Page 70 of Shout Out To My Ex

They both look at me. ‘Oh, um, yes, tomorrow,’ I respond, going against everything I’ve told Cassie about us working with Leo. Or rather,notworking with Leo. Apparently, she’s not the only one who has been disarmed by his charms. I remain in my semi-fugue state as they chat excitedly, arranging for Leo to come to Bliss Designs, as his workroom is still being fitted out and won’t be ready for weeks.

Reality arrives with a thud when the head of wardrobe comes over and says, ‘You can keep the knickers, but we’ll need you out of the waistcoat so we can pack up your looks.’

‘Oh, right.’ I go back to the fitting room and pull the curtain closed while Cassie and Leo, who’s still bare-chested I might add, continue to chat.

My mind conjures the photo of us – Tally’s favourite – and with a jolt, I realise we look like lovers.If only, I think again.

How the hell am I supposed to forge a professional relationship with this man when all I want is to fall back into ‘us’?

22

ELLE

Leo arrives at Bliss Designs on time and dressed in worn-in jeans, a black T-shirt, and his cross-body canvas satchel. He’s also wearing a navy baseball cap, stitched withNY– I’m not hating it, even though I don’t typically like baseball caps.

Actually, I’m not hating anything about how Leo looks, except the unwelcome tummy flutters he’s giving me. Tummy flutters are a massive no-no when a bloke is your ex, engaged,andowes you both an apology and an explanation, and now you’re supposed to work with him on a flipping collection.

‘Wow, this place…’ Leo says, his eyes scanning the converted loft. Like our flat, our fashion house was once a fabric factory, which means it has enormous windows, is flooded with light, and there is enough space to work inandhave the occasional impromptu dance party.

‘The workroom above the Soho store is… well,cramped– or it will be once it’s finished. It’s in a great location, of course, but it’s nothing like this.’

I never anticipated that Leo – sorry,Lorenzo– would envymyworkroom.

‘And the light!’ he exclaims, wandering over to the windows.

‘I know. I absolutely love it, especially this time of year, coming up on spring. Cassie teases me that I must be solar-powered, as I always seem to cheer up when the sun comes out.’ Wonderful, now I’m rambling like a right muppet.

‘I remember that about you,’ he says, turning back to me. ‘You were always slightly glum on grey days.’

Oh, bollocks. I’m definitely not up for a stroll down memory lane. There are enough competing emotions buzzing about inside me without adding nostalgia to the mix.

‘Would you like to meet the team?’ I ask, changing the subject. They’re down the other end of the workroom, clumped together and pretending to work.

‘Sure.’ He grins at me and I’m reminded of the firm talk I had with myself this morning.

You are a professional. This is a professional arrangement. You are not the same people you were ten years ago. And he is not yours to lust after or swoon over – he’s engaged. SO, ACT LIKE A NORMAL PERSON AND BE A PROFESSIONAL!

I said all this out loud while I was in the shower and Cassie came in to ask if I was talking to her. I know she caught at least the end of my pseudo affirmation, but she didn’t mention it over breakfast, which I appreciated. I also appreciate that she’s hiding away in the office right now, letting me handle Leo’s orientation to Bliss Designs on my own.

I lead him over to the team and introduce him. Zara gushes about his shoe designs and Prue asks about America, particularly New York, as it’s top of her bucket list. Gaz seems too dumbstruck to say much of anything. I know how they feel.

We leave the team clustered near the sewing machines, pass the workbenches, and head to where we store our fabrics.

‘These are what we’ll be working with for next season,’ I say, indicating a section we’ve cordoned off. I run my hand along a bolt of ecru raw silk.

‘Incredible textures,’ he says, edging closer. ‘You have a really beautiful eye, Elle.’

It’s a compliment, of course, but it also highlights the main issue with us working together – well, notthatissue – the other one: the clash of design aesthetics. It’s an enormous leap between Leo’s modern take on Western wear and my sleeker, more classic designs.

‘I’ve just realised these may not work for our— Leo, whatarewe going to do together?’

He meets my eye. ‘That’s what I’m here to find out.’

‘Right, but you… me… From a design perspective, we’re worlds apart.’

‘I don’t necessarily agree with that. We both design in natural materials. You said yours are ethically sourced like mine are…’

‘Well, yes, but you’re all denim and cowboy boots and I’m?—’

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