Page 78 of Christmas off Script
His face brightened. ‘Really great. I can’t say much until the contract’s signed, but it looks like I’ve got a new gig.’
‘In London?’
‘Yeah.’ Zach shucked his rucksack to the floor and ran his hands through his hair, his gaze on Ella.
Leo’s gut tightened. The sooner Zach was out of Foxbrooke, the better.
‘Mate,’ Zach began. ‘Can I have a quick word?’
Leo’s pulse quickened. ‘Uh-huh.’
Zach’s expression was bashful, looking at Leo through impossibly long, dark lashes.
And this is how blokes like him always get the girl.
‘I wanted to ask… if you could put in a good word for me. With Ella.’
Leo didn’t reply, ice running in his veins.
‘Like you did before,’ Zach continued. ‘When we were at school. You know, be my wingman.’
Leo froze, the fury inside him crystallising in his fists.
Zach took a step back, his palms raised and his eyes wide. ‘Okay mate, no harm no foul, eh?’
‘Don’t,’ Leo gritted out. ‘Just don’t.’
‘Look, I’ve apologised to Ella. We’re good now. I want to make it up to her. Try again, you know?’
‘No.’
Zach frowned. ‘Don’t you think that’s up to her?’
‘Hi Zach! Hi Leo!’ Libby called over. ‘You ready to get started?’
‘Sure thing!’ Zach said, heading towards her. ‘Love the t-shirt!’
Libby was wearing one with the words, ‘There’s no business like snow business’. Leo splayed his fingers, trying to get the blood moving back into them and away from his pounding heart. His worst fears about Zach were true. One long-overdue apology and he thought he could just waltz back into Ella’s life and pick up where they’d been before he tried to ruin her life.
‘We’re going to start with the forest scene with Cinders and Prince Charming,’ Libby called out. ‘I’ve agreed for Arthur to trialoneof his ideas to see if it works.’
Leo’s gaze fell to his father. He was wearing a t-shirt that said, ‘What happens under the mistletoe, stays under the mistletoe!’ and carrying a black metal box attached via an extension lead to the mains.
‘Foam machine!’ he cried. ‘Used it at one of the sex parties! Fantastic fun and gave the place a spring clean at the same time! I’ve adjusted the setting, so it looks like snow. Going to make the panto extra festive!’
‘It’s just a trial, Arthur,’ Libby said. ‘If it makes the stage slippery, then we can’t use it.’
‘I honestly don’t know why you won’t let me try my other ideas,’ he replied grumpily.
‘Dad.’ Henry crossed his arms. ‘There is no way in hell we’re letting Caligula or Borgia on stage.’
‘But they’re hunting dogs! Why d’you think Prince Charming’s in the bally wood in the first place?’
‘They’renothunting dogs, Dad,’ Henry replied testily. ‘They’re a bloody menace.’
‘Well then, let me put Zach on a horse. What an entrance that would make. Properly regal.’
Henry and Libby turned as one to eyeball Dervla and Vivienne, who were sitting hand in hand enjoying the show.
