Page 135 of Shout Out To My Ex

Lydia nods in understanding and her co-host, whose name Istillcan’t recall, pipes in with, ‘So, just before we go to an ad break, any design collaborations on the horizon?’

‘How ’bout you take this one?’ Leo says to me.

‘Yes, actually. We’re working on a collection as we speak, inspired by air travel in the fifties and sixties.’

‘Brilliant.’ I get the sense we could have told him we baked a batch of brownies together this morning and elicited the same reaction. It’s also clear we’re about to wrap up but there’s something I’d like to say.

‘Thank you, Elle Bl?—’

‘Sorry, hi, um…’

Nameless co-host stares at me in horror – and rightly so, as it’s not the done thing to ‘go off script’ (so to speak) on morning talk shows.

‘Did you have something to add?’ asks Lydia, throwing me another lifeline.

‘Er, yes, actually.’ In my peripheral vision, I see a balding man wearing a headset, madly circling his hand in the air. I’m guessing that’s the ‘wrap it up’ signal, and that’s exactly what I aim to do.

Ignoring himandthe nameless co-host, who is turning pink before my eyes, I take a steadying breath and look right into the centre camera.

‘I wanted to say that Leo and I are very sorry how this has played out – us finding each other again – especially theimpact it’s had on our loved ones, our teams, our customers, and supporters… But we promise, it wasn’t for nothing and despite what you might read or hear, there are no villains in this love story – especially not Leo, who has been brave enough to come here today and tell his story –ourstory.’

I feel the squeeze of his hand and I could go on and on about how much I love this man but, again, live television –andwe’ve already outstayed our welcome.

‘And again, thank you, Elle Bliss and Lorenzo, young lovers and fashion designers, reunited,’ the co-host says to the camera, his jaw clenched. ‘After the break, how effective is your double glazing?’

Three seconds later, a voice booms from the darkness behind the cameras. ‘And we’re clear!’

The studio erupts into activity, and Lydia Torrent reaches over and pats my knee. When I meet her eye, she nods at me in approval. Then we’re ushered off the set by a crewmember dressed entirely in black while the next guest gets settled on the sofa.

‘Bean! Oh my god, you were brilliant.’ Cassie rushes over and enfolds me in a hug, rocking me from side to side.

‘I thought you said you were too nervous to watch,’ I say when she releases me.

‘Turned out I was too nervousnotto watch,’ she says, still beaming with pride. ‘You were both so,sogood.’ She grabs Leo, hugging him tightly, and he laughs. I wonder, if like me, he’s flooded with relief that it’s over.

‘Nicely done, you two,’ says Paloma as she and Poppy join us. ‘I even liked that last bit – when you went off piste,’ she says to me. ‘You know, you’re more media savvy than you think.’

‘I’m not, I promise. I hope that’s the last television interview I ever have to do.’

She regards me with an appraising smile. ‘I doubt it will be.’

Before I can delve into how I feel about that, we’re approached by the cranky bald man in the headset.

‘Clear the studio, please. Off to the greenroom,’ he barks, shooing us as if we’re chickens who broke out of the coop. Paloma herds us out of the studio, clearly knowing her way around. She must come here a lot.

‘Bean, wait,’ says Cassie as we enter a long hallway. I hang back. ‘I am so proud of you.’

‘Thank you, that means a lot.’ It does. Cassie is not just my sister and business partner; she’s my closest friend and has always been my biggest champion.

‘Mum and Dad too,’ she says, holding up her phone. ‘They just texted to say they were watching. They want to hear all about it when we go for lunch tomorrow.’

‘I’m just glad it’s over –andwe have the spa this afternoon,’ I say, shimmying my shoulders. Now the interview is done, I can get properly excited about a full afternoon of spa treatments for me, Cassie, and the whole Bliss Designs team. I’ve even invited Leo.

‘You know, we could have postponed. It’s been a mare of a week for you.’

‘No way. I’ve needed this to look forward to. Besides, the team deserves it – especially as, come Monday, we’ll be working them like mad. We have less than six months to get ready for New York Fashion Week.’

Her expression shifts. ‘Elle, I really am sorry about the matchmaking agency?—’

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