“Let him go, Tommy. I’m sure we can sort this out calmly,” Ray says.
“You know what the problem is, you fucker. You’recheating on someone I care about. Why are you making eyes with this chick when you’re in a relationship with Angie Knox?”
He lifts his hands in defence while shaking his head. “No, no. That’s not happening. Angie called it off.”
My grip tightens. “What do you mean, she called it off?”
“Just that. She wants to be friends, but I don’t see the point.”
“Don’t bullshit me. I saw you outside her house with your mouth all over her.”
“You saw that, eh?” His smirk pushes my buttons, and I slam him against the wall for a second time, but Max interrupts, “Easy, man. Don’t do something you’ll regret.”
Fraser insists, “It was nothing. She doesn’t want me.”
My teeth grate while I study his eyes, looking for the truth.
“Put him down.” Max lays his hand on my shoulder.
I slowly release my grip but keep my eyes on him the whole time. Fraser straightens up, clears his throat, and says, “No hard feelings, mate?” He offers his hand, and although I don’t like this smarmy arsehole, I know I’ve got to make amends.
A deep growl emerges from my throat. “Yeah, no hard feelings.” Then I turn to the girl he’s having dinner with. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.”
“No problem.” Then she winks at me. Classy.
“Let me get you and Max a beer, and your security guy if he wants one.” Fraser’s childlike awe is grating on me. “It’s such an honour to meet you guys.”
“Thanks, man, but we’re okay.” Max shakes his hand, giving me the side-eye. His gesture is the right thing to do, but I turn around and walk away. Now I’m being the arsehole,but I’m not in the mood to play nice. I want to know why Angie lied, and I want to know now.
“What’s the deal with you and Angie? You lost it with that guy. She can do what she wants,” Max says from the passenger seat of my Porsche.
“That has nothing to do with it.” I scowl, focusing on the road ahead.
“What’s up with you, then? He did nothing wrong.” Max seems a little pissed off with my actions and he probably has good cause. It’s not a good look for the band. Still, I’m not ready to come out of my foul mood.
“That guy is a dick.”
“But he was an innocent dick. Jesus, Tommy. This isn’t like you,”
I don’t speak for the rest of the journey, and once we get back, I slam the car door and head straight for Angie’s.
“Stay cool, bro. Don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Max shouts after me, but I’m so fucking mad, I almost blank him out.
I bang my fist against her front door, and when there’s no reply, I do it again. I don’t expect Connie to answer.
“Hi, Tommy.”
“What the hell are you doing here? You spend more time here than you do next door.” She’s taken aback. I’ve never spoken to her like this before. I shouldn’t be sharp; it’s not her fault.
“Sorry. I left you a note on the kitchen table,” she says, biting her bottom lip.
“I haven’t been back yet. Where’s Ozzie?”
“He’s upstairs having a nap. We came over for a playdatewith Josh, but the boys were so tired they’re having a mini sleepover. Is everything okay?”
No. But I’m not going into it with her. “Where’s Angie?” I ask, ignoring her question.
“She went for a walk on the beach. She won’t be long.” She glances at her watch, probably to avoid my mad eyes.
