‘Yeah,’ said Matt, nodding slowly. ‘I mean… she hasn’t actually handed you this letter yet, has she? She’s just “lost” it.’
Matt did air quotes around the last few words, and Will felt a twinge of guilt. His brother was right. If Leah hadn’t dropped her bag, he wouldn’t even be aware of this letter.
‘But if she’s already written this…’ said Will, taking the piece of paper back from Connie and only just resisting the urge to crumple it into a ball and toss it into a flower bed. ‘I mean, it looks like she’s already made up her mind, doesn’t it?!’
‘Hey, you can’t give up before you’ve even tried,’ said Rosie, slapping the table. ‘It’s not over until the fat chick sings.’
‘Or in this case, until the idiot sits down at the piano!’ smirked Connie.
‘Very helpful,’ sighed Will, raking his hands through his hair. ‘I’m serious, you guys, what should I do?!’
‘Here’s a suggestion,’ said Connie thoughtfully. ‘You know how Leah’s always making sure you’ve got everything you need before you even realise you need it?’
Will nodded.
‘I think it’s time for you to return the favour.’
‘I don’t get it,’ said Will, cocking his head.
Matt rolled his eyes. ‘Woo her, you idiot.’
‘Woo?’ laughed Will. ‘Isn’t that a bit old-school?’
‘Not if you want to keep Leah in your life, it’s not,’ said Rosie.
‘I agree,’ said Connie. ‘It’s time to prove you can show up for her.’
‘And what should I do about this?’ said Will, holding the letter between his thumb and forefinger as if it might bite him.
‘Well… she lost it, right?’ said Ewan. ‘I vote it goes back to being lost. Pretend you’ve never seen it.’
‘But…’
‘But nothing,’ said Connie. ‘Ewan’s right. Until you’ve made up for being a complete dinkus, don’t even mention it.’
‘Right, I’ll go down to the flat now,’ said Will, starting to stand up again.
‘Oh no you don’t!’ said Rosie, yanking him straight back down onto the bench. ‘This needs proper planning. Besides, you’re not going near her tonight. The poor girl was at bursting point. Let her cool off. Things might look brighter in the morning.’
‘Rosie’s got a point,’ said Matt.
‘You would say that,’ tutted Will. He knew when he was beaten, though. Grabbing a plate, he started to load it with food.
‘Now then, Will,’ said Connie. ‘What’s all this about you randomly sacking your agent?’
‘Isnothingsacred?!’ he sighed.
Connie grinned and shook her head.
‘If you must know, we weren’t seeing eye to eye about things. Important things.’ He took a bite of Ewan’s bread and let out a groan. ‘That’s so good!’
‘Thanks man,’ said Ewan with a grin.
‘What was important enough for you to part ways with the agent you’ve had for years?’ said Matt curiously.
‘Plenty of things,’ said Will.
‘Like?!’ demanded Matt.
