'Tis the Season to be Single

by Laura Ziepe

  ‘So did I,’ Amber said seriously. ‘But I’m not entirely sure I’m so anti-relationships anymore. Realising my love for Jack has changed the way I feel about everything.’ Her tone changed to a much brighter, enthusiastic one. ‘Anyway, Grace, let’s meet him. Where is this Steve you’ve kept hidden for so long?’

  ‘Yes, I can’t wait to see him,’ Rachel joined in excitedly.

  Simon approached them then, standing beside Grace and holding her hand.

  ‘There is no Steve,’ Grace explained, holding onto Simon tightly. ‘Girls, I want you to meet the man in my life, Simon. Simon and I are going to give things another go.’

  Grace had to bite her lip from bursting out into laughter. Rachel and Amber’s astonished expressions were quite the picture.

  Chapter 31

  ‘Oh my God!’ Amber’s jaw almost hit the floor. ‘So you’ve been seeing Simon for all this time and you never told us?’ She was flabbergasted. How had Grace kept this a secret? They usually told each other everything.

  ‘Hello again, girls,’ Simon looked a little awkward and kissed them politely on the cheek.

  ‘Sorry Simon, I’m glad to see you,’ Amber added quickly. ‘I’m just so surprised, that’s all.’

  ‘I’ll leave you girls to talk for a bit.’ Simon smiled kindly.

  ‘I think I’ll join you,’ Nick said, before introducing himself and shaking his hand. They walked off towards two chairs at the other end of the room.

  ‘I can’t believe it.’ Rachel shook her head, her eyes wide. ‘I really thought you had a new man. What happened? How come you’re back with Simon? I thought he made you unhappy; you seemed so sad before you broke up with him,’ she said looking incredulous.

  ‘He’s been really different since the split,’ Grace explained, her cheeks pink with pleasure. ‘Honestly, I can’t explain what a change there’s been. It’s like the old Simon is back, the man I fell head over heels in love with. I owe it to him, to myself even, to give our marriage another shot. I don’t think it’s a decision I’ll regret; I love him.’

  Amber was ecstatic for her friend and shot her a huge smile. ‘Good for you, Grace. I don’t blame you at all for giving him another chance, especially if he’s changed like you say he has.’

  ‘Yes,’ Rachel agreed. ‘All that matters is that you’re happy.’

  ‘I am,’ Grace gushed, looking blissfully joyful, ‘I really am.’

  Amber gazed at her friends; she was really pleased for both of them. So what if they had broken their pacts about being single at the ball? So what if she was the only one without a date? It didn’t matter. Not really. They’d both had a tough time recently and deserved a new start. Her own heart ached that little bit more though. Amber wasn’t jealous; she was envious. She’d always been the single one, mainly out of choice and Amber usually loved the fact she wasn’t in a relationship at Christmas time. Bars were always buzzing, packed with singletons wanting to celebrate and have fun. This year, her heart just hadn’t been in it though. As soon as she realized that her heart belonged to Jack, Amber could honestly say she hadn’t even thought about another man. The sad thing was, as much as she knew it was a long shot that Jack was going to feel the same, a tiny part of her had hoped that he would turn around and say he loved her too. She hated herself for that glimmer of hope. That little glimmer that kept telling her that once, he had tried to kiss her; maybe that meant something? But of course Jack wasn’t going to forget all about the love of his life, Natalya, just because Amber had now decided she loved him, was he? He probably saw this whole thing as an issue he was going to have to deal with. Amber couldn’t bear it.

  She was mortified that she’d told him, yet felt she’d had no other choice. She couldn’t have lived with herself. She’d been thinking over the last few days that she was going to pack up and go away somewhere as soon as possible. Dubai had been top of her list and she’d contacted an old school friend who lived there to see if she could stay with her. After New Year’s Eve Amber was going to leave for a bit. She’d give Jack some space and she simply couldn’t bear to watch him with Natalya. She needed to clear her head and didn’t want to feel angry every time Natalya ruined her day. The only issue was her father who she’d just re-connected with, but she was certain he’d understand. Besides, she’d only go for a few months or so and perhaps he could visit if he really wanted to see her? She knew her mother had always wanted to go there. Then there was work; Amber had no idea what Judy, the boss at Tidemans, would say about her leaving. But Amber was a make-up artist, and as sad as she’d be to leave Tidemans, she knew she wouldn’t find it hard getting another job somewhere else. She could always freelance too or try to work in TV or film or for an agency. Her mind was made up.

  ‘What will you do about Christmas?’ Rachel asked curiously. ‘Are you still going to see Jack on Christmas Day?’

  Amber pressed her mouth into a straight line as she thought about how mortifying it would be to watch him snuggling up to Natalya as they played board games.

  ‘I guess I have to just act as though everything is normal. As though it’s all fine. Perhaps I won’t stay for too long, I don’t know. I’ll come up with an excuse as to why I have to leave.’ It was certainly not a day she was looking forward to and that made her sad. Amber loved Christmas Day normally.

  The rest of the night passed by fairly quickly. Rachel and Grace had made it their priority to spend time with Amber and she was grateful for that; she hadn’t felt left out in the slightest and actually had fun in Simon and Nick’s company. Grace was right about Simon; he did seem different around her, like he’d just met Grace recently and still found her mystifying and fascinating. She hoped he remained that way for Grace’s sake, who looked just as smitten as he did.

  Amber downed the last of her prosecco, noticing that the room was emptying out, and decided it was time for her to leave too. It had been a good night, but she still couldn’t shift the sad feeling she had in the pit of her stomach and she was tired. Besides, slow music had started playing and there were a few couples dancing. Amber didn’t want to get in the way of Grace and Rachel from doing the same.

  After kissing her friends goodbye and promising them she’d let them know she got home safely, Amber put her cream faux-fur coat on and made her way outside, shivering as soon as her bare legs hit the cold, frosty air. She was walking towards several parked black taxis, when she spotted a familiar figure in the distance, looking in her direction. Had they been waiting for her?

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Amber asked sharply in astonishment.

  Natalya looked at Amber icily with intense eyes. ‘I came to warn you away,’ she told her. ‘I knew you were in love with Jack from the very start.’

  ‘Go away, you absolute nutcase,’ Amber fumed, pulling a face and brushing past her, but Natalya pulled her back. As Amber stared into Natalya’s huge pupils, she realized that gone was the sweet, friendly girl she’d met weeks ago at Tidemans when she’d come in to get her make-up done. She’d been replaced by this jealous, possessive creature in front of her. ‘How did you even know where to find me? Are you stalking me as well as Jack now?’

  ‘I knew tonight was your Christmas ball,’ she said, a nasty edge to her voice. ‘Jack told me ages ago that he always comes with you. Before you decided you were going alone with those friends of yours. I noticed when I looked into the ballroom that they didn’t do the same in the end. Poor little Amber all alone,’ she said vindictively.

  ‘What do you actually want? I don’t understand. To warn me? To rub it in my face and tell me that Jack is yours, is that it? I know that. I don’t think you’re right for him at all, but that’s down to Jack. To come to my Christmas ball and wait outside in the cold is pretty weird if you ask me, Natalya. You seem even more odd than I thought.’

  ‘I love him,’ Natalya rebuked, a wild look in her wide eyes. ‘How dare you try to take him away from me!’ she shrieked.

  Amber looked around, embarrassed that N
atalya was starting to cause a scene.

  ‘Calm down,’ she said in hushed tones. ‘What did Jack tell you anyway?’

  ‘He didn’t need to tell me anything. I just know; I’ve always known,’ she stated, blinking several times.

  ‘Well, I can’t help how I feel,’ Amber replied indignantly, her eyes downcast.

  ‘But you’ve known him for years,’ Natalya shot back. ‘Why now? Why now that he’s engaged to me do you have to want him?’ she demanded furiously.

  Amber opened her mouth to answer, but no words would come. She didn’t have an answer as to why. Perhaps she would be angry too if she was in Natalya’s position? It still didn’t excuse her craziness though.

  ‘He doesn’t love you,’ Natalya laughed wickedly. ‘He feels sorry for you. He’s in love with me. He told me he’s never seen you as anything more than a friend.’

  Amber swallowed hard, feeling as though someone had kicked her in the gut.

  ‘Well, I’m leaving anyway,’ she declared, feeling beaten. ‘I was going to wait until after Christmas, but I don’t see any way I can spend it with you, so I’m going to go as soon as possible. Jack’s all yours so just relax. Be grateful to have someone like him.’

  ‘Where are you going?’ Natalya asked in disbelief, like it was too good to be true.

  ‘Dubai,’ Amber replied. ‘Far enough away for you? Not that my whereabouts has anything to do with you.’

  Natalya exhaled looking satisfied and nodded slowly. ‘I think that’s for the best.’

  ‘I’m sure you do,’ Amber shot her a sarcastic smile. ‘Take my advice. If you love Jack, if you really and truly love him, then let him breathe a little, Natalya. Jack has chosen to be with you, so let him live and go out with his friends without checking up on him the whole time. Give him the space he needs, trust me.’

  ‘Like I could ever trust you,’ she replied tartly.

  ‘Bye Natalya. Take care of him for me,’ Amber said sadly, before jumping into the black taxi at the front of the queue. ‘He’s a great man,’ she muttered. Then under her breath she said in sorrowful tones, ‘The very best.’

  Chapter 32

  Christmas Day

  ‘Happy Christmas,’ Grace sang to Rachel as she made her way downstairs to the kitchen and passed her a mug of coffee. ‘Or would you prefer some Buck’s Fizz?’

  ‘Merry Christmas,’ Rachel smiled widely at her friend. ‘And no, the coffee is fine. It’s a little early for a Buck’s Fizz,’ she giggled. She glanced at Grace. ‘You look lovely. What are your Christmas plans?’ she asked.

  ‘Simon is picking me up in around an hour and we’re going to my sister’s house for the day. I’m looking forward to it. What time are you going to your parents’ house? Love the Christmas jumper by the way,’ she laughed.

  Rachel was wearing a jumper with an image of Rudolph on the front. His large, red nose stuck out of the jumper, flapping up and down as she walked.

  ‘Family tradition.’ She gave a light laugh. ‘I’m probably leaving around the same time as you in about an hour.’

  ‘So you have time for a bacon sandwich?’ Grace enquired, checking the bacon in the oven.

  ‘Definitely. I’m starving.’

  Grace quickly went into the lounge and collected Rachel’s present from under the tree.

  ‘Shall we do presents?’ she asked, as she walked back into the kitchen.

  ‘Yes, let’s,’ Rachel replied, before disappearing for a minute. She came back holding a bright red box, which she handed over to Grace at the same time Grace handed over her present.

  ‘Thank you.’ Grace smiled, delighted to see the perfume set she’d been going on and on about over the past few weeks. ‘I’ll wear it today. I love it.’

  Rachel was pleased with her silk pyjamas too. ‘Wow, thanks Grace. These are great.’

  ‘I’ve noticed you’re in need of new ones.’ Grace smiled warmly at Rachel, thinking how much she was going to miss not living with her again. She belonged with Simon though, especially after what she’d just found out.

  As if reading her mind, Rachel turned and faced Grace.

  ‘Grace, I’ve been thinking. Obviously now you and Simon have made amends, you’re very likely going to want to live with him again, aren’t you? Which is perfectly fine and I completely understand, of course. I just wanted to let you know I’ve been looking at renting somewhere on my own. Nick has suggested this lovely little apartment close to where he lives and I plan to see it the day after Boxing Day.’

  Grace cleared her throat. ‘Yes, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about this. I don’t want you to think I’m kicking you out or anything, because I love living with you. It’s been so nice having you here and it hasn’t even been for long. Don’t feel like you have to rush finding somewhere; Simon will wait as long as I tell him to.’ She flashed her a friendly smile.

  ‘Thanks Grace. I know, I’ve loved living with you too, but it will be nice to get somewhere on my own and be independent. I’m sure Nick will be over quite a bit too though I certainly don’t plan to rush into things. I’m not going to put any pressure on myself and just take each day as it comes.’

  ‘Good idea,’ Grace replied. ‘You two make a great couple and I really think things will work out. What’s he up to today?’

  ‘He’s seeing Noah this morning, which will be lovely for him, and then spending the rest of the day with his family. I think now he’s told Claire he’s not willing to be manipulated any longer and will take her to court, she’s started to become a little easier to get along with. I think he’s just going to show he won’t be controlled any longer. I know being with Nick is going to come with lots of drama, but so long as I’m happy then I think it’s all going to be worth it.’ Rachel’s lips curled upwards at the thought of him.

  ‘Yes, I’m sure it will be,’ Grace replied kindly. ‘How do you feel about meeting Noah?’

  ‘A little nervous, I’m not going to lie,’ Rachel said. ‘But I love children and hope to have my own one day. I just hope he likes me,’ she said fretfully.

  ‘I’m sure he will,’ Grace told her confidently.

  An hour later and Grace was kissing Rachel goodbye. No sooner had Rachel left, Simon arrived outside beeping his horn.

  Grace couldn’t contain her excitement as she made her way over to the car.

  ‘Happy Christmas. You look amazing,’ Simon said, his face lighting up as she sat next to him.

  Grace had opted for a festive red embellished jumper and had spent time making sure her make-up was perfect. She appreciated the compliment and kissed him hello. ‘Merry Christmas, darling.’

  As Simon drove to Grace’s sister’s house, she suddenly felt a little nervous about giving Simon his gift. She didn’t want to hand it over in front of the others; it was private, between them. She felt like she would burst if she didn’t give it to him that very moment.

  ‘Simon, pull over. I want to give you your present.’

  ‘What now? Here in the car?’ Simon looked baffled as he indicated to pull the car over.

  ‘Yes.’ Grace almost laughed, imagining his face when he opened it. ‘You’ll see why in a moment. It’s a bit personal, between us.’

  His frown lines deepened. ‘Okay,’ he said. ‘Let me quickly get yours out of my bag in the back then,’ he said, reaching over.

  ‘I’ll open mine first then,’ Grace said, kissing him again as he handed her a beautifully wrapped present. He’d made a real effort, she could tell.

  Grace thought back to the previous year when she had bought a pair of jeans from the shops in the sale just before Christmas and when she’d shown Simon, he’d said uninterestedly, ‘I tell you what, I’ll give you the money for them and that can be your Christmas present.’ Grace hadn’t been impressed.

  Now in the car she was opening a lovely gift, and she gasped as she opened a box containing a beautiful diamond necklace and matching bracelet.

  ‘Oh wow, Simon, they’re absolutely gorgeous. Th
ank you so much,’ she said gratefully.

  He obviously hadn’t held back this year and Grace couldn’t believe how happy she felt at the change in him. But she knew that nothing could ever beat her gift to him.

  She handed him the blue box, her hands a little shaky. Grace’s heart was thumping wildly in her chest and she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he opened it.

  Simon held the stick out in front of him, a look a sheer bewilderment on his face.

  ‘What’s this?’ he asked looking up at her. ‘It can’t be, Grace, can it?’

  Grace was holding her breath, studying his stunned expression, her eyes feeling hot with tears.

  ‘Is it really true?’ Simon asked in astonishment. ‘Are you really pregnant?’

  Grace nodded and laughed, tears falling down her face as Simon held her tightly in his arms.

  ‘Yes, Simon. You’re going to be a father.’

  He pulled back and stared at her with wide eyes, his face filled with awe and pleasure.

  ‘Oh my goodness,’ he whispered, before his face exploded into the biggest grin. ‘This is the best news ever, Grace! I can’t believe it,’ he said, kissing her passionately on the lips.

  ‘Me either!’ She laughed again, and he joined in as they both sat there blissfully happy crying tears of joy. ‘I only found out a few days ago. I was wondering what to get you for Christmas when I realized I was late. I felt silly doing a test, but something told me that this time it was different. All those times we tried unsuccessfully and then when I wasn’t even thinking about it, it’s happened. We’re so lucky.’ She beamed. ‘Blessed.’

  ‘The luckiest,’ Simon agreed. ‘This will go down in history as the best Christmas ever,’ he announced with a beatific expression etched on his face.

  Grace couldn’t agree more.

  Chapter 33

  ‘I still think you’ve gone stark, raving mad, Amber,’ her mother said, her voice a squawk as she narrowed her eyes, looking incredulous. ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this on Christmas morning. Honestly,’ she huffed.