Page 38 of Home This Christmas

THIRTY-THREE

‘But why would you be dashing back here? I thought you were getting along?’ Coleen says down the phone line.

As soon as I got back to the Swan Inn, I messaged Coleen and asked if she is free, and she called me at once.

‘We are. That’s the problem.’

‘How is that a problem?’ she asks, confused.

‘Oh I don’t know.’ I sigh. ‘I don’t see how things could work with my life being in London, and he definitely has no shortage of admirers. Besides I kind of wanted to be on my own for a while, after Ade, and not rush into something else,’ I explain. ‘That’s always a disaster.’

‘But love often turns up when we least expect it. And it isn’t as if you don’t already know Nathan, is it?’ she reasons.

‘But we have both changed.’ And yet he still stirs something inside of me.

‘Don’t we all over time, but deep down I think we are basically the same. Besides, didn’t you tell me one evening that you and Ade had been limping along for a while?’

‘I suppose that is true. Ade was craving his old lifestyle, there was no doubting that. I still think I ought to remain single for a bit, though. Gosh, why did I even come here?’

I could have enjoyed my own company back home, taken time out and avoided the angst and uncertainty that a new relationship can bring.

Especially when the other person lives hundreds of miles away.

But maybe running or pushing people away to focus on my career isn’t what I want to do anymore – maybe there’s a middle ground.

‘Oh Ruby, maybe you ought to give things a chance and just see what happens. Life’s too short…’

‘My mum said the same thing. But I have worked so hard for everything I have; I can’t just give it all up.’ I sigh.

‘Who said anything about giving things up?’ she asks.

‘You could write your column from anywhere, and don’t you only film for a day or two for Britain’s Best Cook?

Surely you could commute or stay over here on the odd days you have restaurant reviews.

No one is suggesting you give up your apartment.

Besides, isn’t there a break in filming until the next series?

’ I realise that what she is saying makes sense.

‘Yes, filming for the next doesn’t start until the spring.’

‘So surely you have time to work out how you really feel? A couple of restaurant reviews up now and then is doable surely?’

‘You make it sound so simple.’

‘It could be!’

‘Are you trying to get rid of me?’ I joke.

‘As if. I have missed you already,’ she says kindly. ‘But you must do what is right for you.’

After finishing my call, I pack my things into a case. And book my train ticket online. Maybe back in London away from Nathan, it will give me a chance to work out how I really feel.

I call Marilyn and tell her I will be getting the connecting train to Leeds, to catch the two o’clock train for London.

‘I’ll be keeping my eye on things, but you will let me know how the decision goes with the planning, won’t you?’ I ask.

‘Of course I will, as soon as I find out. I am going to miss you, Ruby. It’s been so lovely getting reacquainted.’

‘I think so too. And I promise to come back in the spring, when those daffodils appear,’ I tell her, raising my eyes heavenward, asking to be forgiven for telling a white lie, as I really can’t see myself coming back here anytime soon. If ever.

Sienna calls as I am getting ready, telling me she will have to pass on the Christmas Eve night at the restaurant as she has a date.

‘Sorry, I hope you don’t mind… A new sound technician started at the studio a few days ago, and we seem to have hit it off,’ she says excitedly. ‘He has invited me to a Christmas Eve party.’

‘Of course I don’t mind, I’m happy for you. Besides, it’s a work thing for me really. You might have got bored after a while.’

‘I’m sure I wouldn’t have. Anyway. I’m glad you don’t mind. So, are you heading home soon?’ she asks.

‘This afternoon. I think I need my own bed now.’

‘I can imagine. You were only meant to be there overnight, weren’t you?’

‘I was.’

I can hardly believe I have been here less than a week as so much has happened in that short space of time.

‘Well, you can tell me all about it when you get back to London. Maybe we could meet somewhere for a drink, as you won’t be back in the studio for a while,’ she suggests.

‘Sure, I’d like that. And you can tell me all about your budding romance.’

‘Let’s see how the Christmas Eve party goes. If he doesn’t like dancing, it might be already doomed.’ She laughs.

After speaking to Sienna, I trundle my case into reception and say my goodbyes to June.

‘Ah it’s been lovely having you here, love; I hope you will come and stay soon,’ she says, wrapping me in a hug. ‘It’s been exciting having a celebrity in the village.’

‘Maybe I will, and thanks for everything, June, I really appreciate it.’

I take a call from my agent then, who lets me know that the restaurant review for Christmas Eve has been cancelled, due to a fire at the venue.

‘Extensive damage apparently,’ she informs me.

She tells me that the word on the street was that the fire had been an insurance job, as the restaurant had been limping along for months.

It seems the Christmas Eve party, complete with first-class entertainment, had failed to attract the ticket sales they had hoped for.

I head down to reception to meet Will – after I texted Henry to inform him that I was finally leaving, Will kindly offered to bring my case to London when he drives his dad home in early January.

I’m grateful he did, as I would have really struggled with my crutches – something I hadn’t thought about.

‘So you are finally leaving, then…’ says Will as he greets me in reception.

‘I am. And thanks for this. Are you sure you don’t mind dropping this off at my apartment?’

‘I don’t mind in the slightest,’ he assures me. ‘It will give me a chance to see you again,’ he adds with a cheeky grin. Maybe Nathan was right about him being interested in me after all.

‘And you must bring Henry too!’ I suggest, deciding it’s best if we aren’t alone. ‘I can return the favour by making you some lunch.’

‘Sounds good. Bye, then, Ruby, safe journey home,’ he says. ‘Actually, can I drop you at the station?’

‘It’s a two-minute walk,’ I say, ‘but thanks.’

As he disappears, I think to myself that Will might have been someone I could have been interested in, despite the library situation. That is, if I wasn’t, annoyingly, so hung up on someone else.