Page 78 of The Best of Times

“He thinks I’m weird because I’m a sucker for true love,” Paul replied.

Granny nodded. “We all say that until it finds us.”

They carried on eating. Carols were playing on the speaker system Aron had got Granny for their first lockdown Christmas. One for every room. In a house like Granny’s, it had cost him a small fortune.

“Do you remember the last time we were sat like this?” the Professor said. “Twenty twenty-one.”

“Yes,” Granny replied. “It felt so luxurious to be able to visit each other freely.”

Aron caught Paul’s eye. That night held more memories for them than Granny could ever suspect. As soon as they’d retired for bed, Aron had snuck round to the Professor’s where he’d opened another Christmas present. Paul’s trousers.

Is that a blush coming from over there?

“We’re all going to be so full after this,” he said, desperate to change the subject.

“That’s the beauty of charades,” Granny replied. “It helps everything go down.”

The other three all groaned.

“My house. My rules,” Granny exclaimed.

Resistance was obviously going to be futile.

The expensive gas fire in the drawing room that looked exactly like a log fire flickered away. The lights on the tree helped to give the room a magical glow. Aron had Parkin on his lap. The little dog was snoring. Everything was just perfect.

“I’d better be going,” the Professor said. “It’s been a wonderful day, Beatrice.”

“Are you not staying here, Prof?” Aron asked, trying to keep the hope out of his voice.

Now that he’d finally digested Christmas dinner and had avoided most of Granny’s further attempts to feed him, he had plans for Paul that night. No matter what happened. However, it would be far easier if the current arrangements were still upheld.

“Don’t be silly dear. He can’t see me in the morning,” Granny said.

Fuck. She is going traditional then.

“I almost forgot we’re having a wedding tomorrow.”

Granny got to her feet with a little difficulty. She seemed to have an endless supply of port.

“We certainly are. In fact, I’m going to get my beauty sleep. I don’t want to disappoint tomorrow.”

“How could you ever?” the Professor replied.

“Oh you’re good,” she said with a chuckle.

Paul sat up. “Do you need me to come with you, Dad?”

“Nonsense,” the Professor said. “It’s only half past nine. You two young ones can manage another bottle, I’m sure.”

“And some mince pies,” Granny added.

Paul rubbed his belly. “I’ve no room at the inn. Maybe I’ll nip round in the morning and have one for breakfast.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Granny replied. “Goodnight, both.”

Her gaze lingered too long on Aron for his liking. It was as though she could see through into his soul.

How does she do that?