***
Sophie drove to the cottage in a blissful, dreamlike state, unaware of the traffic and honking horns, oblivious to any congestion. The Christmas Day traffic was bumper to bumper. She’d arrive soon enough. Matthew Silver had asked her, Sophie Smart, to his party in Brighton. The very thought sent shivers flying up her spine.
He was extremely good-looking and there was a definite chemistry. Did it matter that they were professionally involved as well? Matthew seemed keen on finding a happy balance.
Finally she reached the cottage and Sophie parked her Volkswagen Beetle. She collected an armful of presents from the boot. The first person she saw was Roger pacing outside the front of the cottage. He stalked up and down the pavement, clutching a red Santa cap. He didn’t even notice Sophie.
“Dad?”
He turned, his face was red. “A cruise,” he spat the words out. He ran his hands from the top of his forehead through his hair, and repeated the words, again and again. He scratched at his scalp like his hair was nit infested. “She bought me a God-damn cruise for Christmas. Hallelujah.” The sarcasm was thick in his voice.
“It’s supposed to be partially for your anniversary,” Sophie said in a small voice.
“After all the conversations we’ve had since she’s learnt I’ve lost my job and she buys me a cruise. I mean, doesn’t she get it? We can’t really afford it. I know she’s only paid the deposit, but the timing feels totally off. I need to get a job pronto.”
He gasped for breath and leaned over, resting his palms on his knees. He inhaled sharply, like he’d run some type of marathon and was trying desperately to suck in air.
“Dad, are you okay?” Sophie quickly set down her packages and put her arm around his shoulder. “How are you feeling?”
He stood up abruptly, shrugging her off. “I’m fine.” He was too thin; his face was knitted with stress lines.
“Are you sure? You don’t look well.”
He shot her a glare, and held his chest. “What am I going to do?” His face was contorted. “It’s been months. I need to get full-time employment or we’re going to have to do something drastic.”
“Like sell the house or something?”
“Maybe move in with you.”
Sophie didn’t know whether he was joking. “It won’t come to moving,” she muttered. “So you’ve discussed an employment action plan with Mum?”
“Yes, but she’s so hopeful.” He shook his head. “She’s so hopeful because I had an interview and she got incredibly excited. We thought all our prayers were answered.”
“How did it go?”
He was shaking. “I don’t know. I thought it went well. They said they liked me. Then I didn’t hear anything back. I just don’t know what happened.” He visibly swallowed and then put his Santa hat back on his head. “I’ve had enough of this conversation today. We won’t speak any more of this Sophie. Today is Christmas. Okay? Christmas. Let’s both get into the spirit.”
“What are you supposed to be doing out here?” she asked.
“Collecting firewood for the blooming fireplace.”
“I see…well we’d better get some.”
Chapter 20