Not Just for Christmas

Chapter 5

Chapter Five

E ach of the four courses at dinner was divine. The roasted duck was especially delicious and the apple crumble with custard that followed it tasted like heaven. Between the food and the old gentleman tinkling away at a piano in the corner, Erin could easily ignore the whispers among the other diners.

Maybe being a part of a couple wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, considering most of them appeared to find her the most interesting thing in the room.

When she’d sat down, it occurred to her that she should have brought a book, but she quickly dismissed the idea. She didn’t need a distraction, and refused to feel uncomfortable for eating alone.

It was actually something she was used to. She just wasn’t used to people being so shocked by it. But then she was used to London and the ‘live and let live’ mentality of a big city. Apparently, things were different out in the sticks.

She’d just scraped the last of the custard from her bowl when the older couple from earlier arrived beside her table.

“I just wanted to say I think you’re very brave,” Mrs Ward said. “Breakups can be difficult, but you seem to be making the most of things. It’s very admirable.”

Oh, right. After the champagne and excitement about her room, Erin had forgotten about that. It explained the glances she’d been getting. It wasn’t just that she was alone, but that people were waiting to see if she was going to break down in tears at any moment.

“Better that things ended now,” Mr Ward said in his deep baritone. “And not after you were married.”

“That’s true,” Erin agreed. “A wedding would have been nice, though. I always love a wedding.”

They stared at her like she was mad.

“Enjoy your evening,” Mrs Ward said, patting her arm before striding away with her husband at her heels.

Tempting as it was to head straight up to the four-poster bed and a subsequent food coma, it was a little too early to sleep, so she went up for her coat and headed out for a stroll around the village.

She didn’t venture far, sticking to the main street. Despite the frigid breeze, she felt a warm glow inside her from the sight of all the twinkling lights. A bit of snow would be a lovely addition to the scene, but in true English style drizzle dampened the air. On the plus side, the wet ground reflected the Christmas lights, making the quaint street even more delightful.

The church at the end of the road advertised a midnight mass on Christmas Eve and she made a mental note of the time. Belting out some carols would get her in the mood for the big day.

It was going to be a weird Christmas Day this year – not spending it with her family – but she was feeling positive about it. There’d be food and a four-poster bed, and she wouldn’t be alone like she would be if she’d stayed at home. Not that she had an issue with spending time in her own company, but she suspected it would be a pleasant atmosphere in the hotel with the staff and other guests.

There were also a bunch of activities to look forward to before then, she remembered as she strolled back to the hotel while smiling at everyone she passed. She couldn’t recall exactly what was included in the hotel package, but was certain ice-skating was on the list. Not that she could skate, but the idea of it was fairly idyllic, even if she just drank hot chocolate on the side-lines and watched other people slide around the ice.

Warmth enveloped her as she stepped back inside the hotel. There was something wonderfully charming about staying in such a small hotel. It had the personal touch that you didn’t get in the big chains, and the faces of the hotel staff were already familiar to her.

“Hi!” she said to Lewis, drawing his attention from the computer screen on the front desk.

His smile was as warm and welcoming as the temperature in the room. “You look like you need a hot chocolate to warm you up.”

“That sounds amazing.” She shoved her mittens into her coat pocket and rubbed her hands together.

“Whipped cream?” he asked.

“Yes, please!” She took a step towards the desk and lowered her voice. “One question, though; when I need a crane to get me out of the hotel at the end of my stay, who pays for that?”

Lewis beamed so widely that his lovely dimples puckered his cheeks. “You’ve been out for a walk, so you’ve definitely earned a hot chocolate.”

Erin raised a sceptical eyebrow. “I strolled to the end of the road and back.”

“It’s cold out,” Lewis told her. “You burn more calories in the cold.”

“Is that really true?”

“I’ve no idea but it sounds right. ”

“In that case, I’ll feel no guilt while I drink my hot chocolate.”

“Make yourself comfy,” he said, tipping his head to the lounge area where a few other guests were enjoying after-dinner drinks. “I’ll bring it over.”

First, she hung her coat on the old-fashioned hat stand at the side of the room, then she headed for the green velvet couch by the window, which was just as comfy as it looked. A young couple who she’d seen at dinner smiled at her and she returned the greeting happily.

“Do you know what’s really lovely about being in a village?” she said to Lewis when he set the hot chocolate in front of her. With whipped cream and grated chocolate on top, she suspected it was about a million calories in a mug, but she refused to care.

“What?” he asked, the amused sparkle in his eyes making his face light up.

“Everyone is so friendly. I walked up the street and about five people wished me a good evening. Everyone I passed smiled at me and made eye contact. It’s not like that in London. Don’t get me wrong, I love London. A bit of eye contact goes a long way, though, doesn’t it? It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.” She grimaced. “I suppose that could also have been the wine with dinner. Or the champagne before dinner!”

“People are pretty friendly around here,” Lewis told her. “Especially at this time of year.”

Erin spooned whipped cream from her drink and popped it in her mouth.

“Enjoy,” Lewis said, as he walked away.

“Hang on,” she said, waving him back. “I have a quick question.”

“What can I help with?” he asked, sinking to perch on the couch beside her.

“I might have got it wrong,” she said, “but I thought the stay included entrance to some local attractions. I can’t quite remember, and there’s a chance I just imagined it.”

“No, you’re right,” Lewis said. “It’s a whole package.”

“Great. I didn’t see any information in my room. I was expecting there’d be vouchers or something.”

Lewis scratched at his jaw, which had a hint of stubble along it. “You should have received an itinerary via email.”

“An itinerary,” she repeated.

“Yes. Hang on. I can grab one.” He went to the front desk and was back before Erin had time to figure out what he meant by an itinerary. “Sorry,” he said. “You should have got one by email. I’m not sure why you didn’t.”

“I didn’t make the booking,” she said while her eyes roamed the piece of paper in her hands.

“Of course.” He winced. “I hope you don’t mind me saying, but I think it’s great that you came alone. I don’t think most people would do that.”

“Ah.” Erin moved her attention from the paper and winced. She really hated lies, and this was why. They snowballed and before you knew it, you were completely caught up in them and living an entirely fake life. Maybe not entirely fake, but she didn’t like the lie.

“I hope I don’t sound condescending or anything,” he went on. “It’s just that I’ve been there myself and I know how it feels.”

“I’m not sure you do,” Erin whispered.

“No, really. It wasn’t recent, but I was dumped at Christmas, so I know how hard it is.”

She leaned closer to him, continuing to whisper. “I wasn’t actually dumped.” She wasn’t sure why, but there was something about Lewis that had her feeling as though they were friends. She didn’t want to lie to him.

She also didn’t want him thinking she was some heartbroken mess. Nothing to do with him being cute, obviously. She just didn’t want his pity .

“Oh.” His smile was still of the sympathetic variety. “Breakups are difficult, no matter whose decision it is.”

“No, you don’t understand. I wasn’t engaged. There was never a fiancé or even a boyfriend.” She shook her head as she heard how she sounded. “Well, there was a boyfriend, but that was ages ago.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“My mum booked the hotel as a Christmas gift,” she explained. “Apparently, she optimistically thought I might have a boyfriend by Christmas.”

“Oh, I see.” Except his puzzled expression would suggest he didn’t actually see at all.

“The woman on the front desk was completely confused when I turned up alone. I may have said something misleading, but she assumed I’d been dumped and it felt easier to go along with it than explain that I was intentionally here alone. I feel as though that scenario would have been much more shocking for her, but I also didn’t realise she’d announce to the entire hotel that I’d been dumped. Now I feel like a bit of a fraud.”

“That’s kind of funny,” Lewis said. “Sorry about Jenny.”

“It’s fine. Except that I’ve been getting funny looks from some of the other guests, as though people think I might start crying about my cheating fiancé.”

“Did you say he cheated on you?” Lewis asked, amused.

“No, but I assume they’re all making up their own little stories.”

“Let them talk,” Lewis said. “Who cares?”

“Not me,” Erin said, picking up her hot chocolate. Her gaze dropped to the paper in her other hand. “I’m confused,” she said. “We meet in the lounge tomorrow afternoon for the Christmas markets? Which lounge?”

“Here,” Lewis said.

“Oh.” Erin drew the syllable out as things became clear. “So we all go together? ”

“Yes. It’s the first year we’ve done it this way. In the past, guests have commented about issues with parking. Plus, a lot of these events involve mulled wine, but since they all involve a drive to get there, only one person can have a drink. Or they have to get taxis.” He smiled bashfully. “So this year we’re putting on a minibus to ferry people around. The guests also seem to enjoy the idea of not having to make decisions. They’re told where to be and when, and we take care of the rest.”

“That makes sense,” Erin mused. “Somehow I had it in my head that the hotel was just providing vouchers for local attractions.”

“No. There’s an entire plan.” He tipped his head at the paper. “I guess if you wanted to go it alone, I could figure something out…”

“No. It’s fine. Like you say, it’s nice not having to make decisions. And I don’t have a car so I’d have to get taxis. This is perfect.” Her eyes continued to scan the paper. “Wreath-making,” she said, as her eyes snagged on the activity for the following morning. “I like a bit of crafting, but I’ve never made a Christmas wreath.”

“It should be fun,” Lewis said. “That’s just in the hotel restaurant so we don’t need to go anywhere.”

“I’m excited,” she said.

“Hopefully you’ll manage to enjoy it,” Lewis said mockingly. “I’m sure it will be a difficult time for you, what with your breakup.”

Erin laughed freely, then forced her features into a serious expression. “I think with enough mulled wine and mince pies, I’ll manage not to dwell on my heartache too much.”