Chapter 5 #2
All eyes are on Ash, but he looks away to focus on his fingertips which have found their way to my bare arms. He layers my skin with goosebumps as they gently brush back and forth.
If I’m honest, it’s a little unexpected and completely distracting, but I’m sure he’s using this opportunity as a moment to contemplate.
At least I think he is. My focus is torn between the tingling sensation of my skin and by Dani giving me dagger eyes right now.
I turn my attention back to Bernie, who is waiting for Ash’s answer with raised brows. “Come on, Ash; you must have thought about something similar. You have the resources at your disposal to do practically anything you want. As a songwriter, your opinion is key.”
Now, why do I get a feeling Ash is being tested this time?
“I want Koolum Law to have some edge so it could be a good way to go. Some of the most iconic bands use an orchestra.”
“And which bands are those,” Dani asks, boredom to her tone.
“Aerosmith can turn a mediocre love song into a rock masterpiece. U2 is another great example of rock meeting classic and even Oasis, but to be honest, I’m not sure we need a full orchestra. What if we were the band who gave you everything?”
Dani turns her nose up, “Not sure it will really work,” she snarls.
“You need to listen to the artist,” Bernie says in her direction. “Okay,” he squints, placing one finger over his mouth, “Go on, Ash.”
Ash smiles, “I’d go back in time. I’m thinking Electric Light Orchestra or Earth Wind and Fire.
They both have legendary music, but the thing they have above many other musicians is everything.
Every voice and every instrument are within their existing band.
Each has a violin player, a saxophonist, a bass player and I think you could start with what we have.
Maybe look within the band before you bring in outsiders.
You said yourself you’re getting to know us, but you’ve yet to explore our full potential. ”
I find myself butting in. “The guys are already musicians, which nowadays, is a notch above most boy bands who only have their voices to rely on. Did you know Ash can play not only the guitar but also the piano?”
“I did not,” Bernie answers while at the same time, I notice the gentle strokes of Ash’s hand to my skin stop abruptly. I feel him shift in his seat and look at me. “How did you know about the piano?”
“I remember you having lessons at school. You probably don’t know this, but I used to sit outside the music room and listen to you play at least once a week; sometimes twice if I didn’t have a netball match. It was the sweetest sound.”
We have, what I can only describe as another moment, and I’m sure the entire table is witness to it.
While I follow the curve of Ash’s beautiful mouth, my eyes occasionally flicker towards his.
I realise then, Ash’s focus is on me. We stop when one of our party clears their throat and we remember where we are.
I realise it must have been Bernie because he says, “I wonder what other talents lie within this band.”
Brett saves us any further embarrassment. “Ten years of trumpet lessons over here. I might be a little rusty, but I’m sure I could pick it up again.”
“Just drums and percussion mainly, but I like to play acoustic guitar too,” Tommy adds.
Max says, “I played the violin for a little while, but I’ll tell you now, I was shit, which is why I gave it up.
” His confession raises a laugh, and when we settle down, Max adds, “But I know someone who could join us if we were serious about this.”
Bernie leans over, offering a high five which I return.
“Congratulations, Cal. You get full marks for your inside information; I’m impressed.
” He looks around the table. “See what we achieved boys, just from pushing our goals a little higher. Calla and her friend here will be your audience in years to come. These will be the people who count. Calla said herself, she is your ideal target market, and this is what she wants from you. Always listen, and when you make it big, don’t forget who put you there. ”
Angie chips in at this point, “And I’ll tell everyone how I used to go to school with a member of Koolum Law. I’m sure I can dine out on that for a while.” She raises a smile around the table.
“Where did those wise words come from?” Ash whispers, tickling my ear with his breath.
“Just what I think. Bernie asked for my true opinion and I gave it to him.”
“Calla Bryson, you’re something else.”
My face heats with Ash’s words. I just wish I wasn’t conscious of Dani’s continuous glare. She obviously isn’t happy with me being here.
“Well Calla, it sounds like you know your stuff,” Bernie says, his eyebrows raised. “You, young lady, should have a job in the music business. I’m sure we could find you something if you’re interested.”
I’m a little giddy. Bernie Hill just asked me to work for him, but I’m not letting it go to my head just yet. He was probably just being kind. “Thank you, Bernie, but I’ve got my sights set on finishing my degree before I do anything else.”
“Watch out world,” he laughs, then says, “Well, I think whatever you decide, you’ll go a long way.”
“I had no idea you were so passionate about music Cal. I thought maths and sport were always your thing. I’ll never forget that short netball skirt.”
I push into Ash’s side with my shoulder. “I have more than one interest,” then I turn my attention back to the rest of the table. I have to get myself together before Ash turns me into some kind of mush.
“Anyone else got any thoughts?” Dani’s voice almost booms down the table.
I’m sure it’s her way of moving the attention to someone else, but the only reply she gets isn’t about music.
Angie leans forward. “Who are those two at the end?” With little subtlety, she points towards the girls who are currently making come to bed eyes at Max and Brett. “Any point in asking their opinion?”
I shrug my shoulders, roll my lips together and try not to laugh. Then one of the girls launches over the table, grabs Max by the top of his T-shirt and proceeds to snog his face off.
“Groupies.” Dani rolls her eyes. “Can’t bear them.”
“Something tells me they’re not interested in their musical ability,” Angie winks my way.
Once dinner is over, Bernie and Dani talk shop for a while, the two nameless girls leave with Max and Brett, and Tommy persuades Angie to help him at the bar. They are only a few feet away and I spot them doing a couple of shots while waiting for the rest of the order. I hope she takes it easy.
“Come on, let’s get a drink.” Ash stands from his seat, holding the back of my chair as I step out.
It’s while we’re at the bar, our backs to the rest of the restaurant, we hear a deep, but not wholly unfamiliar voice calling for attention.
“Ash?”
When we turn around to see who it is, I immediately feel sick to my stomach.
“Fuck me, Scott.” Ash greets him. “Jesus man, where did you spring from?” They shake hands, and a man hug follows.
“I flew in from Nepal last night. I’m nursing some serious jet lag.”
“I did wonder where you disappeared to,” Ash beams, obviously pleased to see his old friend and all I can do is stand there, debating if I should make a run for it. “I can’t believe you’re here,” Ash says, this time glancing at me which catches Scott’s attention.
At first, he smiles and says, “Hey there.” I don’t smile back; my lips are too dry, and my heart is beating out of my chest for all the wrong reasons. Then I see the very second, he must realise who I am. His head pulls back. “Calla?”
Ash’s joy at seeing Scott, fades quickly. His long, drawn-out “Fuuucck,” under his breath says everything, although Scott doesn’t seem perturbed at all. “Calla Bryson, it is you.”
“Yeah,” is all I can manage. Thankfully, Ash spots how uncomfortable I am. I’m grateful when he puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me to his side. If only I had time to soak up this contact, but my body is in shock. I never thought I’d have to face this wanker again.