A NEW YEARS EVE INCIDENT
31st December
Today, I found myself putting off going home, as though the more I delayed, the less real my solitude would feel. Its funnywork let out early because its New Years Eve, and all the women in the office seemed to vanish in a flurry, dashing back to their husbands, children, and the mountains of potato salad that seem obligatory for an English celebration. They were radiant, arms overloaded with tangerines, large bags from the grocer, and of course, bottles of proseccoeach a little gift from Charles Henry, our only male colleague and boss.
But when I thought of going home, I realised nobody was waiting for me; there was no family, no potato salad to prepare, no fizz to chill. A pyramid of mandarins loomed in its plastic wrapping on my desk, looking oddly reproachful. Home held nothing tonight except empty rooms and silence.
So I buried myself in the year-end reports. It was only when the door burst open and Charles Henry breezed in, huffing and pink-cheeked in his trench coat with a bobble hat askew, that I was forced out of my reverie. He flung open his office with barely a nod.
Blimey, still here, Emma? And would you believe it, I forgot my dear wife’s gift! he exclaimed before dashing away.
Five minutes later, he reappeared, catching me still at my desk. Why on earth are you hanging about? Shouldnt you be off home? he asked, hovering awkwardly.
I hesitated, Theres not much point, Charles. Ill be on my own tonight.
He paused, suddenly lost for words, then slid into the chair beside mine and regarded me with unexpected gravity. Now, Emma, its New Years Eve! You shouldnt be so gloomy. Come nowsmile a bit! No one wants to be alone, but it will be easier if you look cheerful. A woman should always smile! Come on!
Flustered, he tidied my papers and started stacking them. I let the others leave early and here you are, working away! Go on, head home. Ill be off to my wife, but youll lock up, wont you?
I nodded, promising him Id tidy everything up. He gave me another odd, searching look, wished me a happy New Year, and hurried away.
In truth, it did feel ridiculous to sit here all night in an empty office. Maybe Id order a pizza, if anywhere was still delivering. The first place didnt even answer. The second told me, with a cheery Happy New Year!, that theyd already closed at six. It was five past. The third, amazingly, said yes; order accepted.
I packed up, donned my coat, and grabbed the mandarins and prosecco. As soon as I stepped outside onto the pavement, the cold hit my cheeks, and I felt the crunch of snow beneath my boots. The street was alive: lamplight shimmered, fairy lights blinked on trees, and everyone rushed home with shopping bags swinging. Even last-minute shoppers crammed into the still-open shops.
The festive chaos finally seeped into me. What am I doing?! I muttered, accidentally grinning. Without a backward glance, I slipped into the corner Waitrose and picked up a little haul.
Back home, my kitchen looked suddenly welcoming. Lets hope this jacket potato boils in time. I hung up my new string of lights around the window, plugged them in, and watched the little bulbs race around the sill in a cheerful zigzag. I spun around with my arms in the airif this isnt cause for celebration, what is?
Why not make a feast for myself? Slicing the jacket potatoes for a posh potato salad, I lined up rye bread and smoked salmon, laid out deli meats on crisp leaves of lettuce, popped cheese cubes into a dish, sliced pineapple and arranged the tangerines from Charles. By the time the oven timer chimed, the salad was ready, and chicken drumsticks were gently sizzling. The little side table was quickly dressed with a lacey napkin, and I set it with plates, glass, and cutleryI felt, for a moment, as if I were setting up for guests.
By half eleven, I reached for the proseccothen the buzzer rang.
Pizza delivery! called a warm, masculine voice through the intercom.
Oh goodnesshow did I forget! I pressed the button. Come on up!
Soon, a young man stood at my door with a pizza box and a broad grin. No charge tonight! Our treat.
But surely youll be in trouble with your boss if you dont take the money?
He shook his head. No trouble at all. Just making up for such a late delivery. Pleasejust enjoy the pizza.
It was only then I noticed I was still clutching the prosecco. Hold this a sec, will you? I thrust it into his hands, accepting the pizza box in return.
You dont seem much like a delivery driver, I said when I returned.
He laughed. Im not. I own the pizzeria. Let my staff go early tonightfamilies and all that. But I saw your order left unfulfilled, so I brought it myself. No ones waiting for me this evening. I thought at least someone would be waiting for the pizza!
Oh goodness! Ten minutes to midnight! I cried, Quick, open the proseccoweve just enough time for a toast!
He grinned againso easy and genuine. Have you glasses?
As I fetched two flutes, I heard the cork pop in the lounge. For the year thats leaving us! he declared.
For the year thats leaving, I echoed, and we clinked glasses and drank in one go.
Oh no, what have we done? I said, suddenly realising.
He looked startled. What?
You drank prosecco! Are you driving?
He laughed again, Looks like Im not driving anywhere now.
And youll never get a cab tonight
He just smiled. Shame, that.
Well, shoes off and come in properly, then! We cant see in the New Year standing in the hall.
My, its cozy in here, he said, following me into the lounge.
Pour anotherhurry, before the PM starts his speech!
A toast then to?
Emma, I supplied as we sat.
To the New Year, Emma! Im Alex.
To the New Year, Alex! Try the saladI made it myself. Sorry, theres only one forkoh, just eat straight from the bowl.
We both laughed. It was odd, how cheerful I felt, how easy it was to chat with him.
He scooped up the salad. Even more delicious straight from the bowl! Emma, do you have any brown bread? Im starving.
I fetched some, and when I came back, hed already demolished two drumsticks.
Sorrycouldnt resist. Its brilliant. Emma, you should cook for a living!
Im so glad you like it. I honestly thought Id made too much. I couldnt have eaten it alone.
Youre not aloneIm here now! Lets eat!
And we didpicking at salad, sipping prosecco, watching the New Years telly, and trading stories as if wed known each other all our lives.
Weve finished the prosecco! I cried.
Ive got another bottle in the carshall I fetch it?
Im coming too! I decided.
The night air was sharp but exhilarating as we stood beside his car, fireworks bursting all around.
He turned to me suddenly, grinning. Emma, marry me! Not right away, of coursegive it a year. We should get to know each other properly.
I laughed. You must be joking!
He shook his head. Not a chance.
Then I promise Ill think about it! For now, lets go back inside and carry on celebrating.
He grabbed a bag from his boot and we hurried back. Tonight, I thought, I dont feel alone at all.
