by Clare Lydon
Ruby turned her head.
Victoria had a grin on her face. “Come on, little sis.”
Ruby shook her head. “Uh-uh. You know my thoughts about karaoke.”
“This isn’t karaoke! This is you singing in your sister’s bar with a tiny audience of,” Victoria glanced around the bar. “Seven people. Eight if you count Norman, but he’s asleep in the corner. Plus, Fran’s never heard you sing this song.” Victoria waved her hands. “Sing up! I’m going to put it back to the start.” She pointed. “Pick up Sue’s empty bottle of Peroni: instant makeshift microphone.”
Sue passed the bottle to Ruby.
Ruby took it, every inch of her tight as she took a breath. But maybe she should lighten up. Her sister was right. This wasn’t karaoke. It was almost like singing at home. She did that all the time. Ruby pushed the negative thoughts from her mind and took a breath, before starting to sing along with the Wham! classic, ‘Last Christmas’. As she hit the first chorus, the whole table joined in, Audrey waving her hands in the air, getting the words wrong just like every year.
But what wasn’t like every year was Fran’s eyes on her.
Ruby moved through the chorus and the second verse with silken ease, wrapping her mouth around every lyric. This was the song of her childhood, the song that she and Victoria had sung almost since birth. No Christmas was complete without it on repeat.
As they hit the final chorus, Ruby turned her head to Victoria. She was kneeling on a bar stool, arms in the air, eyes tight shut.
Ruby spun around and clocked the group at the table, blissed-out looks on their faces, belting out the song like they’d written it themselves. Ruby’s gaze stopped moving when she got to Fran.
She was still watching Ruby, a soft smile on her face, head tilted to the side, her blond hair a little messy from her hat.
Fran wasn’t singing.
She simply stared.
A fire heated inside Ruby and rushed up her body, from the inside out. She gathered up all her breath to finish strong. She held Fran’s gaze as she hit the final note, pouring everything into it.
When the song finished, everyone clapped and cheered.
Ruby’s skin tingled as she dropped Fran’s gaze, then scanned the room. It was as if she’d been in a daze. She cleared her throat and painted on a smile.
A searing whistle broke the applause.
Ruby turned. Norman was awake, rubbing his eyes. “I can’t think of a much better way to be woken up than with Ruby’s angelic voice,” he said. “Pint of bitter, when you’re ready, Victoria.”
“You old sweet-talker, Norman.” Ruby swept her gaze back to the table, being sure to avoid Fran.
Sue patted her on the back. “You’re destined for big things. I’ve always said so.”
Ruby’s smile tightened. She heard the same thing every year. “Thanks, Sue.”
“I told Ruby the same when I first saw her earlier this year,” Fran added, getting nods from the crowd. “But while you were singing, I had an idea.” Fran caught Ruby’s gaze. “And before you say no, hear me out. Have you ever thought of putting on a gig at the farm to get people to visit and buy a tree, or better yet, order one for next year?”
Panic ran riot inside Ruby. “I told you, I don’t do bigger gigs. I like more intimate stuff.”
“But this would only be a few hundred, max. Plus, surely Mistletoe is the exception?” Fran’s face was a question mark. “It’s your home town. Everybody wants you to do well. It would be the equivalent of singing to an audience of super-fans. You’ve just sung to us, and you told me you didn’t do that. Why not break all the rules this year? Feel the fear and do it anyway. Who knows what might happen?” Fran’s words held a challenge.
A tremble ran through Ruby. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to. It was just that, it wasn’t what she did. But maybe it could be what she did? After all, she dictated her own career.
“Think about it,” Fran continued, her hands animated. “You could do a big festive gig. Invite local crafts people to exhibit their wares. Get people buying everything you’ve got for sale already, too.”
Victoria snapped her fingers at the bar, making Ruby twist around.
“She’s got a good point. You’ve always said you’d do a gig here, but you never have. The stage is already set up. The villagers would love it, as would everyone else. We could put on a bar and do food, too.”
Ruby frowned. “Christmas is nearly here.” She checked the calendar on her phone. “Plus, we couldn’t do the weekend before Christmas, it’s too close. Which means it would have to be next Saturday. A week tomorrow.” But she’d done quicker gigs in London. Could she do it here, too, without her infrastructure around her?
“Would the musicians who play with you make the trip?” Fran asked.
Ruby rocked her head from side to side. “Not sure. If they were free, yes. But I know a few people around here who could fill in if necessary. Eric for one, right?”
Victoria nodded. “He could be your guitarist, no problem.”
Ruby’s body fizzed with excitement and fear. She’d always harboured a secret dream of doing a gig in Mistletoe. But what if nobody came? What if everyone was polite, but they hated her music? She wasn’t worried about flying beer bottles. In Mistletoe, she was worried about the people she loved the most loving her back. But also, of trying something new. What if she failed? Or what if she succeeded?
Fran stared right at her. Fran was pushing Ruby out of her comfort zone and she had no qualms about doing it. Fran made Ruby nervous. She also made her think. On top of that, she was giving Ruby a heated stare that made her truly reconsider their relationship. One that made Ruby’s heart pound in her chest.
“You could even play Ikea at their own game. Offer people something free if they place next year’s order now. A free mulled wine or sprig of mistletoe. Free kiss from Audrey or Norman.” Fran grinned. “I could help with the marketing.”
Audrey beamed. “I’m in! So long as I don’t have to kiss Norman.”
Ruby ignored Audrey, still staring at Fran. “I thought you were going back to London?”
Fran nodded slowly. “I am, but I might be able to switch some things around, particularly now my parents need me. No promises, I’d have to check my schedule, but if I can make it work, I will. Also, I’m a local now, aren’t I? I’m invested in whatever happens here. I have experience of digital marketing. You might as well put me to good use.”
Fran was planning on sticking around?
“What do you think, Rubytubes?” Victoria asked from the bar. “Can we turn this around in a week?”
“We did far more than this back in the war, Ruby!” Audrey told her.
“You’re 72 years old, Audrey,” Norman piped up, as Victoria delivered his pint to his corner table. “You weren’t even born in the war, so stop trying to tell us you were.”
“I’ve read books!” Audrey’s tone was incredulous.
Ruby rubbed the back of her neck. “When you’re finished debating history, let’s get back to the matter at hand. Let’s say it’s a tentative yes. The community pulled together for the festival. We can leave the trees up and do this, too. Anything for Mistletoe Farm. But you have to promise to cheer when I’m on stage, okay?” Ruby’s gaze travelled around the table.
“Of course we will!” Sue replied.
“Try to stop us!” Penny said.
“Cheer?” Audrey added. “We’ll do more than that. We’ll raise the bloody barn roof off!”
Ruby glanced at Fran, who gave her a delicious smile.
Ruby’s stomach flip-flopped. She might have just dropped herself in it big time, but Fran’s smile was worth it.
Chapter 16
Ruby waved Norman off, then zipped up her jacket against the cold.
It was the third different jacket Fran had seen her wear. But at least Fran had one to rival it now.
Ruby glanced at Fran’s loaded bag as they left the bar, the last to leave. “You bought some p
anettone. I was just wondering who did in Mistletoe. But Victoria says it’s a hit in the shop.”
“I love the plain one, where you shake the icing sugar over it. It’s delicious. Not so keen on the one with the candied fruit in it. A little like Christmas pudding and Christmas cake, I give that a swerve.”
Ruby pulled the door of The Bar shut, turned the key and gave it to Fran. “You don’t like Christmas pudding? Perhaps we can’t be friends anymore.”
“More for you to have, look at it that way.”
Ruby smiled. “Good point.”
Fran put the key in her bag, and they fell into step, walking away from the shop.
“How’s your dad doing?” Ruby asked.
“My Pop,” Fran replied. “Sorry, I don’t expect you to know that, but I call them Dad and Pop. It’s been that way forever.”
Ruby shook her head to tell Fran it was no problem. “How’s your Pop doing?”
“He’s okay, being brave, but I can tell being in plaster is messing with his village dreams. I’m spending the day with them tomorrow as I’ve been busy working. It’s Saturday, so I promised. I’m going to cook them dinner, too.”
“Daring after what you told me.”
“It’s my Malaysian curry. Nothing too fancy. I’m thinking a bottle of wine, some hopefully edible food, and then maybe watching Elf to get us in the festive mood.”
“Sounds great, what time do you want me over?” Ruby gave her a wink.
“Can I take a rain check?”
Ruby nodded. “A Malaysian curry rain check is my very favourite kind.” She paused. “But that’s good you’ve come around to the dark side and are taking some time to be with your family. You came back, too, after saying you couldn’t. I’m impressed. You dropped everything when they needed you. You didn’t put your job first. You’re fooling me into thinking you have a heart.” Ruby bumped Fran’s hip as she spoke.
Warmth thundered through Fran, which was bonkers as it was hovering around zero. Being around Ruby did something to her. “I do have a heart, it turns out. It was buried, but I found it.” Fran gave Ruby a grin. “But you’re right. It’s good I came home, especially as I have The Bar to work from. Thanks again for coming to my rescue with that.” Fran shook her head. “Can you imagine that ever happening in London? You just gave me the keys to a bar. I might go in there tomorrow and drink the place dry. But you trust me.”
“We know where you live, so if you do go mad on the Aperol, we can hunt you down and force-feed you Christmas pudding.”
Fran’s laughter shook the air. “The very worst kind of punishment.” She took a deep breath before she continued. The night was cold, and the air was sharp as it made it to her lungs. “I don’t know what it is about this place, but it’s giving me something I never even knew I needed. Community. Laughter. Relaxation. Who would have thought I would do such great work in a bar in Suffolk? But today I was focused, and I got loads done. And then the village arrived and we had a drink and sing-song. It was weird, but kinda lovely.”
Ruby reached out a hand and put it on Fran’s arm.
Fran’s whole body tingled at the connection. She knew why, too. It was to do with Ruby’s intense stare, the way her lips had parted slightly, the way her gaze now caressed Fran’s face, all the way down to Fran’s mouth.
When she got there, Ruby froze, took back her arm and looked away.
Fran bit her lip, then cleared her throat. That hot feeling inside her was still there. Ruby had been checking her out.
The weird thing was, Fran had no qualms with it happening. She began walking again, clearing her throat, her brain stuck on repeat.
I like her. Even though she’s a singer.
That was the thought that was flashing on and off in her brain, like a faulty neon sign.
She couldn’t like Ruby. She didn’t need another singer in her life. She had enough of them at work.
Ruby wasn’t like the others though, was she? She wasn’t chasing fame. She wasn’t trying to make up for all the attention she never got in her childhood. Ruby came from a loving family. She could sing. She wanted to do it for the art itself.
“You’re not the first person to ask what it is about this place. Mistletoe holds magical qualities. But it’s not the place that makes it. It’s the people. Even Audrey.” Ruby’s tone held a smile.
“Especially Audrey,” Fran laughed. “Also, I wanted to ask: are you okay with the gig idea? I really do think your home town would love it.” She stopped walking. “But I also know I was probably over-stepping the mark when I mentioned it. It’s a speciality of mine.” She waited for the answer.
Even though, now she thought about it, she was pretty sure Fast Forward had something next weekend. An appearance or an interview, perhaps both. Shit, how could she have forgotten that? She gulped. But this gig was important for Ruby and the village. She’d have to check her calendar and speak to Damian. Maybe she could do both? But she wasn’t going to worry about that right now.
Ruby studied her, blew out a deep breath and shook her head. “Strangely, I am okay with it. Mistletoe hasn’t seen me perform, and this is the perfect way to do it. I won’t lie, you are tipping me out of my comfort zone. But if it helps the farm, that’s a good thing. Plus, I didn’t come up with it. You did. It makes me look like less of a diva that way.”
Now it was Fran’s turn to shake her head. “You’re the least diva-ish singer I know.”
Ruby’s gaze snagged hers in the darkness. “I think there’s a compliment buried in there somewhere.”
Fran nodded. “There is. Anyway, I’m glad you’re not angry.” Fran carried on walking, every muscle clenched, breathing out.
“I’m not,” Ruby said. “Plus, some of what you said was true. I should have played to bigger audiences by now, and I’m not going to get a more receptive crowd than Mistletoe. Nobody’s going to pelt me.”
“Only with love,” Fran replied.
Ruby’s breath caught at that, and she stared at Fran. “Where did you come from?” Ruby shook her head and they carried on walking, past two Christmas trees, and then Ruby repeated her actions of the other night. She took Fran’s hand in hers and tugged her across the road and down a tiny lane. “I’ve got something to show you.”
Adrenaline surged through Fran at their contact. “Where are we going?” She could hardly see a thing because the lane was narrow and covered by thick hedges on both sides. “Should I trust you?” Fran smiled as she spoke.
Ahead of her, Ruby chuckled. “I think you know the answer to that. Never trust a singer.” More throaty laughter.
Okay, Fran deserved that.
“We’re nearly there.” Ruby gave Fran a final tug, and they stopped at a clearing in the shrubbery. In four steps, Ruby made it to a wooden gate set back on the right. It was the width of two cars, the wooden slats reaching waist-height. She beckoned Fran over, then placed her own arms on top of the gate.
Fran did the same. She gazed out across the white field into the inky night.
“This,” Ruby said, “is where I come when I need to think. To get peace and quiet. Just far enough off the beaten track, where nobody I know is going to ask me how I am or can I get some milk.” She put a finger in the air. “Can you hear that?”
Fran cocked her head. “What?”
“The sound of silence. It’s the same whenever I come here, day or night. You can’t see its majesty fully at night, but this is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise and across the lane, the sun set.” She pointed to the gate opposite. “I’ve solved many of my problems leaning on these two gates.”
Fran glanced left at Ruby, who was staring straight ahead. “Is this where you bring women to impress them?” Fran winced. It wasn’t what she’d wanted to say.
Ruby turned her head, her features blank. “I’ve never brought anyone else to this place,” she whispered. “I’ve never brought anybody back to Mistletoe, full stop. It’s too special. Too personal. But you live here now, so you’re start
ing to understand.”
Fran held Ruby’s gaze, tasting fear on her tongue. “I’m honoured to be the first.” There was something in Ruby’s stare that was different to before, when they’d been on the road. Now they were hidden from view, Ruby had changed. Her guard was down. Now it was just Ruby, Fran, and a wide-open space.
A smile danced around the corners of Ruby’s lips as she turned her gaze back to the field. “Who knows, you might need this place to escape to as well. Especially if you’re staying a little longer now your dads aren’t 100 per cent.” She turned back. “You and me, we’re different to everyone else around here.”
“We don’t live here full-time.”
Ruby nodded. “We get both sides of the story. Country life and London life. But it’s more than that. I never would have said it when I first met you, but you’re not like anyone else I’ve ever met. You surprise me every time I meet you.” Ruby frowned, then turned away. “You know what, ignore me. I’m probably talking nonsense.”
Something wet landed on Fran’s face. She looked up to the sky, which was brighter than before, despite it being late. She knew why now. It was starting to snow. She glanced over at Ruby. “It’s snowing.”
Ruby stuck out her tongue. “I can see.” She moved along the gate until she stood right next to Fran, their bodies almost touching. “We should huddle together. For warmth. Mistletoe rules.”
“I don’t want to go against those.”
Ruby’s body heat crackled next to Fran. Something kicked in her chest. This was dangerous. However, she didn’t move. The Christmas card they were living in had just become animated. A little like her thoughts.
“How am I surprising you?” Fran couldn’t let that comment slide. It had sounded delicious when it dropped from Ruby’s lips.
“You’re making an effort with everyone. You came back. You’re fitting in. You’re not who I thought you were.” Ruby turned her head.
Fran squinted in the flakes. “Not such a city slicker?”
Ruby didn’t flinch as she replied. “You’re infinitely better.”
Fran’s heart rippled.
