Chapter 24 #2
There was only one way to play this now.
“Yeah, that’s Grace. That’s a shit picture of me though.
Was that in today’s trash? I can feel her giving you the evils now, man!
I daren’t turn around now in case I get caught in the crossfire!
It’s been a hard time for both of us really, but music is my life.
I kinda lost my way for a little while, got lost in the whole hype thing.
I get the most god awful stage fright right before a gig and that really escalated towards the end of Uni-Fi.
But thanks to my girlfriend I now have a handle on the nerves; she’s scary, man!
I mean, you haven’t seen her in action. My manager, Craig, is scared of her; he runs everything by her first, then me second.
If Grace says no then he scraps it.” Alex studied his pint, helping himself to a bowl of nibbles that sat next to him.
He had done as Grace had asked when he bought the lighthouse.
It was turning out to be the best decision he had ever made.
Craig made him feel like he was in complete control of his career, not the other way around.
“Grace is the one responsible for getting me back to work. She is the most amazing person. Generous, strong and God is she beautiful.” A beer mat flew across the set, hitting him square on the back of the head.
“Jeez, man, quit the cheese!” Cam shouted at him as his wife elbowed him in the ribs causing him to inhale the beer he had just sipped.
Alex’s head swivelled around, flicking the bird at his brother as he did. “Alex Carter, you watch what you’re doing on the telly, young man,” his mother piped up from behind her champagne flute.
The crowd loved the informality of the interview, feeling like they were intruding on a private family gathering. Mark sensed the success of his first show building around him as he brought the interview back on track.
“Why don’t you join us for a drink, Grace?” He beckoned to the stunned girl in the front row.
Grace sank deeper into her chair, praying it would swallow her up. Every face in the studio was now fixed on her, encouraging her to join their idol on stage. She remained rooted to the spot, shaking her head as she silently pleaded with her boyfriend to get her out of this.
Alex grinned stupidly at her as he curled his finger in a beckoning gesture at her. “C’mon, babe. Come say hi to everyone.”
Ann’s hand shot up to cover her mouth in shock.
Cam and Emma cheered along with the crowd as his father shouted out for them to leave the poor girl alone.
When she made no attempt to move, Alex stood, striding across the set and down the few steps that led to the audience.
Grace now hid her face in her hands, imagining that if she couldn’t see them, they couldn’t see her.
Alex placed his hands on the arms of the chair she occupied, leaning right in to speak to her.
“Babe, what’s the worst that can happen?
Come sit with me, please?” Taking in the full effect of having him so near to her caused her resolve to wane.
When he asked her to do something she really couldn’t say no.
Taking his hand she followed him up the steps to the improvised bar, smiling at his family as she did. Mark leant across the bar, rewarding her bravery with a gentle kiss to each cheek. Grace in return whispered in his ear, “You are a dead man.”
As Alex positioned himself back on the high stool he pulled Grace into his body, placing her in between his legs.
As she rested her back against his chest he wrapped his arm around her waist protectively, indicating he would keep her safe.
Mark smirked at the cosy pair knowing he was going to suffer Grace’s wrath later.
“I would hate to be in your shoes later, man. She is mad right now!” Alex laughed heartily. “Grace, this is...everyone...” He gestured with his free arm to the audience who was wolf whistling now. “Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Grace.”
Glancing down at her with nothing but pride he gasped.
“Did you really just drink beer from my pint glass on the TV? Grace Harris, what have I done to you? Did you finish it? Jeez, girl.” Grace ran the back of her hand across her mouth making sure she removed any trace of a froth moustache she may have going on.
“Sorry, baby, but you dragged me up here. I was happy sitting down there.” Tilting her head back she kissed his lips.
The spectators went wild, stamping feet and whooping as they witnessed the show of affection.
Alex tried to focus on the task in hand again, trying in vain to stop the grin that was breaking across his face.
“Well, I owe you one for coming on the show. I hope we’re still friends after this.
Grace, sorry I veered off the list a little.
You know we all missed you these last few months, Alex.
So glad you made it back in to the game.
You deserve every success. I know you have to dash off for the gig.
” Mark held his finger to his ear, listening to his producer berate him for over running on the interview.
He stupidly hadn’t left enough time for Alex to perform.
The bantering and getting Grace up on set had been too big an opportunity to miss though.
“Yeah sorry, man. Maybe I can come back another time and sing for you? But the mrs has the bike waiting outside for us; I do have to run now.” The pair stood to the crescendo of noise from the crowd.
Alex saluted them as he steered Grace from the set.
He just had to get through the gig now. Then he would know if he could really do this on his own.