I laughed. ‘As Gran would say, when it comes to Christmas, organisation is key.’
‘She sounds like my mother.’
‘I’m not surprised with seven to cater for. I feel under pressure with only me and Gideon to think about.’
Alex cocked his head. ‘Does this mean you took my advice?’
‘I did. I made my point using words with no more than two syllables, and he now knows exactly where I stand. So, thank you.’
‘Does this boyfriend of yours know about your new tenant?’
‘He does.’
‘And is he okay with it?’ Alex picked up his drink.
I nodded. ‘He thinks it’s a great idea. In fact, so much so, he’d like to meet you.’
Coffee cup to his lips, Alex lowered it. ‘I’m not sure how I feel about that. Should I be nervous?’
I let out a laugh. ‘Not at all. Gideon doesn’t want any awkwardness either. I suggested we swing by the pub. Tomorrow evening, if you’ll be there?’
‘To keep the bar between us should things go awry? Good idea.’
Smirking, I shook my head. ‘To get it out of the way.’
Alex winked. ‘I’m sure me and this boyfriend of yours will get on great.’
CHAPTER13
As I made my way to The Royal Oak, I regretted my chosen footwear. The pavement was thick with ice, and in my one-inch heel ankle boots, I kept slipping and sliding. It was a struggle to stay on my feet. To make matters worse, I felt slightly nauseous. Not even the festive comfort of Settledown’s Christmas lights and Nutcracker window displays could ease my nerves. I crossed my fingers inside my mittens. Having Alex as a tenant would be so much easier if he and Gideon got on.
As I approached the pub entrance, I scanned the vehicles in the vicinity. Gideon had rung to tell me he was on his way and that he’d meet me there, but there was no sign of his car. The knot in my tummy tightened.Please don’t let me down again.Entering the building, I checked the time. Much to my relief, Gideon wasn’t late; I was early.
From his position behind the bar, Alex looked up from his sketching. His smile grew as he watched me take off my coat. Putting down his pencil, he indicated my outfit. ‘Very nice.’
I, too, gave my attire the once over. Hoping to show Gideon what he’d be missing if he didn’t stick to his word and put us first, I’d teamed black skinny jeans with a fitted black polo neck and striking gold dangly earrings. I’d pulled my hair into a tight ponytail that sat at the nape of my neck, and I’d even put on a little make-up. The boots I wore might not have been as death-defying as the kind Julia preferred, but for a woman like me who was constantly in flats and had just free-styled along an ice-rink of a street, my choice was death-defying enough. I wrinkled my nose. ‘Not too much?’ My outfit might have looked great in my bedroom mirror, but in Settledown’s Royal Oak on a weeknight, I suddenly felt a tad conspicuous.
‘Not from where I’m standing.’ Alex gave me a cheeky smile. ‘Although if you’ve changed your mind about me moving in, you only had to say.’
Confused, I jerked my head. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Why else would you be sabotaging my chances? No way is that man of yours gonna let me have a house key when he sees you like that.’
I grinned. My style usually garnered words likequirky,individualandoff-beat. People certainly didn’t give my appearance out-and-out compliments. Alex was just being kind, but I had to admit his words were something of a confidence boost. ‘You won’t be saying that once you’ve seen me first thing. My hair doesn’t get brushed until after at least one cup of coffee.’
Alex winked. ‘Looking forward to it already.’ He indicated the various drinks available. ‘What will it be? A glass of white while you’re waiting.’
I nodded and as Alex set to work, wondered how a man as good looking as him managed to have a personality to match. In my experience, men either had one or the other. A pang of guilt hit me. Knowing how uncomfortable Gideon’s relationship with Julia made me feel, should I really be admiring the very man I was about to introduce to him?
Alex placed my drink in front of me. ‘You’re sure he’s okay with everything? Because seriously…’ Again he indicated my appearance. ‘I don’t think I’d be.’
A cold blast from the entrance hit and we both looked to the door.
‘You can ask him yourself,’ I said, smiling at Gideon as he came in from the street.
As my boyfriend walked towards us, I watched Alex’s demeanour turn serious. A reaction I found sweet; my soon-to-be tenant obviously wanted to create a good impression.
‘What’s the occasion?’ Gideon looked me up and down. ‘It’s not like you to get dressed up.’
