Page 52 of The First Chord

“Don’t be daft. They know exactly why you’re here and are fully supportive of it. They wouldn’t let you be anywhere else.”

“As long as you’re sure. I can easily go out for the day.”

“And disappoint Simone? I don’t think so. Now, stop over-thinking things and let me get you a drink.” He pushed off the doorjamb and moved towards the stairs. “Aperol Spritz or beer?”

“Beer please.”

He skipped down the stairs, whistling like us hosting his friends for the day was perfectly normal. Like the kiss we’d shared had never happened. If that was the way he was playing it then, who was I to argue? With one last glance at my ring finger, I followed him down.

We didn’t have to wait long for the knock on the door announcing the arrival of Ronnie’s band mates. I drew short of calling them ‘our guests’ because even thinking it felt weird.

“What the hell is that?” Ronnie asked, scratching his head as Joey pushed through the door. He was carrying what looked like a metal barrel.

“Beer for you. Got it from a local artisan brewery.”

“Because he’s a pompous prick,” Beau added, following him in with Ethan’s hand in his.

Simone followed up the rear with a hessian shopping bag and a roll of her eyes. “They’ve been like this all the way here.” She came straight for me and pulled me into a one-armed hug. “Thanks so much for suggesting this.”

“Yeah,” Joey grunted. “Like I need any more time with them.”

“You didn’t have to come or bring us,” Beau responded. “We could have got ourselves here. It’s not like it’s miles away.”

“I knew I should have made you walk.”

Giggling at the two men, Ethan moved over to Ronnie who dropped down to his haunches and held his arms out for the little boy to walk into. Their hug was hard and full of love, and it made my heart give a little jump.

“This is a chocolate cake and a cheesecake,” Simone said, passing her bag to me. “I know Ronnie said not to bring anything, but it didn’t feel right. Ethan and I made them both.”

She gave me a shy smile and I was instantly grateful. I’d totally forgotten about any sweet stuff when Ronnie had asked what to get delivered.

“No, that’s amazing. Thank you.”

“Come on, Sim,” Ronnie called, “join in the hug. You know you two are my favourites.”

“He calls us his favourite little people.” She rolled her eyes but then grinned at me, showing she loved it really. I realised it must have been hard for her, coming into the group after they’d lost Beau’s wife. Cassie was Elliot’s best friend as well, so to be accepted must have been amazing for Simone. She walked into Ronnie’s arms and enjoyed the group hug.

“How are you doing, Amber?” Beau asked, giving me a one-armed hug.

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

As he pulled away he narrowed his eyes on me. “You sure? Because this shit about you having to go on tour is out of order.”

“It’ll be fine. I can keep away from him as much as possible.”

“Stick by us,” he said, patting my arm. “In the meantime, Ali is going to do what she can to persuade the record company it’s a bad idea.”

“I really appreciate that because, honestly,” I shrugged, “I would have been out of my depth otherwise. I have no one other than Amelie, and she and Hugo will have to think about Blind Devil.”

“You’ve got us now because once Ronnie takes you under his wing, he doesn’t let go.”

His words were like an adrenalin rush as unexpected excitement fizzed around my body, making my fingertips tingle and my heart beat faster.

“Th-thank you.”

“No problem.” He grinned. “Now, let’s get this party started.”

I took a deep breath and hoped that I could get through the afternoon without making Ronnie regret his decision to take me under his wing.

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