“Serves him right,” Tom says.
I crook a small smile and get to work plugging in my cables.
“Do you think he’ll say something to your parents?” Will asks.
I straighten up. “Doubt it. He’s not exactly in a position to start airing my shit.”
Oliver chimes in, more serious now. “Does April know? About Lucas and Abi?”
I let out a sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Yeah, she does.”
Whenever the guys used to bring up Lucas and Abi, I’d cringe and quickly change the subject. But now … I don’t feel anything about either of them. And it feels like I’ve broken free from the chain.
Oliver nods, understanding. “How did she take it?”
“As well as I’d expected,” I say. “She was surprised, hurt … worried.”
Oliver nods, and Tom tilts his head. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Nothing changes,” I say. “We want to be together, and Lucas will just have to live with it,” I take a steadying breath. “I’m going to have to tell Mum.”
“What do you think she’ll say?” Oliver asks.
It’s a question that’s been weighing on my mind for weeks. From the moment this thing with April began, I knew it would eventually lead to this conversation. It won’t be comfortable, and I have no idea how Dad’s going to respond, but it’s inevitable. One thing is certain—nothing will keep me from her. Not Lucas. Not Mum or Dad. Not even the possibility of touring, not anymore.
“I honestly have no idea. But there’s only one way to find out,” I say. Walking over to Oliver, I pull my notebook from my back pocket and hand it to him. He flips it open and begins scanning over the chords I scribbled down yesterday.
His brow pinches as he turns to me. “What’s this?”
“I wrote something. I know it’s late notice, but I thought maybe we could try it out,” I say, suddenly nervous. It’s been a while since I’ve written a song, let alone sung, but this onefeelsright. I opened myself completely, like I took a dagger to my heart and spilt my blood onto the pages.
He nods, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Yeah, alright, I reckon we can give it a shot.” He holds up the notebook. “Let me scan a few copies and we can get started.”
When he returns, Tom steps aside, giving me the mic, and we dive straight into it. We work through my song bit by bit, making adjustments until it blends perfectly. A current buzzes through me as we play, and I can tell the guys are loving every moment.
That’s what I love most about this band—we feed off one another’s energy and offer unwavering support.
After a few run-throughs, we’re all in agreement—if we can nail it by next week, we’ll add it to the set. The thought alone sends my pulse racing, and I can’t help but imagine what it would feel like performing something so personal, sharing that moment with my best friends.
By the time we’re done, the sun has sunk, and we’re completely exhausted, especially Oliver—drumming’s no joke and takes it out of him more than the rest of us. Not that he ever complains. The bloke is jacked. We exchange a few tired goodbyes, and I load my gear into the car, drop Will off at his flat, then finally head home.
With Lucas out of the way and the band on track, there’s just one final hurdle to clear.
I’ll tell Mum about April and me tomorrow.
Chapter 40
April
Ipush open the café door, my gaze flicking between wooden tables and mismatched chairs until it lands on Anna by the window. She’s already tucked in with her drink, standing and smiling for a hug as I walk over. The girls and I decided to meet for an impromptu Sunday breakfast stop at the Daily Grind before we head off for a stroll through Kensington Gardens. It’s a gorgeous morning here, and we want to take full advantage of the sunshine while we have it.
I lean down to kiss Anna’s cheek before taking the seat across from her.
“Well,” Anna says, leaning forward with a sly grin, her arms crossed over the table. “Aren’t you glowing?”
I feel my cheeks heat. “It’s amazing what a few orgasms can do for the skin.”
“Well done, you,” she says. “I already ordered your usual.”
