‘You do exactly what I say and you won’t ever question how I handle my coming out again?’
I nod solemnly.
‘Ever?’ he reiterates.
‘Ever,’ I state. And I mean it.
‘In all seriousness, this is the plan so far... I’ll pick them up from the airport on the Friday and give them dinner super early on Friday night and play adoring son for a bit,’ Kevin says.
‘Youarean adoring son. You are a very good son. This visit is an outlier – had it been any other week they would have had your full attention.’ It’s true, no one else sees that Kevin calls his parents every week and chats to them at length, finding out all about their lives whilst somehow managing not to give anything away about his own. I see the effort he goes to to get the most perfect present for them, every birthday and each Christmas. And each year he takes time to make them something. I am not convinced either of them know that the beautiful hand-crafted gifts they get each year have been made by their son and showcase his prowess on the sewing machine.
‘Okay, so we’ll feed them and remind them that I can’t see them on Saturday and that you and Jay will...’
‘Woah.’
‘You do exactly what I say,’ Kevin reminds me.
It’s my turn to growl.
‘Pick them up from the hotel on the Saturday, wear them out and then tie them up – not literally, obviously, I have enough drama in my life without having to picture that image – tie them up with things to do, and in time for you to sprint back to Chrysalis. I know Dan is helping me with the practical side of things...’
‘Music, costume, staging, choreography...’ Dan ticks off things on his fingers and they exchange another sweet little side smile.
‘Yes, all that. But Lily, then you get yourself back to the club so you can help hype me on stage. I can’t do this without you there. You’re like my lucky pants but in ... you know ... lady form.’
I grin across at him, my ill-feeling towards him assuaged by the fact he needs me there. We’ve been friends too long for me to continue to hold a grudge about his interfering.
‘It’s a deal.’
‘Good!’ Kevin replies. ‘Now whether Jay is involved or not is up to you. It is not my job to rebuild your burned bridges. But you need to get over yourself, smooth out any awkwardness and make sure you and he have a decent working relationship. So I am going to text him and tell him I’m keen for him to be there.’
I wince, I can’t help it. Kevin picks up his phone and sends a message. There is still a large chunk of me that wants to rip it out of his hand and scream no... but he is right, I have been a nightmare this last week and usually, even with crazy hormones shooting around, I have a much better grasp, much more self-control. Plus, I do need to work with Jay, so I need to grow up pretty damn quick.
Kevin finishes tapping on the screen, shoots me a very satisfied-looking smile and says, ‘You’re welcome!’
God help me.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Jay
Iflick open the cap of my bottle and take a long glug of water before passing it to Henri who nods in thanks and takes a long draught. We are all sat splayed across the grass and breathing fast, bar Mo who sits grinning at us and looking as fresh as dawn.
We’ve been playing football together since secondary school, but Mo has been playing professionally for ten plus years now and when he can join us he makes us work hard!
Today was one of those days.
My legs may burst into flame at any minute.
I stretch my hamstrings out and see that Marcus is doing the same, whilst Luke and Keith are both just lying on the grass, knees raised, their breathing indicating they may be giving birth. Luke is holding his side and Henri is sitting up rubbing his calf. All of us work out but none of us are as fit as we used to be.
‘Yo, Jay. So I saw Jess out the other night, she’s single again,’ Mo says. Everyone laughs.
‘Uh-huh.’ I nod. I dated Jess a few years ago and she’s pretty awesome, strong, independent, kind.
‘She said to say hi.’ Mo winks. ‘Even said she wouldn’t mind giving it another go. Said I’d pass it on.’
‘All respect to her, she’s a good woman, but no, she’s not for me.’
