Chapter 33
ED
Now
The recent piece in the paper from Callum seems to have only ignited the search for Evie and now unfortunately Paul is in the mix too.
TikTok sleuths are out in force after spotting Paul in the background of one of the photos smoking a big fat joint.
They’re close to finding him too, as someone has done a TikTok saying that he’s a familiar face on Hayling Island, although he hasn’t been seen for a while.
I’m just waiting for that call from him.
I haven’t tried the last number I have for him as I don’t want to re-establish contact if I can help it.
He’ll only be after money. And the subject of underage drinking and smoking has reared its ugly head again and the criticism that our parents have been faced with has been quite vitriolic.
X
From @therealJaniceJ
Where were the parents when their children were out partying? Why would you leave your children in the company of a known drug user? #disgustingbehaviour
From @theguitarmonster
Saw Paul Nash in a pub on Hayling Island only last week. He’s unemployed and lives in a caravan but will help clear the glasses in the pub for a few drinks. Seems harmless enough #liveandletlive
There were hundreds of assorted posts on X; some criticising our parents, many criticising Paul and many more wondering if Evie was indeed pregnant and that’s why she left.
That article has opened a can of worms, and I’m not coming out of it very favourably.
There were many women chastising me for trying to ruin Evie’s life by naming her publicly (especially if she was the mother of my child).
I still wasn’t completely sure if Genie McNamara really is Evie as apart from those hazy photos at Heathrow Airport, I can’t seem to find anything else about her as her social media accounts are private.
Amira Malik has just done a TikTok saying that tonight at 6pm she will be dropping some scandalous facts about the identity of #thegirlinthesong.
I have a dummy TikTok as well as an official account so at least I’ll be able to view it without people realising that it’s me.
I don’t know how she does it, but Amira has a knack of always finding out the truth.
I have no idea who her sources are, but she’s nearly always spot on.
Roll on 6:00p.m. I think with bated breath, just as my phone beeps with a series of notifications.
There’s a text from Virginia:
Here I am again apologising for Callum’s kiss n tells! I’m so sorry, I really am. None of us are talking to him if it’s any consolation. If you ever do find Evie, then please do apologise to her for me. V
I do feel sorry for Virginia. It’s not her fault that her ex is a dickhead, but I’m probably called worse by Evie and her family. I shoot a quick message back, telling her not to worry and yes of course I will apologise to Evie if she ever reaches out. Fat chance of that happening.
As predicted, there’s a message from Paul, swearing blind he hasn’t said a thing to the press about me or Evie, as he appreciates our relationship too much but there it is at the end of the message – If you could help me out a bit, I’d really appreciate it.
I’ve fallen behind on my rent on the caravan.
Just ￡500 would help me out. As you know I’d never say anything about you to the press.
My bank details are still the same. Cheers
Paul’s message is followed up by one from Dad.
Hello Ed, Just to say your mother is extremely stressed with all the recent publicity about Paul.
Have you heard from him? I don’t think I’ve got his up-to-date number currently.
She’s also hoping that she’s got a grandchild out there somewhere.
Any news from Evie? I don’t suppose she’s reached out? All the best. Dad
My Dad’s messages always make me smile. They’re always so formal. Like he’s writing a letter. Mum doesn’t bother to contact me. Everything comes through Dad but it’s interesting to hear that the possibility of me providing her with a grandchild would please her. Funny old world.
I ponder over the best course of action to take with Paul.
I’ve constantly drip-fed money to his account over the years to keep him ticking over, to keep him away from the press and up until now it’s been a good arrangement.
I guess I’ve only got myself to blame by agreeing to do the Netflix documentary as that’s what really started the whole thing off.
But it’s not the done thing to turn down Netflix, now, is it?
I reply to Dad, passing on Paul’s number for him.
They’re brothers and Dad deserves to be able to contact Paul if he wants to.
Who am I to deny him that? Years back Dad and Paul were so close but as Paul’s drug use intensified Dad felt the need to take a step back.
It’s just as well my parents don’t know half the stuff that I have got up to over the years, but if the price is right for Paul, then the whole world will know absolutely everything.
I open my banking app and transfer him ￡700.
I’ve given him a bit more than he asked for to keep him onside.
I glance at the time. It’s 4:00p.m. – just two hours before Amira’s big reveal.