“I’ve got an interview here.”
My stomach drops, “What do you mean?”
“Exactly that, I saw Rosie’s advert in the local paper. I’m hoping she’ll take me on.”
“You?” I don’t mean to sound so rude, but it’s a shock.
“Yeah, if it’s not too weird for you.”
“Of course it’s weird for her you idiot,” Angie says.
“Hmm, not sure you’ve thought this through Scottie,” Ash follows.
“I really need the work,” Scott looks straight at me, “and to be honest Calla if I realised you were working here too, I probably wouldn’t have gone for it, but I called Rosie and arranged?—”
“No, yeah, sure. You go ahead,” I find myself saying.
“You sure?” he asks again.
“Yeah, yes, it’s okay.” Ash squeezes my hand. He must know this is taking a lot from me.
We stand around for a moment, the four of us looking at each other, not knowing what to say. “I should go, or I’ll be late,” Scott says. “Good to see you again, Angie,” he nods.
“Wish I could say the same knobby,” Scott laughs, although Angie is quite serious.
He then turns to Ash, “Let’s get together for that beer soon, yeah.” He points a finger his way.
“Sure man,” Ash lifts his chin.
“Guess I’ll see you inside Cal.”
I smile, still not quite able to look him squarely in the eye.
I raise an eyebrow in Ash’s direction as I watch Scott go inside before bringing my finger to my mouth and chewing on my nail.
“Hey, are you alright with that? I can go and have a word.” Ash wraps his arm around my shoulder.
“And if lover boy doesn’t do it, I can,” Angie jumps in. “I don’t mind roughing old Knoxie up a bit.”
“No, there’s no need,” I reassure them both.
“I know you won’t make a fuss, but as I can’t see Ash letting him get away with much, I’ll let it go.” Angie side-eyes Ash with a smile. “I’ve got to get to work myself. We have a hot new manager at the theatre, and I want to get in his good books,” she winks then kisses my cheek. “It will be okay, Cal.” Then she squeezes my arm before walking away. “See she gets in there safely, Ash. I’m counting on you,” she calls over her shoulder.
“Got it,” he calls back with a grin. “Like I need pointers on how to look after you.”
I smile up at him, but he must see through me.
“Are you sure you’re okay? I can have him out of there before Rosie’s noticed he’s around,” Ash asks, running his fingers through my hair. He doesn’t realise he’s soothing my rapid nervous heartbeats.
For a moment, I think while taking in a deep breath. I blow it out with my reply, “I’ve got to get on with it. I can’t keep running away and maybe it’s time to give him the benefit of the doubt.” I carry on chewing my nail again, but this time, Ash takes my hand away.
“Promise? You don’t look too sure.” He leans forward as I spring up on my tiptoes to meet him halfway. My eyes close to his soft lips pressing against mine and for a few shortseconds, my worries soothe away. I come back down to earth slowly, opening my eyes to the sight of his smile. “I promise.” Ash pulls me towards his chest, while the turmoil of emotions soon returns at the prospect of working with Scott. His arms fold around me, holding me close. “Wow, Scott really did a number on you back then, didn’t he?”
I let out a hard breath, not revealing what went down between Scott and me. I don’t want anyone to know. It was too humiliating.
“I don’t think I understood how much he got under your skin until now. I’m sorry Cal if I had any idea at the time, I could have helped you two sort it out.”
“Not sure you could have resolved anything but thank you,” I smile.
