Page 51 of Shout Out To My Ex

‘When Franzia said they were engaged?’

‘Yes.’

‘Confused, horrified,blindsided. I don’t think Brandy’s right. There’s private and there’s “I have no idea what is happening right now”.’

‘Then this must be his publicist’s doing, right?’

‘That’s what I think. Hot new designer, whose star is on the rise, plus world’s biggest supermodel. It’s publicity gold.’

‘Do you think they’re even… you know?’ she asks, her face contorting with distaste.

‘Fucking?’ She purses her lips, chastising me. ‘Sorry, that was crass – and unprofessional. I’m just a little discombobulated.’

‘But you can fix this, right?’

‘Look, we don’t know if this is a publicity stunt or if it’s legit, but if Leo is really engaged to Franzia, then… well, I’m not sure there’s anything I can do.’

‘Right.’

‘I’ll get Marie onto it right away. And I’ll speak to Nasrin tonight, get her thoughts. Okay?’

She sighs. ‘Fine.’

‘Hey,’ I say, grasping her arm to reassure her, ‘there’s still hope.’

Her open book of a face tells me she doesn’t believe me. I don’t wholly believe me either, but I’ve had cases in far worse predicaments than this and most of those turned out as I hoped.

‘We should find Elle,’ she says, and we head out into the night.

‘Fuck me, I would never have seen that coming,’ say Nasrin, echoing my thoughts.

‘I’ve already spoken to Marie and she’s going to dig into the extent of the Leo–Franzia “relationship”.’ I use air quotes, making Nas smile.

‘Yeah, it does seem a little convenient. So, if turns out to be a sham, what are you thinking? Proceed with the collaboration angle and hope they fall back in love?’

‘Exactly.’

‘Yeah, that’s what I would do too.’

‘Of course, the tricky part of that is that Elle is no longer willing to entertain the idea.’

‘Of a collaboration? Did she say that?’

‘Not exactly. She was silent all the way back to the hotel, but Cassie sent me a text after I got to my room. Elle is firmly in the no-fucking-way camp when it comes to working with Leo.’

‘Hmm. Do you think Cassie can get her to change her mind?’

‘She could put her foot down, I suppose – as Bliss Designs’ business manager.’

‘And what about Leo?’ Nas asks. ‘How was he?’

‘Towards Elle?’ She nods. ‘Well, I was watching them together at the party and he seemed… I don’t know…’

‘Into her?’

‘Hard to say, but there was a lot of eye contact and smiling – a bit of touching.’

Nasrin nods in approval. ‘And what if he really is with Franzia?’

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