CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
TOMMY
My last attempt to win Angie over, failed. Now distance is the only way to change my mindset, and in time, I hope we can go back to being normal—whatever normal is. It won’t be easy. I can’t stop thinking about her.
I get that she might be confused and it was wrong of me to try and kiss her when she’s seeing someone.
I don’t want to get in the way if Fraser is what she wants, but I don’t believe he is.
There was something between us. I didn’t imagine it.
I only wish she could accept it. On top of that, just the thought of her with another man is driving me crazy.
I’m trying to keep busy, but it’s a challenge. As a band, we’ve got a tonne of decisions to make, but it’s difficult while Ash is still away, and Max and I only jam when we feel like it. I hate to admit it, but I miss Brett.
One thing that is keeping me occupied is my kid.
He still spends time with Josh, but when we’re on our own, we go to the beach, visit my parents, or play football.
Our time together only strengthens my determination to seek full custody in the divorce.
I love my kid and I want him with me permanently.
Today, I’m meeting an old university buddy, Alex Pine, for lunch. Now a big-shot divorce lawyer, he’s agreed to take on my case. He’s already sent out the initial paperwork to Chelsea, and we’re meeting for an update. Max is coming along for the ride. He hasn’t seen Alex in years.
The Black Pearl has always been our go-to restaurant and bar in Braebeach, although new owners took it over a few years back.
It’s a little more upmarket than it was during our uni days and the perfect place to meet Alex.
We should be able to talk without interruptions.
Despite the low-key venue, it’s still a major operation for Ray and our security team.
I want to drive my car, a classic 1970s Porsche 911 in Silver Metallic.
She’s a beauty and less conspicuous than a cavalcade of Audis and Range Rovers with blacked-out windows.
I finally convince Ray it’s a good idea, and he also agrees one security vehicle travelling behind us is likely to attract less attention.
It’s still one more vehicle than I want, but he’s not budging.
We get inside the venue with little fuss and, although a few heads turn as we’re shown to our table, the overall atmosphere is pretty relaxed.
Times have changed for sure. As a student, Alex had the longest hair, the roughest, torn-up jeans, and he’d never go out without his standard Metallica t-shirt.
Today he’s wearing a sharp blue suit, a white shirt, and a blue tie.
The long hair is gone and now parted to one side and gelled within an inch of its life.
You wouldn’t think it was the same guy. He stands with his hand held out to shake when we reach our table.
“Hey, man. It’s good to see you,” I say before bringing him in for a hug.
“Tommy, you’re looking great, mate,” he says, slapping my back. “Fame obviously suits you.” Then he turns to Max. “Long time no see, Max. My sister will flip when she finds out who I’m having lunch with.” He laughs. “You know she still hasn’t forgiven me for not setting you two up on a date.”
“Hey, I’m still single,” Max says, his arms wide open.
“Yeah, well she’s been divorced twice since those days. I’d steer clear if I were you.” Alex laughs.
We catch up with life while eating our lunch, but as soon as we’re done, we get down to business.
“So, the bottom line is, Chelsea claims you had an affair while you two were married and is citing…” Alex scans through his paperwork, “Angela Knox as the person you had an affair with, thus ending your marriage.”
“Fucking unbelievable.” I sit way back in my chair, looking up at the ceiling and rubbing my hands down my face. “She’s the one having the affair, and I’ve got witnesses to prove it.” I glance at Max, who nods.
“Then let’s use them. It’s your decision how you go forward with this, but we could easily counter her claim and add she had an affair before you.”
“I didn’t have an affair at all. She made all that shit up. I swear she’s got an obsession with Angie, but it’s all in her head. At this point in time, we’re friends, nothing more.”
“Then what do you want to do, Tom?” Alex asks.
I look at Max because we both know this is going to affect the band. “You know me and Ash will support whatever you decide. We’re here for you,” Max says, and I appreciate it.
“Thanks, dude.” I slap his shoulder.
Dylan and Chelsea’s affair isn’t public knowledge yet.
Somehow, they’ve kept it under the radar, but it won’t be long before it comes out to bite them on the arse.
When it does, I’m certain the hate towards them will be real, but it could affect me too.
I know her solicitors will ask questions and they’ll probably accuse me of neglecting my wife.
I’m prepared for the bullshit they throw my way, but I won’t have Angie dragged into this.
“Chelsea has no proof, and I can’t afford for Angie’s name to get dragged through the mud. It’s not fair, man. She’s a single mum with enough going on in her life.”
“So, get in there first. We could press ahead and cite Dylan as the major factor for the failing of your marriage.”
“No. She’s bound to retaliate and throw Angie’s name in the ring. I can’t risk it.”
“Then I suggest trying to settle this out of court and talk face to face. It should prevent any shit-throwing.”
“Let’s do it. The sooner this is over, the better.”
Before we leave the restaurant, me and Max spend time talking to the owner and taking selfies with a few diners that ask.
As we’re about to go, I spot a familiar face.
Fraser is hand-in-hand with a pretty blond chick who isn’t Angie.
He’s bold as fuck as they follow the waiter to a table tucked at the back of the restaurant.
“What the—” I say out loud.
“What is it?” Max asks, following my line of sight. His eyes look back towards me in question. “What’s the problem?”
“You see that guy over there? Cream jacket, blue shirt?”
“Yeah, I see him. Didn’t he date Angie?”
I lift my chin in his direction. “He still is.”
Max glances in Fraser’s direction just as he reaches over the table, takes his date by the hand, then kisses the back while looking into her eyes.
“Fucking arsehole.” I see red, striding towards them with my eyes firmly glued on his smug face. There’s nothing but noise around me from Max’s calls, chairs scraping against the tiled floor, and voices telling me to stop.
“Jesus, Tommy.” Max is right behind me, and behind him is Ray, but it’s too late.
I’m already on my way to explain to this prick exactly how I see it.
I knock empty chairs to the floor and push past a couple of guys who just step back and don’t complain.
Steaming with rage, I grab Fraser’s shirt at the neck before he has any time to process.
A collision of noise fills the restaurant when I push him back against the wall.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” he calls out, putting his hands up in front of him in defence as bewildered diners fall silent or chatter in loud whispers. “What’s your problem?”
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I shout in his face.
His response isn’t what I expect. “Tommy Graham? Fucking hell, you’re joking. It’s an honour.” Is that all he has to say for himself? He looks behind me at Max and Ray. “Holy shit, Max Benning is here too?”
I lose my patience and grip his shirt a little tighter. “What the fuck are you playing at?”
“I’m just having lunch with a friend.” His voice is high-pitched and shaky. “What have I done?”
“It looks a little more than friendly to me,” I say, making my point by slamming his body against the wall.
Ray’s voice rings in my ears. “Stay calm, Tommy.” His hand lands on my arm.
Fraser looks past me and speaks directly to Ray like he’s the one to save him. Maybe he is. “Hey, I don’t know what’s going on here, but I’ve done nothing wrong,”
“Let him go, Tommy. I’m sure we can sort this out calmly,” Ray says.
“You know what the problem is, you fucker. You’re cheating on someone I care about. Why are you making eyes with this chick when you’re in a relationship with Angie Knox?”
He lifts his hands in defence while shaking his head. “No, no. That’s not happening. Angie called it off.”
My grip tightens. “What do you mean, she called it off?”
“Just that. She wants to be friends, but I don’t see the point.”
“Don’t bullshit me. I saw you outside her house with your mouth all over her.”
“You saw that, eh?” His smirk pushes my buttons, and I slam him against the wall for a second time, but Max interrupts, “Easy, man. Don’t do something you’ll regret.”
Fraser insists, “It was nothing. She doesn’t want me.”
My teeth grate while I study his eyes, looking for the truth.
“Put him down.” Max lays his hand on my shoulder.
I slowly release my grip but keep my eyes on him the whole time. Fraser straightens up, clears his throat, and says, “No hard feelings, mate?” He offers his hand, and although I don’t like this smarmy arsehole, I know I’ve got to make amends.
A deep growl emerges from my throat. “Yeah, no hard feelings.” Then I turn to the girl he’s having dinner with. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.”
“No problem.” Then she winks at me. Classy.
“Let me get you and Max a beer, and your security guy if he wants one.” Fraser’s childlike awe is grating on me. “It’s such an honour to meet you guys.”
“Thanks, man, but we’re okay.” Max shakes his hand, giving me the side-eye. His gesture is the right thing to do, but I turn around and walk away. Now I’m being the arsehole, but I’m not in the mood to play nice. I want to know why Angie lied, and I want to know now.
“What’s the deal with you and Angie? You lost it with that guy. She can do what she wants,” Max says from the passenger seat of my Porsche.
“That has nothing to do with it.” I scowl, focusing on the road ahead.