Tommy’s words hit me then. What kind of reaction did I expect? If this were the other way around, would I take the news with a pinch of salt? No way. I’d be going out of my mind.
“If you want this thing with you and Cal to work, you can’t go chasing other pussy man?—”
“For fuck’s sake, Brett. Have you been listening to anything we’ve said in the last five minutes? When will you get it in your head—I didn’t do anything, okay? I fucking didn’t,” I shout, turning towards him.
He holds his hands up. “Alright, alright. I was just winding you up a little.”
“Just don’t. I’m wound up as tight as I’ll go.”
The boys go quiet. They probably don’t know what to say, and just as I finish my outburst, Bernie enters the room.
“Hope I’m not interrupting anything?”
“Nope, just chewing his ear off about this morning.” Brett strides over to the water cooler, pouring himself a long glass.
“I told you this would happen, Ash. You let the boys down.”
“I got it Bern.” I press my lips together knowing the boys don’t think that. They’re just trying to help. “I don’t intend to let anyone down in the future.”
“Good, because the band is going off like a rocket. I need you here, ready to roll.”
“As I said, I’m all in.”
“Good.” Bernie smirks. “Let’s get to work. You’ve got a podcast with Capital Radio in 20 minutes and a full evening of interviews.” He’s about to leave when he catches, himself. “Oh, and Ash? If I catch you so much as contemplating a visit to Calla’s tonight?—”
“You have no worries there, Bernie. She’d probably slam the door in my face.”
Then he leaves the room, nodding in understanding.
If there’s one thing I’m learning about Bernie, he’s not stupid. He probably knew all along where I was last night but decided not to give me grief about it.
Bernie wasn’t wrong about back-to-back interviews, and by the end of the day, I’m washed out. I love our songs, but I’ve sung the acoustic version ofHonestymore times than I wanted. We couldn’t have picked a worse number. It stung like a bitch.
What I want to do right now is jump back in a cab and head straight to Cal’s. We left too much unsaid, and it’s tearing me apart, but what can I do? We have a flight to catch, so there’s no way I can get there. How the fuck will I cope without her.
It’s while we’re waiting in the lobby of the Rosewood Hotel, I spot a hot and bothered Dani marching towards me. What the fuck does she want?
“Get over here,” she signals. I turn to look at the boys who give me a quizzical look. I’m in for a mouthful. Her voice is low when she growls, “What the hell did you say to my father this morning?”
“Nothing. Why?”
“Bollocks. He’s just given me a formal warning. My own father!”
“You know what Dani? I don’t care. You fucked things up for me with Cal, which reminds me, how did you know I was with her this morning?”
“Oh, I didn’t. I was calling to letyouknow we’d madebreakfast TV. It was a bonus when Calla answered. I couldn’t believe my luck.”
“You bitch.”
“Not really. You deserved it.”
“Calla didn’t. How could you be so cruel? Do you realise what you’ve done?”
“And do you know how much time and effort I’ve put into this band? How much of a financial investment you are? You can’t just swan off when it suits, just because you’re missing your girlfriend.”
“Don’t change the subject. You knew about this whole thing with the press before you had any idea I was with Cal, right?”
“Maybe. As I said, speaking to her this morning was a bonus.”
