‘It’s a waste,’ Owen protested. ‘I don’t even have a suit or a dress shirt to wear them with.’
‘Then we’ll have to go shopping in the New Year’s sales. You’ll need something smart for graduation, and you can wear the cufflinks then.’ Sally jutted her chin determinedly. Clearly, she was not taking no for an answer.
‘Thank you,’ Owen said, glancing anxiously at George.
‘Good, that’s settled then.’ Sally beamed at them all. ‘Now it’s Buck’s Fizz time. Come with me Millie and help me carry everything from the kitchen.’
As soon as they were out of the room, Owen turned to George. ‘I’m sorry. Those were meant for your dad, weren’t they?’
‘I think they were, yes. Mum got you aftershave, or cologne, or something like that. Obviously, she did a switch at the last minute.’
‘I can’t take them. How do I give them back without causing hurt or offence?’
‘You don’t. Mum wants you to have them. Besides, Dad won’t be going to any black-tie events for a while.’
‘She could’ve given them to you.’
‘I don’t want them. I’d rather have a cashmere scarf and gloves with a used paperback any day.’ George grinned. ‘Anyway, when did you get out to buy the book for Mum?’
Owen paled. ‘Sorry, I hope it’s not a problem. Perhaps I should have said. It was originally intended as my mum’s gift.’
‘Oh, right?’ George blinked. ‘Sorry… I… I forgot. I remember now you mentioned it on the train.’
‘Is it a problem?’
‘Of course not. Mum will love it. You saw her face when you told her it was set in the Highlands.’
‘Here we are,’ Sally said, returning with Millie. ‘Time to start the party.’
They toasted Christmas; they toasted each other and then they each had a third Buck’s Fizz for good measure before Sally announced she was off to the kitchen to do the sprouts.
George groaned.
‘Can I help?’ Millie offered.
‘No, dear, you keep Georgie company. Make sure he reads his new book.’ Sally shot a sparkle-eyed look at Owen. ‘Owen will help me, won’t you, lovie?’
‘It’s a smashing Christmas,’ Millie said, putting her arms around George’s neck and snuggling up close.
He breathed in her perfume and held her by her waist. ‘It is–yes,’ he said, rubbing his face into her dark curls. Despite everything, this Christmas wassmashing,and as he thought it, he also faced up to what he had to do next.
