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‘Food?’
‘Babies.’
He rolled his eyes.
‘Or the trampled remains of your enemies,’ she continued.
‘Drink?’
‘Double espresso. You need the extra caffeine to keep your cold, dead heart beating.’
The corner of his mouth twitched up. ‘Favourite music?’
‘The “Imperial March” from Star Wars.’
‘Number?’
‘Six-six-six.’
He smirked. ‘Middle name?’
‘Beelzebub, Lucifer, Satan.’
‘Wrong, wrong, wrong. See, you don’t know me. Give me a chance to prove I’m not who you think I am.’
Estelle stared James down. After today, she didn’t need to spend any time with him ever again thanks to her brother’s generosity.
‘Is everything okay?’
She jumped. Henry was standing on the other side of the table, a frown on his face. Libby was by his side, holding his hand as if to prevent her boyfriend from launching himself at James.
Estelle’s heart squeezed as she gazed at them. Libby was the only woman Henry had ever brought home and Estelle was desperate for their relationship to work. Forcing them to continue living in the manor with her and Henry’s bonkers parents might end up being the kiss of death. Even though Henry was bigger than her, she was intensely protective of him, and ashamed to be contemplating their offer. It would mean them giving up their dreams just to save her from six months of working with James.
‘Fine,’ she replied, forcing a smile. ‘I was just telling James how much I’m looking forward to partnering with BDE Entertainment next year.’
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw James’s shoulders relax.
‘Estelle!’ Henry cried. ‘You don’t have to do that anymore! We—’
‘James,’ Estelle interrupted. ‘If you expect to see me on January the fourth, you need to leave. Right now.’
He didn’t hesitate, giving them all a brief nod, then striding away and out of the church.
‘You don’t have to do this,’ Libby said as soon as he was out of earshot. ‘Honestly, we’re happy to help.’
Estelle smiled. ‘I know, and I love you both to the moon and back for offering, but don’t worry. I have a plan.’
‘Should we be worried?’ Henry asked.
‘No, but James should. I give it a week before he hands BDE Entertainment’s money over to me and begs me to bugger off and run the festival on my own.’
Libby narrowed her eyes. ‘What are you going to do?’
‘I’m not entirely sure,’ she replied, then glanced at the chair where James had left his jumper. ‘But I’ve got a few ideas…’
6
January 4th
