Love Nest (36 page)

‘Nicky?’ That soft voice. It was like an arrow through his heart.

‘How are you?’ he asked gruffly.

A tiny pause and then she said, ‘I’m fine. And you?’

‘Did you get my letters?’

‘Yes.’

‘Kylie, I’m sorry, I really am.’ He paused. ‘I miss you. I was an idiot. I’d do anything to make it up to you.’

A group of drunk office workers wearing Santa hats and tinsel staggered past him, arms around each other’s necks. ‘
God rest you merry gentlemen
.’

‘Can I come and visit?’ he asked.

A long pause.

‘
Good tidings of comfort and joy
,’ the workers sang.

‘I’d like it if you did,’ she said.

‘
Comfort and joy.
’

Fireworks exploded in Nick’s chest.

‘I’ll see you on Christmas morning,’ he said eagerly.

‘
Good tidings of comfort and joy.
’