“Calla Bryson, you’re something else.”
My face heats with Ash’s words. I just wish I wasn’t conscious of Dani’s continuous glare. She obviously isn’t happy with me being here.
“Well Calla, it sounds like you know your stuff,” Bernie says, his eyebrows raised. “You, young lady, should have a job in the music business. I’m sure we could find you something if you’re interested.”
I’m a little giddy. Bernie Hill just asked me to work for him, but I’m not letting it go to my head just yet. He was probably just being kind. “Thank you, Bernie, but I’ve got my sights set on finishing my degree before I do anything else.”
“Watch out world,” he laughs, then says, “Well, I think whatever you decide, you’ll go a long way.”
“I had no idea you were so passionate about music Cal. I thought maths and sport were always your thing. I’ll never forget that short netball skirt.”
I push into Ash’s side with my shoulder. “I have more than one interest,” then I turn my attention back to the rest of the table. I have to get myself together before Ash turns me into some kind of mush.
“Anyone else got any thoughts?” Dani’s voice almost booms down the table. I’m sure it’s her way of moving the attention to someone else, but the only reply she gets isn’t about music. Angie leans forward. “Whoarethose two at the end?” With little subtlety, she points towards the girls who are currently making come to bed eyes at Max and Brett. “Any point in asking their opinion?”
I shrug my shoulders, roll my lips together and try not to laugh. Then one of the girls launches over the table, grabs Max by the top of his T-shirt and proceeds to snog his face off.
“Groupies.” Dani rolls her eyes. “Can’t bear them.”
“Something tells me they’re not interested in their musical ability,” Angie winks my way.
Once dinner is over, Bernie and Dani talk shop for a while, the two nameless girls leave with Max and Brett, and Tommy persuades Angie to help him at the bar. They are only a fewfeet away and I spot them doing a couple of shots while waiting for the rest of the order. I hope she takes it easy.
“Come on, let’s get a drink.” Ash stands from his seat, holding the back of my chair as I step out.
It’s while we’re at the bar, our backs to the rest of the restaurant, we hear a deep, but not wholly unfamiliar voice calling for attention.
“Ash?”
When we turn around to see who it is, I immediately feel sick to my stomach.
“Fuck me, Scott.” Ash greets him. “Jesus man, where did you spring from?” They shake hands, and a man hug follows.
“I flew in from Nepal last night. I’m nursing some serious jet lag.”
“I did wonder where you disappeared to,” Ash beams, obviously pleased to see his old friend and all I can do is stand there, debating if I should make a run for it. “I can’t believe you’re here,” Ash says, this time glancing at me which catches Scott’s attention.
At first, he smiles and says, “Hey there.” I don’t smile back; my lips are too dry, and my heart is beating out of my chest for all the wrong reasons. Then I see the very second, he must realise who I am. His head pulls back. “Calla?”
Ash’s joy at seeing Scott, fades quickly. His long, drawn-out “Fuuucck,” under his breath says everything, although Scott doesn’t seem perturbed at all. “Calla Bryson, it is you.”
“Yeah,” is all I can manage. Thankfully, Ash spots how uncomfortable I am. I’m grateful when he puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me to his side. If only I had time to soak up this contact, but my body is in shock. I never thought I’d have to face this wanker again.
CHAPTER SIX
CALLA
“Jesus, how long has it been?”Scott smiles, looking between us.
“You know what Scott, I’m sorry to do this, but we were about to leave. Why don’t you give me a call and we’ll catch up with a beer sometime?” Ash answers, holding me with reassuringly firm hands. I appreciate him trying to get me away from this situation as quickly as he can.
“Yeah, of course, sorry, mate. Look, I’ve got a new phone and lost all my old contacts. Give me your number and we’ll get it sorted.” Ash types in his number, while I whisper in his ear, “I think I’ll just let Angie know we’re going.” He glances at me with a knowing look.
“Good to see you again Calla.”
I just stare at Scott, unable to form any words at all. I can’t believe he has the balls to speak to me. I look to the floor as I make my way to my friend. As soon as I get there, Angie can tell something is up. “You okay?” she asks.
“No,” I signal over my shoulder. “Can you see who Ash is talking to?”
