Chapter 18 #3
I miss when trying to catch her arm for a second time.
“Cal please,” I call after her, taking steps to follow when she runs for the exit, but when Bernie shouts my name, I know he is the one person I can’t ignore.
I have no choice but to see what he wants before I chase after Cal, but I can’t help thinking I handled this situation badly.
I get Cal is pissed off, but I wonder if there’s more to her outburst than Jade being around.
I make a quick detour towards Angie and Tom. “Angie, do me a favour. Cal’s upset and I don’t want her going home alone. Can you go after her, maybe try to slow her down until me and Tom have finished here?”
“Jesus Ash, did you not listen to me at all back there?”
I could really do without having to pacify Angie at this stage as well. “Please Angie, this is important but so is Cal. I need your help here.”
Her hands land on her hips. “Okay, I’ll look after Cal, but you better make it up to her, or so help me, Ashton Chambers—”
“Thank you,” I kiss her cheek, but she gives me the side-eye, then Tommy slaps me around the head. “Move it, Romeo. The man wants a talk,” Tommy says, lifting his chin towards Bernie.
“Ahh Ash, Tommy, we’re one track too heavy, so I was just discussing with Brett and Max which one to dump,” Bernie says as we reach him and the rest of the huddle which of course includes Dani.
“Why would we dump a track? You said we needed ten songs for the gig next week.”
“That’s right. You need ten for the signing gig, but for Brae Fest, you need nine.”
I hear Tommy first. “What the fuck?”
“Yup,” Bernie smiles wide. “You’re playing Braebeach festival this year. Don’t get too excited, it’s stage two, but it’s Saturday night and the second biggest gig you can land at this point.”
“This is awesome,” Brett shouts at the top of his voice as we flock together. We’re a little nervous, and a little excited but totally blown away.
“We can’t thank you enough, Bernie,” Max says. “Thanks, man.”
“This is what I do, boys. Just don’t let me down. Work hard and I’ll do the rest. Now, how do we resolve this song drop? We need to fix it, so what are we thinking. Ditch Honesty and keep the rest?”
“Not Honesty,” I add, standing firm. “It’s our lucky number, the crowd love it. What about Fighting Hard?” I look over my shoulder on instinct, desperate to get out of here and catch up to Cal. We have our first major gig and the only thing I want to do is share it with her.
“Fighting Hard is a good call,” Tommy says. “It’s an old one for us now.”
“I can take or leave it,” Max agrees with a nod.
“Hmm, I’m not so sure. Why don’t we all go for a drink to discuss it?” A smirk falls over Brett’s face. Suggesting a drink and a different song drop is his way of fucking with me. He can see I need to get away and he’s also getting the measure of Dani.
“What a great idea. I’ve got a few other things we should discuss,” Dani says, flipping through something on her phone.
“I’ve said Fighting Hard, and everyone agrees, so I’m sure we’re done.” I will kill Brett for this.
Bernie gives his workaholic daughter the side-eye. “I agree with Ash. It’s the weakest of the set. Now, as Ash said, we’re all done, I could do with getting home.” If one person can shut Dani up, it’s her dad.
We shake hands, slap backs and hug before we head off in different directions. Tommy grabs my shoulder and talks low in my ear. “Tell Angie to meet me back here.”
“Will do,” I tell him, but as I’m about to make a run for it, hands slip around my waist from behind. Pushing her slim wrists away from me, I make a sharp turn, knowing exactly who I’ll find at my back. “Jade, you have got to be fucking with me.”
She holds her hands up, “Hey, slow down there,” she laughs. “I’m not playing at anything.”
“Then what the hell was that about and why are you still here?” I growl.
Her perfectly plucked eyebrows raise, “I saw your girlfriend leave and thought you might need a bed for the night.”
“No. I definitely do not.”
Her body stiffens. “Why are you like this, Ash? I was good enough for you before, suddenly she comes along, and you drop me like a hot potato.”
“You wouldn’t understand,” I snap which is when she sidles up to me again.
“I’d be happy for you to come and see me once you’ve finished with her tonight.”
“For fucks sake Jade, have some self-respect.” I push past her with nothing but disgust in my gut.
Her response is quick. “That girl will ruin you and your career. She isn’t good enough for you, Ash. She’s a cling-on.”
“Fuck off Jade, do you have a good word to say about anyone?” I shout over my shoulder.
“That would depend.”
“I can’t deal with this right now. I’ve got somewhere to be,” I mumble, striding away from her and I don’t expect her to call back.
“She better get used to seeing girls hanging off your neck. This is your life now, Ash.”
“What did you say?” I ask, although it’s now obvious why Jade is hanging around. Those were Dani’s words falling from her mouth.
“I bet you have a different girl in your bed every night from now on. Your girlfriend better get used to it, that’s all.”
“Bollocks to that,” I say under my breath while I walk away. “I’m a musician, not a player,” and the only person I need to prove that statement to, has just walked out on me.