Ellie and Pete’s house was a few minutes’ walk away on the other side of the village. Rowan chapped on the door and ushered her in without waiting, calling “It’s me!” as she did so. No-one heard them as they entered to a whirl of Christmas carols and the smell of charring turkey.
“I told you to keep an eye on it!” a man was saying. “I only went for a nap!”
“I’m so sorry!” The young person’s voice was tearful. “I dozed off as well! It was the champagne! You don’t usually let me have any!”
“Well, it doesn’t matter,” a woman said. “I’m so sorry, Pete, I fell asleep in the bath. Never mind, Lucy, it’s big enough, we can cut off the black bits and use the rest!”
Lin shot a look at Rowan. “That doesn’t sound good,” she mouthed quietly.
“Happens every year,” Rowan whispered. “Every year,” sh
