Page 30 of Christmas at the Movies

‘For instance, during the Great Depression, he loans customers his own money so they can keep their houses,’ Roger elaborated.

Ian snorted. ‘They definitely don’t make bankers like that any more. I can’t tell you how many house foreclosures I’ve been to lately. It’s great for my shop – I can pick up cheap furniture – but sad that so many people can’t afford to pay their mortgages.’

Sarah suddenly had an idea. If George Bailey could do something to help his community during tough economic times, perhaps they could too …

‘James, what if we showed free Christmas movies for local residents this year,’ she mused. ‘It sounds like a lot of local people could use a bit of a pick-me-up.’

A movie couldn’t solve anyone’s problems, but it could provide a few hours of escapism, a much-needed break from troubles and worries.

‘That’s a great idea,’ said James.

Sarah’s gaze landed on the chocolate advent calendar that Holly had ravaged. ‘Maybe we could do it like an advent calendar.’

‘How do you mean?’ asked Roger.

‘We won’t say what movie we’re screening beforehand. It will be a surprise – like opening a door to an advent calendar.’

‘That’s brilliant!’ said James.

Roger frowned. ‘I hate to be a spoilsport, but how can you show twenty-four movies for free? You’re going to have to pay the distributors and you won’t be making any profit.’

‘True,’ concurred James.

The room fell silent for a moment as they tried to think of a solution.

‘Maybe we could just show twelve movies,’ said Sarah. ‘And call it the Twelve Films of Christmas?’

‘And we can ask people to make a donation if they can afford it,’ suggested James. ‘Everything left after covering our costs we can donate to charity.’

Sarah nodded, getting more and more excited about the idea.

‘I love it!’ said Nora. ‘We can help promote it to our customers.’

‘What movie will you show first?’ asked Roger.

Sarah and James’s eyes met across the table. She smiled at her husband. He reached over to squeeze her hand. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ they said at the same time.

After the other guests had left, James went upstairs to check on Holly.

Pari insisted on helping Sarah with the dishes. ‘That was fun,’ she said, loading plates into the dishwasher.

Sarah scraped off the burnt bits from the bottom of the lasagne pan. ‘I’ve been a bad friend.’

‘Because you were trying to set me up with Ian?’ teased Pari.

‘I wasn’t trying to set you up!’ protested Sarah. ‘He’s just a bit lonely.’

‘I’m kidding,’ said Pari.

‘I mean because I had no idea that you were grappling with all these big life decisions. I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you.’

‘Don’t be silly. You have a lot going on too,’ said Pari. ‘By the way, I think my god-daughter might be the cutest – and smartest – kid that ever lived.’

‘Still,’ insisted Sarah. ‘I’m your best friend. I want to know what’s going on with you. Are you sure you aren’t going to miss comedy?’

‘I’ll miss some things about it,’ replied Pari. ‘But I’m ready for a change. I’m tired of the comedy circuit – gross venues with sticky floors, staying in Premier Inns right on the motorway, and eating service-station crap for dinner. And most of all the constant sexual harassment.’

Sarah handed Pari the lasagne dish to dry.

‘I want to make sure new performers have an easier time than I did – especially other women. Things are changing, but not quickly enough.’

Sarah nodded. She’d witnessed the abuse her friend had faced on stage.

Being a stand-up comedian meant making yourself incredibly vulnerable – it was just you and a microphone; there was no place to hide from the audience.

Pari had shrugged off the heckling, just as she’d shrugged off the unwanted advances from fellow comedians and sleazy venue owners. But it had clearly taken its toll.

‘I’m going to do everything I can to make entertainment more diverse and inclusive,’ explained Pari, putting the pan on the drying rack. ‘And hopefully make pots of money while I’m at it.’

Pari was tough and determined – both excellent qualities in an agent. She was also incredibly loyal. Sarah knew she would fight tooth and nail for anyone she believed in.

‘You’re going to be an amazing agent.’ Sarah hugged her friend, even though her hands were sudsy.

After showing Pari to the guest bedroom, Sarah went into her own room. To her surprise, the bed was empty. She went into Holly’s room and, in the soft glow of the nightlight, saw that James had dozed off in the rocking chair with Holly asleep on his shoulder.

Sarah’s heart swelled as she watched the two people she loved most in the world sleeping soundly.

Her perfect little family. She wouldn’t trade this for anything – not even a film deal.

Sarah’s dreams had changed, same as Pari’s.

Maybe that was what it meant to grow up – accepting that life didn’t always work out the way you thought it would.

Her writing career had stalled, but hopefully she could go back to it later.

Holly was healthy and happy, and that was all that really mattered.

It truly was a wonderful life.