"Where did I put the bloody thing!" Paul muttered under his breath as he flicked through the pile of newspapers and rubbish that cluttered the coffee table in the living room. "I'm sure I put it on here!" He sorted through the pile again, much slower this time, convinced it was still there. "GOT IT!" he exclaimed in delight, pouncing on the Christmas leaflet Lucy has given him the night the carol singers called. He scanned it quickly. "Crib service starts at 10.30pm." He glanced at his watch. It was 8pm. Time to get scrubbed up and presentable. Leaving the leaflet on the table, he headed upstairs to the bathroom.
It was just after 10.15 that Paul slipped out of the house and walked the short distance to the church. He walked in and found a seat at the back, hoping not to be recognized. There were people setting up at the front. He scanned around, hoping to see Lucy. His heart sank. She didn't seem to be there. He hoped she wasn't working instead!
The service began. Paul found the atmosphere calming and was soon singing along with the carols. Lucy's father said some words and then a reading was announced. A woman from the front row stood up and walked to the lectern. Paul found his heart began to pound. It was Lucy!
Her voice rang out clear and confident as she delivered the reading. He watched her. Her hair was now loose, shoulder length and fell in soft curls. She was wearing a pretty dress which although showed off her slim, quite petite figure, wasn't too short to be worn in church. He studied her carefully. She was very pretty and that, combined with her warm personality and generousity of spirit made her very attractive. He couldn't keep his eyes off her!
The reading ended. She looked up at the congregation.
"This is the word of the Lord."
"Thanks be to God." The congregation replied.
Lucy grinned at Paul from the lectern, having spotted him sat at the back. She gave a slight nod to him then headed back to her seat. Paul craned his neck to see where she was sitting. She was right at the front sat between an older woman and a man around her age. Who was he? Paul's heart sank. "Not the boyfriend, please." he muttered to himself.
The rest of the service passed in something of a blur. Paul was totally distracted by thoughts of Lucy. She had got under his skin that was for sure. Finally the service ended and people began to file out. Paul deliberately held back, mainly to catch Lucy but also to avoid being recognized. Then, he saw her walking towards the exit, the young man she'd been sat next to still with her. He headed out. Once at the door he shook hands with Lucy's father as all the congregation had.
"Hello again Paul." He greeted him cheerfully, "Lucy is around somewhere."
"I know. Thanks. Lovely service by the way." Paul spotted Lucy. She was waving to him. Keen to get to her, he waved back then excused himself from her father.
"Hello you!" She greeted him cheerfully and gave him another hug. "Merry Christmas. I'm glad you came tonight! I was hoping you would!"
"So am I. It was lovely!" said Paul smiling at her, "Merry Christmas to you too."
"Come on Lucy!"
She turned to face the young man who was stood with some other people.
"One minute!" she called before turning back to Paul. "We usually go to the church hall for mulled wine and mince pies." She told him, "You're very welcome."
"I would but, to be honest, I'm not in the mood for being recognized." said Paul, already aware that some people were already staring and whispering. "Sorry."
He looked up, aware that they had been joined by the young man. He then clenched his fists as he saw his slip his arm around Lucy's shoulder, his heart sinking fast.
"Come on Lucy love."
To Paul's delight, Lucy shook herself free of his arm.
"I'll be along in while." She told him, "I'm talking to a friend. You go on."
The young man looked Paul up and down. "You're sure?" he asked Lucy, clearly unimpressed by her answer.
"Yes. Go on."
Paul noticed that Lucy seemed impatient for the man to leave. The young man shrugged and, after giving Paul one last 'look,' he walked away.
"You don't need to change your plans for me Lucy." said Paul.
"I'm not!" said Lucy, linking his arm, "That's Robert. He's under the impression that we're a couple."
"And are you?"
"NO WAY!" She laughed, "My best friend married his twin brother so he thinks we should be together! Not likely! Anyway, I can't let you go off home on your own. Would you like a drink at my house?"
"What about your dad?"
"Dad won't mind...plus he'll be in the church hall for another half hour or so. Well?"
"I'd love to. Thanks Lucy!"
Still linking him, Lucy lead his through the church yard to the house. Once in doors she showed him into a cosy sitting room with a open fire.
"Have a seat Paul. I'll bring the drink in. One minute."
She disappeared then returned just a few moments later with a tray.
"There's mulled wine or tea. I wasn't sure which you preferred." She sat down on the sofa next to him, "Homemade shortbread or mince pies....or both if you fancy them!" She grinned at him.
Paul took a cup of tea and some shortbread. "This is delicious!"
"Good! I made it. And the mince pies!"
Paul laughed. "Nurse, musician pretty...and now a great cook! Is there no end to your talents Lucy?"
"Ah well, I have many!" she replied, also laughing, "It depends on if I decide to share them with you! You'll have to see!"
They chatted for a while about the previous few days. Lucy told him about Christmas on the children's ward and that she was back on duty in a couple of days.
"So what are you doing for Christmas Paul?"
"Me? Not much to be honest. I'll probably take Martha up to Hampstead Heath for a nice long run then fall asleep in front of the TV."
"So you're on your own for Christmas?"
He nodded. "I told you that I'd upset a lot of people recently. I figured I'd be better on my own."
"So you're punishing yourself for making mistakes?"
"No, not punishing, not really," admitted Paul, "I was just struggling to feel even remotely festive. I didn't want to spoil things for other people!"
Lucy studied his face for a moment. "You've been very unhappy haven't you Paul?" She placed her hand on his. "You don't have to beat yourself up over things!" She gave his hand a squeeze. "Why don't you come and have Christmas dinner here. It's just me and dad so it'll be very quiet. You'd be very welcome."
"I couldn't intrude Lucy. Christmas Day is for family."
"You wouldn't be intruding. Anyway, you'd keep me company. Because dad's got the crib service tonight then a full service tomorrow morning, he's always worn out by the time we've eaten so he sleeps all afternoon. It's just me with the TV or a good book if I've been bought one as a present. Please Paul, come for lunch. I'd hate to think of you on your own all day."
Paul looked at Lucy's earnest expression. She really did want him to come to lunch. It wasn't just a sympathy invitation!
"OK. I'll come. Are you sure your dad won't mind?"
"He'll love it! OK, we usually eat around 2pm. That OK?"
He nodded. "Yes. Thanks Lucy." He paused. "I'll need to leave around 4 though."
"Oh, why?" She seemed very disappointed he noticed.
"Martha." He replied, "I can't leave her indoors all day. I'll need to take her out."
"We could do it together," said Lucy excitedly, "After lunch I mean. We could walk off all the food and give Martha a treat too. What d'you think?"
He laughed at her enthusiasm. "Sounds lovely! Thank you so much Lucy."
"You don't need to thank me Paul. I like spending time with you."
Before Paul could reply the living room door opened.
"Here you are!" He exclaimed, "I was worried when I couldn't see you in the church hall. Robert wasn't very happy you'd left!"
"Never mind Robert. He needs to understand I'm not interested in him dad!" She told him firmly, "We came back here instead."
"Hello Paul."
"Hi."
"Right love, it's nearly 1am. I'm shattered so I'm off to bed."
"OK."
"I suppose I'd better be gong Lucy," said Paul. "I hadn't realized how late it was."
He stood up and Lucy followed him. Once by the door Paul felt a little awkward.
"So I'll see you tomorrow then?" Lucy asked quietly.
"Of course."
"Aim for around 1.30 Paul. OK?"
He nodded.
Suddenly she stepped forward and hugged him. Then to his enormous surprise she kissed him on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas Paul. See you tomorrow."
"Merry Christmas Lucy." He replied, this time hugging her back and returning the kiss.
She waved as he disappeared up the path, grinning to herself. She liked Paul...a lot.
Paul walked home, oblivious to the cold, almost floating on air. He really liked Lucy and the signals she gave off seemed to suggest she liked him in return. He felt happy!