Page 26 of The Final Beat

As much as he agreed the space was great, Beau had fancied the idea of building something from scratch after Luke Mahoney had shown him and Ronnie around the Dirty Riches’ studio.

“That’s not a bad shout,” Ronnie said, coming to stand by my side. “Luke gave us a list of the costs. I mean, they were a few years old, but it’ll give us a ballpark figure.”

“We should suggest it once we buy the place.”

“Ifwe buy the place,” Ronnie retorted, tilting his head in the direction of the other room. “He’s quibbling over the price. Seems now he knows it’s us, it's worth a couple of million more.”

I’d walked away when they’d started to discuss some classic cars that Graham had parked in the garage. Cars were not my thing, they were boring. I’d prefer to listen to Ronnie talking about Star Wars and that was bad enough.

“Cheeky fucker,” I grumbled. “I hope they told him where to go.” I turned to look to where there was a deep discussion going on with a few shakes of the head and shrugs.

“Ali said there was no way we were paying any more, so he could take it or leave it. I think he’s trying to persuade her otherwise.” Ronnie grinned, knowing the guy was on a highway to nothing. “Anyway,” he said, nudging me, “where were you yesterday?”

I scratched the back of my neck and followed it with a shrug. “Nowhere. Just at home.”

“I called you and it rang out with an international dial tone.”

Fuck. I hadn’t thought anyone would try to call me. I certainly hadn’t thought about the dial tone. I should have left my phone at home.

“Sure, it was my number you called?”

“Yes, of course I am.” He frowned at me. “I’ve had it in my phone for years.”

I shrugged. “No idea then, mate.” I took a sip of the shit coffee and moved closer to the door. “You know we should get a couple of donkeys or ponies for the kids.”

Ronnie did a little whoop. “The twins would love it. They could learn to ride while we work.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his excitement. He and Amber had so much to look forward to after the shit they’d gone through with Amber’s husband, Jimmy. Everything seemed to have gone quiet on that front, though.

“Not wanting to bring the mood down,” I said. “But what’s happening with Jimmy?”

Ronnie practically snarled. “The fucker is dragging his feet with the divorce. He hasn’t even got himself a solicitor yet.”

“What? He’s not using the one that was going to sue us for kicking him off the tour?”

“No, apparently not. He’s gone AWOL. Ali spoke to Hugo yesterday and Jimmy has missed three rehearsals for their new tour.” He took a deep breath. “They’re supposed to be going on their own tour in February, it’s going to be crap.”

“They’re not our problem any longer, mate.” I slapped his back. “As long as you and Amber are okay, don’t worry about him. I know she wants rid of him but it’s not the end of the world. Just think about those babies.”

His smile was huge, and I envied him. Not the kids, because they weren’t in my plans at all, but the settled feeling, thehappiness and excitement about the future. The surety that you’d found your person.

“Amber is being really chill about it. She’s just concentrating on the babies, like you said.” He then narrowed his eyes on me. “How’s the arm, by the way?”

“Good,” I replied honestly. “My physio is one of the best.” It was going great and the exercises he had me doing were working.

Ronnie grinned and then we dropped into silence as we both hugged our mugs to our chests and stared out of the patio doors. After a couple of minutes, two big hands slapped down on our shoulders.

“Time to go, boys.” Beau leaned in close between us. “Ali wants him to think we’re walking away.”

“He’s not budging on the price then?” Ronnie asked.

“Nope. If we walk away he might shit his pants.” Beau nodded towards the view outside the patio door. “What’s so interesting out there?”

“Joey thinks we could turn that other barn into another studio.”

“Fuck, yes.” Beau’s hand on my shoulder tightened. “Great idea. I like it.Ifhe gets out from up his anus and accepts the offer.”

“Thought you’d like it.” I turned and gave him a wink. “I know how you like to spend money on shiny new stuff.”

---