Tommy is still thinking, although the more he talks about it, the more I’m sure his mind is made up to go ahead. I don’t know what he’ll do about Angie.
We sit on the step at the back door, sharing a cheeky smoke. It’s not something I do often, but sometimes, I need that hit.
“What do you think, man?” Tommy asks.
I sigh. “For me, the biggest driving force is a belief we can do this, Tom. Just the thought of playing music every day and getting paid for it? It’s the stuff dreams are made of.” I leave out the part where I have to consider, not only my family’s future but also the boys in the band.
“Yeah, I’m with you, man. To be honest, I’m mentally done with uni, you know? And you've got to think about Mrs C now. If you don’t sign, you’ll probably have to drop out of uni anyway and get a job. You’ve got to support your ma.”
“Yeah, I know.” Tommy’s right. Getting another job on top of the shifts I get at the Daisy Bar, had crossed my mind already. Although busking is great, I only make beer money; it doesn’t pay the bills.
Then Tommy adds, “What about Dani. You think we can trust her?”
“Let’s put it this way. Dani might think she wears the trousers, but her dad chooses which pair.” Tommy smiles with me, then I reassure him, “Bernie’s a good guy. I know we can trust him.”
“Yeah, from what you said, he’s solid.” There’s silence for a beat, then he says, “And Calla? Have you thought any more on where you two stand?”
Every time I consider leaving Cal behind, I could choke. It’s stupid considering the short time we’ve had together, but I’ve been waiting years for her without realising. Why should I give up the one person I’ve been waiting for?
“You’re thinking about her, right?”
“Yeah. Can’t help it,” I puff out my lung full of smoke. “I’ll talk to her. What about you? Decided what to do about Angie?”
He shakes his head while I pass him the roll-up from my fingers. “This might be our only chance at the big time, man. It hurts, I’m not denying, but maybe I know what I want more. This could be a sign to deal with how I feel about Angie and move on.” I nod and agree, but my stomach sinks. If Tommy is giving in, that just leaves me to decide. Dani made it sound like the whole deal depends on me, despite what Bernie said. Somehow, I’ve got to prove Dani wrong.
We sit silently for a while; both of us probably mulling over what’s ahead. I know I am. I feel so fucking mad with Dani for making this a thing, but it looks as if we have no choice or rather, I have no choice. All I can do is talk to Calla and explain exactly how things are. They can’t stop me seeing her, especially while we’re still at home. So, I have some time. I know exactly where I have to go and who I should be with. As a band, I just hope we’re making the right move and not selling our souls to the devil.
CHAPTER TEN
ASH
For ten minutes,I stand outside the Rosie Lee Café debating what the hell I’ll say to Cal. Where do you start with a conversation like this?
I spot her through the white net curtain; her smile must earn the best tips in the house. It’s busy in there today, but she should finish soon. I can’t wait to get her out of there and all to myself. I won’t relax until I’ve talked over how much the band need to commit for the next few months at least. It’s praying on my mind.
Cal weaves effortlessly around each table, wiping them down, stacking plates and clearing used mugs. The apron she wears is long on the front, but the back exposes her short, cut-off shorts and long legs. I don’t appreciate the way one table of three lads are whistling her way and checking her out. Their words are faint, so I can’t hear everything they say, but it looks as if she’s ignoring them, anyway. I’m still keeping my eye on them when one lanky bell-end reaches out to catch her; I’m about ready to knock him out. She swerves his hand, gives him a dirty look and says something I can’t hear, butwhatever it is, she isn’t happy. A few of the punters turn and stare at the lads now laughing, pointing at Cal and egging on the lanky arsehole to try it again. I dare him. I’m dying to see the white of his eyes when I land my fist in his face. Low and behold, he tries for a second time by leaning out from the table behind her. While she bends over a table, reaching for the opposite end with her cloth, it’s obvious he’s thinking about it. My fists clench as he moves in closer,don’t you fucking dare, you scum. His hand catches the hem of her shorts, but by the time he touches the back of her thigh, I’m there. I don’t stop and think before crashing through the door, nearly taking the bell off its hinges. Cal’s bright eyes are the first thing I see as I get closer. The guy in question jumps from his chair, almost stumbling back before I get to him and his mates scatter to the side. That’s when I know; I don’t have to touch a hair on his head to make my point, although I’d fucking love to. He backs up to the counter, I’m towering over him, my stance wide and the look on his face is priceless. Cal is by my side. “Ash, don’t. Please.” Her hand grips my arm, attempting to force me back, but I don’t budge.
“Ashton, don’t let these arseholes get the better of you.” It’s Miss Lee’s voice from behind the counter, but I’m too caught up with the fucker in front of me. His hands fly up when I take a step closer. “Hey, I meant nothing by it. I was just playing.”
“Playing, huh,” I say through gritted teeth. My nostrils flare when I take in a heavy breath to force my chest out in warning. “Who the fuck do you think you are, touching her like that?” My lips curl as I glare into his wide eyes. I can’t help myself. Despite Cal’s hand never moving from my arm, I fist his t-shirt into my other hand and throw him back against the counter. “Worthless piece of shit.” Glancing over my shoulder, I notice the two muppets who thought he was sofunny two minutes ago, are now backing away. I fist his tee tighter in my hands, my face an inch from his. “If you ever take a step back in here again, or come anywhere near her, I will hunt you down, and you’ll regret the day you were fucking born, get me?” He repeatedly nods like a scared child.
“Wait,” Cal says, squeezing my arm, but I’m still giving this idiot my full-on death stare. “Just one sec.” I glance into her eyes then nod to her request. She steps over to one table which hasn’t yet been cleared, and seconds later, she’s back by my side with a half-finished chocolate milkshake. She looks up at me, smiles, then we both look back to her tormentor while she drizzles the remaining milkshake over his head.
I raise my eyebrows. “Nice work Miss Bryson.”
“Thank you, Mr Chambers,” she says confidently by my side, which is when I hear giggles from the punters behind. “He can go now,” Cal grins.
“You heard the lady. Fuck off and take your girlfriends with you.” I push him back and release his clothing from my grip. He slips in the spilt milkshake at first as he attempts to get past me, but he’s soon out the door on the tail of his mates.
I turn to Cal’s worried eyes. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m alright.”
I notice the whole café is quiet as Miss Lee shouts after them, “You’re banned for life, you lot. Don’t bother coming back.” Then she makes her announcement, “Okay, show’s over people,” as the remaining customers whisper and chatter between themselves. “And as for you,” Miss Lee turns to face me, “I don’t know what made you act in such a way, Ashton, but I’m sure you have your reasons.”
I take a deep breath, “Sorry, Miss. It was a knee-jerk reaction.”
She smiles lightly. “I can’t condone violence, but as those kids have been rubbing me up the wrong way for weeks, I’m grateful. Just don’t go getting yourself into any more trouble, alright?”
