“Think of it like balm for my poor tortured soul?”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but sure,” Bo said, with a chuckle. He really did want the best for his friend. “And keep me posted. I want photos. You know the drill.”
They finished the call. Bo was acutely aware of the sudden silence. Here he was sitting on his bed after a horrible shift at work. He’d been using overtime, and meaningless night’s out to try to stop himself from dwelling on what could have been but look where it got him.
Nowhere.
Chapter Two
Ravi’slifehadturneditself on its head. One moment he was running from a broken heart—okay, so maybe that was a slight exaggeration, but hewashurting—and a few months later he was in one of the top restaurants in Sydney. Fine dining wasn’t usually his thing, but he had to admit it was nice being waited on hand and foot. He accepted the vodka tonic from the girl serving drinks. She gave him a wide smile before disappearing into the crowd and leaving him in relative peace. He settled back against the leather banquette in the dim corner where he’d taken refuge earlier in the evening. The late lunch had turned into afternoon drinks, followed by dinner, then they’d all migrated to the bar area for even more drinks, and he was now pleasantly buzzed, if a little tired. He chuckled.So much for living the high life.
Parker slipped into the seat next to him. “Having a good time?”
“It’s pretty awesome. I forgot what it was like hanging out with the band.”
“I know right? But thank God I don’t have to do this every day. I don’t think I could cope with the fans all the time. Some of them are so pushy.”
“Not to mention all the booze.” Ravi indicated his glass.
Parker laughed. “I’ll take you to a health retreat when the band leave so your liver can have a chance to recover. I owe you, mate.”
“Like it was a hardship to take this holiday with you.” Ravi rolled his eyes and nudged Parker with his elbow. They’d been friends for years, ever since they lived on the same street back in Perth, basically growing up together. “Besides, I think I’m the one who owes you a debt of gratitude. It’s good to get away, you know?”
Parker nudged him back, understanding in his eyes. “I do.”
However, Ravi was grateful Parker didn’t pick up that thread of conversation. He didn’t think he’d be up to talking about Bo, and how much it had hurt when Bo had insisted they stop seeing each other. That’s why this trip away was good—giving him some space to sort himself out. It had been months ago, but he still hadn’t gotten over it, although he was doing his best to move on.
And what better way to forget being dumped on your arse by hanging out with one of Australia’s top bands.
HyperOctane had been huge on the Sydney band scene for years and had recently hit the big time—chart topping hits, ARIA awards, and international tours.
Harvey was the band’s lead guitarist and Parker’s big brother, and it was because of Harvey they’d made the trip to Sydney. Parker wanted to see his brother after living overseas for a while, but he’d also wanted to see Ravi whom he hadn’t spent much time with either. It made sense to kill two birds with one stone, although Ravi did have some reservations.
Regardless of his doubts, he and Parker had headed over from Perth, and since they’d been here, they’d made the most of the opportunity to catch up. They’d hung out together, seen the band practice, and caught the final gig before the band headed off to the States where they’d be performing at Rocktoberfest. The outdoor festival washuge—aonce in a lifetime opportunity. Harvey had even offered up his apartment while he was away so Ravi could extend his trip, something he was thinking about.
Although he knew Harvey well, Ravi wasn’t close to Rafe, the band’s lead singer, or the other band members, RG and Gibbo, having only met them briefly. Speaking of Rafe, Ravi noticed that Parker’s gaze followed the man as he crossed the room.Hmm.“Got something you want to tell me?”
“What?” Parker’s head whipped around as he focused back on Ravi.
Ravi waved his hand in Rafe’s general direction.
Parker groaned. “He’s good looking, isn’t he?”
“Yep.”But he has nothing on Harvey.He sipped his drink and scanned the room, gaze automatically drawn to Harvey. Damn but he was gorgeous! All that wild hair and a smile that melted hearts all around Australia. Plus he was so bloody talented.
“Are you even listening to me?”
Parker tapped the tabletop and Ravi realized he’d been trying to get his attention for some time.
“Sorry.”Shit!He didn’t want to get caught by Parker ogling his big brother. That had gotten him into trouble in the past.Oh God, don’t go there.He picked up his drink and drained it.
Parker pursed his lips and opened his mouth as if to speak but closed it again when someone slid into the booth opposite. They both looked up to see Harvey.
“Hey, mind if I join you?” He threw one of those amazing smiles their way, flashing a dimple as he took the seat.
Ravi’s stomach clenched as it always did around Harvey. He wasn’t sure if it was nerves or embarrassment.Probably a mixture of both.He raised his hand to get the server’s attention figuring another vodka wouldn’t go astray.
“I’ll leave you guys to it,” Parker said as he stood.
