‘Oh, for goodness’ sake! How many times are you going to use that to emotionally blackmail me into doing what you want?’ I said, my voice starting to rise. ‘Because it’s only been four days and it’s already getting old.’

‘Bea,’ Jed warned, his expression grim.

‘I’m sorry if that’s how you feel, Sweet-Bea,’ Dad interjected. ‘However, we did mention it several times. It’ll seem like something’s missing if you don’t take part.’

‘You may have mentioned it several times, but didn’t anyone notice that I hadn’t said yes?’ I spluttered, feeling the force of my family’s expectation starting to topple me like a steamroller. ‘You can’t expect me to stand on a stage in front of hundreds of people and perform something with no preparation. It’s not fair. I’m sorry I missed it in the emails, but it’s too much to ask.’

‘It may well be Nana Joy’s last curtain call,’ Mia, ever the mediator, said softly. ‘Even if there is another Spectacular, the doctor said it’s the last year she’ll be up to performing.’

That hit me with a wave of sorrow and guilt that caused me to sway on my feet. I felt a strong hand grip my waist as Adam spoke from behind my shoulder. ‘Don’t worry, Principal Armstrong. I’m sure we can come up with something.’

‘I’m not promising anything!’ I insisted, but my voice was wavering. ‘If it’s going to ruin the show, then I’m not getting up there.’

‘Yes, dear.’ Mum smiled, her eyes swivelling from me to Adam. ‘Whatever you think is best.’

So, somehow, I’d gone from cosy Christmas bliss with my childhood nemesis to contemplating performing with my childhood sweetheart in the space of under an hour.

And that wasn’t the biggest twist of the day.

After my parents had sorted a blow-up bed in the study for Adam, and I’d scurried up to the attic to find some much-needed thinking time, I had just settled into bed when my phone rang.

Baffled as to who could possibly be calling me at eleven o’clock on Christmas Day, despite the unknown number I answered it.

‘Bea, it’s Baxter.’

‘Oh! Baxter Bigwood?’

‘Do you know many Baxters?’

‘Sorry. I’m very surprised to hear from you.’

‘You haven’t replied to Mel’s email. She’s off today so thought I’d chase it up myself.’

‘I haven’t checked my emails in the last couple of days.’ What with the storm, and it being Christmas Day and everything.

‘I’ll summarise. The job’s yours. We need official acceptance by the twenty-eighth, so any negotiations in the contract, speak to my legal team before then.’

‘What?’

‘I’m sick of yes-men. Or women. It’s time someone stood up to me. Oh, and tell Driver to give me a call. I like him.’