“We’d find you a job, I’m sure. You could be my assistant or something.” This makes her laugh. “I’m serious, Mum. Please, will you consider it?”
She almost huffs down the line, “I can think about it, but you have to promise me one thing.”
“Which is?”
“Whatever I decide to do, you have to accept it. I don’t want to hold you back from your future.”
Fuck. I really need Mum to be on board with this, but as I’ve sprung my suggestion on her, I understand she needs to think it over first. “Okay.”
“Good lad.”
Tommy’s head appears from behind the door. He can seeI’m on the phone, so signals with his thumb behind him, then mouths, “You want me to come back?”
I mouth “No,” waving him into the room.
“Alright, Mum. I’ll let you know how we get on with Dani and these final details but think about my offer. I’m serious.”
“I know you are, I don’t doubt it for a second. The thing is, whatever you do in life, I know you will never let me down. I couldn’t be any prouder of you than I am right now, Ashton.” Her tone kicks up a notch, I hope she isn’t getting upset. “I’ll see you in a few days, okay? And remember, I love you.”
“I love you too, Mum.”
My mum has always supported the band. Turning up at pubs we’ve played, finding the money to buy my first electric guitar and getting our contract checked. I end the call in a much better mood after speaking to her. “Sorry about that,” I say to Tommy.
“It’s all good, man. How is she?”
“Fine. Worried and happy for me all at once.” I swipe my messy hair away from my face. “How about you? You feeling okay?”
“I’m calm. Thinking we should go for it, you?”
“I’m thinking the same and we know it’s what Max and Brett want. Are they here yet?”
“Nope. You better call them.”
“Cool.” We look at each other, a slow grin forming on both our mouths, then bring it in with a hug.
“This is just the beginning, man,” Tommy says, a smile plastered over his face, his hand slapping my back.
“My minds made up,” I tell him. “I’ll get on to the boys now before Dani gets the arse.”
“Solid. See you in five.” Tommy leaves the room, and Itake one more minute to look out the window. Shit, as one door closes, another one opens. Isn’t that what they say? I hope it doesn’t mean I have to close the door on Cal. How will I tell her things are moving really quick? It could mean our summer is cut short, unless… unless we find some way around it.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CALLA
Hey Cal, I’m sorry I won’t get over tonight. Dani is working us so hard. I swear she’s sucking the life out of us.
Missing you every minute I’m not with you. I’ll call you tomorrow.
Sleep tight.
XXX
I re-readthe text I received from Ash this morning. It’s not the first time he’s cancelled on me during this past week. A part of me wonders if I should be worried. Is he trying to tell me something? As it happened, I was exhausted last night after working a full day, and I must have passed out. At least he didn’t arrive and find me dead to the world.
Now I’m at the end of another long day. My feet kill me, my back aches and I’m so ready for the hot shower, and early night I have on my agenda.
“Okay guys, we’re done. Get yourselves home,” Rosie announces.
