But Grace was already back asleep. I peeked out the window – it was dark and everywhere was covered in fresh snow. I pulled on some faded jeans, my warmest socks and felt around for the biggest jumper on the chair where I’d thrown everything – which turned out to be the one Dad bought me yesterday. It was black with fluffy snowballs on together with a big fluffy snowwoman. Not exactly catwalk style, but the snow was getting heavier and maybe a smiley snow person might help me shift this mood. I pulled it on, scraped my hair up into a messy bun and messaged Dad to let him know where I was off to.
I headed out on to the empty street and after walking round the square, spotted Oh Crumbs! immediately. It was the only place with lights on, and looked super cute, its big windows steamed up, a smell of cinnamon buns wafting out.
The only customer in the bakery was an old lady concentrating on a crossword. She gave me a big warm smile when I walked in. At the counter there were so many pastries to choose from – gingerbread and Biscoff croissants, Christmas-spiced babka, bauble-shaped pain aux raisins. A nice man in a snowman-shaped apron talked me through each and every one, my mouth watering more every second.
He packed the eight I chose into a red-and-white stripy box tied with a red ribbon. But when I went to take it, he pulled it back with a grin.
“You can’t just leave with those,” he pretended to be offended. “Our hot chocolate is legendary. Especially with a wee one of these.” He picked up a gingerbread highland cow and popped it on to a plate. “So how about I keep these warm” – he slid the box under the counter – “and you can warm up over there” – he nodded to a sofa at the back of the cafe by a big radiator – “with a hot chocolate and one of these?”
I didn’t need to say yes. He could tell by my goofy smile, I was fully IN. And by the time I’d taken off my hat and scarf, he’d already put a tray down.
Just what I needed. Snacks and time to properly work out how I could find a venue.
And to think about how to stop this whole Elf Girl picture getting out of control.
Christmas was two weeks away. If I could just get to Boxing Day, I should be able to survive for another year.
But it wasn’t good news. My inbox confirmed I still had no venue, and after a load of “no”s my only hope rested on a yurt hire company who said they might be able to stay up an extra day after a wedding. They warned it could be below freezing inside and there was no electricity, but I’d cross that bridge when I came to it. Maybe the party could be Frozen themed?
I chewed the hairy face of the cow, a horrible thought growing. I needed to tell Grace … didn’t I? Yes, she’d be upset, and I had to hope she’d forgive me, but she’d rather know. Right.
Right?
… but maybe I’d do it on the train back, so she could enjoy Edinburgh first.
“A gingerbread latte, please. But no coffee.” I dropped the horns I was eating. Was that…? “Just hot milk and syrup. Oat milk, please.”
The guy behind the counter smiled. “You mean the kids’ one?”
“Well, you say potato, I say potato…” Nothing. “Yeah. The kids’ one.”
The guy ordering was in a long dark grey coat, beanie pulled down. Was it just coincidence he sounded American? But when he turned round and saw me in the corner, he smiled. A big Rudolph smile.
I felt a happy jolt. Then a damp one as a chunk of cow bum fell into my drink, and my hand got splooshed.
“Can I join?” Ru nodded to the entirely empty bench next to me. “Or is it a breakfast for one situation?” He paused. “Or … am I going to keep on talking until I get the hint you’re not talking to me any more.” Another pause. “And then apologize again for what happened yesterday…” I still hadn’t said a word. “And then maybe see if I can reverse that by offering you these…” It was a bag of beautifully iced Lebkuchen, the ones I said were my favourite back in Liverpool. “Thought I’d beat the crowd and get here early as apparently, it’s the best bakery in town.” He bit his lip, embarrassed. “And maybe, maybe, Elijah said that maybe you were staying around here and maybe, maybe I kind of hoped I might bump into you. And give you the aforementioned Lebkuchen.” He shook his head and looked down, looking all kinds of awkward. “And maybe I should stop saying Lebkuchen. Or just stop talking altogether.” He stepped back and rubbed his forehead. “I should go, shouldn’t I?”
And I wasn’t sure if it was the hot chocolate or the thought of him trekking all the way here before 8 a.m., but I did feel less cross.
“I am talking to you.” As of this exact second only. “But mainly to say I accept all baked gifts.” I slid my coat out of the way, making room for him. Even a certified Jingle Lady could have a friend-based hot drink with someone.
Ru pulled his coat off, taking his phone out of the pocket and sliding it into his black jeans pocket. “Excellent not-at-all Christmassy sweater by the way.”
I tried to look annoyed. “Snow people are for life, not just for Christmas.”
“Course.” Ru grinned and stirred his drink. “Seriously, though, I’m really glad I ran into you. Everything was so chaotic yesterday and I really thought I would be there, but then something came up and then my signal went and it was just … a mess.”
Now was my chance. If he really wanted to apologize, he could be honest with me for a change. “So, what came up?”
Was it bad that I wondered if being vague meant it could be “better half” related after all?
He shrugged. “Oh, boring stuff. Elijah stuff.”
Aaaaaaand.
Don’t speak, Molly. Make him sweat. Make him spill some actual details.
I sipped my drink to stop my mouth opening.
Be intimidating! Be firm!
“It’s a long story.”
I continued sipping my drink. “Well, I have a lot of time.”
Ru sighed. “It’s just, I should never have said yes to this job, I guess. But my parents kind of said I had to. And with them knowing the bosses … everything I do gets back to them. Like going AWOL at the premiere. And since then, just when I think I’ve got a moment for myself – like yesterday at seven p.m. – somebody finds something for me to do.”
Well, that made sense, I guess.
“But you do get to go to all these places.”
He nodded, embarrassed. “I know, I’m sorry. I need to stop whining! Privilege, much? I’ve done some awesome things and met some great people.” He looked up. At me. Did he mean me? But before he could say any more, his phone alarm went off. Fumbling in his coat, mumbling “sorry”, he pulled out a battered old phone and switched it off
“Um, do you have two phones?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Not through choice. Elijah makes all crew have them. Soooo, how was it yesterday. I didn’t really get to see it. Everything go OK with the animals?”
Oh yes! Why else would I be here? “Yup. All went very smoothly. A very well-behaved flightherd.” I nodded, trying to look wise.
