Page 35 of Christmas off Script
Zach’s eyes widened. ‘But I—’
‘Summer has to work, so Ella’s stepped in to save the day,’ Libby continued. ‘I don’t know if Ella ever sang when you were at school, but she’s got a beautiful voice. The two of you are going to be perfect together!’
Zach smiled at Ella, his gaze…hopeful?
Untangling her fingers from Leo’s, Ella sat back down.
Leo remained standing, grinding his teeth as he eyeballed Zach.
‘Let me re-introduce you to everyone else!’ Libby said.
As she went around the group, Leo took his place next to Ella, his hand resting on the edge of his thigh, palm facing up in invitation.
She didn’t take it, her knuckles turning white as she gripped her script.
‘Okay, everyone!’ Libby said with the enthusiasm of a newly-qualified primary school teacher after a triple espresso. ‘Why don’t we move onto the next scene in the kitchen, with the arrival of—’
‘The star of the show!’ Arthur roared. ‘Me!’ he added, in case anyone was in any doubt.
‘Don’t you meanstars?’ Steve asked. ‘There aretwougly sisters.’
‘Quite right. Apologies, Steve.’ Arthur cleared his throat. ‘The arrival of the stars of the show! Miss Fanny Munchin and her younger sister, Miss Tittie Munchin!’ He turned to Libby. ‘Are we entering to “Here Come The Girls”, or “Dontcha Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me”?’
‘Well—’
‘We could do a medley?’ he continued. ‘Add in “Bad To The Bone”, and “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred?’
Libby glanced at Connor.
‘We could possibly—’ he began.
‘Splendid!’ Arthur interrupted.
‘However,’ Connor continued, ‘we don’t want to detract from the other scenes with the ugly sisters. They can’t peak too soon.’
‘No chance of that,’ his father retorted. ‘I can go all night. Isn’t that right, Deedee?’
Dervla planted a kiss on his cheek. ‘Yes, you can, you big stud.’
Henry sighed. ‘Dad, that’s—’
‘And Steve,’ Arthur continued, turning to his left. ‘You’re more than a two-pump chump, aren’t you?’
Steve puffed out his chest. ‘The force runs strong in me.’
‘Dad!’ Leo ground out. ‘Can we move it along? I can’t be here all day.’
‘Why not? Have you got a hot date?’
Leo kept his gaze on his father, but in his peripheral vision Ella’s head snapped up and Zach leaned forward.
‘No, Dad, but I’ve…’ What excuse could he give? He was flailing around in fog, trying to find his bearings. ‘Ella and I have to practise for the quiz.’
‘Ha!’ Scott cried. ‘You’re running scared. Get ready to be a big fat number two.’ He held up a massive hand and Finn high-fived him.
‘Are you still competing?’ Zach asked Ella.
‘Yes,’ Leo replied.
