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He turned and walked out the shop. Maybe he should start wearing a wedding ring so people would know he was not in the market for a relationship. Though knowing women like Jade, that wouldn’t stop her.
Pe
The multi-coloured lights from the tree danced and flickered in the dull morning light, casting puddles of blues, greens, purples and reds across the wet cobbles. Every shop window twinkled with festive lights, candy canes, Santas, reindeer and the odd baby Jesus. Some were beautifully decorated, with every star, twinkle or speck of glitter strategically placed, some were a hodgepodge of fun and character.
Being in the town amongst all the hustle and bustle always cheered her up. People were so friendly and chatty. A walk of a hundred yards would sometimes take over half an hour or more because people wanted to stop and chat, even if they had only seen her the day before.
The door to the bakery burst open and the warmth and delicious cake smells were interrupted briefly with a blast of cold air.
Pe
Maggie flopped down in the brown leather armchair opposite Pe
‘Where are your little angels today?’ Pe
‘Daniel has taken them to watch football, so I get some peace for a few hours, but I actually miss them when they’re not with me, it’s way too quiet.’
‘You’ll have another little one to add to the menagerie soon; how is my godson today?’ Pe
Maggie rubbed her oversized belly affectionately. ‘He’s fast asleep now, but he never stays still at night, feels like he’s doing the samba in there.’
‘He’s eager to come out.’
‘Well, he needs to keep that eagerness to himself for another six weeks. January thirteenth and not a moment before. I’m too busy for him to come now.’
‘How are the preparations for the Christmas Eve ball going?’ With only ten days until the ball, Pe
‘Good I think. The marquee is being delivered a few days before. Food is sorted, tables, chairs, heaters, they’ll be delivered on the day and I have a crew of people who will set everything up. You know what I’m like, these were all organised months ago. But I’m still getting twenty emails a day with queries or changes or demands. The band want their own dressing room, which is a headache, but it’s the bloody ice carvers who are causing me the most stress.’
Pe
‘How are your new neighbours?’ Maggie said, through a mouthful of croissant.
‘I’ve only met Henry.’
Maggie took a big sip of tea, eyeing her suspiciously. ‘What’s with the look, Pe
‘There was no look.’
‘There was definitely a look.’
‘He…’ Pe
Maggie clapped her hands and squealed with excitement.
‘Mags, he’s married.’
Maggie frowned. ‘I know his sister, A
‘Daisy,’ Pe
‘Oh yes, I do remember A
‘Anyway, the weird thing is… I think he sort of flirted with me.’
‘Why is that weird? You’re fu
‘Because he’s married.’
‘Oh yes. Urgh, what a creep, all men are the same. No loyalty.’
‘You say that when you’re married to one of the most devoted men I know.’
Maggie’s face split into a huge grin. ‘Daniel is pretty amazing, isn’t he? He carried me home the other day because I was tired and couldn’t face the one-minute walk up the hill. I haven’t cooked a single meal since I became pregnant. I do love him.’
‘He’s so excited about becoming a dad again. I saw him the other day, it was all he could talk about.’
The door opened, sending a blast of cold air over them again. Pe
Maggie hissed to gain Pe
‘Is that him?’ Maggie whispered, thankfully quietly enough that no one would hear her.
Pe
‘He’s hot.’
‘Maggie!’
‘What? Everyone is thinking it.’ Maggie cast Henry an appreciative look. Sure enough, every woman in the shop – the old, the young, the happily married – was staring at him in complete adoration.
‘Is that his niece?’ Pe
Maggie nodded. ‘Bea. I think she’s just started school.’
Pe
‘I’m not surprised you’ve come to that decision after that gorgeous specimen moved in next door.’
‘He’s married,’ Pe
‘Yes, yes of course. Well, there are plenty of other single men in the town.’ She looked out the window too as if one might just happen to be walking past. ‘What about George?’ Maggie gestured to the curly haired guy on the opposite side of the street. They had gone to school with George and, although she hadn’t hung around with him, she knew he was lovely. ‘He’s sweet, nice-looking, very fu
Pe
‘Really?’ Maggie peered across the road at the two of them. ‘I thought he was in love with Polly.’ Maggie gestured to the cute freckly red-head at the back of the shop who worked there with her mum Linda.
Pe
Everyone had someone. She had always vowed that she didn’t need anyone to make her happy, but in reality being alone was no fun.