Page 48 of Love at First Sight

‘When did you do this?’ I say, genuinely impressed. ‘You just went ahead and made a website in the twelve hours since I last saw you?’

‘What?’ India shoots back. ‘Like it’s hard?’

‘Legally Blonde,’ Leo says with a clap of his hands.

India and I look at him. ‘What?’ he says. ‘A devilishly handsome rock star like me can’t have cultural depth?’

He’s smirking as he says it – his default expression.

‘You can put that in the “pros” column,’ India stage-whispers to me, and Leo’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

‘I can give you plenty more if you’re making a list,’ he says. ‘Including, but not limited to: yes, I’d love to get involved. My nephew Will is desperate for something like this. I love my sister, but oh my god, you can’t even play-wrestle without her warning him to be careful.’

‘Rough-housing is good for kids,’ I say. ‘It teaches them about their bodies, and about boundaries.’

‘I’ll pass that knowledge on to Hannah,’ Leo says.

‘You’re welcome.’

‘So are you.’

‘What for?’

‘Like I said, I’d love to help. What’s the location and the time frame until launch? Not to brag but I’m good with my hands—’

‘Oi, oi,’ mutters India, and I hit her arm to shut her up. Leo continues, unfazed.

‘Sign me up for all of it. I bloody love kids. And of course you, Jessie.’ He turns to India. ‘She has my number,’ he tells her. ‘But you might need to encourage her to use it.’ He looks to me. ‘I’m not going to wait around forever, you know.’

‘Leave it with me,’ India says.

19

I let myself conveniently forget that Ali has noted her objections to Stray Kids, and spend the week ploughing ahead with all sorts of plans whilst Henry is at school – skipping the gym, socialising, sometimes even showering, so that from my makeshift office at Ali’s breakfast bar I can Get Sorted. I think we’ve even got a location, at a smaller park just off from Clissold Park, so we’re central to Stoke Newington but in an area easier to keep safe for the kids.

‘Seems perfect,’ India says when I show her. ‘And you’re going to show it to the council later today? That’s just a formality though, right?’

‘Health and safety,’ I say. ‘So kind of key? But also yes, a check-box activity I think.’

‘Perfect,’ she replies.

‘I need to figure out some sort of “base” for the park. They’ve said I can utilise a disused hut they’ve got, but it’s going to need a bit of TLC. So maybe Leo can help with that? Since he offered …’

‘Yes!’ India says. ‘Text him! Or better yet, call him. He’s dying to spend more time with you. And I’m dying to see what he looks like out of that butcher’s apron.’

‘Pervert,’ I say.

‘I am not embarrassed,’ she shoots back.

It takes me ages to work up the courage to call Leo – and I’m not sure why.

‘It’s because you wrote him off as a ladies’ man,’ India says, making us both coffee at Ali’s fancy machine. ‘But actually, the more you’re getting to know him, the more you’re seeing he’s quite genuine.’

I roll my eyes. ‘Honestly,’ I say. ‘Your armchair psychology is reaching, I think.’

She hands me an Americano and instructs: ‘Ring him.’

‘Hello, you. To what do I owe this honour?’ Leo says when he picks up.

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