Page 2 of Home This Christmas

ONE

The next morning, I am determined to enjoy our breakfast, rather than dwelling on Ged seeing Ade at the station. When I tiptoed in during the early hours, Ade was home, in bed fast asleep.

We are sitting in our kitchen, eating breakfast, a bacon sandwich on thick sourdough bread, and chatting about some of my up-and-coming jobs.

We have nothing planned for the rest of the weekend, so it will be nice to relax.

Maybe we will take a walk to a park later and have an evening watching a new series on Netflix.

‘I’m looking forward to next Friday; it should be fun,’ I say to Ade as I sip my delicious coffee, dispensed from our shiny coffee machine.

‘Yeah, hopefully!’

‘Although I do feel a little nervous.’

‘Nervous?’ Ade looks puzzled as he places his coffee cup down. ‘What is there to be nervous about?’

I remind him of the celebrity cook-off for Children in Need, that will be televised live to the nation.

Two other well-known presenters and I will be competing against each other.

I am excited to have been invited to do this, although a little apprehensive too.

I feel far more comfortable critiquing other people’s dishes.

‘Because this time it will be other people judging us. I’m hoping my go-to lamb curry will hit the spot.’ I laugh. ‘But I might just have to practise it one more time.’

‘Did you say next Friday?’ Ade asks, frowning slightly.

‘Yes. I did talk to you about it,’ I say breezily. In fact, I have mentioned it several times, as I feel both excited and nervous.

It is the first time I have been asked to do something for Children in Need and hopefully, it will lead to some more television work.

Much as I love being involved in Britain’s Best Cook, I am keen to take on other work.

My dream job would to be a presenter on a travel programme, showcasing and sampling regional dishes around the UK. Maybe even Europe.

‘I lose count these days,’ says Ade. ‘There are so many events. Next Friday, though, really?’ He shakes his head as he pushes his plate away.

‘I know, that has come around quickly, hasn’t it?’ I say excitedly. But he doesn’t answer. ‘Is everything okay?’ I ask, picking up on his lack of enthusiasm.

‘No, not really,’ he says, looking me in the eye. ‘As you seem to have forgotten it’s my dad’s seventieth birthday party next Friday. I thought that’s what you were looking forward to. I wondered why you said you were feeling nervous.’

‘But your dad’s birthday is at the end of the month, isn’t it?’ I ask, confused.

Surely, I could not have got that wrong? I quickly bring up the calendar on my phone.

‘It is, but the party is for this weekend. It’s in the diary,’ he says, stone-faced.

The only event in my calendar for next Friday is the Children in Need evening. Ade’s dad’s birthday is highlighted one week later, on his actual birthday. My heart sinks.

‘Are you sure you told me the party was this coming Friday?’ I ask, feeling dreadful that I could have got it so wrong.

‘Yup. I told you before I booked the restaurant that I could only get the whole family together the week before. But as it isn’t a foodie review, you probably weren’t paying attention. I mean, you could have reviewed the restaurant if you liked, to see if it met your standards.’ His jaw tightens.

‘Ade, I’m so sorry, it’s a genuine oversight,’ I tell him, feeling truly awful. I like Ade’s father a lot. How could I have not put the correct date in my diary?

‘So, can you cancel the Children in Need thing?’ Ade asks.

I wait a second too long before I respond. ‘It’s live television, Ade; you know I can’t do that.’

‘Thought not,’ Ade says, avoiding eye contact.

‘Ade, be reasonable I can’t just pull out now, I—’

He places his plate and coffee cup into the dishwasher, before grabbing his coat from a stand near the front door.

‘Where are you going?’ I ask him.

‘Out,’ he snaps.

‘Ade, can we at least talk about this?’ I plead.

‘Is there any point?’ he says, turning to face me. ‘Let’s be honest, your work will always take priority over everything.’ He quietly fumes. ‘And don’t get me wrong, that’s fine most of the time. But the important stuff? I really thought you could at least show up for that.’ He shakes his head.

‘I would have, but as it isn’t your dad’s actual birthday, I truly forgot the party was taking place a week early.’ I try to explain.

In fact, I can’t even recall a conversation about it, despite Ade assuring me that we had discussed it. Was it something he casually dropped into a conversation? I feel bad that it isn’t in my diary.

‘Don’t worry about it,’ he says as he opens the door.

I don’t have time to reply, as he slams the door behind him and leaves.