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‘I was worried you wouldn’t come and I really want the two of you to talk. I know Jay wants to make amends.’

Rocco didn’t say anything for a few seconds and Frankie comfort ate a gingerbread biscuit to fill the gaping silence.

Rocco eventually spoke. ‘Have you seen a lot of him?’

‘I’ve bumped into him a couple of times.’

Rocco looked back to the list of names.

Frankie glanced over to Valentina, who stared back wide-eyed, chewing her bottom lip.

‘What about his bandmates?’ Valentina said.

Rocco looked up sharply. ‘They’re here too?’

‘Just Cole and Si. I invited them too.’

Rocco stood with his hands on his hips, looking far from impressed with his little sister. He rubbed the side of his face, lost in thought.

‘Fine,’ he said eventually.

‘You’ll stay?’

He gave an abrupt nod.

‘Thank you.’

‘I’ll get the glasses in,’ Rocco said and walked back out the door.

‘Will he be okay?’ Frankie asked Valentina.

‘Probably.’

‘Are you okay?’ Frankie asked, noticing Valentina had gone quite pale.

‘Do you mind if I go and have a little lie down for a few minutes? I just feel really tired all of a sudden.’

‘Of course. Can I bring you anything?’

‘No, I’ll be okay in a minute or two. You’ve got a party to get started.’

CHAPTER 34

FRANKIE

‘Are you okay?’ Frankie asked as she poked her head round her bedroom door a little while later. The party was well underway and Frankie realised she’d not seen Valentina since she went for a lie down.

Valentina was sitting on the edge of Frankie’s bed staring off into the distance.

‘Sorry, I’m suddenly feeling a bit antisocial, that’s all.’

Frankie sat beside her. ‘Want me to bring you in a picky plate? An alcohol-free beer?’

This brought a smile to Valentina’s lips. ‘Maybe later. Sounds busy through there. Has Ben arrived?’

‘Not yet. He sent a text saying he’d be a little late.’

‘Are you annoyed?’