Okay, whatever. As it happens Ash and I are nothing more than friends, so it’s okay but would it be a problem if we were more? I keep my smile in place, not knowing how to continue this conversation, but Ash pulls her up anyway.
“We’re not strictly ‘your artists’ yet Dani. We haven’t signed on the dotted line.”
“Oh, you will. I’m sure of it,” she winks. “And I’ve got to say, you boys were on fire tonight,” she looks to Ash and Tommy in turn. “Bloody fantastic actually, weren’t they Dad?”
“Amazing boys.”
“Cheers.” Ashton looks down, smiling. His blushes are saved when Max calls over from behind, holding out his arms to man hug Ash and do this odd hand slapping, shaking thing with Tommy. “You made it at last.”
Brett stays seated but jokes, “Thank fuck, bro. My stomach thinks my throat’s been cut. I’m starving,” then looks beyond Ash to me. “Hey, how you doing Cal. Enjoy the set?”
“It was amazing. You were incredible out there,” I gush.
“You’re a woman of good taste,” Dani says, the biggest grin on her face. Perhaps I judged her too quickly. “We’re trying to get these boys to sign with us, but at the moment, they’re playing hard to get, despite trying to entice them with roadies and better dressing rooms.”
“The contract you mentioned; is it with who I think it is?” I ask, directing my question to Ashton.
“If you’re thinking of Bernie, then yeah. He owns Election Records,” Ashton answers.
“I know!” I almost squeal, again, making a complete tit of myself.
Ash laughs, “We’re still negotiating, but just for the record, I’m happy getting changed in the bogs.” I press my lips together, trying not to laugh. “Come on, sit down. I’m starving,” his low tone and mouth just catching my ear, sending good shivers down my spine.
I manage to bag a seat in between Ashton and Brett. Tommy and Angie sit opposite while Dani and Bernie are on either side.
“You could have warned me,” I say to Ashton from the corner of my mouth.
“About?”
“Meeting Bernie. He’s kind of a hero of mine.”
“Yeah? I didn’t know you were so into music.”
“It’s my grandad’s fault. He was a massive Dunbar & Hill fan, played them all the time, so it was natural for me to get a taste for their music too.”
“I wish I’d known before. I would have enjoyed watching you fangirl a little more. It was fun to watch,” Ash smirks.
“For you, maybe. I’m so embarrassed now.”
“Hey, Bernie’s a real solid guy. I doubt he even noticed.” His smile is infectious and mesmerising all at the same time. When his arm slides around my bare shoulder, the unexpected contact of his hand briefly skimming my skin, causes it to flame under his slight touch.
“You-you’re just saying that.” I finally manage, looking away briefly. I need to take a moment while I pull myself together. It’s ridiculous how his small gesture of friendliness could make me so giddy.
I glance over to Bernie, deciding to focus on him while I can. After all, I’m in the presence of greatness here, and I might never get the chance to be this close to him again.
Our seafood dinner is gorgeous, the company a lot easier going than I first thought. Dani has an incredibly unique sense of confidence and an aura I can’t explain. She holds you captive when she speaks, which is an impressive quality I wish I had.
I’m fascinated by listening to Bernie and Dani talk business. Bernie asks her opinions on ideas for the band and how she would improve the set, but I get the feeling he’s teaching her too. I hear him ask, “What were your thoughts on the orchestra backing?”
“Difficult one,” she answers. “We’ve got to consider fan-base age.”
“How old is she exactly?” I whisper to Ashton.
“Dani? Not sure. A bit older than us, late twenties?” he whispers back, shocking me if I’m honest. Maybe it was the power-suits which initially give me the impression she was much older. Now I look harder, Dani’s pretty face, long bouncy brown hair and stunning brown eyes show a softer side. She could almost be the same age as me and I’ll be twenty-two at the end of the year. Still, I listen to what she has to say with interest.
“Strings give it a classic sound, appealing to a wider audience. The younger ones will go with anything they put out. It’s a win, win.”
“Are you saying yes to the orchestra?”
