“He wants us to hang out with him tonight. What do you think?” I chew on my fingernail, a nasty habit rearing its head again after so many years. It only happens when I’m nervous or worried.
“I think we should. Summer is the one time we really get to enjoy ourselves, and you deserve it after studying so hard.”
“And you don’t mind tagging along? I wouldn’t ask, but?—”
“Oh, I'm tagging alright. Have you seen the drummer? He has the whole smouldering thing down to a fine art!”
A little while later, Ashton appears with his bandmates. Maybe he was still on a high, but when the warmth of his palm slips over my back, I don’t flinch or step back. I welcome it.
“You okay?”
“Hey,” I return, unable to think of any other way to respond, partly due to his close proximity. With almost perfect timing Tommy appears at our side. “You ready man?” he says to Ash but is looking at Angie.
“As I’ll ever be.”
“Let’s move it then.”
“You joining us Angie?” Ash asks, and I appreciate his gesture. Any other guy might try to get rid of the friend, but not Ash. He's a real gent.
“Just try stopping me.” Angie leans towards me, “I think he really likes you,” then whispers in my ear, “don’t go fucking this up.” My eyes widen, knowing I can't respond without Ash hearing, so I bite my lip instead. I've never felt a rush like this. Never. How does he do it? Why does he have such power over me? I have no idea, but I’m looking forward to finding out where this goes.
CHAPTER FIVE
CALLA
The town isfull of visitors. Some eat fish and chips while taking a walk along the sea-front; couples on the beach huddle together watching the sunset and bars fill up to capacity. There’s a party atmosphere, confirming why summer in Braebeach is my favourite season. I’m especially looking forward to the festival this year; it’s one of the main reasons I decided to come home this summer. It’s been a while and I’ve missed all the excitement and build up.
Every restaurant is packed solid, but the boys have already secured a cordoned off area at The Black Pearl. It’s one of the most popular places to eat in the area, famous for its variety of fish, it’s always booked up weeks in advance. Each table is simply decorated with blue chequered tablecloths, candles and cutlery. There’s a wide veranda packed with more tables, which is where we find the rest of the band members plus a few surprise guests. There’s a long table for ten or twelve where Max, Brett and a couple of giggling girls are already seated. The others are chatting next to them. An older guy dressed in white jeans, pink shirt, with mouseygreying looking hair waves in our direction and as we get there, he stands to greet us.
“Bernie, I’d like you to meet an old friend of mine, Cal,” Ashton indicates with an open hand.
“Nice to meet you,” he bobs his head then takes my hand.
“Hi,” I answer, feeling all kinds of sweaty because the man in front of me is a living legend. Bernie Hill owns an independent record label, Election Records, and is formally of the rock duo, Dunbar & Hill. I can’t believe he’s shaking my hand! I return it with a little too much vigour. “It’s an honour to meet you.” I squeak, literally while fangirling all over the place. If I’d have known I was meetingtheeBernie Hill tonight, I might have dressed for the occasion.
“And this is Angie, also an old friend,” Ash says.
“Quite the reunion,” Bernie says while shaking Angie’s hand, but she is non-plus about the meeting, having no idea what a big deal this man is.
Bernie looks to the seat next to him and the woman I’d seen earlier today, shouting for Ash. “This is my daughter, Dani.”
Here goes, “Hi Dani,” I offer, at least trying to be friendly.
“Sorry, what was the name again… Cal was it?”
“Short for Calla.”
“We were at school together,” Ash tells her.
“You were? Oh, I see. Okay then, because you know how I feel about?—”
“I know,” Ash cuts in. He seems to appease her with his answer, her demeanour changing slightly, although I’d like to know what she means by, ‘Okay then.’
A smile replaces the odd grimace she gave us on arrival. “Good to meet you, Calla and Angie, I believe?”
“You too,” Angie offers with a sarcastic smirk.
“In our line of business, it’s part of the job for artists to get friendly with the odd groupie or two, but girlfriends are a complication we can do without. Drives me nuts, but as you’re all old friends, it makes things easier.”
