself that Liam might care, that her mother was right about her spending the rest of her life alone…

She opened the door and stepped inside the magic shop, her eyes widening as she looked around. There was a huge tree in the centre of the entrance which stretched up to the ceiling and its branches covered almost every inch. Warm white fairy lights had been integrated into the branches, and someone had hung multiple baubles from the bows. She took a step further inside and saw Bugs leap out from under one of the cabinets before charging across the room to the other side of the shop.

‘You’re here, you’re here!’ Joe said, appearing seconds later and clapping his hands. ‘I’ve been waiting for you.’ He was dressed in a black suit with a top hat and had draped himself in silver tinsel too. He held a long black wand, and he’d obviously taken a few tips from Doris’s wardrobe because his cheeks sparkled as if he’d sprayed them with glitter.

‘Is Liam here?’ Clara glanced around hopefully.

‘No, just you so far,’ Joe said. ‘I’ve been setting up.’ He indicated that she should follow him through the shop, past shelves stacked with boxes of magic tricks, top hats, cards and magical games which were interspersed with yet more baubles and tinsel. Clara noticed there were a few toy elves sitting on the shelves and wondered if her godmother was responsible.

Behind the racks of shelves was a wide area where a small glittery stage had been set up with a rectangular desk draped in a long black cloth. The two thrones had been placed to the right edge of that.

‘We’re expecting a full shop today, even a few from Evergreen House are coming, Doris Sparkle included,’ Joe said, flushing a little. ‘I’ve got extra staff coming in too. My plan is to do a magic show to kick the event off.’ He tapped his wand in the direction of the stage. ‘Then the children can come and talk to you and Mr Christmas and explain what they want.’ He flashed a smile. ‘Nora’s been wrapping gifts for me; she said she’d bring them over in plenty of time. I’ve included some magic tricks that should keep Christmas interesting for our guests.’ He chuckled wickedly.

‘Is Ezra coming to take photos?’ Clara asked. If he was, she’d make sure she found a moment to draw him aside. He needed to know how much he’d hurt Eleanor, how unfair he’d been.

‘He’ll be here later.’ Joe frowned. ‘He said he had some important prep to do so might be a little late.’

There was a sound from the front of the shop, and they both looked up and Clara’s stomach swooped as she looked over her shoulder hoping to see Liam.

‘Hello!’ a voice rang out and a few seconds later Doris appeared, closely followed by Stan and Ethel. The older woman’s eyes widened when she took in the stage. ‘Oh, that looks wonderful. Are we early?’ she asked loudly. ‘Where are the children? I want to see them open their presents. I hope you’ve included plenty of card tricks in the sack. There’s always room for one more in Vegas.’

‘Of course,’ Joe said, beaming at her. ‘People are going to start arriving soon, so I’d better get you some chairs.’ He disappeared into the back and returned moments later carrying three. ‘Take a seat and I’ll get some tea started. Might be worth drinking that before Nora arrives. She told me she’s making an extra strong flask of mulled wine for anyone who looks like they need a shot.’ He shuddered before disappearing.

‘You look beautiful!’ Doris said as she turned to Clara. ‘I see you’ve made a special effort with your make-up.’ She beamed. ‘I’m guessing you’re finally out from behind those curtains. I hope you’ve discovered exactly how handy Liam is with his tools by now.’ She winked and spun around when the door made a magical dinging sound, indicating someone new had arrived.

When Clara turned, she saw Eleanor carrying the sound system. She wore her trademark red velvet dress, but her face was still drawn and pale. Clara had missed her this morning, so they hadn’t had a chance to talk again. She’d hoped her godmother would be feeling better, but it was clear she’d been hurt far more than she’d admitted.

‘I brought this but forgot to help Nora with the presents,’ Eleanor said, putting the speaker on the ground. She glanced around and her mouth pinched. ‘No Liam or Ezra?’ she asked, sounding surprised.

‘Neither of them has arrived yet,’ Doris told her, going to give Clara’s godmother a quick hug. ‘Do you need any help?’

Eleanor shook her head and glanced back towards the entrance as the ‘ding’ went off again. A couple of seconds later, Ezra came into view. As soon as he saw Eleanor, he abruptly stopped walking. ‘I’m—’ He began pacing towards her.

‘Busy,’ she finished, sidestepping him. ‘I need to help Nora with the gifts – there’s not much time before the children arrive. I’ll see you in a minute.’ She directed her words to Clara and Doris, effectively ignoring Ezra as she bustled past heading towards the exit. He watched her go, his shoulders slumped, but he didn’t try to follow or ask her to stop.

‘Seems like you’ve got some making up to do,’ Doris said. ‘I’m not sure what’s happened, but I’ve never seen Eleanor like that. From the look on her face when you arrived, I can see it’s got something to do with you.’