“Is that what’s bothering you? Or is it the work thing?”

“It’s, well, it’s both, but I don’t want to think about my job right now. Besides, the more pressing thing is Will. I have to go downstairs this morning … and it’s Christmas … and he’s so lovely and so scrummy. And now I feel like I’ve totally stepped in it.” She knew she was whining, but she didn’t care.

“Oh, Luce. Maybe Jules is just being a big sister, you know?” Lucy’s eyes narrowed. She wasn’t buying it. “Look, do you want me to talk to her?”

“No. I’m a big girl.”

“I know that, Lucy.”

“I just … Jules is one of my best friends, and even she doesn’t think I’m good enough for her brother.”

“I’m sure that’s not true. There’s something else going on.”

“It doesn’t matter, anyway. It really is just a bit of fun.” Hearing the lie out loud made Lucy feel even worse.

Chloe wished more than anything she could give Lucy a hug. “Luce?” Lucy blinked back tears—again. Why was she so emotional? Maybe it was the hangover. “Lucy, tell me.”

It wasn’t the hangover.

“I like him, Chloe. A lot. And what if something actually does happen between us? And what if that messes up my friendship with Jules?”

“Look, if something more serious happens, then Jules will just have to get over it. Okay?” Lucy, unconvinced, said nothing. “I love you, Luce. It will be okay.”

“I love you, too. And thank you.”

“Do you want to talk to your mum and dad now?” she asked brightly. Relieved, she saw Lucy perk up a little. “Hang on, two secs.”

A smile broke across Lucy’s face as her mum peered up from the phone. “Happy Christmas, Mum, I miss you so much.”

“Oh, love, we’re missing you too.”

Chapter 18

Chloe

“How did Lucy seem to you, love?” Susan had caught Chloe in the kitchen sneaking another sliver of Christmas cake. The question hung in the air as her mouth twitched. “You know, love, we’ll be sitting down to Christmas lunch soon. You won’t want to spoil it, now.”

Chloe put down the slice of cake and apologised sheepishly. “Sorry, it’s just so good.”

“How about I make us some tea instead. It doesn’t take up as much room.” Susan patted her stomach and put the kettle on, adding what Chloe had come to know as her signature wink. As she bustled about, checking on Christmas lunch, Chloe sat at the small kitchen table noticing again how good everything smelled; it smelled like Christmas.

The apple sauce simmering on the stove was definitely a culprit, its heady spices of cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise filling the air. There was also a stuffed goose roasting in the oven, along with Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and potatoes, all bathed in goose fat. Chloe hadn’t had goose before, but if the aromas from the oven were anything to go by, it would be another new favourite.