Christmas for Beginners - Carole Matthews Page 0,94
good call.’ Though it’s such as shame as I love having our belligerent boy around and he would be much admired for his huge head and impressive shoulders.
‘The guinea pigs and bunnies have been cleaned within an inch of their lives and we’re charging two pounds to go in for a cuddle. I’ve put Seb in charge.’
I love how Lucas is in control of it all.
‘What?’ he says. ‘Why are you looking at me all funny?’
‘I’m proud of you,’ I tell him.
He tuts. ‘Are you listening or not?’
‘Yes. Of course.’
‘When we’ve done our songs and I’ve read out my poem, the ponies and alpacas will be available for walks around the field. The girls are sorting that out and Alan is supervising the walks. Again, two pounds a head.’
I nod attentively. It’s a good job for Alan as it will keep him away from the throng.
‘The rest of the students will have collection buckets and there’s the stall selling wreaths and crafts. There’ll be mulled wine and spiced cider too, but we can’t technically sell that, so it will be by donation only – suggested at three pounds. Some of the parents have volunteered to look after those. We’ve got some games set up for the kids – Pin the Tail on the Donkey.’
I give him a pretend panicked look. ‘Not the real one?’
‘Not intentionally,’ Lucas says. ‘There’s Smack the Rat.’
‘I daren’t ask.’
‘And the obligatory face-painting woman will be here soon.’
‘What about Christian?’
‘We’ve set up Santa’s grotto over there.’ He points it out. ‘Bev borrowed a throne from somewhere.’
‘Local theatre group,’ she supplies as she comes to join us.
‘Christian texted me to say he’ll be here shortly,’ Lucas continues. ‘There’s no charge for seeing Santa. He’s just going to sit there, take selfies and make false promises to kids about their hopes and dreams.’
‘Lucas!’
‘I’m kidding!’ he says. ‘There’s paper and stuff set out so the more gullible can write letters to him begging for expensive presents.’
I’m astonished at all the things they’ve put in place for today. I had no idea that all this was going on. It’s probably a good thing they’ve kept it from me or I’d have had a complete meltdown.
Lucas looks at Bev. ‘Anything else?’
‘I think you’ve covered all bases,’ she says. ‘Our new turkeys are enjoying some lunch. The students should be arriving soon. Most are bringing their own costumes and I’ve organised them for the ones who can’t get help at home.’
‘How did I ever doubt that this wasn’t going to run like clockwork? Thank you so much for all your hard work.’
‘Will you finally relax and enjoy it?’ Bev asks.
‘Yes.’ I laugh. ‘I promise I’ll try!’
‘Anything we’ve missed?’
‘The dogs,’ I say. ‘I think it will all be a bit much for them. Especially Betty Bad Dog. I don’t want her weeing up anyone’s leg in excitement.’ Particularly not Matt’s as he’s turning the lights on. No one needs that in their lives. ‘I’ll put them in the caravan with the radio on for company until it’s all over.’
Bev checks her watch. ‘Not long to go. I think we can bring the animals in now.’ She turns to me. ‘You can go and get changed now, Mols.’
I look down at my clothes. ‘I thought I’d stay like this.’
‘Get changed,’ she instructs. ‘Clean stuff. Comb your hair, put some slap on. Like it or not, you’re on show.’
I sigh at her in the manner of Lucas.
‘Do it,’ she says in a voice that means she’ll have no argument from me.
Looks like I’m getting changed. ‘OK.’
Clearly they’re trying to keep me out of the way, so I head to the caravan and notice that Matt slips away to follow me.
He catches my arm. ‘Hey.’
Alarmingly, I like the feel of his strong hand on my arm. ‘You’re coping very well,’ he says.
I smile. ‘I’m doing my best. Everyone has worked so hard and I can’t thank you enough for all your help. I owe you dinner.’
Then we’re both awkward for a moment.
‘I’m bringing someone today,’ he says. ‘I mentioned her to you.’
‘Oh. The primary school teacher?’
‘Yes. Victoria.’
‘Good. Good.’ And now I really don’t know what to say. I hadn’t envisaged that she’d come with him today. But why wouldn’t she?
‘You’re OK with that?’
‘Oh, heavens, yes. Why wouldn’t I be? I hope she loves it here.’ I can’t read the expression on his face.
‘Shelby’s coming?’
‘I hope so. You never know with these actor types. So unreliable.’ I realise that I’m babbling and stop.