“So, the bottom line is, Chelsea claims you had an affair while you two were married and is citing…” Alex scans through his paperwork, “Angela Knox as the person you had an affair with, thus ending your marriage.”
“Fucking unbelievable.” I sit way back in my chair, looking up at the ceiling and rubbing my hands down my face. “She’s the one having the affair, and I’ve got witnesses to prove it.” I glance at Max, who nods.
“Then let’s use them. It’s your decision how you go forward with this, but we could easily counter her claim and add she had an affair before you.”
“I didn’t have an affair at all. She made all that shit up. I swear she’s got an obsession with Angie, but it’s all in her head. At this point in time, we’re friends, nothing more.”
“Then what do you want to do, Tom?” Alex asks.
I look at Max because we both know this is going to affect the band. “You know me and Ash will support whatever you decide. We’re here for you,” Max says, and I appreciate it.
“Thanks, dude.” I slap his shoulder.
Dylan and Chelsea’s affair isn’t public knowledge yet. Somehow, they’ve kept it under the radar, but it won’t be long before it comes out to bite them on the arse. When it does, I’m certain the hate towards them will be real, but it could affect me too. I know her solicitors will ask questions and they’ll probably accuse me of neglecting my wife. I’mprepared for the bullshit they throw my way, but I won’t have Angie dragged into this.
“Chelsea has no proof, and I can’t afford for Angie’s name to get dragged through the mud. It’s not fair, man. She’s a single mum with enough going on in her life.”
“So, get in there first. We could press ahead and cite Dylan as the major factor for the failing of your marriage.”
“No. She’s bound to retaliate and throw Angie’s name in the ring. I can’t risk it.”
“Then I suggest trying to settle this out of court and talk face to face. It should prevent any shit-throwing.”
“Let’s do it. The sooner this is over, the better.”
Before we leave the restaurant, me and Max spend time talking to the owner and taking selfies with a few diners that ask. As we’re about to go, I spot a familiar face. Fraser is hand-in-hand with a pretty blond chick who isn’t Angie. He’s bold as fuck as they follow the waiter to a table tucked at the back of the restaurant.
“What the—” I say out loud.
“What is it?” Max asks, following my line of sight. His eyes look back towards me in question. “What’s the problem?”
“You see that guy over there? Cream jacket, blue shirt?”
“Yeah, I see him. Didn’t he date Angie?”
I lift my chin in his direction. “He still is.”
Max glances in Fraser’s direction just as he reaches over the table, takes his date by the hand, then kisses the back while looking into her eyes.
“Fucking arsehole.” I see red, striding towards them with my eyes firmly glued on his smug face. There’s nothing butnoise around me from Max’s calls, chairs scraping against the tiled floor, and voices telling me to stop.
“Jesus, Tommy.” Max is right behind me, and behind him is Ray, but it’s too late. I’m already on my way to explain to this prick exactly how I see it. I knock empty chairs to the floor and push past a couple of guys who just step back and don’t complain. Steaming with rage, I grab Fraser’s shirt at the neck before he has any time to process. A collision of noise fills the restaurant when I push him back against the wall.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” he calls out, putting his hands up in front of him in defence as bewildered diners fall silent or chatter in loud whispers. “What’s your problem?”
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I shout in his face.
His response isn’t what I expect. “Tommy Graham? Fucking hell, you’re joking. It’s an honour.” Is that all he has to say for himself? He looks behind me at Max and Ray. “Holy shit, Max Benning is here too?”
I lose my patience and grip his shirt a little tighter. “What the fuck are you playing at?”
“I’m just having lunch with a friend.” His voice is high-pitched and shaky. “What have I done?”
“It looks a little more than friendly to me,” I say, making my point by slamming his body against the wall.
Ray’s voice rings in my ears. “Stay calm, Tommy.” His hand lands on my arm.
Fraser looks past me and speaks directly to Ray like he’s the one to save him. Maybe he is. “Hey, I don’t know what’s going on here, but I’ve done nothing wrong,”
