Page 53 of Christmas, Actually

EZRA BELL (FORMERLY EBENEZER)

‘Wow,’ Eleanor said after a few moments of silence, her cheeks flushing a luminous shade of pink.

‘It’s quite something, isn’t it?’ Nora said quietly.

Eleanor nodded, then pressed her nose to the bookshop window, trying to see between the large sheets. ‘I can’t see him,’ she said.

‘Well, it would be a lot easier to find him if you actually went inside,’ Nora grumbled. ‘What are you waiting for, girl? If Ezra Bell wrote that to me, I wouldn’t still be standing out here. Get in there, woman.’

Eleanor chuckled, then put a hand on the door, but before she pushed it, she fixed Liam with a disappointed look. ‘You hurt Clara again.’

‘I know, I’m sorry, but I just⁠—’

‘Don’t trust her not to hurt you?’ Eleanor guessed. ‘Are too afraid to take a chance on love in case she leaves like Mia?’

‘I have to think of Charlie.’ He felt his throat tighten. Wondering if his words were really true. ‘When Clara leaves…’

‘That’s just an excuse,’ Nora snorted. ‘What if she stayed, boy?’ She shook her head. ‘What if you could be happy together?’

‘Perhaps it’s time you stopped being so afraid,’ Eleanor added. ‘I know how it feels to be hurt.’ She glanced at the bookshop window again. ‘I’m not alone in that. But sometimes you’ve got to take a chance, like Ezra.’ Her eyes softened. ‘Or you’ll end up completely alone.’

Liam let out a long breath. The thought of having Clara and losing her was terrifying, but was it scarier to think of a life without her in it? He glanced down the high street in the direction of The Cosy Christmas Shop. ‘Maybe I should talk to her.’ He didn’t know what he was going to say, or if she’d ever forgive him, but in this moment, he knew he had to try.

‘You should, but it might be too late.’ Eleanor tugged the door of the bookshop open.

‘What do you mean?’ Liam asked.

‘Because she just caught a taxi to Heathrow Airport. She’s heading back to New York.’

‘I, but…’ Liam gaped. ‘What about the Christmas fayre?’

Eleanor shrugged. ‘We’re going to see if Tabitha can cover it. I understand her jury service is coming to an end.’

‘But…’ Liam swallowed, overwhelmed by the wave of fear that flooded through him. They were right. He had been a coward – just like Ezra. He’d run from love because it was easier to keep himself safe. And he had used Charlie as an excuse. But now his life was unravelling. Clara was leaving and he wanted her here.

‘Looks like the penny might finally be dropping,’ Nora said gruffly.

‘I… I need to go to the airport,’ Liam blurted, glancing down at Figgy. ‘But my truck’s back at the house and I...’

‘You can take my car,’ Eleanor offered, giving him a half smile. She dug into the pocket of her coat and drew out a set of keys. ‘It’s parked behind the shop. Nora will take Figgy.’ The older woman nodded and took the lead.

‘Charlie’s with Jenny, I’m supposed to pick him up soon…’

‘And I’ll get him or ask Jenny if she can keep him for longer,’ Eleanor said. ‘You go and find Clara.’ Her eyes flickered to the bookshop window again. ‘And make sure you tell her exactly how you really feel…’

Liam nodded as he grabbed the keys, hoping he’d make it to the airport before it was too late…

24

CLARA

Clara sat in the back of a black taxi and stared out of the window as a sign for Heathrow Airport directed her driver to take a right. She glanced at the mobile lying on the seat beside her and contemplated calling Liam for the fiftieth time.

‘Don’t do it, Clara,’ she told herself. ‘He doesn’t want you in his life.’ Her voice wavered and she fought a wave of hurt. ‘It’s time you wised up and moved on.’

She considered her phone for two beats before picking it up. She needed to give up on this fantasy romance, had to admit that her mother was right. The kind of love she wanted didn’t happen to people like her, so she had to learn to settle and be content. Hudson had followed her halfway across the world – surely that meant she was important to him? It would have to be enough.

She sucked in a breath and dialled.