Page 29 of The Christmas Letter

‘A teacher?’

Ed chuckled quietly. ‘Not very with it today, are you, mate?’ He glanced between them again. ‘Did that not come up the first time you met?’

‘No, well, we had other more important things to talk about,’ Holly said, putting on a lofty air.

Ed nodded seriously. ‘Like biscuits?’

‘Well, exactly,’ Holly said, with a little incline of her head.

‘I thought you were an artist?’ Jack asked.

She couldn’t believe he remembered. She wanted to feel warm with that, but instead something hard lodged itself in her throat. She forced herself to keep smiling, an alternative version of Dory’s theme song from Finding Nemo popping up into her head. Just keep smiling, just keep smiling. ‘Not anymore. I teach art, though.’ She glanced down at her phone. ‘And I’ve got to get back, apparently the students are causing chaos at the hotel. We’re taking them to see a play this evening, but until then they are running wild.’

‘And after?’ Jack said.

‘After what?’

‘After the play. What are you doing after the play?’

‘Ah, hanging out at the hotel, I guess.’

‘You’re not on teacher duty, whatever that entails?’

‘Well, teacher duty is sort of split, so—’

‘Good – meet me for a drink then, after you’re done.’

Holly stared at him, unable to keep up. She noticed Ed looking at Jack too, though he smoothed out the slightly incredulous look when Holly glanced at him. ‘Ah . . .’ she began.

‘Just a drink.’ He schooled his face into a mask of sincerity. ‘For old times’ sake.’

Despite herself, Holly laughed, though stopped when it sounded just a touch too hysterical. ‘Fine, yeah, ok.’ She needed to see him again anyway, didn’t she? Maybe it would be easier, to bring the whole thing up over drinks. Plus it gave her a little time to figure out a new, more appropriate way to deliver the information.

Jack’s face brightened. ‘Ok?’

‘Don’t act so surprised, mate,’ Ed stage-muttered. ‘She’ll think you’re out of practice at this.’

Holly forced herself to keep her face straight. ‘Yes, ok.’

‘Brilliant. Where’s your school play?’

Holly huffed out a laugh. ‘It’s not a school play, it’s a play we’re taking the students to. But it’s in Hackney.’

‘Hackney? Weird but we can work with that. Meet me at the Nightjar. It’s in Shoreditch, so not too far.’

‘I’ll find it,’ Holly promised. She hadn’t heard of it before, but then again, Shoreditch hadn’t really been her area, when she’d lived in London.

He smiled – not a full smile, the one that Holly was sure would transform his face, but something soft and kind. ‘Good. Well, see you then.’ He jerked his head at Ed to indicate they should get going, but Ed stood still. ‘What?’ Jack asked.

‘Aren’t you guys forgetting something?’ Holly and Jack both frowned at Ed, whose lips twitched. ‘Don’t you want to set a time or something?’

Jack slapped himself on the forehead. ‘Time!’ He dropped his hand, looked at Holly questioningly. ‘Your call?’

She did a quick calculation in her head as she worked out the timings of it all. ‘Make it nine?’ It was impressive, really, how casual she sounded. Look at her, taking all this in her stride, cool as you like.

‘Nine. Perfect.’ He glanced at Ed. ‘Anything else I’m forgetting?’

Ed clapped Jack on the back. ‘Nah, reckon you’re good. And clearly a total player, too.’ He winked at Holly. ‘Nice to meet you, Holly. Maybe see you around.’