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Maddie smiled and pulled Kate into a hug. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a crap friend.”
“Don’t be daft, I’d hardly call a minor grump being a bad friend. Let’s get downstairs before lunch gets cold.”
By the time they reached the living room, the table was groaning with food. The lamb looked delicious, and if Kate hadn’t watched him do it, she would never have guessed Bob had cut a thick layer of charcoal from it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
THEY HAD JUSTpulled their crackers and propped bright paper hats on their heads when a knock came on the door.
“Are you expecting anyone?” asked Joy, as Kate squeezed around the table to reach the door.
“No, no one.”
Intrigued, plates of food lay untouched as Kate opened the door.
“Merry Christmas!” yelled Alex, holding aloft two bottles of champagne.
“Alex? What are you doing here?”
“Aren’t I allowed to surprise my girl on Boxing Day? Come here.” Alex placed the champagne down beside him and drew Kate into a hug. His girl? She had assumed all property rights ended with him kicking her out of his house. Alex nuzzled his face into her neck, pushing away hair with his nose and kissing her skin. Kate felt a shiver of excitement despite herself. She pushed him away, aware three sets of eyes were on her.
“Come in. It’s a bit of a squeeze.” She picked up Alex’s leather overnight bag and slung it on a sofa. “Everyone, this is Alex. A surprise visitor.”
Mutters ofwelcomeandhelloresounded round the room, none filled with much enthusiasm. Maddie’s eyes were wide open as she stared at the approaching figure of Alex. Joy had hers narrowed, assessing him and by the looks of things, finding him wanting. Bob had his gaze fixed firmly on the tablecloth.
“Let me take your coat,” said Kate. Alex handed it to her and she flung it on the sofa beside his bag.
“Kate, do you mind hanging that up? It’s a wool cashmere mix.”
“Oh, yes, sorry.”
“I’ll take it,” said Bob, looking up for the first time.
“And you are?”
“Sorry, I forgot introductions are needed,” said Kate, blustering over Alex’s rudeness. “This is my friend Bob, and my friend Joy. You know Maddie of course.”
“Hi Maddie,” said Alex, but Maddie looked away. “Good to meet you Bob, and you too Joy. So, where can I sit? Looks like I arrived just in time for food.”
“Hand me your coat,” said Bob, “and I’ll grab an extra plate while I’m there.”
“You’re not going to hang it in the kitchen, are you?” asked Alex, looking horrified. “Sorry mate, you probably think I’m a right old fusspot, but if I get food smells into the wool, I’ll never get them out.”
Bob threw Alex a brisk nod and disappeared off with the overpriced jacket. By the time he got back, Alex had settled himself into Bob’s seat. Bob filled Alex’s plate with food and perched himself on the sofa arm, looking less than thrilled about it. Kate dug a cracker out of the cupboard and passed it to Alex. If he also had a paper hat on his head, she’d feel less tense with him around. Alex pulled the cracker, holding Kate’s eye as he did. Rather than place the hat on his carefully coiffured hair, he scrunched it in a ball and dropped it onto the table.
“So, Alex, how was your Christmas?”
Kate threw a smile of thanks Joy’s way. With Maddie and Bob sitting in sullen silence, she was grateful for the effort the old girl was making.
“Same as ever. Mum and Dad bicker over who will cut the turkey, we all get pissed on champagne then move onto Dad’s latest purchase of vintage whiskey. Once the whiskey comes out the day goes by in something of a blur.”
“Oh, right. And do you go to church?”
“Fuck no. Does anyone these days?” Alex chuckled, glancing round the table for support. Bob gave a tight-lipped smile back and Joy suddenly found her sprouts very interesting.
“Actually, I went to church with Joy yesterday,” said Kate. “It was wonderful.”
“Fuck me, my Kate in a church. Has the world gone mad?” Alex laughed again, before filling his face with brussel sprouts. He chewed thoughtfully, pricking one with his fork and holding it up to study it. “These are really good. I didn’t think you could even boil an egg Kate. What did you cook them in?”
