Second Chances at the Log Fire Cabin

by Catherine Ferguson

  ‘No, of course not.’ Ruby looks all wide-eyed innocence.

  ‘Oh my God, you did, didn’t you?’ says Ryan. He laughs incredulously then reaches over and high-fives her. Then he glances apologetically at Jackson. ‘Sorry, mate. But it is pretty funny.’

  Jackson just smiles and shrugs. ‘I’d better go and see how she is.’ He gets up at a leisurely pace and saunters out.

  ‘I cannot believe you did that, Ruby!’ gasps Gloria, who’s been sitting with a stunned look on her face. ‘I really can’t take you anywhere!’

  ‘It wasn’t a nice thing to do, Ruby,’ says Poppy, trying to look stern.

  Something occurs to me. ‘Oh my God, was it you who drew the moustache on Sophie’s photo?’

  Ruby turns sulky. ‘What if it was?’ Her chin comes up in defiance. ‘No one tells my mum she’s old, fat and unattractive. I’m allowed to because I’m her daughter and I love her – but not some rude woman who acts like she’s a celebrity just because she’s editor-in-chief of a stupid magazine!’

  She scrambles to her feet and marches for the door. Gloria, who’s looking dumbstruck, tries to catch her hand but Ruby shakes her off and disappears. When I pass the kitchen a moment later, on my way upstairs to try on the dress, Ruby is slouched at the breakfast bar, leaning her head on her hands, staring out at the snowy scene beyond the window.

  ‘You okay?’

  She sits up and stares glumly at me. ‘She deserved it. She’s been horrible to Mum. And she’s got poor Clemmy paranoid about her weight, all for the sake of her stupid magazine.’

  I smile. It’s hard to argue with her. ‘Would you like a gingerbread Santa?’ I go into the kitchen and find the tin we keep in the cupboard, full of misshapes. Ruby shakes her head. ‘Thanks, Roxy, but I’m not hungry. I think I’ll FaceTime Chloe.’

  ‘Okay. I’ll leave you to it.’ I press her shoulder to show I approve of her defending Gloria.

  Upstairs, voices are coming from the main bathroom. It’s Jackson and Sophie. I can’t hear what Jackson’s saying because he’s speaking in a low, steady tone, but Sophie sounds as if she’s verging on hysterical. As I pass, she wails, ‘I can’t believe this is happening. What the hell am I going to do?’

  It seems a little over-the-top to get so emotional about an outfit for the party tonight, but then Sophie is editor of a fashion magazine. I suppose she has standards to uphold.

  I disappear into my room and hold the fairy godmother dress up to myself in the mirror. With the shrug over the top, it will hopefully be fine to wear tonight.

  I slip off my jeans and top, and – ignoring the mirror – step into the big, flouncy skirt. I’m pulling the bodice up when I hear footsteps outside. A man’s voice shouts, ‘Ruby?’ then there’s a tap on the door and someone bursts into the room.

  I shove my arms in and hastily yank the dress up over my shoulders, turning at an angle so whoever it is can’t see my scarred arm.

  Ruby is standing in the doorway. And, with a shock, I see Alex just behind her.

  Our eyes meet and a funny charge like a little electric shock runs through my entire body. He’s here! I’m surprised at how pleased I am. I was starting to think he might not make it back for the party.

  He seems as shocked as I am to suddenly see me. After a moment, he gives his head a little shake as if to get himself back on track. ‘Hi, Roxy. Sorry, I didn’t mean to …’ He shrugs.

  ‘Don’t worry. It’s fine.’ I rush to reassure him but his face remains tense.

  ‘Ruby, your mum’s looking for you.’ He gives me a fleeting smile and disappears.

  ‘God, sorry, Roxy,’ says Ruby. ‘I shouldn’t have just barged in like that. I just wanted to make sure you were okay with the dress I ordered for you.’

  I lean down and pick up the shrug from the bed and slip into it without turning round. ‘Yes, it’s fine. You’re probably right about the other one being a bit boring.’

  She nods. ‘That’s good.’

  Another desperate wail emanates from the bathroom.

  ‘Right, I’ll go and find Mum,’ says Ruby quickly, and she disappears.

  I breathe a sigh of relief and sink down onto the bed. At least I managed to cover up before the door opened.

  At least, I hope I did …

  Chapter 22

  When it comes to deciding who’s going in which car to the party, I somehow end up travelling in Jackson’s car, with him and Sophie in the front and Alex next to me in the back seat.

  I’d been looking forward to seeing Alex again, but he seems strangely silent. He barely says a word to me and stares out of the side window into the darkness the entire way to the venue.

  Jackson makes an attempt at small talk but Sophie seems focused on her own woes. She’s still acting as if she’s stressed to the eyeballs for some reason and keeps up a stream of angry stage whispers to Jackson, who keeps shaking his head and giving her sympathetic looks. From what I can tell, she isn’t cross with Jackson himself. But something is definitely going on.

  She’s obviously abandoned the Grinch costume – and the idea of fancy dress –and has chosen to wear a long, slinky, figure-hugging dress in kingfisher blue silk that she apparently brought with her.

  I sit in the back, also staring out of the window, wishing I could be anywhere but here – however gorgeous the party venue sounds. My fairy godmother costume is slightly itchy around the plunging neckline with an incredibly tight bodice and drawn-in waist. When I breathe in and out, acres of pale upper boob flesh rises perkily above the fabric.

  We round a bend and in front of us is the most amazing sight. A fairytale castle with turrets, all lit up with thousands of sparkling lights.

  ‘There’s a restaurant in there, and some function rooms where the party will be,’ says Jackson. ‘And over there is the entrance to the Enchanted Forest. We’ll be able to wander through it later.’

  Sophie’s head is flung back against the headrest and she seems oblivious to the fact Jackson is speaking. But I glance over to our right, where he’s pointing. Through the trees, a bridge is clearly visible, strung with fairy lights, and there seems to be some kind of laser light show going on with big flashes of rose pink, purple and midnight blue splitting the darkness.

  The party venue in the castle is similarly magical. Two elaborately decorated Christmas trees adorn the entrance and the ceiling above us is like the night sky – dark blue velvet, strung with tiny white lights like stars. A band is playing Christmas music and about twenty large circular tables and chairs are ranged around a dance floor. Clemmy is already up dancing with a group of girl friends, looking gorgeous in her dress.

  There couldn’t be a more romantic setting for an engagement party.

  Heading over to Poppy, who’s sitting by herself at a table, I pass the bar, where Jed, Alex and Ryan are standing chatting, and I hear Alex say, ‘Yeah, in some ways I can’t wait to get back home. I think I need a brand new start.’

  For some reason, his words pierce my heart, making me feel even more melancholy than I did before. I like Alex so much and I want him to be happy with a new start and a new girl. I suppose I’m just sad because I thought we were becoming real friends and I wish he didn’t have to go back to Australia after Christmas.

  ‘Are you all right?’ asks Poppy. ‘Frankly, you look about as much in the mood for a party as I feel.’

  ‘Not enjoying yourself?’ I ask.

  ‘It doesn’t help that I can’t drink,’ grumbles Poppy. ‘I’ve had to pretend my stomach is still playing up so people don’t get suspicious.’

  ‘If you told Jed about the baby, you wouldn’t have to pretend any more,’ I point out.

  She glares at me. ‘Any more bright ideas?’ She shakes her head. ‘To be honest, I’m thinking of ending the whole thing.’

  ‘You can’t do that! Jed adores you.’

  ‘Does he? So why do I feel as if I come a poor second to his career?’

  ‘Hormones?’

  She shrugs
gloomily. ‘Why can’t I just be a single mother? Wouldn’t that be simpler? Rather than having to worry I’m with a man who’s only there for the baby?’

  I shake my head. ‘Of course he wouldn’t be.’

  ‘You don’t know that.’

  She’s got me there. Because of course I don’t.

  We sit there, Poppy sipping on a lime and soda and me nursing a glass of wine. I can’t understand this feeling of despair that’s suddenly descended. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to a party that would include Jackson and Sophie as a couple, but I didn’t feel this downhearted, even when I was sitting in the back of Jackson’s car.

  But now …

  I decide I must just be feeling in sympathy with Poppy, who really is on a downer.

  At least Clemmy and Ryan are enjoying themselves with all the friends they’ve invited tonight. That’s the main thing. But the Log Fire Cabin crew seem in rather less of a party mood – apart from Gloria and Bob, who are currently whooping it up on the dance floor. I glance towards the bar, expecting to see Alex, but he’s disappeared.

  I’ve no idea where Ruby is but she invited Sam from the farm next door, so presumably she’s with him somewhere.

  Sophie is glued to her phone. She keeps sitting down at our table, but then within a minute or two her phone will ring and she’ll spring up and walk to the door, presumably to escape the loud music so she can hear the person on the other end.

  Jackson wanders over from the bar and sits next to me.

  ‘She might be gorgeous but Christ! When she’s stressed, she’s impossible!’ he says, frowning at the entrance where Sophie’s taking yet another call. ‘I wish she would calm down. It might not actually be the end of the world. You were never moody like this.’

  ‘The end of the world how?’ I ask, ignoring the backhanded compliment.

  He frowns. ‘Sophie’s heard on the grapevine she might be moved sideways at work.’

  ‘Really? That’s awful.’

  ‘Actually, I think it might be a demotion. They apparently want her to head up a new office in Malta.’

  ‘In Malta? But what about her editorship of Dazzle UK?’

  Jackson shrugs. ‘They seem to be bringing in some young graduate type with loads of energy and an abundance of revolutionary new ideas.’

  I frown. ‘Poor Sophie.’

  I really mean that, too. I don’t much like the girl but she seems wedded to her job and I can see how a move away from the fashion buzz of London would absolutely devastate her.

  ‘Anyway, what about you?’ He gives me one of his smiles and my heart lurches. ‘That dessert was pretty awesome the other night. Maybe you should open a bakery?’

  ‘Why does it always have to be business with you?’ I laugh, knowing him of old.

  He shrugs, shuffling his chair a little closer. ‘Just saying. You said you wanted to find a career you were passionate about. Maybe this is it.’

  We exchange a smile. I forgot I said that to him when we were going out together. I can’t help feeling flattered he actually remembered it.

  ‘I’m just nipping out for some air,’ says Poppy, getting up. Her face is very pale and I stare at her in alarm.

  ‘Do you want me to come with you?’

  ‘No, I’ll be fine,’ she says and hurries towards the main door.

  I turn to Jackson, already rising to my feet. ‘I think I’d better go after her.’

  ‘Why?’ He grabs my wrist and smiles up at me. ‘She said she’d be okay.’

  ‘Yes, but she might not be. She looked awful.’

  ‘But I was enjoying talking to you. We haven’t exactly had much chance, have we?’

  He gazes up at me pleadingly, but for once, I feel unaffected by his puppy dog eyes on me. I’m remembering Poppy’s white face.

  ‘I’d better go,’ I say, heading for the door.

  I find Poppy leaning back against the wall, taking some deep breaths. ‘I didn’t feel too good for a moment but I think I’m okay now. Do you fancy a walk into the Enchanted Forest?’

  I shrug. ‘Yes, why not. I’ll just grab our coats. It’s freezing out here.’

  We trudge across the car park through the snow to the Enchanted Forest entrance.

  Breathing in the evocative Christmassy scent from the pine trees, we enter the forest and walk over the little bridge that’s lit up with fairy lights strung along both sides.

  ‘Isn’t this gorgeous?’ says Poppy, taking a lungful of air.

  ‘Perfect,’ I agree.

  ‘Ooh, what’s that on the other side of the bridge?’

  We walk over and find ourselves in a small clearing among the trees. And, to my surprise, Alex is sitting there on a wooden bench at the side of the clearing, staring up into the branches. He seems lost in thought and doesn’t see us at first.

  ‘Alex,’ says Poppy. ‘God, this is amazing.’

  He stands up. ‘Yeah. It is. It feels really peaceful. Like you could solve the problems of the world just sitting here.’

  ‘Any problems in particular?’ she asks.

  He laughs but it sounds a little forced. ‘Nothing I can’t handle. Better get back to the party.’

  ‘Didn’t you say an old school friend of yours developed this place?’ says Poppy.

  Alex nods. ‘Yes. Graeme Swift. He’s done an amazing job. He deserves to do well with it.’

  We exchange a quick glance as he leaves.

  ‘See you in there,’ I say, curious to know why he looks so down. He smiles and raises a hand in response.

  ‘Alex is right. If you sat here long enough, you could solve all your problems!’ grins Poppy. She presses her abdomen with a frown and I glance at her worriedly.

  ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’

  She nods and stares upwards. The branches form a kind of canopy overhead, which is strung with twinkling lights that look like stars. The aroma of pine forest is heavenly. We gaze up at the lights and suddenly the configuration changes and, instead of ‘stars’, there’s a message written there: Merry Christmas from the Enchanted Forest!

  ‘Ow!’ Poppy gasps, holding her stomach.

  ‘What is it? Are you in pain? Sit down.’ We sink onto the bench.

  ‘I suddenly feel really bad again.’

  ‘Right, we’re going to A&E. Shall I get Jed?’

  ‘No!’ Her frown deepens and she presses her stomach with a groan. ‘I just want to go home. Will you come with me, Roxy?’

  ‘Of course I will. Come on, let’s get your coat. I’ll tell Jackson we need a lift.’

  She grabs my hand. ‘Sorry to drag you away from the party when it’s probably nothing.’

  I shake my head firmly. ‘Don’t be silly. The baby is the important thing. Can you walk over the bridge? Hang onto me.’

  I get Poppy a seat just inside the function room and find Jackson, and he says to go and look after Poppy and he’ll be out at the car in just a minute. As I leave with Poppy’s coat and bag, I glance across and see Jackson talking to Sophie in the entrance hall. She still has her phone pressed to her ear and waves him away, turning her back to him and blocking her other ear with her finger.

  Jackson shepherds us into the car, gallantly holding the passenger door open for Poppy and making sure she’s strapped in properly. And within fifteen minutes, we’ve done the reverse journey along the winding country lanes back to the Log Fire Cabin.

  In the bright lights of the hallway, Poppy’s complexion looks grey.

  ‘Do you want me to call a doctor?’ I ask anxiously.

  She shakes her head. ‘I just need to go to bed,’ she mumbles and starts heading slowly up the stairs.

  I glance worriedly at Jackson and he murmurs, ‘Does she want anything? Aspirin? Tea?’

  ‘I’ll go and see.’

  He nods. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’

  Upstairs, I help Poppy out of her Cruella de Vil dress. She smiles and strokes the fabric, then she crawls under the covers and lies on her side with her knees drawn up
.

  ‘Can I get you anything?’

  She gives me a wan smile. ‘I’ll be fine if I can just go to sleep. Thanks, Roxy. Sorry if I ruined the party for you.’

  ‘You didn’t.’

  She nods and closes her eyes.

  I leave the room and close the door softly. Then I join Jackson in the kitchen.

  ‘So tell me more about Sophie?’ I ask him.

  He groans. ‘She’s being asked to start up a new edition of Dazzle for ex-pats in Europe. So she’ll be shipped out of London to Malta straight after Christmas.’

  ‘What if she says she doesn’t want to?’

  He shrugs. ‘There’s no other option. It’s either that or nothing. Readership of Dazzle in the UK has fallen dramatically over the past five years, so they’re promoting a relative newcomer in Sophie’s place. I think this new girl is the grand-daughter of someone important. Sophie’s livid.’

  ‘I’m not surprised.’

  ‘She heard the rumours just before she went off on her Christmas break, so she’s been like a cat on a hot tin roof since we got here. Anyway, now it seems they weren’t just rumours.’

  ‘Oh, God. Poor Sophie.’

  ‘She’s hoping to do some modelling if the worst comes to the worst.’

  I nod. ‘She did mention she was having some photos done for her portfolio. Surely she’ll be snapped up by some modelling agency?’

  He shrugs. ‘It’s a competitive business and they tend to want a particular sort of look. The uncertainty is making her even more jumpy.’

  ‘Where did you meet Sophie?’ I ask. I’ve been curious to know ever since I arrived here and saw them together. I presumed it was at some business function.

  ‘Actually, it was at the Winter Ball. She came as the plus-one of my head of communications, and we just clicked.’

  I stare at him as he talks on. The Winter Ball? But surely that was the event I was going to as his plus-one? The one I had my dress all picked out for. The very same Winter Ball that was a mere six days after our disastrous night at the TV dating show!

  I miss most of what he’s saying because my head is spinning at this revelation. I could almost excuse his dalliance with the French woman who answered his phone in such a flirty manner. Almost. But the fact that he found a brand new girlfriend less than a week after we stopped seeing each other feels like a huge slap in the face.