“I guess this is the moment I make my excuses and leave.” Or not. Nick crawled out from under the blanket over Elle’s desk. “Ruby, Fred, great to meet you.” He waved up at the screen as he walked toward the door. He couldn’t get out of here quick enough. And I didn’t blame him. “Thanks for the invite. Shame…” But he didn’t need to say it.

Shame I had ruined EVERYTHING.

Chapter Twenty

Elle

Never let them see you cry. That’s what Mom always says.

But then Mom had never been crouched in a closet hearing what I’d heard.

“Well, that went well.” Fred broke the silence.

After all this, that’s what Holly thought about me? I knew from her message she was pissed about me leaving Fred, but did she really think I would stab her in the back like that with Woody? That I cared more about likes from strangers than I did about her friends? About her?

Just because I posted all the good stuff, did she really not think I had feelings in real life?

Ruby took the laptop from Fred and turned it around so Holly could see what we’d spent the day doing—decorating her whole room with stuff I’d picked up on my way home this morning. I’d walked back with it, and it had weighed a ton. I’d made the decision to cancel the Christmas market, put my challenge on hold, and try and make it up to everyone here instead. Holly’s message last night had only made me more determined. I’d only not replied so this could be a real surprise. A Christmas Cracker like she loved.

And what was all that stuff about Nick and me needing to talk?!

Did it have anything to do with the reply Clara had sent earlier?

Ruby put the laptop back down. Holly was just saying something that sounded like “errmmmeeeggaaddd” on repeat.

“Just putting myself out there with this, but I sort of feel like the moment might have gone?” Ruby put an arm around me and gave me a squeeze. She already knew exactly what had happened with Woody. After going to Fred’s this morning to take him an apology sausage roll, I’d given Ruby the Snow White mirror decoration I’d picked up for her and explained everything.

“We were going to watch Elf with you.” I was glad Ruby was talking, as I didn’t know if I’d shout or cry. “Go transatlantic with the tradition. Elle’s idea.”

Holly was gawping like she’d seen a ghost. “Is that…” Her face was now so close, it was taking up almost all the screen. “It that why I couldn’t get hold of you?”

Ruby nodded. “Uh-huh.”

“But aren’t you meant to be on a date?” Her face was scrunched-up trying to process it all. “Like…now?”