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Christmas music plays in the background as they all help themselves to paint and brushes.

“I want to do stars,” Freya says.

“I’m sure we can arrange that,” Kristen says, helping Freya choose a paintbrush.

“Stars sound wonderful,” Susan says. “I think I’ll do stars, too, because I’m surrounded by a table of them right now.” Mark groans at the cheesiness, while Hattie grins. Freya frowns, clearly not quite understanding, while Kristen helps her fill her paint deck. “But, before I do,” Susan continues, “I’m just going to pop upstairs to the loo. Back in a tick.”

Mel purses her lips as she contemplates the bauble, deciding she’ll do white snowflakes over a blue ombré. Before she starts to paint, she checks her phone. She’s feeling unnerved by the lack of emails—and guilty for how little time she’s spent working since arriving in Scotland. She can’t help sending a quick message to Amanda.

Any more news from the agent?

The reply is almost instant. Nothing. But no news is good news, right?

Mel bites her lip as she picks up her paintbrush, tips it in light blue.

“I need a wee,” Freya announces.

“Mum will take you,” Mark says absentmindedly.

“Oh, will I?” There’s a slight bite to Kristen’s tone, which makes Mel look up. Kristen flushes slightly, seeming to realize how she sounded—even if Mark seems oblivious. “Come on, then, Freya,” Kristen says, smiling at her daughter and holding out her hand as Freya jumps up.

Mel glances over at Dylan, who is sitting on the opposite side of the table next to Hattie, although the two of them seem to be concentrating hard on their baubles rather than on each other. She remembers Hattie’s comment on the first night here about Dylan knowing Lillian.

“Dylan?” He looks over at her. “Do you know Lillian Hart?”

“Sort of. Why?”

“She’s thinking about coming on board as a partner for my brand, and I’ve got a meeting with her tomorrow.” Her stomach swirls. Tomorrow. And she’s been distracted by Finn, by being here. “I just wondered if you had any tips.” Hattie glances at him, but says nothing. In fact, she’s being a bit quieter than usual today—very un-Hattie-like.

“Ah…” Dylan scratches his dark head of hair. “Ask her questions about herself—that’s always a good start.”

“Right.”

“She doesn’t really like being told what to do, but she’s fine if she thinks it’s her idea.”

“Okay.”

“Make sure you get a compliment in nice and early.”

Mel blows out a breath. “This is all slightly making me dread working with her.” She feels Finn’s attention on her, not his bauble, and feels unsure of where to put her hands all of a sudden.

“Sorry. She’s not that bad. Honestly, she’s actually quite nice. She’s just a little…”

“Insecure?” Hattie suggests.

Mel purses her lips. That’s actually the impression she’s got from the agent so far, reading between the lines. Though she may be overthinking it.

“Maybe. In all honesty, I don’t know her that well, and there are a lot worse out there—trust me.”

“Well, that’s good. I guess?”

“She’d be amazing publicity, though. She’s very hot right now.”

“Well, that’s the idea.”

“Good luck. If you want to prep before the call, I can help, but I’m not an expert.”

She smiles a genuine smile. “Thanks, Dylan.” She doesn’t know him all that much, as his and Hattie’s was very much a whirlwind romance, but she can see why Hattie likes him.