Winter Queen (Roger Taylor fanfic)

28. ...there were too many Americans

Josie thought about visiting her parents on Christmas. She wanted to make peace with them, but she was scared. She hadn't spoken Czech for two years, she only needed Russian in the UN and thanks to her tutor, she got rid of her accent and now, back in London, quickly caught the local one. She pronounced her name the English way, people asked about her origin only when they knew her surname. She was proud, but knew, her parents wouldn't be.

Queen came home from America and headed to their families to rest and enjoy the holidays. Scott's parents came to London, so Josie was busy around them. American holidays differed from the british ones, they were definitely more pompous.

In the middle of the rush, the doorman rang. Josie ran to answer the door and he gave her a small bag.

"The courier just delivered this." said the doorman, gave a small bow and left. Josie peaked inside and saw a tiny box and a note.

Found this in Vancouver and remembered you. Merry Christmas R.

P. S. Winter will always mean you to me.

She lost her breath. She looked around, like a guilty child and locked herself in a bathroom. She opened the box and there was the most beautiful earrings and necklace set, silver with a snowflake pendants, gentle and delicate, with light blue gemstones. She sat on the bathtub and had to wipe her eyes. She folded the note to a tiny square, that fitted to the box, she slipped to the bedroom and hid it in her clothes. She checked she looked alright and headed back to the kitchen to prepare dinner. The others was in the living room, so nobody noticed her gone.

She chew the turkey in the evening, even Scott's mother said it was good, but Josie barely tasted it, her thoughts kept coming to Roger. She should call him. She should go to him.

"Well and what about the wedding? I want some grandchildren!" Jill interrupted her thoughts. Scott smiled and laid his hand on Josie's forearm. She looked at the touch, like it could hurt her.

"I think we should marry this summer, the kids right after that."

Josie felt her limbs go heavy, like there were stones tied to them.She felt feverish and couldn't even move her fingers.

"That would be great. Everyone can testify it's not about the green card and it would help you with citizenship." Jill smiled.

"I'm sorry, how would it help with my citizenship?" Josie asked.

"Well, since you'll be married to an American, it'll be easier."

"I'm not sure anyone would care."

"Of course not in here, in US." Jill answered and Josie's paralyzed brain finally realized Jill thinks she wants American citizenship.

"And will you look for work? Or will you stay at home? I know it's not very popular now, but kids need their mother at home."

"Actually I have a really interesting job offer right now." Josie bursted out.

"You do?" both Jill and Scott were taken aback.

"Yes, I had no time to tell you yet." Josie explained and tried to make up a lie, that would be believable.

"What offer?"

"To translate, of course."

"But where?"

Her mind was blank, she had to come up with a lie acceptable and interesting enough.

"Queen!" she exclaimed.

"In the palace?" Jill wondered, even she was impressed by it.

"She means the band, mom."

"Band?" Jill grimaced.

"What will you do for them?"

"They need a translator for their tour, they'll travel around Europe and need somebody who knows languages." She fabricated the offer on the spot.

"So you'd travel around?" Jill wondered.

"Just a few weeks. I hadn't said my final word."

Scott observed her. Jill just smacked her lips outraged and gave Scott a meaningful look.

Later that evening, she went to bed in her pyjamas. This night didn' feel like Christmas at all. Scott adjusted glasses on his nose, put down his book and looked at her.

"We need to talk." he said. Josie nodded hesitantly and sat next to him.

"I know I shoud've told you, but Freddie offered it to me, when they came home from America and I wanted to think it through."

"You want to take it?"

"I want a job." she said a bit defiantly, when she remember Jill's talks at the dinner. "It would be really interesting, just a couple of weeks and a great experience."

"Should I be worried?"

"What? No, of course not. Come on, Freddie is gay, the boys are married and I have you." she answered, she didn't mention Roger intentionally. Scott nodded and got back to his books. She watched him for a moment, she hoped he'll explain what was it with the wedding talk suddenly, they never even talked about it, but Scott already flipped page and didn't pay her attention anymore.

For her Christmas present, Josie got incredibly expensive white dress with the top layer of white tulle with golden embroidery, Scott explained it's for the New Years' Eve party. They were invited to the reception in Queen's palace, she was really looking forward to it, but he had to be at the embassy's party by midnight to give a speech. She knew it'll be hard night.