At Their Very Best

Part 6

Knowing you only had a few days in London up your sleeve before driving up north with Matty, you see all the landmarks you missed in your first few weeks at Dirty Hit, before the tour started. You also slowly purchase Christmas gifts for the rest of the Healy family along the way. Since they were extending their home to you, you'd rather die before showing up empty-handed.

Denise had mentioned over text weeks ago some mugs she'd seen in Harrods during her last trip into the city. They were in the shape of various animal heads and extremely gaudy looking, but she adored them.

("they're a little bit kitsch, but aren't they so darling?")

For her husband, Lincoln, you'd purchased an array of exotic spices from a small independent store in the back streets of West London. Matty had told stories of Lincoln's cooking skills, and his mother's misfortunes in the kitchen ("She set the pot on fire! I don't know why MasterChef keep reaching out, she'll burn the fucking kitchen down. She's a legend though.")

Louis was a little bit more of a struggle. You hadn't spoken much except when he texted to ask if his brother would be touring over his birthday in the new year. You blocked Matty off the calendar for a few days there so he had enough time to go home and celebrate before heading back to New York for Saturday Night Live. Stepping into a leather goods store, you find a folio that Louis could perhaps keep his scripts inside while on set. Upon purchase, you get his initials engraved in gold on the bottom right-hand corner to make it more personal.

Even though you'd already given Matty his present on the bus, you didn't want him to feel left out. Keeping your eyes peeled, you searched for something small to gift him Christmas morning as you strolled through the city. Walking through the unfamiliar streets kept your loneliness and grief at bay and your heart didn't even ache seeing children lined up for Santa in Harrods.

You did enjoy the time alone, putting your headphones in and catching up on podcasts during the day and at night, binging Christmas films, and crying along with Emma Thompson while she listened to Joni Mitchell. You'd even found the time to FaceTime your best friend back home in Australia, laughing about the differences in the weather and opening the presents you'd sent each other over the screen.

Matty hadn't reached out much in your time off, giving you some much-needed space, except to discuss when he'd arrive at your hotel to pick you up. He ignored any questions you asked about what to bring along and pretended that his service was poor when you rang him after Denise informed you of your new plans over Christmas. You weren't sure if you wanted to hear from him more, but you'd be lying if you said you weren't thinking about him.

~~~

Sitting anxiously in the lobby after checking out of your room, you wait for Matty to arrive. Nervously, you fiddle with one of the ribbons wrapped around the presents in the bag at your feet. Guilt began to pool in your stomach at intruding on their Christmas celebrations despite multiple messages from Denise telling you they were excited to be spending it with you.

Finally, Matty's car pulls up. Getting out of the vehicle, his ever-present Ray Bans over his eyes, he moves to open the boot as you signal for the bellhop to move your luggage trolley. As Matty loads your things into the car, he makes note of the many shopping bags filled with gifts and raises a brow at you.

"You must've been very good this year if Santa visited you early," he jokes, loading everything into the boot.

You smile and feel your anxiousness melt away. Closing the boot, he walks you to the passenger side and opens the door for you, holding out his hand to help you into his SUV. Getting into drivers seat, he hands you a paper coffee cup before brushing your hair behind your ear and admiring your new sparkling jewellery, courtesy of Ravenna.