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‘I haven’t heard that laugh in a long time.’

‘I haven’t laughed like that in a long time,’ Rocco said.

‘You haven’t changed much; you’re still a good-looking bastard.’ Jay snorted with laughter.

‘Yeah, but I didn’t make People’s Sexiest Man Alive shortlist.’

Jay went a bit red and screwed up his face. ‘That’s all complete nonsense. Anyway, I didn’t win.’

‘I found a grey hair the other day,’ Rocco said.

‘Good!’ Jay winked. ‘It’s time someone in your family aged like a normal person!’

‘Says you who hasn’t changed either.’

‘Maybe not on the outside.’

Rocco rolled his eyes. ‘Don’t go all deep on me.’

‘I’m positively Zen nowadays. Hence me not wanting to hold onto anger.’

And for that Rocco was truly grateful.

‘I found some of our old music notes the other day.’

Jay winced. ‘Ouch, bet that was painful.’

‘Only the bits I wrote. You were right. I was a basic guitar player and shit lyricist. Why did you let me take over and be the singer and lead guitarist?’

Jay gave a little shrug. ‘Because it meant more to you. I didn’t mind what I played. I was happy to be on stage performing the music we’d written, seeing the faces of the crowd, giving them a good night.’

‘You know, I thought that a record deal and fame and all that stuff would be wasted on you. But I now see you were the best person it could have happened to. I’d have gone off the rails.’

Jay smiled. ‘Si, our bass player reminded me so much of you at the start. I think that’s why I first became friends with him at uni, he was my Rocco substitute. You know, you should meet him. In fact, I’d really like you to meet everyone.’

‘Might be tricky now you’ve disbanded.’

‘Nah. We’ve broken up the band, not our friendship. Leaving is the best thing for us. Although no one’s actually left, as they came back up here with me. It’s very crowded in Ivy Cottage.’

Jay’s smile told Rocco he and his bandmates shared a special bond. But Rocco didn’t feel envy, he was pleased for Jay.

‘I’m glad things seem okay between you and Frankie.’

Jay made a noncommittal noise and half shrugged. ‘Yeah, we’re friends again.’

‘Friends? Come on. I saw how you looked at each other at the party. I haven’t told her the full story of everything that happened, yet. I’ve been waiting for the right time as it’s been a bit full-on with family things.’

Jay shook his head. ‘Don’t.’

‘But I need to. You gave me a month so I’ve got until tomorrow. You were right when⁠—’

‘Ignore what I said.’

‘But telling Frankie will make her realise you didn’t have a choice. That I didn’t give you a choice.’

Jay shook his head. ‘There’s no point. Seriously. What’s it going to achieve? She’ll be pissed off with you and it changes nothing. I’ve come to realise that things happen for a reason. It wasn’t the right time for us then. You were right. Kind of.’

‘Fuck, you are Zen!’