And Simon hadn’t even kissed her yet. But perhaps he would tonight. By nine o’clock everyone was trickling out, and Ellie and Alice offered to start the washing-up while Olivia took Tina, who was looking quite tired, back to Witney.

“Will you stay?” she asked Simon as she headed out with her mum. “We could have a sherry upstairs after...”

Simon’s mouth turned down at the corners and he shook his head. “I’m sorry... That sounds delightful but I really should get back.”

“Oh. Okay.” Olivia tried not to show her startled hurt. She’d been expecting Simon to say yes. She’d thought they were both hurtling towards something, and while saying no hardly meant a screeching halt, it sort of felt like one.

She had to get over this ridiculous insecurity, she told herself as she helped Tina into her car. The night was black and breath-takingly cold, and the stars looked very far away. So Simon needed to get back home. No big deal. She didn’t need to feel so rejected, as if everything was suddenly cast in doubt.

“Simon seems like a nice man,” Tina remarked as Olivia started the car and headed out of the village.

“He is, Mum.”

“I’m glad you’ve found someone, darling, I really am.”

“Well, it’s early days yet.”

“I know, but I feel better knowing you’re not alone.”

“Mum...”

“Sorry.” Tina held up a hand. “I’m not trying to sound melodramatic.” She leaned her head against the seat. “I had a lovely time tonight.”

“I’m glad, Mum.” Olivia hesitated. “Will you come to the flat for Christmas, then? Simon will be there too and it would be lovely to spend the day together. I don’t like thinking of you having some institutionalised dinner by yourself...”

“It’s not that bad,” Tina said reprovingly. “And the people are quite nice. I went to a coffee and cake morning a few days ago.”

“You did?” Olivia was both pleased and surprised. It was the first event her mother had gone to at the retirement community.

“Yes, I did. I figured I needed to start meeting people, before I lose all my marbles.”

“Oh, Mum—”

“I’m joking, Olivia.” Tina smiled at her. “Sort of.”

“I’d still like you to have Christmas with us,” Olivia persisted. She didn’t want to nag, but she worried her mum was insisting on staying in Witney out of some misplaced sense of not wanting to be a bother. “If you want to.”

Tina turned to look out the window. The wolds were cloaked in darkness. “Wouldn’t you rather spend it with your new man?”

“No, I’d rather spend it with you. Seriously, Mum.” Olivia didn’t want to sound macabre by saying something about who knew how many Christmases together they had left, but she felt it. She wanted to enjoy life as it came, just as Simon had said back in the pub. Take each moment and hold it in her hand. Savour what—and when—she could.

“All right,” Tina relented. “If you insist. I just don’t want to be a bother.”