Ash scratches his head. “Do we fill his spot?”
“We could, but who?” I ask.
“How about someone we’ve jammed with in the past?” Max offers.
“Got any ideas because I know I haven’t.” I stand there rubbing my hand down my face, but Ash comes up with a short-term solution.
“This still feels too raw. I suggest we stick with the three of us for now and maybe add a session guitarist whenever we need to.”
“You took the words out of my mouth,” Max agrees like he’s relieved.
“What are you lot grinning about?” Calla asks from the doorway with a tray of beers and cake in her hand. It’s an odd combination, but not unusual for us. Calla, her three kids, and Ozzie like to bake. It’s their favourite way to keep occupied.
“Just deciding what to do with the band, baby. I think we’ve agreed to carry on as we are and see what happens.”
“I’m sure you’ll work it all out,” she says, setting down the tray.
I take one of the tiny sponge cakes from the plate and buttercream oozes out of the paper case. “And whose little masterpiece are we eating?” I ask Calla.
“It’s difficult to tell when there’s five of them causing chaos.”
I stop mid-mouthful. “Five? Did one of the kids have a friend over?”
“Yes. Josh is here,” she says all bright and breezy.
“Angie’s Josh?” I ask her, picking up another cake.
“Do you know another Josh?” She smiles. “Yes, Angie’s Josh. She dropped him over earlier.”
“Angie was here?”
“Yes. Don’t you two talk anymore? I thought you were in contact.”
“We haven’t touched base yet.” Am I a little hurt? Yeah. “It would have been good if she’d dropped in to say hi.”
“Trunchbull had an appointment this morning and Angie was in a hurry to get to work. You should call her and arrange to catch up.” Calla smiles as if it’s not a big deal, but to me, it is. If Angie is trying to avoid me, I want to know why.
While the other guys are talking, I take the chance to have a word with Calla. “I don’t want to disturb her if she’s busy, like with that guy you told me about. Did she go out with him again?”
“You mean Fraser? Yes, she did. Wait, you mean you haven’t spoken about dating?”
I scratch the back of my head. “Not yet.”
“Oh. Still, it’s good she’s decided to go ahead and give it a go, isn’t it?”
My blood freezes in my veins. I should be happy for her. Angie has had a crap few years and deserves to be happy. I just don’t like the idea of anyone I don’t know taking her out.
“Tommy?” Calla brings my attention back into the room.
“Sorry, Cal. Yeah, that’s great. I’m pleased.”
I’m not, but I don’t want to sound like an arsehole.
“Hmm, what’s going on? I can tell something is on your mind.” Her eyes narrow towards me. “Wait a minute. You’re not harbouring old feelings for her, are you? Because you two were together a hundred years ago and you were the one that screwed up the first time around. She won’t?—”
I hold up my hand. “Let me stop you there, Cal.” I chuckle. “I can tell you right now, it’s nothing like that. I’m just worried about her. She’s vulnerable. I don’t want anyone taking advantage.” It’s the truth.
Calla squeezes my hand. “You have nothing to worry about, I promise. Fraser is lovely; a total gentleman, and I think she likes him.”
