Page 26 of Christmas off Script
The restof the meal passed peacefully, and Gram-Gram departed shortly after eight-thirty, assisted by her companion and live-in nurse, Marie.
Arthur wanted to continue talking to Ella about his costume ideas for the pantomime, but she was struggling to keep her eyes open, hiding her yawns behind her water glass.
‘Dad, can this wait until tomorrow?’ Leo asked. ‘We’ve had a really long day.’
Arthur glanced at his watch. ‘Honestly, the youth of today. When I was your age, I—’
‘Already had three kids but was still partying until the small hours and living your best life.’ Leo pushed his chair back. ‘Yes, we know. But I’m the real star of this panto and looking this good requires sleep, so I’m off to bed.’ He turned to Ella with a smile. ‘Fancy joining me?’
There was an excruciating pause, then Leo’s expression went from relaxed to panicked.
‘No! Sorry, I didn’t meantogether. Shit! Sorry Ella! I meant we could go up to bed together. At the same time. But of course in different beds. In different rooms.’
Willow snorted with laughter. ‘Smooth, Leo. So smooth.’
Ella covered her embarrassment with a laugh. ‘It’s how he wins all the ladies’ hearts.’
Leo shook his head. ‘I’m so sorry.’
‘It’s fine. Don’t worry.’
She went to pick up her plate, but Arthur reached forward and placed his hand on the edge. ‘Leave that, my dear. We’ll sort it out.’ Getting out of his chair, he pulled her in for a hug. ‘I’m so glad you’re here. Sleep tight now. Everything will be better in the morning.’
Ella said goodnight to everyone, then walked with Leo through the manor and up to her room, pausing with her hand on the door. ‘Thank you for today. Thank you for everything.’
Ordinarily, he would have hugged her goodbye, but he didn’t move. ‘Sleep well.’
‘You too.’ She nodded at him, then went into her room, closing the door behind her.
After usingthe bathroom and getting into her pyjamas, Ella lay awake in the darkness, smelling and feeling how different this room was from the one she’d shared with Oliver for so long. Even though they’d only split up that morning, the fact she’d moved her essential belongings out of their house and was now staying in Foxbrooke manor made it seem so much longer ago. When she thought of Oliver, she still felt numb with shock that her future had vanished with just a handful of words.
Her phone buzzed beside her.
Leo: Sorry about being a muppet earlier. I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable
Ella: Never. I love you just the same x
Leo: Phew. I’m still your BFFFFFF? X
Ella: Forevs x
Leo: Thank god for that. Sleep well, my bestie, and if you have bad dreams, or need company, your protective lion is next door X
Ella: Thank you. For everything xxx
Leo: Anytime X
6
Butterflies fluttered in Leo’s stomach as he knocked on Ella’s bedroom door the following morning. He was always pleased to see her, but nerves didn’t normally accompany the excitement.
Frowning, he tried to rationalise the feelings.We’re on the countdown to Christmas. Today’s the first rehearsal for the panto. The quiz is nearly here and the Beardy Boys are determined to beat us. Ronnie Chamberlain’s coming out of prison.
However, as he inspected each thought, he had the niggling sensation he was ignoring something big and extremely important. Like staring at hoof prints in the snow and failing to see reindeer on the roof.
The door opened and Ella burst out laughing as she saw what he was wearing. ‘We must be psychic!’
He glanced at her sweatshirt and grinned. ‘I told you I’m telepathetic.’
