My brain ticks over and I take a second before I reply. “There is no easy answer and we don’t know if Tommy is already aware, so I would sit tight and say nothing.”
“Do you really think that’s the right thing to do?”
“For now. Let the boys figure things out within the band first and, if your suspicions are confirmed, then you can talk to Ash about it.”
There’s a slight pause before she finally agrees. “Okay. I’ll try.”
My eyes close with visions of Tommy’s face in front of me. How dare Chelsea do that to him? “We’ve just got to hope you’re wrong, Cal, but I wouldn’t put it past that bloody woman.”
“Hey, it takes two to tango, and from what I saw, Dylan was doing most of the work.”
“Urgh, I hate them both.” The thought of them together turns my stomach.
“I’m not exactly asking them round for dinner anytime soon. Not that she ever accepted an invitation from us. Tommy always came alone. Honestly, I’ve never trusted her, and their entire relationship seemed a little odd. They’re not like any other couple I know. Their marriage has always been… disjointed.”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re never together. Tommy and Ozzie visit us a lot, but not with Chelsea. She does her own thing. In fact, she surprised me by turning up on the last leg of the tour, but I guess she wasn’t there for her husband.”
“My God, she is something else,” I say, thinking out loud.
“I still can’t understand why Tommy married her.”
I sink back against my pillow and blow out a deep breath. “You know his reasons, Cal. He was afraid of losing Ozzie.”
“Tommy wouldn’t be the first guy to get his girlfriend pregnant, and it’s obvious he was never in love with her.”
My heart pounds a little faster. I don’t like to think of my friend being so unhappy. “Well, you’d have to ask him about that.”
Her tone changes from one of annoyance to light and giggly. “On a different note, how was the date?”
I suddenly feel awkward. “Umm, yeah, it was… nice.”
“Nice?” she repeats.
“Yeah, you know.” I bite my nail again. Thank God, she can’t see me.
“No. Not really. Puppies are nice.”
How do I tell her I’m not ready to date? On the one hand, it feels good to have company that isn’t family, but on the other, it’s strange to go out with another man that isn’t my husband. I decide honesty is the best policy.
“Okay. Here’s the truth. I felt as if I was cheating on Scott.”
I can almost hear a smile when she replies, “Oh, Angie. Believe me, I miss him too, but he would want you to be happy. It’s been over six years now.”
“Grieving doesn’t have a time limit, Cal.”
“I know, but there comes a time when you should at least try to move on. You’re still so young. Scott would want you to be happy, I know it. If you like Fraser, why not think of him as a new friend and nothing more. I’m sure he’ll understand. I’ve heard on the grapevine he’s a lovely guy.”
“On that subject, how well do you know him?”
“I’ve met him once or twice, but I can promise I wouldn’t dare introduce you to anyone I didn’t trust. He came highly recommended.” She giggles.
“Hmm, I suppose.” I’m still so unsure, but I try to keep positive. “Maybe I should give it time, but all I’m looking for at the moment is some company and a dinner date once in a while.”
“It’s a start. Just remember, a little less work and more time for you. Okay?”
“That’s easier said than done. The business won’t run itself.”
