CHAPTER TEN #2
“He might have. I mean, it could be the reason he decided to finally call it a day. You know he and Dylan were meant to be friends. Dylan seemed like such a genuine guy when he joined the tour. I can’t believe he would do such a thing.”
“Me neither. How could either of them do it? Tommy bends over backwards to please that bloody woman and she treats him like dirt. This is going to hurt, I know it.”
“What do I do, Angie? I’m in turmoil.”
My brain ticks over and I take a second before I reply. “There is no easy answer and we don’t know if Tommy is already aware, so I would sit tight and say nothing.”
“Do you really think that’s the right thing to do?”
“For now. Let the boys figure things out within the band first and, if your suspicions are confirmed, then you can talk to Ash about it.”
There’s a slight pause before she finally agrees. “Okay. I’ll try.”
My eyes close with visions of Tommy’s face in front of me. How dare Chelsea do that to him? “We’ve just got to hope you’re wrong, Cal, but I wouldn’t put it past that bloody woman.”
“Hey, it takes two to tango, and from what I saw, Dylan was doing most of the work.”
“Urgh, I hate them both.” The thought of them together turns my stomach.
“I’m not exactly asking them round for dinner anytime soon.
Not that she ever accepted an invitation from us.
Tommy always came alone. Honestly, I’ve never trusted her, and their entire relationship seemed a little odd.
They’re not like any other couple I know.
Their marriage has always been… disjointed. ”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re never together. Tommy and Ozzie visit us a lot, but not with Chelsea. She does her own thing. In fact, she surprised me by turning up on the last leg of the tour, but I guess she wasn’t there for her husband.”
“My God, she is something else,” I say, thinking out loud.
“I still can’t understand why Tommy married her.”
I sink back against my pillow and blow out a deep breath. “You know his reasons, Cal. He was afraid of losing Ozzie.”
“Tommy wouldn’t be the first guy to get his girlfriend pregnant, and it’s obvious he was never in love with her.”
My heart pounds a little faster. I don’t like to think of my friend being so unhappy. “Well, you’d have to ask him about that.”
Her tone changes from one of annoyance to light and giggly. “On a different note, how was the date?”
I suddenly feel awkward. “Umm, yeah, it was… nice.”
“Nice?” she repeats.
“Yeah, you know.” I bite my nail again. Thank God, she can’t see me.
“No. Not really. Puppies are nice.”
How do I tell her I’m not ready to date? On the one hand, it feels good to have company that isn’t family, but on the other, it’s strange to go out with another man that isn’t my husband. I decide honesty is the best policy.
“Okay. Here’s the truth. I felt as if I was cheating on Scott.”
I can almost hear a smile when she replies, “Oh, Angie. Believe me, I miss him too, but he would want you to be happy. It’s been over six years now.”
“Grieving doesn’t have a time limit, Cal.”
“I know, but there comes a time when you should at least try to move on. You’re still so young. Scott would want you to be happy, I know it. If you like Fraser, why not think of him as a new friend and nothing more. I’m sure he’ll understand. I’ve heard on the grapevine he’s a lovely guy.”
“On that subject, how well do you know him?”
“I’ve met him once or twice, but I can promise I wouldn’t dare introduce you to anyone I didn’t trust. He came highly recommended.” She giggles.
“Hmm, I suppose.” I’m still so unsure, but I try to keep positive. “Maybe I should give it time, but all I’m looking for at the moment is some company and a dinner date once in a while.”
“It’s a start. Just remember, a little less work and more time for you. Okay?”
“That’s easier said than done. The business won’t run itself.”
“Please, Angie?” The worry in her voice is obvious.
“Okay. I’ll try.”
“Good. Now, tell me all about my gorgeous nephew.”
I smile, thinking of my beautiful little boy. “Honestly, Cal, I can’t believe how blessed I am with that child.”
“Stop. You’re making me jealous. The twins are driving me nuts, especially at bedtime. They just won’t sleep!”
“You love them really, and I bet Zoe keeps them in order.” I smile, thinking of my scary niece and how she loves to boss her baby sisters around.
“Don’t get me started. All Zoe does is wind them up.”
“Maybe it’s time for Supernanny to pay a visit.”
“I’m tempted.” She laughs.
We go quiet for a second until Calla says, “Life will sort itself out in the end.”
“The same goes for you. The truth always wins, no matter what.”
“Leave it with me.” She sighs.
Now I’m worried. I don’t want Tommy to be the last to know about his cheating wife and look stupid, but then again, he may already know. All I can do is be here for him, through thick and thin, just as he’s been there for me.
“I better try to get some more sleep,” I say as a fresh wave of tiredness washes over me. “Before I know it, I’ll have to get Josh up for school.”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
“Send Ash my love, won’t you? And Tommy, too, if you see him. And Calla? You have a lot resting on your shoulders. Promise me you won’t let it get you down. I’m here whenever you need me.”
“You know I love you,” she says.
“Love you too.”
The line is now quiet and so is the house.
Josh is sleeping soundly and, although I’m bone tired, there’s too much information and a tiny morsel of guilt swirling in my head to relax.
Why didn’t I admit to Calla that I deleted Fraser’s number?
I was so adamant I wouldn’t see him again, but after speaking to her, I feel better about going on another date.
All I can do is wait for him to call me, and if he does, I’ll take that as a sign.
I lay my head against the pillow, now fully awake and worrying about my friend. Someone has to look out for Tommy, and there’s no reason why it can’t be me.