Cathy meanwhile had been offered the chance to train as a checkout operator and as it was a bit more money had decided to go ahead after Christmas. As a surprise Bert had booked them Christmas lunch at a well known Leeds hotel. As they were eating a familiar figure walked in and noticed them. 'Miss Ross, how lovely to see you. Have you got another job yet?' Yes, thanks Mr. Graham but not in a dress shop this time. This is my friend Mr. Lane,' The two men shook hands. 'Won't you join me in the bar for a drink later. I don't usually take long over a meal as I only have the one course. ' 'Thankyou, we would love to.' said Cathy.
'What are you thinking of Cathy? He's out of our league. I can't afford a round of drinks in this place which is why we're having lemonade with our meal. I am driving you know.' 'Just one drink won't hurt. You can have a cola and we'll say we have to leave soon afterwards.' They had coffee served in the bar after Bert had paid the bill and Paul Graham joined them soon afterwards. Bert did indeed have a cola while Cathy had a Martini, Paul had rum and coke. After his drink he looked at his watch and said 'Sorry i have to leave now, duty calls even on Christmas Day. After he'd gone the waiter brought them another drink each. 'Compliments of Mr. Graham.' he said. 'He's a very nice man, good looking too.' said Cathy and later reflected how her Christmas had been better than she'd been expecting as did Steve's turn out to be.
Millie's cottage was neat and homely. It had three bedrooms. In Steve's room the bed had already been made up with fresh clean white sheets, cosy blankets and an eiderdown. This was covered by another blanket made of knitted squares. 'We've all got one on our beds. I usually take mine off when I go to bed but if it's really cold I leave it on. Steve thought this was by far the most inviting looking bed he'd seen anywhere he'd stayed. You can come up here for a rest any time you want to- no need to ask. You'll have to excuse your gran. I've told her several times who you are but she'll probably ask you. After a delicious lunch of soup, ham salad and a fresh crusty roll Millie brought out apple crumble. Would you like some custard love or there's ice cream if you prefer. ' Steve had only tasted custard once before at the farmhouse and vaguely remembered having had an ice cream cornet once when he was very young. 'I only want a small piece of crumble with a bit of custard thanks.'
'We don't have dessert every day but as it's your first day back I decided we'd have a bit of a treat, She gave Steve a dish of crumble and custard and had some herself. Gran just had custard. Steve was then given the task of filling a large container with soil first putting some bricks in the bottom to make it more stable. Before the tree arrived he got the decorations down from the loft and following Millie's instructions tested the lights which fortunately worked first time. The tree arrived mid afternoon and Millie placed newspaper on the carpet where it was to stand. Steve planted it carefully. He fixed the star to the top and followed Millie's directions on how to place the lights, afterwards she began to decorate it. 'Come on love, join in, it's not hard.' Steve watched for a few more minutes and then attached some coloured baubles to the tree. Millie added tinsel and when all was done the lights were switched on. 'What do you think mum?' she asked. The old lady smiled and clapped her hands. Steve suddenly felt very emotional and hurried to the kitchen to make some tea. Next day he went to the village with Millie to do some shopping. 'I'm going to get some peppermint creams for your gran, they're her favourites but she likes Newberry Fruits too. '
What do you like auntie?'
'Oh I love Dairy Box and Milk Tray.' Steve looked at the prices on the things she mentioned and hoped there was enough in his tin to buy a present each for his aunt and gran. Millie bought wrapping paper too and Steve also noted the price of that. On the way home they passed the library. 'Do you like reading Steve?' When he said he did they went inside and he was issued with a library ticket. 'I'm a member and usually come in once a week she said. Steve chose two books which did not have to be returned until after Christmas. 'If you've not finished them just come in and we'll renew them for you,'the librarian, who Millie introduced as Mrs. Fosbury. Steve is my nephew and will be staying with me for a while she had explained. She had introduced him to everyone they met and they had greeted him with smiles and handshakes which he didn't think they would have done if they'd known his background.