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‘They’re black, they make me look like a ninja.’
I try not to laugh. ‘When you wear them, do you have a moment and practise your high kicks?’
‘I do the crane,’ he admits with no shame. I bend over in giggles but I like how this feels, our version of intimacy. ‘We’ll sort you out with a proper coat and gear for next time.’
‘Next time?’ I ask.
‘Well, I like to come up here every couple of months or so. You’re always welcome to tag along.’
If my eyes would allow it, I’d tear up at how he says that so casually. To anybody else, meeting someone’s family would be a massive deal but to him it just fits. Come and be part of somewhere that I call home. Tag along. Even though you don’t quite fit and you’re moving at sloth speed, do come again. I grip on to his hand. For the contact and possibly to help me balance.
The peace is suddenly interrupted as Leo’s phone starts to ring. He finds it in his pocket and smiles to see the number.
‘Jasper, mate. ’Ey up?’
I peer my face over the screen to see a picture come into view. It’s Jasper with sunglasses on his head and wearing a fetching pink ski jacket. If the scenes behind us were beautiful then he has ice-capped peaks behind him for as far as the eye can see. He looks like he’s in the clouds and quite enviably, he also seems to have some sort of steaming hot beverage in his hand.
‘I just thought I would ring to wish you a very Merry Christmas,’ he squints to see me. ‘What’s happened to Maggie? Why does she look like you’ve left her out overnight?’
My bottom jaw trembles so much that I can hardly talk. ‘She’s not used to the climes in these parts.’
‘Well, please make sure you defrost her thoroughly,’ Jasper says, still wincing to see my pale face.
‘Hold on,’ Jasper adds. ‘Another player’s looking to join, shall we?’
I see Frank’s number on the screen and watch as the screen divides into three as he sits there on what looks like a gaming chair with a headset. Seriously, Frank?
‘Merry Christmas!’ he squeals into the phone and I laugh to see him in a red Christmas jumper with a very cool reindeer on the front.
‘Where are you, Frank?’ I ask him.
‘At home. I’m having a break from the festivities because my sisters are making TikToks downstairs with their new handbags.’
‘Have you had a good day?’ I ask.
‘Boys,’ he says, putting his controller down for a second. ‘I got the new Ronin game for Christmas,’ he announces, hands to the air.
‘No way,’ Jasper and Leo both say, harmonising in their inhalations of shock.
I stand there less impressed as they discuss some virtual meet-up when they’re both back from their holidays. ‘Jasper, how’s the skiing? Your mum?’ I ask him.
‘Fantastic. She says hello and sends her best. And we had raclette for Christmas dinner so I’m all good. How are the Lakes?’
‘Good.’
‘Also, anything else that you two need to tell me?’ he asks. I smirk to know that he knows. ‘I literally initiated all of that. I texted Leo with your train details and told him to meet you there and get his girl, and I’ve had nothing. No texts, no confirmations, no cute couples’ selfies. I am frankly insulted,’ he says, watching Leo and me put our arms around each other. ‘But also incredibly happy. About bloody time,’ he bemoans.
‘What about you, Frank? Did you give Norah your gift?’ I ask.
‘I did and she loved it. My mother less so. She said it was infantile,’ he tells me.
‘Frank, who got you that video game for Christmas?’
‘My mu…point taken. But Norah and I sat together at lunch. We’re going to the theatre next week.’
‘Classy,’ Jasper adds.
I can’t quite feel my face. I might not even have a nose now and no one will ever be able to tell. But I desperately want to ask Jasper about Miles too.Is he well? What did you get each other for Christmas? Have you both got your own back on Cressida? I hope so.
