Page 77 of Shout Out To My Ex

How’s the other thing?

Shaz moving in?

Yes

Complicated

I don’t want to say more, as this is Shaz’s news to share with Jacinda – and only if she wants to.

May need to stage an intervention

Bahahaha

Am serious

God, I certainly don’t want to commit to anything as drastic as that, especially over text message. And what would an intervention entail exactly? I don’t get a chance to ask because her next message says:

Talk later x

I’ve known Jacinda almost as long as I’ve known Tristan and I adore her, but I suspect that when she has her mind set on something, like meddling in Shaz’s love life, she’ll be difficult to dissuade. Though, that did play to my advantage when Tristan and I had fallen for each other, but I’d pushed him away because of the professional implications. It was Jacinda who talked him into making a grand gesture, which was showing up at the agency to propose to me.

Maybe she’s onto something with this intervention thing.

24

ELLE

I’ve never been one to dread Monday mornings – especially not since we opened Bliss Designs – but this morning comes with oodles of apprehension.

Leo texted last night:

Up for a field trip tomorrow?

Intrigued, I replied:

Where to?

Those three blinking dots tormented me for atleasttwenty seconds, then:

It’s a surprise. Meet me here.

He added a link, which led to a café in SE1. Investigating further, I learnt it was equidistant from several London landmarks, including the Tate Modern. I said yes, we agreed ona time – 11a.m. – and now I’m pacing in front of my wardrobe trying to decide what to wear. Any other workday, I’d select a pair of trousers and a shirt – often my own designs – and leather sneakers. Simple, stylish, and comfortable.

But today?

With Cassie at Bliss, it’s left to me and my mounting nerves to select an appropriate look for an excursion (and definitelynota date) with my sexy, talented ex-boyfriend to an undisclosed location on an unseasonably warm day of 21°C!

It’s the ultimate wardrobe dilemma. What if he’s taking me on a tour of the London sewers?

‘Eloise Bliss!’ I chide myself, rifling through my wardrobe yet again. ‘Choose a look!’

Eventually, I opt for high-waisted, straight-leg linen trousers, a flowing silk blouse, a waistcoat (one of mine), and platform sandals. Regarding myself in the full-length mirror, I decide that the blouse is too formal and swap it for a white T-shirt. Finally dressed, I look in the mirror again, turning this way and that and trying to imagine myself through Leo’s eyes.

Leo, who is engaged. To a flipping supermodel! One who just happened to fly into London last night, something I know because I have been torturing myself by following her movements on socials.

It’s been over a week since Leo and I started working together and, after that first afternoon when I shouted at him and he apologised, but we were interrupted by Franzia’s call before we fully resolved anything, it’s been going well.

Well, mostly. The work side of things is. We’re making progress and although it’s early days, this collection has the potential to be the best work I’ve ever done.

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