Page 88 of Christmas in Mistletoe

Ruby laughed, then smoothed down her favourite tweed suit, normally too hot for indoor venues. For tonight, though, it was perfect.

Fran opened the door to find Paul standing there. “I brought some special guests.” He stepped back to reveal Delilah and Gretchen. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Delilah and Gretchen gave Fran a hug, closely followed by one for Ruby.

The farmhouse kitchen wasn’t the only thing to alter drastically in two years. Delilah, Gretchen, Ruby, and Fran were now good friends.

“You’ve got some beefy blokes doing security out there,” Delilah said. “Bet it wasn’t like that when you played two years ago.”

Fran shook her head. “Back then, we wondered if anyone would turn up. Now, we’re squeezing 1,500 in and we could have sold the place out a few times over.” She pointed at Delilah. “Imagine if you were on the bill, too.” A plan began to form in Fran’s mind.

Delilah glanced at her ex. “I can see pound signs in Fran’s eyes. Can you see it, Ruby?”

Ruby nodded. “Tell-tale signs. She’s gone quiet and her face is a little pale.”

Fran pursed her lips. “Mock all you like, but who’s the best manager?”

Delilah, Ruby and Gretchen all pointed at Fran.

“We could put on a festival with an all-female line-up.” Fran pointed her finger at the performers one by one. “You, Delilah, Gretchen, and also Fast Forward. Do your parents fancy starting the next Glastonbury?”

Ruby made a face. “I think they’re more interested in retiring. But we could ask Scott. We’ve got the extra land.” She held up a hand. “But can I get tonight ticked off first, please?”

Fran nodded. “Of course you can.” She glanced at Delilah. “Any shift this year from your parents? Are they still saying you’re going to hell?”

“Last time I checked.” Delilah put an arm around Gretchen. “Buttheycan go to hell for all I care. Gretchen and I are getting married, my fans and career are intact, and my life is actually better without them. I don’t have to look over my shoulder anymore. I should have come out years ago.” She smiled at Fran. “But you knew that.”

“I’m thrilled for you,” Fran replied.

“We just came to say hi and we’ll stick around after for a drink.” Delilah fist-bumped Ruby. “Looking forward to your set.”

Fran waited for them to leave, then resumed her position. She took Ruby’s hand in hers and kissed her knuckles one by one. When Fran raised her eyes, Ruby’s gaze was on her.

“You’re beautiful; have I told you that lately?”

Ruby smiled. “Once or twice.” She kissed Fran again. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

Fran shook her head and frowned. “Not for a good two hours. You’re slacking, O’Connell.” She winked, then slapped Ruby’s bum.

“By the way, I’ve got a surprise for you tonight.”

Fran gulped. “What kind of surprise.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to propose at a gig.”

“I would absolutely kill you.”

“I know.” Ruby laughed. “But I do have a new song in the second half of the set. One I wrote just for you.”

Fran melted. “Oh, fuck. Are you going to make me cry?”

“Happy tears, I hope.”

Fran stared at Ruby, then shook her head. “You really are something, you know that? I’m so proud of you.” She checked her watch, then snapped into professional mode. “Ten minutes to the anniversary of the gig that changed your life.”

Ruby shook her head. “You changed it,” Ruby replied. “You change it every day. I love you, Fran Bell.”

Fran pressed her lips back to Ruby’s. Her heart swooned. “One, two, Mistletoe,” she said, kissing Ruby once more. “I love you right back, Ruby O’Connell.” Fran took Ruby’s hand in hers and pulled her towards the office door. “Now, let’s go and wow your hometown all over again, shall we?”

Ruby took a deep breath. “Let’s do it.”

The End