Chapter Text
Jamie looked out the window and watched the snow falling softly as she dried off the pint glass in her hand. It was a cold and quiet night in December; barely anyone had been to the bar. Most of the time the quiet nights would be welcomed with open arms, but with Christmas only three days away, she found herself in the mood for a distraction from her least favourite holiday.
Normally she wouldn’t have time to notice such things as new patrons entering the bar, but as the door suddenly flew open, she immediately spotted the rosy cheeked blonde, covered in snow, waltzing in with muttered apologies.
The first thing that caught Jamie’s attention was the woman’s lips, red as holly berries, and a soft warm smile to brighten the dimly lit room. As she got closer, her eyes stole focus, sparkling and blue as ice. Similar to the weather London had been presenting the last few days.
The woman took a seat directly in front of Jamie, her eyes bouncing rapidly from one patron to the next. Finally, their eyes met and Jamie’s mouth went dry.
“Some cold weather we’re having lately, huh?” she spoke in an American accent, which normally did nothing for Jamie - but in this case was delightful.
“S’not so bad when you’ve gotten used to it,” Jamie replied. “Not a lot of snow where you’re from?” she asked, wiping the surface of the bar in front of where the woman was sitting.
“Actually, yes, quite a bit of it around this time of year.” She smiled, and Jamie felt herself melting where she stood.
“Right,” she cleared her throat. “Well what can I get you?” Jamie asked.
The blonde woman took a moment to think before looking behind Jamie at the chalkboard list of speciality drinks.
“Hm, so many options.” The woman squinted as she read, and then looked back at Jamie. “What do you recommend?”
“Depends,” Jamie replied with a shrug. “What sorta things are you into?”
“I like fruity things,” the woman stated.
“Alright, well we have a few fruity options.” Jamie turned around and grabbed a drink menu. She placed it in front of the blonde and pointed at the list as she read them off. “Could go with the Cranberry Apple Sangria, the Santa Clausmopolitan, or a Mistletoe Margarita.”
“Oh, they all sound so good!” the blonde exclaimed. “I think I’ll try the Mistletoe Margarita to start,” she said.
“Great, just gimme a minute or two.” Jamie nodded.
She ran into the back room behind the bar and entered the kitchen, immediately hit with a pungent smell. “Oi Owen, ya twat, it smells like something is burning in here,” Jamie shouted, not seeing anyone in the kitchen.
“Yeah, that would be my bread pudding.” A tall man stood up straight from in front of the oven and sighed as he slammed the oven door shut. “Looks more like dread pudding now.”
“Sounds like someone is gettin’ distracted back here all by themselves?” Jamie smirked. “Trying to do too much at once I reckon.” She looked over at the stove top to see three pots bubbling.
“Look, I don’t try to come out there and tell you how to do your job, so you don’t get to come back here and try to tell me how to do mine.” Owen’s mustache twitched with a playful smirk.
“Well now seeing as you’re my boss, you and I both know that’s bollocks,” Jamie replied. “You’re always lecturin’ me to be nicer to people, and if that’s not tellin’ me how to do my job then I don’t know what is.”
“Yeah but that hardly counts, that’s just common decency.” Owen rolled his eyes.
“Whatever you say, boss. I just came back here to get another bowl of fresh cranberries, and let you know I’m gonna take my dinner break.”
“Great, is Rebecca around to cover?” Owen asked.
“Aye, she just got off the phone with her prick of a boyfriend so she should be around now.” Jamie walked to the back fridge and grabbed a small bowl.
“Great, just do me a favour and let her know you’re going first, don’t just assume she’ll know.” Owen pleaded.
“Will do,” Jamie replied. She exited the kitchen, back to behind the bar, and spied a look at a brunette approaching the blonde.
“Dani?” she overheard the woman ask.
“Yep, that’s me.” The blonde smiled. “You must be Emily?” Jamie watched as the two awkwardly shook hands, and Dani pushed a long strand of blonde hair behind her ears. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.” Nervous laughter indicated to Jamie that two of them probably had not been talking long before meeting.
“Indeed, and please excuse the sweaty hands, first dates always make me nervous,” Emily chuckled.
Jamie rolled her eyes as she listened to their awkward introductions. Deciding she could take no more, she placed the drink in front of Dani and cleared her throat. “That’ll be seven quid.”
Dani reached for her purse but was stopped by Emily who quickly grabbed her hand. “Drinks are on me tonight,” she said. She looked at Jamie and winked. “Keep the change.”
“Cheers,” Jamie replied, glancing over at Dani. The raised shoulders and firm set of her mouth reminded Jamie with relief just how over first dates she was. As Jamie turned to face the register, she put the note inside and looked to the other end of the room, catching her coworkers eye. She waved Rebecca over before walking to the back door of the bar and stepping outside for a smoke.
When Jamie returned thirty minutes later, Dani and Emily were still sitting at the bar. The look of mild horror on her face almost made Jamie wish she'd pushed her break, just to know what it was Emily had said to inspire the crinkle in Dani’s brow and comical pull of disgust on her perfect mouth. Jamie could tell she clearly wasn’t into whatever it was that Emily had to say. As she approached them, she heard Dani excusing herself to the bathroom.
“I’ll be right back, just need to use the ladies room,” Dani said.
Jamie grabbed the tray of dirty glasses and quickly slipped to the kitchen to have them washed. When she returned a few minutes later, Dani was at the other end of the bar talking with two men. As she retook her post behind the bar, she watched Dani return, face completely white. Jamie grabbed a glass from behind her and caught Dani’s eye. “You alright? Looks like you could use some water?”
Dani silently nodded and cleared her throat. “Yeah, that would be great actually, please.” She pushed her drink towards Jamie and looked over at Emily. “Not sure what I ate, but something just isn’t agreeing with me,” she informed her quietly.
As Jamie filled the glass, she watched Dani carefully, a feeling of dread sweeping over her. “Here you are,” she said, sliding the glass to Dani.
“Thanks,” Dani replied. She quickly drank the water, her eyes fixed on Jamie the entire time. “So-” Dani slid her glass back to Jamie, “How’s Angela doing?”
“Who?” Jamie scrunched her face in confusion, refilling the glass.
“Earlier you mentioned your coworker Angela had to go to the hospital,” Dani said, with an emphasis on Angela.
“I think you-” Jamie paused, a lightbulb suddenly going off in her head. The ‘Ask for Angela’ poster in the washroom, the men talking to Dani, and Dani pushing her barely touched drink over to Jamie. Jamie’s heart raced as she clenched her hands, suspicion settling into her bones. She knew she had to play it cool, but wanted more than anything to beat the shit out of the trollop beside Dani.
“I think you spoke to Rebecca about that actually,” Jamie said, catching herself as best as she could. “She’s just at the back of the room if you want to check with her,” Jamie said, pointing to her coworker. She gave Dani a subtle nod and watched as Dani quickly walked away, not another word to her date. As soon as she was with Rebecca, Jamie’s eyes darkened as she looked over at Emily, who was as oblivious as ever.
“Right, I’m gonna need you to take your manky arse out of my pub right this second.” Jamie pointed to the door, her other hand clenched in a fist.
“Excuse me?” Emily gasped.
“You can go willingly, or I can get a copper here to personally escort you if you’d like.” Jamie’s voice slightly raised, her patience wearing thin.
“I don’t understand-”
“You must be daft as a bush if you really don’t understand what the fuck is going on here. You-” Jamie pointed a finger in Emily’s face, "spiked your date's drink, and now I need you to take yourself out of my pub. I don’t have the patience to deal with scum like yourself, so keep playing dumb and I might throw you out myself. Would take great pleasure in it if I’m bein’ honest.”
“I- excuse me? I did no such thing,” Emily quickly replied, face reddening.
“We watched you do it honey,” one of the guys Jamie saw Dani talking to earlier stepped in.
“Right, there you have it.” Jamie opened the gate from behind the bar and stepped out, stomping over to Emily and grabbing her by her forearm. “Get the fuck out of my pub,” Jamie shouted, pulling her up from the stool. She dragged Emily to the door and swung it open, pushing her outside. “And don’t you ever think of returning, because I’ll remember your face. If I ever, and I mean ever see you again, I won’t be so fuckin’ gentle next time.” Jamie slammed the door shut and looked to the back of the room, feeling immediate relief when she saw Dani sitting safely with Rebecca.
As she approached them, she heard Dani gasping, trying to get words out. “Hey,” Jamie calmly said as she sat down beside her. “Rebecca, can you go tend to the bar for a bit?” She looked over at her coworker who nodded in response. “You’re alright, love,” Jamie assured. “She’s long gone now, will never bother you ever again.”
“Yeah, I- I just can’t believe it,” Dani buried her face into her hands, shaking her head. “You hear about these stories, but you never think it could happen to you, not with-” Dani cut herself off, taking in a deep breath.
“Unfortunately women can be just as nasty as men, it’s a sad and heavy truth.” Jamie frowned, eyebrows furrowed. “You sure you’re alright?” Jamie didn’t want to worry Dani, but she also wanted to make sure that nothing had possibly slipped into a drink from earlier that could cause Dani to blackout.
“Yeah, I’m feeling a little ill, mostly just shaken up.” Dani sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I really don’t know what to think right now, I’m just in such shock.”
“Yeah, I don’t blame you one bit,” Jamie softly replied. “I can call you a taxi and get you home safely if you’d like?”
“Not yet,” Dani shook her head. “I want to wait a bit-” Dani paused. “I just want to make sure she’s far enough away.”
“Hey,” Jamie replied. “I won’t let her hurt you, don’t you worry about that. I’ll make sure she’s long gone, I’ll even walk you home m’self if need be.”
“That’s very kind,” Dani smiled weakly. “I- I didn’t catch your name.”
“Name’s Jamie,” she smiled in return. “I’d say it’s nice to meet ya, but given the circumstances-” Jamie paused as Dani chuckled lightly.
“Yeah, probably a good call. My name is Dani, by the way.” She held out a hand, which Jamie gladly accepted.
“So Dani, can I get you anything to drink while you wait?” Jamie asked.
“Sure, and If it’s alright with you I think I’ll sit back at the bar,” Dani asked with a smile. “I’ll just feel better over there.”
“Course, s’no problem at all.” Jamie stood up and waited for Dani to follow before walking back to the front of the bar.
“Everything alright?” Rebecca asked as Dani took a seat in front of her.
“Yeah, she’s just gonna sit up here for a while and then I’ll make sure she gets home safe,” Jamie replied.
“Okay, just let me know if you need anything.” Rebecca looked over at Dani and smiled. “I’ll bring you a bowl of soup. On the house.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Dani replied with a gentle smile.
“What can I get you to drink?” Jamie asked.
“Something strong, preferably with ice,” Dani replied.
“Straight whiskey it is,” Jamie smiled. She grabbed a short glass and poured a double shot over ice, sliding it to Dani. “Enjoy.”
As the night went on, Dani stayed close to Jamie, never leaving her sight. Normally Jamie would find clingy customers annoying, but given the circumstance, and Dani actually being delightful - she found herself quite enjoying her company.
“So what brings you to London?” Jamie decidedly asked after an hour of dead end conversation.
“I needed to get away from my life back at home, all the expectations and pressure.” Dani took a sip of her drink and scrunched her face, something she did with every single sip, never failing to look completely adorable.
Jamie shook her head, betrayed by her own mind. “I see, and what kind of pressure are we talking about?” she asked, finding herself more and more curious about the American.
“Expectations my mother had. For my job, and for who I’m dating,” Dani answered, taking another drink. “She never could get over my choice in career.”
“Ah,” Jamie tutted. “The worst kind then. What about dad?” she asked.
“He uh, he died when I was eight.” Dani frowned, taking another drink. “I’d like to think if he was still here, that he’d be supportive and proud of me though, since he was always that way when I was a kid.”
“Ah shite, sorry to hear that,” Jamie apologised, mentally kicking herself. “So tell me, what did you end up studying?” Jamie changed the subject, wiping the inside of a freshly washed glass with a rag.
“I went to school for teaching, actually left a teaching gig back home to be here,” Dani replied.
“So why London?” Jamie raised a curious brow.
“Why not London?” Dani shrugged with a playful smile.
“Well, it smells like piss every corner you turn on for a start, and everyone is bloody loud and rude here. Lots of other reasons I can list off if you like?” Jamie asked with an impish grin.
“If I didn’t know any better, it sounds like you’re trying to drive me out of London,” Dani laughed.
“Pretty girl like you? I’d be daft to try something like that, wouldn’t I?” Jamie replied.
Oh I-” Dani paused, cheeks red.
“Sorry, that was inappropriate, bad habit when you work at a gay bar for tips.” Jamie replied, a necessary lie when one doesn’t do love or relationships.
“No, it’s fine. Just caught me off guard.” Dani slightly smiled. “Can’t say it wasn’t appreciated.”
Silence fell between them as Jamie continued polishing glasses, her attention drifting everywhere but the beautiful blonde in front of her.
“Your turn,” Dani suddenly said.
“My turn for what?” Jamie’s head tilted slightly.
“What’s your story?”
“My story?” Jamie tensed, gripping the glass in her hand. “S’not much to tell.”
“Have you always lived in London? What are your parents like?” Dani asked.
“Grew up in Manchester, moved here a couple of years ago when I was released from prison.” Jamie watched Dani, preparing herself for disgust, being surprised when she didn’t even flinch. “My parents gave me up when I was a kid, grew up in the system so I reckon they couldn’t care less about what I’ve done with my life.”
“That-” Dani paused, and Jamie waited. She waited for the usual apology that followed, the uncomfortable silence, the questions about what got her put away in the first place.
Instead though,
“That’s their loss then,” Dani said. “You seem pretty great to me in the short time we’ve been talking.”
“M’not great, trust me,” assured Jamie.
“You shouldn’t say things like that.” Dani softly shook her head. “You should give yourself more credit.”
“Difference of opinions I suppose.” Jamie shrugged.
“So-” Dani paused, taking a drink, looking at Jamie with her bright blue doe-like eyes. “What are your plans for Christmas?”
“Work,” Jamie replied simply .
“Oh that’s terrible, are you working both Christmas Eve and Day?” Dani asked.
“Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing day, and everything in between.” Jamie’s attention was brought to the front door when two more people entered. “Be with you in just a sec,” she said with a nod.
“That’s so sad, when are you going to get some down time to enjoy the holidays?” Dani frowned.
“Just another day to me, only with extra pay.” Jamie shrugged. “Makes no bloody difference in the end,” she muttered. “Be right back.” Jamie grabbed two menus and left to tend to the new customers.
At the end of the night, Jamie approached Dani, taking her empty glass away from her. “Reckon it’s time we get you that taxi, yeah?”
“I think I’ll just walk,” Dani replied. “It’s snowing, and I think I’d like to appreciate the beauty outside.”
“Are you sure?” Jamie asked with a raised brow. “I kind of feel responsible for you at this point, and I’d feel much better if you got a taxi.”
“You could always walk with me, if you’re feeling up to it?” Dani smiled, and Jamie hated the tickled feeling it gave her.
“Where you heading?” Jamie asked, ignoring the racing heart beating loudly inside her chest.
“I live just off of Berkshire Drive,” Dani replied.
“Well, it’s your lucky day then, just so happens I live around there m’self.” Jamie nodded. “I just need to help close up and then we can head out.”
Twenty minutes later, both Dani and Jamie exited the pub. Jamie watched as Dani’s face immediately lit up.
“Everything is so much prettier covered in snow,” she said with a smile.
“It’s also a lot colder and wetter with it as well,” Jamie replied with a shiver.
“You’re really not a fan of the season, are you?” Dani laughed.
“Nope.” Jamie’s eyes darted away, avoiding Dani’s as they headed south. A few minutes of silence passed, eventually broken by Dani.
“There has to be something,” she suddenly said.
“Hm? Something about what?” Jamie asked, her head tilted slightly.
“Something about the holidays that you love?” Dani asked.
Jamie rolled her eyes, remembering why she hated when people found out about her hatred towards Christmas. It would always lead to more pointless questions, suggestions of her feelings being an over exaggeration.
“Lots of alcohol,” Jamie finally replied. “Helps me forget that it’s ‘tis the season’ and all.”
“I see,” Dani hummed. “You really hate Christmas then, duly noted.”
“What? No big speech to remind me of all the great things I’ve forgotten about? Not gonna deck my bells over hating such a lovely time of year?” Jamie raised an eyebrow, used to people trying to convince her how wrong she is.
“No, of course not,” Dani laughed. “It’s not my business if someone dislikes a holiday. I’m not going to try and change your mind, not when I can clearly tell it doesn’t want to be changed.” Dani rubbed her arms up and down, shivering.
“Colour me impressed,” Jamie said. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you Poppins?”
“Poppins?” Dani stopped, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah, like that British nanny that drugged those children,” Jamie replied, smiling when Dani barked out laughter.
“I don’t think she drugged the children, at least that’s not how I remember it.” She smiled.
“Sounds like you need to rewatch the movie then, those kids were definitely on something.” Jamie looked up and pushed down the pang of disappointment as they approached Dani’s street.
“Maybe you can show me sometime?” Dani asked, and Jamie was the one to stop this time. She looked at Dani, carefully watching, wanting to make sure she wasn’t taking anything the wrong way. “If you want to, that is,” Dani continued. “We could have some drinks maybe on Christmas Eve? I’ll even let you talk about how terrible the holiday is the entire time.”
A part of Jamie wanted to agree, spending time with Dani was not something she hated, which was such a feeling of relief. But, Jamie didn’t have it in her, especially not at Christmas time, where the memories were at their darkest.
“Nah, I’m good,” Jamie replied, continuing onward once again. “I don’t do that kind of stuff.”
“Oh,” Dani said. Jamie could hear the disappointment and part of her felt regret. “I mean, it doesn’t have to be anything like that if that’s what you thought I meant? It can be just two friends hanging out, watching a movie together?”
“Look, Dani,” Jamie sighed, stopping as they approached the Berkshire Drive street sign. “I don’t do any of it. Friends, dating, or hanging out. I appreciate the offer, and you seem great, but it just isn’t me.”
“I see,” said Dani. “I apologise if I overstepped, I just felt like there was something there, something I’ve never really felt before. A connection.”
“I don’t do connections either,” Jamie pointedly replied.
“Okay, so what do you do then?” Dani asked.
“I work, and then I head home to sleep. Speaking of which, I need to be up early for a double tomorrow, so I better get going. Are you good from here on out?” Jamie asked.
“I- I guess, yeah.” Dani nodded. “Thank you for walking with me.”
“Not a problem, like I said, you were on the way.” A necessary lie Jamie had to tell, seeing as she lived right above the pub she worked at. “Cheers.” She left Dani standing there, not wanting to hesitate or look back once in fear of giving her the wrong idea.
That night, Jamie went to bed, regret settled deep in her belly as she tucked herself in with a cosy cup of tea, replaying the conversation with Dani in her head. Jamie pulled the blankets up to her chin as she slowly drifted off to a peaceful nights rest, oblivious to anything outside of the four walls of her bedroom.
Jamie awoke with a gasp from her deep sleep an hour later, the same terrifying dream to awake her night after night. Only this time, when she opened her eyes, she wasn’t met with the usual darkness of her closed off bedroom. Instead, in front of her, a tall beautiful woman stood, surrounded by a white blinding light. Jamie squinted, rapidly blinking in disbelief, trying to get her eyes to work as they should. As the figure got closer, Jamie got a better look and quickly jumped out of bed upon the realization that this white figure floating in front of her, was her ex-girlfriend.
“Viola?” Jamie asked. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Not Viola,” the figure replied with a soft groan.
“Well then, who and what are you?” Jamie asked, more terrified.
“I am the ghost of Christmas past.”