“I’ll come with you,” I offer, but she won’t have any of it.
“No, you stay here and hang out with the boys before the big show.”
“Cal, I’m not letting you go off into a sea of people without me.”
“Jesus Ash,” she laughs. “What do you think I did before we got together? What do you think I’ll do when you’re not here? I’ve been coming to this festival since I could walk, so I know my way around. I’m good. Just enjoy yourself and relax—” She stands in front of me, her hands flat to my chest and says, “before shit gets real.”
There’s no reasoning with her when she’s like this so I enjoy a few moments to take in my amazing, independent girl. “You sure?”
“Sure.”
Angie is meeting Cal inside the festival boundaries. They usually camp together, but Cal is staying off-site with me this time as this is our last night together. Angie has reluctantly agreed to camp next to Scott—which should be interesting—but they planned it that way so it’s easier for Cal to catch up with them again tomorrow, after I leave.
Angie hasn’t been happy about my friendship with ‘that arsehole’ as she loves to call Scott. She also wanted to know why Cal wasn’t having a go at me about it. Thankfully, this should all be over soon. Cal and Scott have decided they will break their big sibling news to Angie today—once Angie hasa few drinks of course. I get she is Cal’s best friend and can’t see why I’m still hanging out with the boy who made Cal’s life hell, but he didn’t have the best time of it either. That’s something Angie will have to learn, if and when Scott is ready to explain. In the meantime, maybe she can try to understand how people change, and everyone deserves a second chance if they’re willing to give it everything they’ve got.
“Did Dani give you the passes for Angie and Scott?” I ask before she leaves.
“All done.”
“Okay, then I suppose I should stick around for Mum. Make sure she’s doesn’t feel awkward or on her own.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t worry,” Cal signals behind me. “The sax player from the jazz band who were just playing in here, is proving pretty good entertainment right now.”
“What the fuck,”
“Get used to it Ash. Being your mother is not the only thing in life she is. Liz is still young and beautiful on the outside as well as in. She’s going to get attention whether you like it or not.”
I glance over. “Alright, I get it.” Mum does seem to be enjoying the conversation she’s having with him, so why should I spoil her good time. “You have your own way Cal, but I’ll just make sure he doesn’t try anything on.”
“She’s a grown woman Ash.” Her full, plump, smiling lips draw me to her. I go in, all tongues blazing. The only thing to part us is the wolf whistles from the rest of the band as they did before, except this time, there’s double the amount of whistling. With a handful of my t-shirt fisted in her hand, she pulls me forward, giggling before her forehead meets my chest. I look over to the boys and wink.
“I can’t help it if the most beautiful girl in Braebeachwants me,” I brag light heartedly, before realising a few of the press pack are watching. Fuck it, I’m past caring and pretty happy to show off how I feel about Cal. I’m making a statement to every other guy in this room with my kiss. I’ve seen them looking, maybe they fancy their chances with her, but it will be a cold day in hell before I give her up. It’s something a few of those boys out there need to get to grips with.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CALLA
When I was a little girl,my grandparents would take me around a few of the festival's smaller stages. We’d leave by the early evening before it got too busy, which meant I didn’t get to experience the crowd. Now, I love being part of those crowds as the festival gets bigger and better every year.
The heat is nearly unbearable as the midday sun hits. It’s probably not the best idea to stand like loons in an unshaded field with blaring heat bouncing from every reflective stage light. Still, as we get older, we slowly learn to protect our delicate skin. The sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are one of Angie’s better ideas although her tight denim shorts, orange cut-off vest and matching high top Converse shoes leave most of her skin exposed. I don’t think it was a conscious decision. Her aim was to create a chic festival look, although she is beautiful in everything she wears.
Scott has also got into the spirit of things with his Oasis T-shirt, charcoal grey camouflage shorts and silver bucket hat. It’s a shame his round-framed, blue-tinted sunglasses are sliding down his sweaty nose while he tries desperately to keep up with Angie. She has him carrying a rucksack, fourfoldable chairs in sacks and a blanket. They didn’t have much to bring as they set up their tents on Wednesday like everyone else, but instead of staying, they went home until the festival got going today.
They don’t have far to come to meet me, but I wonder how they’ve been getting on so far. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea for them to come here together when Ash first suggested it. I know how much Angie can’t stand Scott. Now, as I watch them coming towards me, I realise, my worries were valid. Angie isn’t looking too happy at this moment in time.
“When the fuck, were you going to tell me?” Angie shouts before she is close enough to keep this conversation private.
“Tell you what?” I ask, genuinely confused until I look at Scott’s puffed out, bright red face.
“I’m sorry Cal,” is all he says at this point.
I look between them, Angie with her hands on her hips, waiting for my answer and Scott dropping everything on the grass to take a breather. Oh shit, this can only mean one thing.
“You’ve told her?” I question Scott, who rubs his hand over his face and silently closes his eyes.
“Yes, he has.” Angie pipes up. “I can’t believe you couldn’t tell me something so important. Jesus Calla, I thought we told each other everything.” She’s using the tone which usually scares the shit out of me.
“I’m so sorry. You know I would have told you if I could, but Scott and I needed some time to get our heads around it too.”
