‘I’m just going to check the archways are still intact.’ And he walked away back into the dining room.
Cat turned to Nell in confusion and Kieran quickly headed into the dining room after him. A cold shiver ran over Nell unsure what to make of his sudden departure but, glancing at her watch, she realised she didn’t have time to linger, there were final preparations to make.
Linda, the mayor, and her husband, Arnold, along with a large group of councillors all arrived. Nell welcomed them and enjoyed their gasps of surprise as they walked into the transformed ground floor of Holly Lodge.
As they went into the dining room it was like entering a different world. White and silver paper snowflakes hung from the ceilings on silver ribbons, stars were pinned to the walls and everywhere was like a true winter wonderland. In the lounge, framed by a beautiful snowy woodland archway, was the Christmas tree, and throughout the ground floor into the conservatory were smaller potted fir trees. They’d been left plain, and the vibrant green leaves and heady scent of pine added to the wonderland theme. Along the bottoms of the walls were strings of fairy lights and the room glittered and sparkled. ‘Oh, Nell,’ Linda, the mayor exclaimed, hand on heart. ‘This is just lovely.’
Arnold, her husband, helped himself to some of Niall’s special Christmas punch that sat in giant glass bowls on the table between pots of traditional candy canes. Arnold took two and hooked them into his mouth like giant fangs then tapped Kieran, who was facing the other way, on the shoulder. Kieran turned and though not impressed, gave an indulgent laugh.
‘Excuse me a moment,’ Linda said and walked to her husband. Nell stifled a giggle as Arnold then did the same to one of the councillors and Linda hit him with her clutch bag.
The music filled Nell’s soul and she began to sway with the rhythm. ‘Is it what you wanted?’ Nell asked once Linda had come back. ‘I mean, I know it’s not as grand as the Langdon Mansion but—’
‘Nell,’ Linda said, taking her arm. ‘It’s wonderful. It’s even better than the Langdon Mansion because this is what Swallowtail Bay is all about. You’ve hosted so many local events this Christmas that have made a difference to our community. St Herbert’s would have had to cancel if it wasn’t for you, and those old folks at the care home so enjoyed their day.’
With her kind words, Nell finally started to relax as another councillor came over to congratulate Linda on her choice of venue and then both slipped away to grab a drink. The night began in a clatter of music, dancing, laughter and enjoyment. Nell hadn’t felt so happy, so light and so free in a long time. If she could host events like this on such short notice, and if the weddings took off, there was every chance the hotel would be fine. In the corner, she found Tom and Kieran sharing a joke, but Kieran was laughing more than Tom who still seemed distracted and tense. ‘Hey, guys. Having fun?’
Tom’s eyes flashed over her, and it sent a thrill through her body, but then his face clouded again. It was almost undetectable, just a change in the brightness of his eyes, but she spotted it. ‘Yeah. The place looks good.’
‘Do you want to get something to eat?’ she asked Tom, hoping to get him on his own.
‘No thanks.’
‘Oh, right.’
‘I’m just umm … going to get another drink.’ Tom walked away, leaving Nell hurt and confused. She glanced at Kieran who nervously shuffled after him. That was without doubt the shortest conversation they’d ever had. Had she said something wrong? Done something wrong? Offended him in some way? Maybe he had another headache. Cat was suddenly at her side, happy and jiggling about.
‘Come and dance, Nell.’ She dragged her onto the dance floor.
They wiggled away to another classic Christmas song, though she noticed the way Cat glanced at Niall when he came to top up the food and punch. Nell didn’t know how much Cat had drunk but she was already sailing firmly towards tiddly. After a bit of a boogie, Nell’s feet were killing her when Niall brought up another plate of nibbles and Cat left her on the dance floor alone to go and get some.
‘She’s really enjoying herself, isn’t she?’ said Kieran, suddenly appearing at Nell’s shoulder, but underneath the happiness there was an unease, and she worried where this conversation was heading.
‘She is. It’s nice to see. I think it’s being away from Brenda.’ But not far enough away from Niall, she thought as Cat sidled over and chatted to him while he filled up the snacks. Nell hoped she was just being pleasant, maybe trying to set the relationship right after the flirtatious start. If Cat was drawing some boundaries, that could only be a good thing, but the way she touched his arm was like a warning flare going off in her mind.
‘Hmm,’ Kieran agreed. ‘She seems very happy with your choice of caterer.’
Nell gave him a sideways glance. Was he blaming her for Cat’s behaviour? The resigned and heartbroken expression on his face killed any ire she might have felt at the remark. ‘Kieran, Cat loves you. I think all this …’
