Page 10 of Christmas off Script
‘Huh?’ Leo appeared utterly bewildered by her statement.
‘He’s staying up north and his parents are selling the house. I have to be out by Christmas.’
A pause followed as her words hit home. Then Leo’s expression went from confused to furious.
‘WHAT?’
Ella felt the tension running from his hand into hers.
‘He—he can’t be serious!’
‘He is,’ she whispered.
‘But I don’t understand. How long have you known about this?’
‘An hour.’
Leo stood, letting go of her hand and running his fingers through his tousled blond hair. The bathroom was small, but he still managed to pace, taking two small steps, then whirling around to start again.
‘I… Jesus Christ! He’s lost his fucking mind.’ Leo’s cheeks were dark red, his sapphire eyes burning. ‘He can’t do this,’ he said decisively, as if his word was law, then turned to Ella, staring at her with furious intensity. ‘Is he doing drugs?’
‘What?’
‘Has his behaviour changed since he started that job? Has he been hiding things from you? Does he seem different?’
Oh god. Has Oliver fallen in love with someone else?
‘He’s been really distant for a while, and we haven’t seen each other for weeks, but I thought it was because of how busy the job was.’
‘I’ll speak to him. Put him straight.’
‘No—’
‘But none of this makes any sense!’
‘Why not?’
Leo returned to sitting on the edge of the bath and took her hand again. ‘Because you’re the best, Ella. You’re funny, kind, smart, gifted, caring, thoughtful, not to mention stunningly beautiful. If Oliver is serious about breaking up with you, then he’s either gone insane, or he’s on drugs. There’s no other option.’
‘He might have found someone else?’ She bit the inside of her cheek to stop more tears from spilling out.
‘Impossible. There’s no-one better than you.’
She let out a bitter laugh. ‘You’re very sweet, but most people in Foxbrooke think I’m scum.’
‘They don’t. And even if they did, they’re fucking idiots.’
‘It’s breaking news to me, but Oliver said he’s been thinking about us splitting up for a while now. And he’s been offered the job of head of the history department, so I really don’t think he’ll change his mind. His mum is letting the estate agent in on Monday to take photos.’
‘You’re joking.’
‘Apparently they’ve already got bookings lined up and expect an offer by midweek, with completion before Christmas. That’s why they want me out.’
‘Jesus!’ Leo stood again and resumed pacing. ‘They can’t. What about the rental agreement you signed? Surely they have to give you three months’ notice?’
Ella shook her head. ‘I didn’t sign anything. I just paid a deposit and the first month’s rent into his parents’ bank account, then set up a standing order.’
Leo stared at her in shock, his hands flexing, then forming into fists.
