“Scene?” As in what? A free holiday? The UK?

“You know…” Nick checked his mirror, avoiding eye contact. “I’ve just got stuff here.” He paused. “Dean. Blake. The band. That’s all.”

I had no idea who Blake was, but he kept mentioning her, so I figured girlfriend was the obvious choice. In my head she was drop-dead gorgeous too, like Blake Lively. “Sooo…” I rummaged for another question. “Do you like Alpine Peaks, or would you have rather stayed in Nashton?”

“Nah.” Nick shook his head. “I’m glad we left. In fact”—he cricked his neck, like I was making him tense—“I just wish we’d left sooner.”

Well, I’d definitely managed to kill the vibe. Which was extra impressive as we were now driving slowly around a herd of small children dressed as elves.

Maybe I needed safer conversation ground?

“Elle’s trip is off to a great start, though!” I couldn’t sound more enthusiastic. “Those follows are pouring in.” But this time Nick just stared ahead. It took him a good ten seconds to answer.

“Look, I just try and stay out of her business. And vice versa.” He said it like he was almost saying it to himself. But then he shrugged. “I just want her to be okay, that’s all.”

So did that mean he hadn’t seen all the amazing stuff she was doing? As he pulled up on their drive, I felt it was my life-swap-buddy duty to talk her up. “But she’s killing it. Her followers love her!”

He switched the engine off and turned to look at me, his big, brown eyes full of concern. “But it’s not them I’m worried about.”

And I had no idea what he meant—but there was one thing I did understand. There was something going on here that I didn’t know about—and I couldn’t help but wonder if Elle was in the dark too.

Chapter Ten

Elle

Seven Days till Christmas

I stared at my laptop—I had a lot I needed to get done. Edit videos, book Cadbury World tickets, sort out the trip to the German Christmas market in the next town (which about a billion people had recommended), and get set for the Little Marsh lights switch-on tonight. Luckily I was feeling motivated—I’d gotten 1,230 new followers. Well, semi-motivated. I was still only in fourth place, and @CallMeClaraT was on 2,300 already, way in the lead.

It was time to step it up. Holly’s idea was GO. I’d just posted to say:

Watch this space >>> It’s about to get big. Announcement coming in 3 hours.

On Thursday, I wasn’t just going to London—I was going to have #OneElleOfAChristmasDayInLondon. My big push. I was going to complete FIFTY things, all suggested by my followers. The ultimate #FestiveFifteen challenge! And hopefully my ticket to beating Clara and getting into @thingsthepeakgirlsdo.