Page 39 of Christmas off Script
‘Your dream man?’
This was a nightmare. Leo was going to be sick.
‘Yes. Oh, yes,’ Ella said, her voice almost inaudible.
‘Cue music,’ Libby said. ‘Cinderella and Prince Charming sing “Endless Love” by Lionel Ritchie. At the end of the song they kiss—’
‘No,’ Leo said forcefully.
Everyone’s eyes flicked to him except for Ella’s, who were still fixed on the script in her lap.
‘No?’ Libby asked tentatively, a crease appearing between her brows.
‘It’s a family show,’ Leo continued, fully aware he was making no sense.
‘Hear, hear,’ Arthur said. ‘It would be inappropriate.’
Libby’s mouth fell open. ‘It’s just a peck!’
‘Can’t take any chances with the woke brigade,’ Arthur continued. ‘Might get us cancelled.’
‘Cancelled?’ Libby repeated, her eyes wide. ‘Why?’
‘Um… corrupting the youth and all that?’
Leo held his breath as Libby stared in confusion at the man who was a committed naturist and organised sex parties.
‘Arthur,’ she began. ‘Don’t you think your idea to name the ugly sisters Fanny and Tittie Munchin is slightly more problematic than a chaste kiss between Cinderella and Prince Charming?’
Leo glanced around the rest of the group. Those who didn’t know the history between Zach and Ella were staring at Arthur as if he’d just grown another head, but Henry, Connor, Willow, Finn and Dervla were gazing at Ella with concern.
‘Er…’ Arthur flapped his hands in the air as if that would summon a more coherent argument.
‘It’s about consent,’ Leo said. ‘Ella shouldn’t be forced to kiss anyone.’
Libby’s eyes widened in shock. ‘Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry Ella, Zach, for not considering this. Really, I had nothing more than a quick peck in mind, but Leo is right. We’ll only have a kiss if you’re comfortable with it.’
‘Fine by me,’ Zach said, his hands open and his posture relaxed. ‘Ella?’
‘Fuck’s sake!’ Leo exploded. ‘Put her on the spot, why don’t you?’
Libby froze, glancing in confusion between Leo and Zach.
Henry took her hand and shot another warning look at Leo. ‘Why don’t we have a short break?’
‘Yes. Yes, of course,’ Libby replied brightly. ‘Great idea! Okay everyone, meet back here in fifteen?’
As soon as Scott and Finn stood, Ella pushed back her chair and fled the ballroom.
Leo leapt to his feet and followed, but Zach was quicker, making it to the door first.
Pushing through into the corridor outside, Leo grabbed Zach’s arm before he could chase after Ella. ‘What the fuck are you doing here?’ he snarled.
Zach shook him off and took a step back, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. ‘Look, I’m sorry. I—’
‘Sorry?Sorry?For what, exactly?’
Zach sighed, then took a big breath. ‘I—’
