Page 146 of Christmas off Script
She shook her head. Even if she couldn’t have Leo, there was no way she could fall back in love with Zach. That story was finished. ‘I’m sorry.’
He nodded, his expression crestfallen. ‘Lila coming back really brought it home to me how good it was when you and I were together and she was with Leo. Life just seemed simpler back then. Happier.’
‘But it wasn’t, really.’
‘Yeah, I know. It just felt like it was.’ He gave her a sad smile. ‘I want you to be happy. And if that’s not with me, I’ll get over it.’ He wheeled in through the back door. ‘Take as long as you need to fix your make-up. I’ll stall the audience with mildly amusing anecdotes about my time onSwallowdale…’
Fifteen minutes later,Ella stood backstage as Connor played the music announcing the start of the second half. She hadn’t had a chance to speak to Leo since coming back inside and getting Willow to fix her make-up.
‘How did it go?’ Leo asked as he came to her side. ‘Good?’
‘Better than good. I can’t believe it, but at the same time I know it’s true.’
His smile lit up his face. ‘It’s a Christmas miracle.’
She nodded.
‘And…’ The sunshine left his face, and he looked unsure. ‘I’m hoping for one more miracle at the end of the night.’
Oh. He must mean Lila. Ella swallowed. ‘You don’t need a miracle,’ she said haltingly.
His eyes widened. ‘I don’t?’
‘No. It’s a sure thing.’
He took her hand. ‘Really?’
She nodded. ‘I, I know she wants you back.’
‘Huh?’
Don’t make me say her name!
‘What—who are you talking about?’ His expression was utterly baffled.
‘Lila.’
‘Lila?’
‘Yes, Lila,’ she huffed. ‘Your one true love. The love of your life. The star at the top of your tree. The person you want to meet under the mistletoe. The pig in your blanket—sorry, that sounded awful. Anyway, you know what I mean,’ she finished crossly.
Leo stared at her, his mouth hanging open.
‘Into position everyone,’ Libby cried as the music swelled. ‘Ella, don’t forget we need you behind the flat for your grand entrance.’
Ella stepped away from Leo, but he didn’t let go of her hand, still staring dumbstruck at her.
‘Leo!’ Libby hissed. ‘Positions!’
He blinked, his cheeks darkening, then stumbled towards Scott, his eyes still on Ella.
She ducked out of view as the curtains were drawn and the second half began.
Why had Leo looked so surprised when she’d said Lila’s name? And if he wasn’t thinking about her when he was contemplating another Christmas miracle, then whatwashe thinking about? The panto finishing without Arthur causing another incident?
All too soon she was announced, and she pasted on a smile and proceeded to the front of the stage.
As Arthur and Steve bantered with each other, Ella gazed up at Leo. He was looking at her as he had when they’d first rehearsed this scene, his cheeks full of colour and his posture taut.
