Page 88 of Escape for Christmas
‘Oh, there’s just one more thing,’ Una said. ‘Hugo and I have been racking our brains since we arrived. You remind me so much of someone.’
‘Oh?’ Sophie said.
‘Yes, you’re the spitting image of the woman who used to run the Christmas shop in Stratford.’
Preparing to fess up, Sophie smiled. ‘Oh, really? Am I?’
‘Oh yes,’ Hugo said. ‘Though you smile a lot more than she did.’
Do I? The words almost slipped out, but Hugo carried on.
‘I never liked that skinny young chap who used to run it with her. He always seemed shifty to me.’
‘Hugo. Come on! I want to get home before it’s dark.’
‘Have a safe journey,’ Sophie said, warming to the couple even more. She’d thought they were rather an unadventurous pair, typical of couples who’d been together for ever and had resorted to matching anoraks because it was easier and safer. Now she thought they were the lucky ones, with their shared passion for dancing and for each other. They were comfortable together and loved each other, and that was more than millions of people were ever able to say.
She saw them off, aware they’d reminded her that she’d also made the right decision to change her life. Until Una had dragged Hugo away, she’d been fully ready to admit: ‘Yes, that was me. I was that serious-faced woman with the shifty partner, except that I never realised how serious I’d become, or how devious he was. I’m so glad that I smile a lot more now, and that I took the plunge and bought Sunnyside.’
She had barely five minutes to herself before Agatha dawdled downstairs, carrying her case. Wearily she put down her bag next to the reception desk. ‘I don’t want to leave, but I’ve a hospital appointment tomorrow – nothing serious, so don’t worry. I just don’t fancy the thought of going back to an empty house.’
Sophie’s heart went out to her guest. ‘I’ve loved having you here.’
‘Bet you say that to all the guests!’
‘Oh, I really don’t,’ Sophie replied with a laugh. ‘I absolutely don’t.’
Agatha smiled. ‘I want to thank you, too. I haven’t had so much fun since Ron passed away. I worried I was turning into an old curmudgeon and I’ve rather retreated into my shell lately. It was only the prospect of spending Christmas with my dreary cousins that brought me here.’
‘Thank goodness youwerehere to help with the baby,’ Sophie said.
‘Hmm, I only wish I’d kept off the party spirit, so I could have been even more useful at the business end.’ She squared her shoulders. ‘However, the experience has taught me I can still be useful. I’ve shied away from volunteering since Ron passed away. It felt ever so slightly desperate, and I couldn’t find the energy until now … But in the New Year I might see if I can help out with a medical charity like St John Ambulance or the Red Cross.’
‘They’d be so lucky to have you,’ Sophie said encouragingly.
‘I’m not sure about that, but I’ll definitely look into it in the New Year.’ Agatha patted Sophie on the shoulder. ‘And you can be sure I’ll be back, before next Christmas, and I’ll tell all my friends what adventures I’ve had!’
Sophie laughed, not sure that she wanted too much detail about the adventures on the travel review sites.
There was only Nico left to check out now. Sophie was slightly dreading it, after yesterday’s scene in the kitchen.
He trotted downstairs, a leather overnight bag in one hand and a scarf looped stylishly around his neck, looking effortlessly chic with his cover-model looks.
Sophie felt her body tense and he must have sensed her embarrassment.
‘Don’t worry, I’m not going to repeat my – offer – of yesterday,’ he said. ‘It was crass of me and I’m ashamed I even tried it, which is an emotion I rarely feel.’
‘It’s history now,’ Sophie said, the tension easing.
‘However, before I leave, I feel I owe you some honesty. I need to tell you why I’m really here.’
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
‘I thought your passport had expired …’ Sophie said, wondering what he might say next.
Nico grimaced. ‘Ah, well, itistrue that I was meant to go to Italy, and I wanted somewhere to stay over Christmas a long way from anywhere. My passport hadn’t expired, but I found myself in need of a place of – sanctuary, shall we say?’
‘Sanctuary?’ she echoed. ‘That’s an interesting word.’
