Page 30 of A Little Love Song in Seabury
All three of them were staring at him now, and Will swallowed. This wasn’t how this was meant to go. She should be there!
‘I think I’m in love with Leah.’
The words tumbled from Will’s mouth without his say-so. They were met with identical squeals from the girls, a fist-pump from Ewan and a despairing shake of the head from Matt.
‘What?!’ demanded Will, doing his best to get over the shock. The realisation had only dawned on him as the words left his mouth. He glared at Matt. ‘Don’t you like Leah?’
‘Leah? I adore her. It’s you I’ve got a problem with!’ sighed Matt.
‘But… why?!’ said Will.
‘Setting aside the fact you’ve been acting like a complete lunatic all day, I’ve been worried sick about you for weeks,’ said Matt. ‘I’ve been trying to figure out a diagnosis, work out how to talk to you to get the bottom of it while you’re here… and it turns out to be the one thing I can’t cure. Love. Unbelievable!’
‘Your lack of diagnostic skills is hardly my fault,’ said Will, a grin creeping back onto his face. ‘Besides, I didn’t even know myself.’
‘Until when?’ said Connie curiously.
‘Erm… now?’ said Will.
Rosie let out a snort.
‘Well… I’d say you’ve got some grovelling to do,’ said Ewan.
‘But I haven’t done anything!’ said Will.
‘If you really still think that,’ said Rosie, ‘then you don’t deserve a chance with our girl.’
‘Fine,’ said Will. ‘I guess Ihavebeen a bit distracted all day.’
‘Try all year, and you’d be nearer the mark,’ said Matt.
‘But what’s that got to do with Leah?’ said Will.
‘She thinks she’s done something wrong,’ said Connie.
‘She thinks you don’t want her here,’ said Ewan.
‘And she definitelydoesn’tthink you’re in love with her,’ said Rosie.
‘Though I’ve got a sneaking suspicion thatshe’sin love withyou,’ added Connie.
‘Really?!’ said Will, as a bubble of happiness and hope threatened to sweep him off his feet.
‘You know what they say,’ said Ewan. ‘Nowt so queer as folk!’
‘They also say there’s a very fine line between love and hate,’ said Rosie, ‘and I really wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve crossed it this evening.’
‘What should I do?!’ said Will, his little bubble of joy starting to shrink.
‘Maybe start by not screwingthatup,’ said Ewan, nodding at the piece of paper still clutched in his hands. ‘It might be important.’
‘Why would an old envelope be important?’ said Will.
‘Because it belongs to Leah,’ said Matt, rolling his eyes. ‘She knocked her bag over in her hurry to get away from you, and Ewan found that after she’d gone.’
‘Perfect,’ said Will, starting to get to his feet. ‘I can use this as my excuse to follow her and return it.’
‘Wait,’ said Rosie, putting her hand on his arm.
