Page 43 of Christmas, Actually

Hudson pressed a fingertip to her lips. ‘Please don’t say anything. I just want you to think about it.’ He straightened. ‘Maybe speak to your mother. She talks a lot of sense. Remember, relationships like ours don’t come along that often. We work together, live together, our priorities are exactly the same.’ He smiled.

Clara gazed at him. Her priority had always been him – about keeping Hudson happy, which she supposed meant they were aligned.

He gave her a bright smile. ‘Look, I’ve got to go. I booked a taxi to pick me up in –’ He checked his Rolex and pulled a face. ‘– a few minutes. I really should be outside now.’ He pressed a hurried kiss to her forehead before grabbing his laptop bag, which he’d stashed by the edge of the sofa. ‘I look forward to seeing you in New York wearing that ring. I really think you owe it to yourself to give us another chance. Don’t forget the party on the twenty-eighth. My mother is looking forward to seeing you there…’

With that, he headed into the hallway leaving Clara staring at his retreating back, feeling confused.

‘Have you seen Hudson?’ Clara’s mother called after Hudson had gone. Clara was sitting on the sofa, staring at the engagement ring, twirling it between her fingers and reliving the conversation and everything she wished she’d said.

‘He left a few minutes ago,’ she replied flatly. ‘He’s on his way to the airport.’

‘And you’re not with him?’ Her mother squeaked. ‘Really, Clara – if a man flies halfway across the world to tell you he loves you, the least you can do is pack.’ Her tone was sharp.

‘He didn’t tell me he loved me – and I’m not sure I’d want to be with him even if he did.’ Perhaps she hadn’t managed to tell Hudson that yet, but she would.

‘You’re making a big mistake,’ her mother said sharply. ‘I’m sure Eleanor has made you feel like you can have anyone you want. But the woman lives in a fantasy world filled with sparkles and all year round Christmas trees. Tell me how long her relationships have lasted – isn’t she single right now? If her advice is so wonderful, how come she’s alone?’

‘The thing is, Mum, I’ve met someone,’ Clara said quietly. ‘He’s⁠—’

‘A Christmas fling,’ her mother said firmly. ‘Nothing more. I’m sure you think he cares for you, but he doesn’t. Be realistic. Is he a patch on Hudson? Does he drive a Porsche, own a penthouse in New York and did he fly halfway across the world just to see you?’

‘Nope.’ Clara sucked in a breath and picked up one of the mince pies, feeling depressed. She bit into it, relishing the sweet pastry, the sugar as it melted on her tongue giving her a dose of much-needed comfort.

‘Then that’s all I need to know. I’m sure if you think long and hard you’ll realise I’m right. How are you getting on with the diet?’ her mother asked.

‘It’s going great,’ Clara said, taking another bite.

‘Well, that’s something,’ her mother said. ‘I advise you not to let Hudson get away. Forget whoever you think you’ve met. Remember your fiancé came to tell you how he felt – now it’s up to you to show him you understand. I’ll be expecting to hear that you’re back in New York soon. Make sure you message me when you’ve booked your flight.’

‘Mum, I’m not sure I’m going back to him,’ Clara said. ‘I don’t think we’re that well suited.’

‘As if that’s important,’ her mother snorted. ‘Clara. You need to think about this. I’m sure with a little time you’ll understand what you need to do. Call me when you’ve decided. And remember – it’s a lonely life if you don’t have anyone to love.’

‘Right,’ Clara croaked. She spun the ring between her fingers again before placing it back on the table.

She had a lot to think about. Should she go ahead and leave a relationship that she’d invested four years in? Or was her mother right, would she end up alone if she did?

She had feelings for Liam, but he’d met up with his ex-wife. Met her for coffee from what Nora had said at the committee meeting. Only Liam still hadn’t mentioned it. Was he playing at caring for her? Was she mad for thinking he did?

She sighed and savoured a brownie, feeling more confused than she had in years, before heading downstairs.

When Clara made her way into the Christmas shop, she found Eleanor unpacking boxes. She was frowning and for the first time since Clara had arrived in Hollythorpe, she didn’t look happy.

‘Are you okay?’ Clara asked, going to squeeze her godmother’s shoulder. ‘Do you want a cup of tea?’

Eleanor gave her a stiff smile. ‘I’m okay, love – just a bit down.’ Her mouth tilted and she shook her head. ‘I’ll get over it. I’ve done it a thousand times before.’ She sighed before turning around. ‘What happened to Loverboy?’ She nodded to the entrance of the shop. ‘I saw him leave. Is he booked into a hotel nearby? Because if you’d prefer him closer, he can stay here.’ She didn’t look happy at the prospect.

‘No, he’s heading back to New York, he’s gone to catch a flight.’

‘Already?’ Eleanor straightened. She’d strung tinsel around her neck, but it looked lacklustre next to her sad face.

‘Well, yes.’ Clara pushed her hands into her pockets. ‘I mean, there’s so much to do in New York, so he really couldn’t hang about for⁠—’

‘You?’ Eleanor’s expression indicated exactly what she thought about that. ‘Clara…’ She sighed. ‘I’ve told you more than once, you deserve better than someone who cheated on you and then couldn’t be bothered to show up for more than a few hours. Did he explain what happened?’

‘In a way.’ Clara puckered her lips, trying to think back. ‘He was busy and I was too and he made a mistake. He apologised.’

Eleanor nodded slowly. ‘And that makes it okay?’