Page 110 of Christmas off Script
‘Dad’s coming out next Friday. Michelle wanted me to clean that morning and wouldn’t accept that I couldn’t because it was the last day of term.’
Ella could tell Leo was trying to remain impassive, but a muscle still twitched in his jaw.
‘She said I could see him next Saturday night, but I said it was the Christmas quiz. I then asked why I kept helping her every week when she’s so horrible to me, and Kyla-Marie or Billie-Mai could have done it.’
Leo’s hand tightened around hers.
‘I told her I wasn’t going to do it anymore. And she…’
‘Didn’t take it very well?’
Ella shook her head.
‘How do you feel now?’ he asked quietly.
‘Empty and sad. I thought I’d feel relieved, but I don’t. And I’m worried how Dad will react when he finds out.’
‘We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.’ Leo drew her in for a hug. ‘I’m so proud of you.’
Ella sank into the warmth of his embrace, wanting to disappear inside him and live there forever. Far away from her family; safe and untouchable.
‘There’s been a lot of chapters ending in your life over the last few weeks,’ Leo continued. ‘And it’s been bloody awful for you.’
She nodded. And what was Leo now? A new chapter, or a short and steamy story with an ending only a few pages away? Her heart was tired. She didn’t have the strength to ask him what he thought of their relationship. That question could wait until the pantomime and Christmas were over. The new year would be a new start, whether Leo still wanted to be in her bed or not.
‘It’s going to be okay,’ he murmured into her hair. ‘I promise. And there are plenty of fun things to focus on. Reigning triumphant at the Christmas quiz for one.’
‘I hope so.’
‘We’re unstoppable. The Beardy Boys don’t stand a chance. And the night before, we’ll be atAladdin.’
She smiled against his chest. The Theatre Royal’s pantomime was always brilliant and one of her and Leo’s Christmas traditions. Because he worked at the theatre, he got two free tickets, and they were always in the best position, right in the middle of the stalls.
‘I can’t wait,’ she said. ‘It’ll help take my mind off my dad.’
‘Exactly. And next week’s going to be so busy at work, you won’t have time to think.’
Enteringthe Theatre Royal a week later with her hand in Leo’s, excitement shivered up Ella’s arm. In his place of work, he was acting like they were a couple. How right he’d been about time flying. With the countdown to the end of term, as well as preparing for the Christmas quiz, rehearsals for Cinderella and finishing the set painting, by the time she got to the end of each day, she’d barely been able to keep her eyes open. But then the moment Leo’s lips touched hers, it had fired up reserves of energy she never knew she had. Nothing felt better than being in his arms, and the orgasms he gave her wiped every thought or worry from her brain.
‘Hey Leo!’ one of the ushers said with a smile as he scanned their tickets.
‘Hi Mike,’ he replied. ‘You’ve met Ella before, haven’t you?’
He nodded. ‘Lovely to see you again. Enjoy the show!’
She murmured her thanks as they moved down the corridor towards the stalls.
Leo paused at the entrance to the bar. ‘Why don’t you grab our seats and I’ll get us some drinks?’
Ella felt a twinge of inadequacy in her stomach. All she’d done was take from Leo and it didn’t sit right with her. ‘I’ll get them.’
‘My treat.’ He moved forward to kiss her cheek. ‘And anyway, I get a Leo discount.’
Before she could argue, he pressed the tickets into her hand and jogged down the steps into the bar.
Moving towards the stalls, another usher was waiting to guide people to their seats. He frowned slightly at Ella, then his face opened into a smile. ‘Ella, right? I’m Jules. Here to see the panto with Leo?’
‘Yes. Have you seen it yet?’
