AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Do I?’ I said, doing a few ski moves at my reflection in the oven and checking myself out. I loved it so much. If I wasn’t starting to sweat, I’d have kept it on to cook.
‘I’ve never met anyone like you, Holly. You find the joy in every moment. I’m going to miss you when the season ends.’
‘We’ve got loads of time before then,’ I said, genuinely touched. ‘This is such a thoughtful gift Xavier, thank you so much.’ I didn’t think it would happen this year, but Xavier’s present had given me that warm, fuzzy Christmassy feeling inside. That feeling of home.
‘You’re welcome. Shall I open mine?’ Xavier asked, holding up my present.
‘Yes of course, but it’s really just a token,’ I said. He tore open the packaging to reveal an elaborate wooden X on a leather cord, carved with intricate patterns which reflected in the light. He held it up and stared at it for a few seconds, watching it spin in the air.
‘It’s just a Christmas decoration,’ I said, feeling like a massive cheapskate. ‘I saw the X and thought you might like it for your new restaurant. In the tenth.’
Xavier looked at me strangely.
‘It’s only small, I hadn’t really…’
‘Stop apologising, Holly. It’s perfect – thank you.’
‘Is it…?’
‘I love it,’ he replied, hanging it on the kitchen notice board. ‘I’ll keep it here to remind me of my promise to myself. Merry Christmas, Holly.’
‘Merry Christmas,’ I replied, watching him stare at the X as it twirled in the light.
‘I better take this coat off,’ I said, cheeks hot and flushed, ‘and then we can get cracking with the turkey.’
I gave him another hug and held on tightly; his big arms felt warm and strong. There was something so solid and safe about Xavier and I found it difficult to let go.
Nineteen
31st December
Christmas Day flew by in a flurry of eating and drinking. David and Rachael brought wine and cakes and Xavier and I went to town with the turkey andallthe trimmings. My eyes had been opened to an entirely new world of stuffing, with a failsafe pork sausage and horse chestnut recipe that was an entire meal in itself. George’s PAXO had been holding me back for way too long. Twixtmas had been a funny old blur as it always was. The twins had been back for a few days skiing but one by one, everyone had disappeared off to get themselves in position for New Year’s Eve. Genevieve had gone back to Paris on the same flight as Xavier earlier in the week and Luca had left an hour or so ago, leaving just me and Liv in the chalet.
‘New Year’s Eve,’ I said out loud, while I deep-cleaned the kitchen, Lady Gaga blasting from the radio. ‘We are finally at the end of this shitty, shitty year.’ I gave the counter another spray and looked up to see Liv stood in the doorway.
‘You alright, mate?’ she asked, rightly concerned at me talking to myself.
‘Nearly finished in here,’ I replied, ‘but I’m absolutely knackered. It’s been like running a restaurant with the number of covers we’ve done between us this past two weeks.’
‘Now you see why they need three of us,’ Liv smiled.
‘They weren’t joking when they said they like to entertain. I’ve never worked so hard in my life! How many friends can two people have?’
‘Well, we’re finally free for a couple of days, so you can let down your hair tonight.’
‘It’s been such a strange year – I can’t wait to see the back of it,’ I said, feeling sad.
Liv came over and gave me a hug. ‘You’re doing great. One day at a time is the only way with these things.’
‘I know,’ I said, hugging her back. ‘I’m not even sure it’s George I miss, really; I just feel a bit lost. So much of my future was made up of things we were planning to do together and now I have to work out what I want to do for myself, you know?’
‘You’ll be fine, babes. Just look out for the moments that make you feel happy and do more of them.’
‘That’s a good way to look at it,’ I said, thoughtfully.
‘Bella is DJing at Le Rouge tonight if you fancy it? I’m heading up there now and she’s on at 10 p.m.’
I wasn’t always sure what did make me happy, but I was pretty clear on what didn’t. I’d had enough of nightclubs and drinking for a while. I wanted the exact opposite in fact – some solitude and peace.
