The Christmas Project: A laugh-out-loud romance from bestselling author Maxine Morrey

‘Probably. Stop changing the subject.’

I shook my head. Add tenacious to the list.

‘For goodness’ sake, what are you worried about? Janey told me you were planning to host Christmas this year, that you got divorced two years ago and since then the house has got into a bit of a state as you’re a total workaholic and – I quote – “a bit of an untidy bugger”. That’s all, I promise. And as you’ve given me little else, that’s pretty much still all I know. Oh, apart from the fact that your one-night stands don’t get given a house tour. There. That is the total sum of my knowledge about you. Happy?’

‘Ecstatic.’ The flat voice was back. ‘Shall we head to the office then?’

‘Absolutely.’

Seriously. The quicker I got this over with the better.

***

Janey was waiting at a table when I pushed my way through the Friday night crowd at the pub.

‘Sorry I’m late. Have you been here long?’ I asked as I leaned over and gave her a big hug, discarding layers of outerwear as I did so.

‘No, not long. Someone was just leaving their table as I got here so I jumped at it.’

‘Well done. Shall we order? I’m starving. My appointments ended up changing today and the last thing I ate was a fun-size Mars Bar about half past ten this morning.’

‘You must be starving! I’d be chewing on my own arm by now.’

‘Hence the long sleeves.’ I winked.

Janey grinned and waved at a waiter. She had the most beautiful smile and, as usual, it did the trick.

‘What can I get you, ladies?’

We quickly ordered, barely looking at the menu we knew so well. The waiter stepped away and was immediately swallowed up by the crowd.

‘So, how’s your week been?’ I asked Janey as another waiter appeared and placed our drinks on the table.

‘Oh, not bad. The kids were both down with this fever thing that’s going around, so that was fun.’

‘Oh no! Are they better now?’

‘Yeah,’ Janey said, taking a sip of her orange juice. ‘Thank goodness. It only lasted a few days but it was pretty miserable for them.’

‘And how are you?’

Janey smiled. ‘Tired, feeling enormous and gasping for a drink. Aside from that…’

‘You are not enormous! You’re like the poster girl for pregnancy – all glowy and blooming.’

‘Blooming uncomfortable, right now. Honestly, I’m sure he’s just doing the bladder bounce for amusement. The men in our family have a mischievous streak. Excuse me. I need the visit the ladies’. Again.’

‘Do you want me to come with you?’

She smiled and I briefly recognised the family likeness. Unfortunately, I’d only seen a glimpse of that same smile from her brother, unlike Janey who smiled easily and often.

‘No darling, I’m fine. Honestly.’

She patted my shoulder as she headed off. I watched, trying to resist the urge to jump up and scoot round my friend, insisting everyone clear a path. And then I laughed when a group of lads, a little worse the wear, did the job for me. Janey flashed them that winning smile and giggled when one of them blushed.

‘Told you I was fine,’ she laughed as she retook her seat.

‘I forgot about your magical powers. I don’t know why I worry.’

‘Because you’re a sweetheart. And don’t think I don’t appreciate it.’

‘No, I don’t think that.’

‘And talking of being appreciated, where is the man of the moment tonight?’

‘Calum?’

‘Unless there is someone else I should know about?’ She sounded almost hopeful.

‘No, of course not. He’s fine.’

‘Not around again tonight though.’

‘No. He’s working on some big project on at the moment so he’s tied up quite a lot.’

‘Right.’

‘Right, what?’

Janey gave me a blank look. ‘Nothing. Just “right”.’

‘I know you better than that by now. Come on, spit it out.’

‘Sure you want to hear?’

No.

‘Yes.’

‘All right. I think you’re wasting your time on Calum.’

‘Wow.’

‘I asked you if you wanted to hear.’

‘You did. And I did. Do you have a specific reason or did you just not take to him?’

‘I take to most people Katie. You know that. And he’s charming and good-looking and all the rest but…’