“Yeah, okay.”
I’m about to head out back and sort out my snotty face when Scott catches my arm. “Do me a favour Calla. I understand you’ll talk this over with Ash, but please, don’t tell Angie or anyone else. Just for now.”
“But why? Angie and I are so close.”
He looks down to his feet, puts his hands in his jean pockets, then meets my eyes. “I don’t want to be rude about her, but you have to admit she’s pretty feisty. I can imagine she’ll try to influence how you feel about me, and I want to make things right without having to compete with someone else’s opinions.” His eyes flick to Ash as well as mine.
“Yeah, okay, but I can’t keep it from her for too long.”
Ash’s hand slips around my shoulders. I’m so relieved he’s here to support me, and I show him by launching myself into his arms. He pulls back, searching my eyes. “You will get through this Cal,” then he glances past me towards Scott. “Thanks for letting me be here for her, Scott. It means a lot.”
“Thank fuck you made it in time.”
“Nearly gave myself a fucking heart attack getting here. My car wouldn’t start.” Ash grins.
“I’ll go get my stuff. We need to get out of here,” I tell them both, then head behind the counter to let Rosie know we’re going. When I get there, I find a note on the fridge asking me to lock up and put the keys through her letterbox. She must have left by the back door. I wonder then, how much of our conversation she heard.
I listen to Ash from behind the counter while I collect my things. “So how come you decided now was the time,” he asks Scott.
“It happened before I had any control over it and anyway, it’s shit being the enemy.”
When I return, the boys are laughing about something, but I’m emotionally knackered. “Okay, I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow, Scott?”
“See you tomorrow Cal and, you know, thanks.”
“Yeah, same,” I smile then turn to Ash. “I’m so glad youwere here for me … for both of us,” I say, glancing briefly at Scott.
“I always want to be here for you, Cal.” My cheeks blush at his words and a smile forms on my lips. I wish it was a possibility, but I’m sure Ash will be on his way to better things soon.
“Jesus you two. Don’t mind me,” Scott laughs, breaking my thoughts.
I grab Ash’s black Kasabian T-shirt at the chest, pulling him towards the door.
All three of us head out, I lock up and post the keys through Rosie’s letterbox as she asked. We say goodnight to Scott; there isn’t much else to say right now. When he disappears around the corner, Ash hugs me close. “I don’t think you should be alone tonight, Cal. Come to practice with me. We can grab food after. You could meet a few of my uni friends who are coming down to watch.”
“I’m not sure,”
“Please Cal, come with me.” He takes my hand, “You can sit and swoon over me while I strut my stuff.” I appreciate him trying to cheer me up, but I’m exhausted.
“I’m so done-in, Ash. This last couple of hours has taken it out of me, and all I want to do is get in the shower and wash it all away.” While I run my fingers through his hair, guilt creeps in. “I’m sorry. Do you mind?”
“Hey, don’t worry about it.” His head falls to mine while his hands cup my face. “I’m here whenever you need me.”
My lips break out to a smile. “You’re amazing Ashton Chambers.” I reach up, finding his mouth, laying my lips on his. When we part, his thumb runs over my cheek. “Let me at least walk you home.”
“I’d love you too,” I smile.
“And maybe I could help you with that shower before I leave.”
“Sounds good to me.” What I actually want is Ash to myself, but I know he has an obligation to the band first and foremost. It doesn’t mean I can’t offer some kind of alternative. I want to make it up to him for just being here for me. “Then maybe you could come over once you’ve finished practice? You could grab some food on the way?”
His sexy smirk appears, giving me all the right tingles. “Yeah. I could do that.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting.” My fingers run down to the back of his head and I pull him towards me, making sure our kiss is soft and slow.
“Are you sure you want me to come over tonight? I could be pretty late back,” Ash says when he releases my lips.
“I’m sure,” I tell him. “Something tells me I won’t get a lot of sleep tonight, anyway.”
