“Luce?” she heard Jules’s muffled voice and looked into screen.

“It’s beautiful, look.” She swivelled the camera so Chloe and Jules could see. The ground was blanketed by snow, fondant covered mounds peppered across the landscape. A range of snow-dusted mountains stood proudly in the distance, and the brilliant blue of a cloudless sky contrasted starkly against the white of the snow and the deep, dusty green of the conifers.

Tears prickled Lucy’s eyes, which was silly, really. She’d had this exact view since she’d arrived. But now it’s Christmas and that makes it even more special.

“I’m going to make a snowman!” she declared, climbing back into the snuggly bed. She swivelled the camera back to catch her friends laughing, possibly at her. “Not right at this minute, of course, sillies, but today. In honour of my first proper white Christmas in, well, practically forever.”

“Well, take lots of pics. As you predicted, it is grey and wet here. It hasn’t stopped raining all day. But at least it didn’t rain during the fair yesterday. Maybe that was our Christmas miracle,” said Chloe.

“I knew you’d love the fair, but I didn’t think you’d end up running it. Sorry about that, lovely.”

Chloe waved off the apology. “I had a ball, to be honest, and I got to know Archer’s mother a little. Cecily.”

“Oh, she’s scary.”

“Archer’s mom is?” asked Jules.

Lucy nodded slowly, eyes wide, and Chloe laughed. “She’s okay. I kind of like her.”

“Maybe it’s because you can be scary, Chlo,” teased Jules.

“Moi?”

“Oh, yes, that will be why. Two peas in a pod,” added Lucy, giggling.

“Hey, Lucy, I just remembered, your mum said something about your new boss, that things have been kinda shitty for you at work lately.” Lucy’s elated expression dissolved, and Chloe knew that with one thoughtless comment, she’d put a dampener on Lucy’s day.

“Sorry, Lucy. We’ll talk about the work thing another time, okay?”

Lucy nodded numbly, a tiny frown between her brows. Chloe willed Jules to step in and, thankfully, she picked up on it.

“Sure, Luce, don’t worry about all that now. You’re gonna have a great day with my family. Tell them I’ll call them tomorrow, okay? I mean, my tomorrow.” Lucy’s mouth pulled into a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes, and Jules knew that it was her fault. She’d have to fix things with Lucy, but not right now. She could barely stay awake. “Okay, well I’m gonna sign off now, girls.” She stifled a yawn. “Have a very merry Christmas. I love you.” She waved into the phone and ended the call.

“Lucy?” Chloe was hellbent on making amends. How had she been so insensitive as to bring up the work thing today of all days? What was wrong with her?

“I’m fine.”

“O-kay.” Chloe wasn’t convinced.

“You don’t have to treat me like I’m this fragile little thing, Chloe.” Lucy saw Chloe bite her lip. “Sorry, that was a bit rude.” She blew out a short, sharp sigh, and Chloe waited. Clearly, Lucy wanted to say something else. “Why was Jules such a cow about me and Will?”