I grabbed Colin, and we headed to That Little Café. Their speakers were blaring out Christmas tunes, and as I waited in line, I Shazamed the one where a man yelled, “It’s Christmaaaaaas”… Slade. I made a note to tell Nick, in case it was a new British band I could impress him with. The café was full of vintage stuff, and they had all these posters that said things like “Keep Calm and Christmas On.”

I got three hot chocolates, one each, and managed to try the mince pie from Holly’s list. Turns out they weren’t gross and mince-y. They were gross and raisiny.

Fred filmed it, and when I put it to a “Tradition or Terrible” vote, it was fifty-fifty.

“Wow, people are really loving your pie chat.” He looked at the numbers going up.

“Uh-huh. And look…” I showed him my photos of the drinks already had 230 likes. “Et voilà, the café is famous.” I cringed. Why did I say that like I was some sort of celebrity?! He already thought I was weird enough.

“So many comments…” Fred leaned in. “Save one for me…?” He read the one that had just popped up at the top from Logan. He was starting to creep me out—I was not into the hearts he’d added. I took my phone back.

“By the way, you’ve got glitter on your nose.” It was red gold from the drink. “Very festive.”

As Fred opened his mouth to speak, Ruby pulled up a chair. “Sorry I’m late.” She looked at Fred, who still had his mouth open but with no words coming out. And he still had his coat fully zipped despite the café being so hot, all the windows had steamed. “Are you not boiling, Rudolph?”

“You know raising your basal temperature indoors helps you keep warmer outside.”

Ruby nodded slowly, giving him a funny look. “Which explains everything.”

The four of us huddled under Fred’s umbrella (he called it a brolly!) (and Colin seemed genuinely fearful of the rain) and headed out to the tiny stage in front of the gigantic Christmas tree. It was so windy, my cheeks got a temporary face-lift as we walked.

“Now, look.” Fred leaned over to whisper, “Yes, the tree is brilliant. In fact, so good, Holly named it Tree-yoncé. BUT trust me when I say you need to be standing as near to the lady in the beige bobble hat as you socially acceptably can.”

I spotted her in the crowd, standing just by Colin-human and the twins, who all waved us over.

Fred led us a bit closer. And as soon as the carol singers started, I knew why.