Page 58 of Love Thief

“Yeah, I know. I think so, not sure to be honest, we’ll see.” I blow out a breath.

“Well, I can come home and evict them from the cottage if I need to. I’m not bothered about upsetting Gabe or Levi, for that matter.”

I smile at that, he really wouldn’t be.

“I know, baby, but you don’t have to. I’m fine. Make sure you tell Bucky.”

“He’s here, he can hear you.” I grin into the phone. “Hey, baby, hope you’re ok and enjoying yourself. I’ll send you the pictures of the day. They’ll be on the CCTV. It's like a comedy sketch. Although Pinky was making out with Kellen, so maybe don’t look, Bucky.” I start to laugh and we say goodbye.

I turn and look at the two men in front of me. “I’m off,” I say to them both. “If you’re coming home, come, but I think you both have stuff to sort.”

I nod towards Gabe as he comes out of the house. “Gabe, I didn't do any of that on purpose,” I tell him. “I’m sorry if it causes you a problem.”

He sighs, “It’s not you, Evie, it’s them. I’ll find someone else on the festival circuit. Might be nice for a change,” he grins at me.

I go home and wait to see the results of the day. It turns out the only survivor is Becky, who I actually think is the ring leader. Telling Levi she felt she had to back them both. That she couldn’t go against them publicly when she lives with them, and she is actually fine with me. ‘Yeah right’ I think. She’s had all her chances and blown them all. No, not a friend at all. And we are far from fine.

Chapter

Seventeen

KELLEN

Thank fuck!

We set off for our first festival on the Isle of Wight via helicopter and pick up cars at the heliport just outside Cowes. The buses will be at the festival ground for us to use as a base. Xan, Evie, and I will then travel back to Southampton by helicopter to make our way north to the Highlands while the others go by bus to Glastonbury.

I’m thankful we have no entourage with Gabe, and that Becky on the face of it will have to play nice with Evie. I get the distinct feeling however that Becky will not be afforded any quarter. Evie is well beyond playing nice, and I dread to think if Becky starts what the fireworks will look like if Evie gets going.

We’re playing tonight, so as soon as we arrive we’re off, checking out the staging areas and working with the venue staff. Tim is staying stateside for now, but is coming to Glastonbury next week, so we have a temporary tour manager working with us. He’s currently focused on dragging us off in different directions for press meetings. I’m focused on whatever the hell Evie is planning.

“I’m going to go with Tommy and look around the festival,” she tells me. “I’ll be back in plenty of time to see you before you go on. Is that ok?”

We’re standing slightly away from the others. She looks around the area, and we both spot Becky on her own. She lowers her voice and I think she’s going to tell me she’s slipping away by herself. But she totally surprises me and asks, “Do you think I should ask Becky to come? I know we don’t seem to be best buds lately, well certainly not since Vegas, but I’m prepared to try to get to know her better.”

She doesn’t even wait for my answer, and calls across, “Becky, I’m going for a look around.” She’s gesticulating beyond the backstage area. “Do you want to join?”

Xan looks amazed, as does Becky herself.

I pull her in for a kiss. “I fucking love you, thank you.” She closes her eyes. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea or not, but at least she offered. The woman amazes me with her capacity to include people. Even I’m aware that Becky and Gabe’s entourage have not played nice since Vegas. Evie has had a lot to put up with. And it’s not even as if I’ve encouraged these women. I haven’t. I’ve largely ignored them. I smile at my wife, my admiration glowing from my eyes.

The glow dims slightly when I hear Becky’s response.

“No thanks.” Becky smiles, but even I can see it’s totally fake. “I’ve just seen some people I know from Marcus’s birthday party. I’ll join them at the bar, but come over when you’re done.”

Moving off, we follow her path, and it’s straight to the two British models who were in our single shoot last year and were with Xan in France. Fuck, one of them kissed me when Evie was there. Evie looks at them, but I can’t tell from her face if she recognises them. They definitely recognise her and drag Becky in for the low down.

“See you later,” Evie calls as she circles her finger in a see ya’ wave and moves off with Tommy.

Xander walks over muttering, “That’s fucking trouble. I bet you a £100 they’re on that bus tonight with Gabe.”

“Good thing we’re leaving then.” The girls are trying to get my attention and waving me over. I ignore them and walk away with my band into the next press interview.

My marriage is the hot topic, and of course that means I’m getting asked the most questions. I can see Levi and Gabe are getting pissed off. I try to move it onto the music and new album due to come out, but no, they want all the information about my wife.

“Is she here?”

“Can we meet her?”

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