Page 130 of Christmas off Script
‘I’ll take a quick look now.’ Reluctantly releasing her, he made his way through the pub and out the door.
The high street was cold, dark, and empty. There was no sign of Ronnie. Hearing the door open behind him, he turned to see Ella.
‘I can’t face saying goodbye to everyone,’ she said. ‘I’m too tired.’
He held out a hand. ‘Coast is clear. Let’s get you home.’
She entwined her fingers with his and squeezed. ‘Thanks.’
Despite the euphoria she’d exhibited five minutes ago, it was clear it had been an act. Ella now appeared as small and deflated as a burst balloon.
Leading her across the road and down the narrow street that led to the church and the manor, Leo mulled over Zach’s words. He would give Ella space and wait for the right moment to tell her how he felt, but he wouldn’t wait forever. He’d lost one chance to be with her. There was no way he was missing another.
23
Ella: Hi Michelle, please can you give Dad my number? I’d like to arrange to see him. Thanks
Ella: Or could you give me his number if he’s got one?
Sitting in the corner of a room just off the ballroom and wearing her rag dress Cinderella costume, Ella stared at her phone. It had been four days since the Christmas quiz and she’d heard nothing from Michelle, her father, or any other member of her family.
Is it for the best?
She shivered, remembering the moment her dad had appeared in the pub. He’d looked so different: older, smaller, battle-scarred. The moment his eyes had met hers, it was as if she’d been gut-punched.
But despite the panic, her heart had also cried out to him. No matter what he’d done, inside her was still a little girl who loved her dad. How must it have felt, being chucked out of his local pub the moment he set foot in the door? Being ostracised by a community? Even though she was terrified about seeing him, she still wanted to check he was okay.
Dropping the phone in her bag, Ella leant down to tie the ribbons of her brown ballet shoes with trembling fingers. Tonight was the first night of the pantomime. She’d have been nervous enough doing her usual jobs behind the scenes, but this year she was centre stage.
The room was full of people getting changed, but Leo had found a screen so she could have some privacy in the far corner. There was a small table with a mirror on it, a chair, and a rail for her costumes making up the fourth wall of the space.
‘Knock knock,’ came Zach’s voice from the other side of the screen.
Forcing a smile, Ella stood and pushed the clothes rail to one side. Zach was in his wheelchair, a huge bouquet of flowers on his lap.
He held them out. ‘For the leading lady on opening night.’
‘Oh my god, they’re stunning. You really shouldn’t have.’ Taking them from him, she placed them on her dressing table.
‘They’re in a pocket of water, so they don’t need a vase.’
‘Thank you. They’re absolutely beautiful.’
‘Just like you.’
Ella blushed, not knowing how to respond. Zach had been friendly and respectful, but she had the growing sense that under the mild flirtation, there was a wish for more. She didn’t want to make things awkward by telling him outright that she wasn’t interested. What if he then turned around and told her she’d been imagining things? The thought was too mortifying for words.
And in front of his family, the panto cast, or in the pub during the quiz, Leo hadn’t behaved any differently towards her than he’d always done. Was their physical relationship something he wanted kept secret? Or did he see it fizzling out after Christmas? Ella was too scared of the answer to ask the question. If she knew for sure Leo wanted to finish what they’d tentatively started, she’d never be able to perform on stage without falling apart.
Just get through the week. After the last show, talk to him. Tell him how you truly feel.
‘How are you doing?’ Zach asked. ‘Nervous?’
She nodded.
‘I would say “break a leg”, but now I actually have, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.’
‘Does it hurt?’
