Page 61 of Christmas off Script
‘Is that why you’re here? To try and rehabilitate your public image?’
There was a tiny hesitation, then Zach nodded. ‘It’s one of the reasons, I’m not going to deny it. But it’s only part of the picture. I wanted to see you. To apologise. To rebuild the bridges I burned. And I want to be closer to Foxbrooke. To my folks. Maybe get a job nearer home.’
Ella didn’t know what to say. For years she’d dreamed of an apology, believing it would mend all the broken parts of her. But now she just felt exhausted and empty.
‘I don’t know if Leo told you, but Kurt’s coming back from Australia for Christmas.’
She nodded.
‘And then we were told Ronnie’s being released early.’
A knife of ice plunged deep into her belly. ‘Michelle told me. And she thinks Dad wants to settle some old scores.’
Zach’s expression darkened. ‘Would he come after Kurt? Our folks?Me?’
‘I don’t know. He’d be mad if he did.’ She paused. They both knew ‘sane’ wasn’t a word often associated with her father.
‘Can I speak to the police?’ Zach asked. ‘Tell them what you’ve just told me?’
‘Of course.’ She gave a helpless shrug. ‘But to be honest, he could be talking about any number of people he’s fallen out with over the years.’
‘Maybe he’s talking about whoever told the police where his lock-up was?’
Ella was silent as fear choked her. Could her dad have found out it was her and Leo who shopped him? And if he did, what would he do?
Zach reached out as if wanting to touch her, then ran his hands through his hair instead. ‘I’d really like to talk more. Make amends. My folks say there’s an incredible restaurant on the high street that opened a couple of years ago. Can I take you there for a meal? It’s closed tonight and Monday. So maybe this coming Tuesday?’
Ella’s mind reeled. Did he think this was a date? ‘It’s the last few weeks of term so I’m a bit snowed under at the moment.’
He smiled. ‘Of course. Are you going to the Winter Ball on Saturday?’
She nodded.
‘Great! Maybe we can chat more then? Have a dance for old time’s sake?’
‘Er…’
Glancing over Zach’s shoulder, Ella saw Leo striding across the room towards them. He may have been dressed as Buttons, with a garishly bright blue and yellow costume, but his expression was thunderous.
Zach followed her gaze and took a step backwards, his palms raised as Leo reached their side. ‘I was apologising to Ella. Well, I’ve started at least.’
Leo nodded, his focus on Ella’s face as if checking she was alright.
‘It’s okay,’ she said.
‘And I was asking if she was going to the Winter Ball next weekend.’
Leo’s eyes narrowed as they flicked to Zach’s. ‘Yes. She’s going with me—my family.’
Zach’s smile was relaxed and affable. ‘Great! I’m really looking forward to it.’
Ella nodded, then turned to Leo. ‘I think we should get back?’
Without waiting for either of them, she made her way across the ballroom, her mind churning with everything Zach had said. She’d never expected to see him back in Foxbrooke, let alone acting the part of Prince Charming on-stage and off. And now he would be at the ball as well? Wanting to dance? She’d been looking forward to spending the evening with Leo, but after this morning, would it be better if she kept her distance from him? Her feelings were confused, her brain utterly scrambled. Right now, she didn’t know which way was up and which way was down. All she knew was that she couldn’t jeopardise her friendship with Leo because of a crazy rebound crush.
11
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
