Free Christmas at the Castle by Jenny Kane Page B

Cameron misread the signs.’
    â€˜Let me guess: he assumed that, because you’d been out on more occasions than required to discuss work, and because you’d enjoyed flirting with him, then it would be OK to make a move. Then he got annoyed when you knocked him back. Right?’
    Alice stared into her glass and mumbled, ‘Right.’
    Kit was beginning to crave a strong drink herself. ‘So, you asked Alice out and she said no. It happens. That’s hardly a reason to have a tantrum and cancel everyone else’s fun.’
    â€˜It isn’t like that!’ Cameron dragged a palm through his hair, ‘I can’t believe I let her get to me again. I should have known all Alice wanted was another successful event for her precious business. That reputation of hers is all that matters to her.’
    â€˜Prove it isn’t like that, Cameron. Prove to me I haven’t wandered into a crèche of stamping toddlers rather than a gathering of professionals, because I’m beginning to think I’m the only grown-up here.’
    Ashamed, Cameron said, ‘Sorry, Kit, I just have an awful sense of history repeating itself. Dented pride, I guess.’
    â€˜The question is, Cameron, will you swallow that pride for long enough to let us hold the festival here?’
    â€˜I can’t see how I can?’
    â€˜Because you love her or because you hate her?’
    Cameron stretched his arms over his head. ‘Same thing, isn’t it?’
    â€˜Let me get this straight,’ Charlie put her glass on the small round table between their armchairs, ‘you left Cameron five years ago, not because you didn’t love him like you told everyone, but because you did love him, but you didn’t want anything getting in the way of your career?’
    Alice nodded dumbly and took an extra-large gulp of her remaining whisky.
    Charlie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. ‘But you even told me you were using him back then. You said it all the time.’
    â€˜I know.’ Alice’s blonde fringe flopped over her face as she stared into the flames. ‘I said it lots.’
    Closing her eyes against the orange flames for a second, Charlie said, ‘Let me guess. It wasn’t me you were trying to convince back then, it was yourself?’
    â€˜You’ve got it.’
    â€˜So you do love him, then?’
    â€˜Yes, but it’s so …’
    â€˜It’s so what , Alice?’
    â€˜So damn inconvenient! I’m supposed to be a strong, independent woman.’
    Charlie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘You are. But you don’t have to be a strong, independent, lonely woman.’
    Alice spoke so quietly, Charlie had to strain to listen over the fire’s crackle. ‘But even if you’re right, how can I date someone who acted like my best friend didn’t exist? It wasn’t only Cameron I treated badly back then. It was you as well, although I didn’t see that at the time. I’m sorry, Charlie.’
    Kit yawned and stood up. ‘Come on, Cameron, this event has to work, so stop pratting about. Honestly, you remind me of my friend Jack.’
    â€˜Who’s Jack?’
    â€˜That’s not important now, and anyway, it’s a very long story which requires coffee.’ Kit stared at her whisky glass accusingly, as if suddenly realising she was drinking the wrong sort of liquid. ‘All I’m saying is, the festival has to happen, and it has to happen here . All the guests are booked, and people are buying plenty of tickets thanks to Gwen and the SWI. We are going to hold the Christmas at the Castle event at Crathes, so get used to it!’
    Shocked by Kit’s outburst, Cameron felt foolish. ‘I was being childish, you’re right. Of course you can hold the event here, Kit. My boss would kill me if I cancelled anyway.’ Cameron got up, and pointed to the door. ‘It’s late.