“Please, Angie?” The worry in her voice is obvious.
“Okay. I’ll try.”
“Good. Now, tell me all about my gorgeous nephew.”
I smile, thinking of my beautiful little boy. “Honestly, Cal, I can’t believe how blessed I am with that child.”
“Stop. You’re making me jealous. The twins are driving me nuts, especially at bedtime. They just won’t sleep!”
“You love them really, and I bet Zoe keeps them in order.” I smile, thinking of my scary niece and how she loves to boss her baby sisters around.
“Don’t get me started. All Zoe does is wind them up.”
“Maybe it’s time for Supernanny to pay a visit.”
“I’m tempted.” She laughs.
We go quiet for a second until Calla says, “Life will sort itself out in the end.”
“The same goes for you. The truth always wins, no matter what.”
“Leave it with me.” She sighs.
Now I’m worried. I don’t want Tommy to be the last to know about his cheating wife and look stupid, but then again, he may already know. All I can do is be here for him, through thick and thin, just as he’s been there for me.
“I better try to get some more sleep,” I say as a fresh wave of tiredness washes over me. “Before I know it, I’ll have to get Josh up for school.”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
“Send Ash my love, won’t you? And Tommy, too, if you see him. And Calla? You have a lot resting on your shoulders.Promise me you won’t let it get you down. I’m here whenever you need me.”
“You know I love you,” she says.
“Love you too.”
The line is now quiet and so is the house. Josh is sleeping soundly and, although I’m bone tired, there’s too much information and a tiny morsel of guilt swirling in my head to relax. Why didn’t I admit to Calla that I deleted Fraser’s number? I was so adamant I wouldn’t see him again, but after speaking to her, I feel better about going on another date. All I can do is wait for him to call me, and if he does, I’ll take that as a sign.
I lay my head against the pillow, now fully awake and worrying about my friend. Someone has to look out for Tommy, and there’s no reason why it can’t be me.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
TOMMY
Speculationabout the fate of the band is rife. Jesus, news travels fast, especially when it’s bad.
I notice my head of security, Ray, has added a few extra bodies to his team this morning as I leave my apartment building. Thank fuck he did. Barriers on the street contain fans and press, while police do their best to keep order. It’s pretty wild.
I arrive at Ash and Calla’s New York brownstone to find it’s just as manic. Wall-to-wall bodies line the pavements and it’s a nightmare getting out of the car, but again, Ray and his team are there to guide me through. I acknowledge Max and Ash’s security guys at the door, and Ray walks me inside before he joins them.
“Hi, Tommy. Come on through,” Calla says, waving me in. “How are you holding up?”
I’m unsure how to answer. I don’t know what I feel. “Okay, I guess.” Her hug seems tighter than usual, and when she pulls back, her eyes are so sad. “What about you?” I ask, knowing she’s worried sick about her husband and the state of our band.
She rubs my arm and half smiles then her lips purse. “Yeah, you know. I’m trying to be supportive. I think you guys just need to be together for now.”
I nod. “Thanks Cal.” She’s right and Ash is lucky to have a wife that understands.
Cal turns to lead the way, but then stops, turning back to face me again. “Actually, before we go inside, can I ask you a favour?”
