Page 62 of Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

‘I know. And, it sounds to me like Jack’s afraid of getting in too deep?’

‘Yeah, I know that’s at the root of it all. And I think he’s got plans to go travelling …’

Becky looked thoughtful. ‘Well, what do you want, Lucy? Truthfully?’

Lucy was quiet, finding what was in her heart, then finding the words: ‘I do want to be with him. I want him to stay. But he’s such a free spirit, I’m afraid he’ll just up and disappear. Maybe you were right, Becks. He’ll never settle. Maybe this thing with Liam, it’s just an excuse, a way out. And right now, honestly … I’m afraid of being alone again. If Jack goes, this’ll hurt far more than Liam leaving me, I know that much.’

‘Ooh, he really means a lot to you, Luce, doesn’t he?’

‘Yeah, he does.’

‘Well, I can only say “Go for it” then. Be open about how you feel. You two need to talk, to have it out. You’ve got nothing to lose by being honest.’

‘I might lose him …’ Her voice sounded fragile.

‘You might, but that won’t be because you talked about it. Hey hun, it’s a risk you’ve got to take … You’ve got to find out the real truth. And hey, maybe Jack needs that reassurance from you too. He might be just as afraid of losing you …’

Becky did always have the knack of putting a new perspective on things, of getting to the heart of an issue. Lucy had so missed their frank chats of late.

‘Thanks …’ And maybe … just maybe … she and Jack could yet find a way through this. If they both wanted it enough, that was.

‘Hey, my turn at the bar. I think it’s time for a glass of prosecco, what do you reckon?’ Becky stood up.

‘That sounds perfect.’

It was so good to have her friend back on board.

As Becky returned shortly afterwards, holding a glass of fizz for them both, Lucy gave a smile. ‘Aw, this is nice, just like old times.’

Becky settled onto the bench-seat beside Lucy, her face turned serious. ‘Luce, I need to be honest with you too. Look, I’m really sorry … that I made things difficult for you. For you and Jack. I do hope you two can sort things out.’ Her friend took a breath then gave a slow sigh, like she was trying to find the right words. ‘I’ve been doing some thinking … trying to work out why it was bothering me so much … you two. I know it was ages ago, that brief fling I had with Jack, and well, it would never have got anywhere, realistically. But I’ve been feeling like such a teenager about it all … and, of course, I really didn’t want him to hurt you, but I also think I might have been a teensy bit jealous.’

‘Really?’ Lucy was surprised.

‘Yeah, well Jack’s always been drop-dead gorgeous, hasn’t he? … But hey, it was never going to work out with me and him back then, was it? But you two, well you just seemed like this dream couple.’

‘Hah, you think? Well, it’s maybe not quite so dreamy right now. But hey, what about you and Darren?’ How could Becky even begin to feel jealous about Lucy and Jack, when she was settled and loved up with her own partner? Becky and Darren had always seemed well suited. They had their house together, had fun together – yeah, with the usual ups and downs that couples a few years in had – but they’d always seemed like a great match.

Becky didn’t answer, just sat looking awkward, pulling at a hangnail on her thumb.

‘What’s up, Becks? What’s been happening?’ The two friends had been so out of touch until recently, it saddened Lucy to have to ask. ‘You and Darren … you’re still alright, surely?’

‘Most of the time, yeah. It’s just lately … I don’t know, it all feels kind of stale, like we’re stuck in a bit of a rut. It’s been five years, Luce. We know each other so well, too bloody well. And then there’s his work, which seems to be taking over everything. Late nights … early starts. He says it’s a big project they’re on. But honestly, I’m beginning to wonder if he might be having some kind of an affair.’ Becky gave a small laugh as if jesting, but her face fell, as though she half-doubted him, and her own judgement too.

‘Oh, Becks … Have you asked him about it?’

‘No … I’ve been too frightened to.’

‘But why? You two were always so good at talking things through. When me and Liam were stuck, making a right mess of things.’

‘Hmm, it’s just far easier to ask what’s for tea, or “For Christ’s sake can you pick up those dirty socks off the floor,” than to ask, “Are you seeing someone else?”’ Becky conceded, as her face crumpled. ‘I might just be making a mountain out of a molehill, but something just feels off with us right now, I hate it …’

Lucy put a caring hand on her friend’s shoulder.

‘Well, seems like we’re both in a bit of a mess with our men right now, aren’t we? But I’m sure there’ll be nothing sinister to it with Darren. He’s a good guy. But hey, if there is something, if you need me at all, I’m here for you, Becks. Always have been …’

‘I know … and I’m so sorry. For shutting you out, like I have. Making you feel awful. You have every right to be happy … you and Jack.’ Becky took a sip of her fizz, and looked around the bar, with its coloured lights and festive sparkle. ‘I’ve been an idiot, haven’t I?’

‘Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve been having a hard time too lately. With your job, at home … Look, chat with Darren, soon. Find out the truth … I’m sure it won’t be anything as bad as you fear. And hey,’ added Lucy, ‘I’m sorry too, that you didn’t feel you could lean on me, when you needed to. Maybe I’ve been a little too wrapped up with the new business, and with Jack.’ They both had glistening eyes by this point.