Page 125 of Christmas off Script
‘There’s a restraining order against him,’ Kurt said quietly. ‘Well, several, actually. For me, Zach and our folks.’
Leo wanted to turn and take Ella into his arms, but he needed to know Ronnie was out of the building first. Derek was leading him towards the doors, Ronnie’s gaze still sweeping over the crowds. Searching. Then his eyes locked on Leo’s, before passing to fix on someone over his shoulder.
Leo turned. Ella had moved out from behind him and was gazing at her father, her eyes liquid. Then she closed them and tears spilled down her cheeks. Leo glanced quickly back to the front of the pub.
Ronnie had gone.
‘Ella, love, come here.’ Zach took her other hand and pulled her towards him.
‘Do you need a hug?’ Kurt moved to embrace her but was foiled by the enormous box around her body.
Tugged in three different directions, Ella lost her balance and stumbled, falling onto Zach.
‘Fuck!’ Leo dashed to lift her up. She was white-faced and trembling, trying not to cry and failing completely.
Willow came to her side, pushing Leo and Kurt away. ‘Shall we get you to the ladies?’
Ella nodded, and Willow led her away.
When the two women disappeared from view, Leo glared at the floor, not trusting himself to even look at Zach and Kurt without exploding.Remember what they went through? This is difficult for them too.
‘Leo,’ Zach began.
‘What?’ he snapped.
‘You need to give her space. This must be hard for her.’
‘You think?’ Leo’s voice dripped with sarcasm. ‘Shame you didn’t realise that nine years ago. What makes you suddenly the Ella expert?’
Zach sighed. ‘Look, I know you’re her friend—’
‘Bestfriend.’
‘But she needs space to be able to move on from her ex.’
‘And that’s what the two of you are doing right now, is it?’
Kurt took a step back, his palms raised. ‘I’m going to get a drink. Want anything?’
‘No!’ Leo and Zach replied at the same time.
As his brother made a sharp exit, Zach ran a hand through his hair. ‘I know you were there for Ella when I spectacularly fucked up, but I know her in ways you don’t.’
Really? I bet I’ve given her more orgasms in the last couple of weeks than you managed in your entire relationship.
Zach seemed to take Leo’s silence as confirmation he was right.
‘Look, mate,’ Zach continued. ‘I know.’
‘Know what?’
‘You had a crush on Ella when we were at school.’
‘I didn’t have a “crush” on her,’ Leo spat, his voice low. ‘I was in love with her.’
One of Zach’s shoulders lifted in a half shrug. ‘Whatever you thought it was, you were a good friend to me back then. Stepping aside and being my wingman.’
Clamping his jaw shut to stop a torrent of words flying out, Leo stayed silent. He couldn’t tell Zach he was in love with Ella again now before finding the right time to tellher.
