Page 99 of When London Snow Falls

I groan and shake my head. “They have to leave earlier than planned to make their next gig in time for interviews and sound check.”

Em frowns, pushing blond hair back over her shoulder as she gives me my tea.

I nod thanks, still staring at the phone as if the words blur. My jaw clenches.

Sorry Charlie. Gone to Edinburgh for radio and sound check. x

“He’s headed to Edinburgh, the arsehole.”

In the fifty versions of today that I rehearsed in my head during the sleepless night, Ben not being in Cardiff wasn’t in any of them.

“Edinburgh?” Emily looks startled too, and I feel vindicated. “Shit, Charlie.”

“Yeah, exactly.”

With a thump, I lean against the counter and sigh, considering Em as I carefully sip the steaming tea. Luckily it didn’t slosh.

“Bloody inconvenient too,” I grumble. “How am I supposed to talk to him now and sort things out? These things are better in person than over the phone. And God knows when he’s next in London. I get that the show’s gotta go on and all of that, but seriously.”

“That’s what comes of falling in love with a rock star,” Emily teases over her tea. “They leave town for the next show. Like the sun sets.”

My scowl deepens.

God help me. I really need to see him.

“What am I supposed to do?” I ask plaintively. “Just go to Edinburgh?”

“Yes.” Emily considers, then nods. “That’s exactly what you need to do.”

Aghast, I stare at her. “You’re supposed be the practical and sensible one here. So much for being my rock.”

“I’m dead serious, actually.”

“Em, that’s…that’s impossible.”

“It’s not impossible. People travel to Edinburgh all the time. Therearetrains and roads to Scotland, by the way.” Her eyes dance merrily. “Also, Ben’s dreamy and if I were you, I’d get moving. Boyfriends like that don’t come along very often. Whatever troubles you’ve had, I bet you can sort it out. I saw the way you both looked at each other yesterday like you’ve each made an amazing discovery.”

There’s a surprise lump in my throat, making it tough to swallow all of a sudden. “Yeah. There’s that. But also, there’s so much to consider. He’s famous. Which probably means being in the spotlight. Not just him, but me and you and Carys, too. What if there’s press on your door?”

“We can deal with things one day at a time,” Emily assures me. “Don’t worry.”

“I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

“We’re safe.” Emily smiles affectionately at me. “But I love that you’re thinking of us like that.”

“I can’t help it. I need to think of everything, about what it means having Ben in my life. In our lives.”

“Do you work tomorrow?” she asks.

Tomorrow’s Saturday.

“No, I got this whole week off for the trip to see you because you were sick. Including the weekend. I wasn’t sure how long you’d need me here, so I thought to put in for a few extra days.”

Emily looks terribly pleased. “Brilliant. And you’re not ill?”

“I felt a little off on Wednesday, but I think I’m cured now.”

“Then go.”

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