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Marielle chewed her lip. ‘They have paid a lot of money though.’

‘Honestly, I know what it’s like to get nervous but you’ll blow them away. Promise.’

‘Thanks,’ Marielle replied. ‘Zennor …’ She twisted the mic cable with her fingers. She was more nervous than Zennor had realised.

‘If you need a moment, it’s fine. We all get first-night nerves.’

‘This is big for me – for the band – and I, um, just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity. Again.’

‘Any time and don’t worry.’ Zennor patted her arm. ‘You’ll slay it.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Somehow, the four of them had shuffled seats so he was now sitting on the edge of the booth seat next to Ty with Zennor and Yolande on the swivel chairs.

He’d insisted on driving so he couldn’t touch any alcohol. He didn’t want a single inhibition to come down while he was at Trev’s ‘fundraiser’. He was determined to prove he could be generous, mature and a model of civilised friendliness with both Zennor and Trev.

He had to give Trev the benefit of the doubt. His motivation might have nothing to do with impressing Zennor, and stem merely from public-spiritedness and a sincere desire to help the club. He might have changed from the manipulative and ruthless character Matt had known back in the day. Then again, Matt mused as he watched Trev hold court in front of a group of women, the sun might rise in the west tomorrow morning.

The sight of Zennor walking into the Piano Bar had almost killed his resolve stone dead. He’d wanted to sweep her off her feet, carry her out of the room, and kiss her until she couldn’t stand up. Which, he reminded himself, was all a bit Trev. She’d probably have hit him anyway.

He smiled to himself and found Zennor looking at him intently. ‘What are you smirking at? she asked, her eyes glinting with suspicion.

‘Nothing. Just – hoping the band will be good.’

‘They should be great but I’m nervous for the lead singer, Marielle.’

‘Why?’

‘She was like a cat on a hot tin roof earlier. You know how it is – opening a gig is like strolling into a strange house and asking to use the loo.’

Matt laughed. ‘Yeah, you’ve got to be confident and charming, funny, and very good. No pressure then …’

Marielle was still deep in conversation with the keyboard player, who had his arm on her back, reassuring her. She must be very nervous. He knew how she felt.

‘I’m sure she’ll smash it once she’s got into her stride,’ Zennor said.

Trev walked on stage and introduced the band. Everyone applauded warmly and there were a few cheers from the band’s mates.

Yolande and Zennor turned their swivel chairs towards the stage. The music started with ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac. Good choice, thought Matt. Everyone knew it, it was ideal for the vibe, and it wouldn’t fry the vocal cords too soon.

However, before the first phrases were over, Matt was lost. Since he was sitting slightly behind Zennor’s chair, his gaze kept wandering to the draped back of her dress, the wisps of hair that had escaped her updo and curled into the nape, and the tiny freckles on her smooth skin. And, wow, that perfume – the coconut one that would always transport him back to a deserted beach at midnight. He was glad she hadn’t changed it for something bland and sophisticated. He could kiss her neck, run his fingers down her back … it would only take a fraction of a second …

While everyone around him was tapping along to the band, he leaned forward as far as he dared and blew out a breath, knowing no one could hear and hoping no one would notice.

Zennor shifted in her seat and reached behind her to touch her neck as if something had landed there. Matt lifted his glass to his lips and fixed his gaze firmly on the stage.

She looked round and caught his eye with a wary frown.

‘They’re good, aren’t they?’ he whispered.

She nodded and then refocused on the stage.

Matt exhaled slowly and deeply to tame his rampant heartbeat. Yeah, he could have kissed her or touched her neck. It would only take a fraction of a second to ruin the whole evening and any chance he ever had with Zennor.

The band must have been good because being able to hold his attention for even a minute of the time he was sitting behind Zennor was a miracle. The bass player produced a show-stopping sax solo during a version of Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker Street’, an oldie that was still an absolute banger in Matt’s eyes.

Tyler, Yolande and Zennor exchanged a few snatched words of admiration. By the break, and after waiters had been delivering drinks non-stop to the tables, the audience was in a buoyant mood. The set ended with cheering and applause and some whoops.