tree sparkled, slowly fading in and out on the timer. She’d bought some new decorations by the looks of it, the tree adorned with dark purple baubles, but I grinned as I noticed the old decorations I’d made at school still front and centre as always.
“It’s beautiful, Mum.” I walked over to her and put my arm around her. “And huge.” I laughed when she elbowed me gently.
“Probably because I didn’t have you to rein me in this year. I think Clive was so happy I’d finally decided on one, he didn’t care how big it was.” She looked up at me, happy, but a little uncertainty creeping in.
The tiny pang of jealousy I felt at not going with her this year was overshadowed by the relief that she’d found someone who put that happy look on her face. She deserved that, and I didn’t want her to worry about my reactions any longer.
I gave her a squeeze. “Any man who can make it through choosing a Christmas tree with you is a keeper.”
Slipping her arms around my waist, she hugged me tight. “Thank you.”
I glanced up to find Finn watching us, a soft smile on his face. The lights and shadows of the tree gave him an almost ethereal look. I wanted him to look at me like that all the time. His eyes met mine, and time seemed to stop. My heart fluttered, feelings I really shouldn’t be harbouring expanding in my chest.
“Jasper?” My mum began, breaking whatever spell we were under.
I tore my gaze away from Finn and focused on her. “Yeah?” My voice was way too rough, and I really hoped no one noticed.
“I wanted to check that you were still all right to come round for Christmas dinner. Nan and Grandad’ll be here and I thought—”
“Of course I’ll be here.” Jeez, had I been that bad that she thought I’d miss Christmas? “I’m sorry I’ve been such an arse lately. But I wouldn’t miss Christmas with the family for anything.”
“Apart from a beach and a few thousand miles,” she teased, making me laugh.
“Well, those were extenuating circumstances.” I hugged her tight again before letting go. “It’ll be lovely to be at home this year.” I yawned again, and she patted me on the shoulder.
“You should get home and get an early night.”
I glanced over to where Finn leant against the door. “Sorry for ignoring you.”
I heard my mum gasp. “Oh Finn, where are my manners!”
He smiled at her, his totally disarming one that usually made me forget what I was about to say. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been happily watching your tree. It really is beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She guided me none too subtly towards the door. “You’re not driving, are you?” she asked, eyeing me with concern. “Those were two large glasses of wine you had.”
“I’m driving,” Finn cut in.
“Oh good.”
Clive joined her as she waited for us to put our shoes and coats on. He casually slipped an arm around her waist and she leant against him. The resentment I usually felt didn’t come. I felt a little awkward seeing my mum with a man but figured that was par for the course.
“Oh,” she said as I zipped up my coat. “I ran into Sean the other day. He was asking if you were back yet. Seemed very happy when I told him you were home.” I caught Finn stiffen out of the corner of my eye.
Whether my mum noticed anything between Finn and me, I had no idea, but she kept on regardless. “He said to give him a ring if you fancied catching up.”
“Thanks.” I bent to give her a kiss, then shook Clive’s hand. “See you soon.”
“Thank you for inviting me,” Finn added, not looking at me. “I hope you have a lovely Christmas.”
“You too.” She waved us off as we trudged to the car. Thankfully my mum had a gravel path, so no fear of slipping for me. It was bloody cold though, my breath fogging in front of me as I walked.
It was no warmer in Finn’s car, and that wasn’t only because the heater took a while to warm up. Finn seemed decidedly frosty too.
Could he be jealous?
Surely not.
It still didn’t stop me smiling as I buckled my seatbelt, and I looked out the window to hide it. It took until we’d pulled out onto the main road for Finn to bring it up.
“Who’s Sean?” he asked, voice even, but his fingers tapped on the steering wheel