CHAPTER 47
Leo
‘So she’s not only beautiful, but lovely too?’ Rosa groans. ‘Please don’t make her your new bestie, I couldn’t cope.’
I laugh, hitting her arm. ‘Don’t be an idiot.’
Last night’s events have been running through my mind all morning.
I called in sick to work, telling Cece that the stomach bug had somehow returned, hence my quick exit last night.
I also mentioned that it could be lady problems, he didn’t want to hear any more after that.
Rosa came over soon after, working from home today. My home.
‘And she told you everything? It was all a set-up?’ Her eyes widen. ‘How dramatic! Like a film!’
‘A really depressing film. And yes, it was Gordon, but the fact is that George still didn’t believe that I wouldn’t do that to him. He didn’t trust me.’
‘Well, yeah. Because he had “proof”.’ She looks at me sternly. ‘He didn’t know it was fake, just as much as you didn’t actually know why he was mad at you. It’s all a stupid misunderstanding, and really that’s the only thing keeping you apart!’
She takes my hands, looking at me kindly. ‘He didn’t know, Leo. You didn’t tell him about Gordon, so how would he?’
I ponder that for a second. He didn’t know. He just thought I was playing him.
‘Olivia told me he went mental when he found out.’ She gave me her number after we ran into each other. Asked me to please call her for a proper explanation. ‘Punched Gordon and fired him on the spot.’
‘There you go. A man that takes action. What more do you need?’ Rosa giggles, trying to lighten the mood. ‘I bet he’s got a sexy right hook.’
I suppress a grin. ‘Rosa! This is serious!’
‘I know it is! It’s fucked-up, to be honest. But you can’t let it drive a wedge between you. Please don’t ruin the best relationship you’ve ever had.’
‘It was only a week, Rosa. Silly really.’
‘Leo, I’ve been pining after the same guy for nearly twelve years and look where that’s got me!’ She never brings up Charlie so openly. ‘He’s engaged to another woman while I’m stuck with one-night stands and Hinge dates that never go anywhere!’
‘Rosa—’
She interrupts. ‘My point is: when you know, you know. I knew. Charlie didn’t know. But I think George does. The question is, do you?’
I don’t even have to think about it.
‘Yeah I do. I’ve never felt this way before. He feels like home to me.’
‘There you go.’
‘What if it’s too late? If I’m too damaged for him now?’
What if he can’t look at me without seeing his brother, the messy ugliness he’s caused.
‘Don’t you dare, Leo. No more excuses. And don’t let that prick win.’ She checks her phone. ‘Go and get ready. We’re going to play tennis, get you all fired up, then we’re going to Grange Home Farm.’ She jumps up, grinning as she shoos me away. ‘We’ll hatch a plan to get your man.’
I laugh as she returns to her laptop. ‘Once I’ve actually done some work!’
I smile, heading to shower, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.
It will be OK, I tell myself. It has to be.