Page 122 of The Alternate Captain
“Oh, shit. Sounds like you’ve got a few things to worry about. How are you feeling about the show, though?”
“Yeah, okay really. I’ve just got a few things I want to prepare, but it’ll be fine.”
“Send me your schedule, and I’ll make sure Tom can drive us to at least one show,” she says.
We dip in and out of conversation, and all the while my eyes keep flicking to Johnny’s sister, Vicky, and her friend, who are still waiting in line. At least, they are until Vicky gets her phone out.
“And how will you manage with your classes?” Marie asks, pulling my focus back.
“I think Patrick has cleared it. He said he did, anyway. I just need to keep on top of my coursework.”
I’m trying to concentrate on Marie’s words, but when I hear Johnny’s name mentioned, I chance another look at Vicky.
“She looks pretty pissed off,” Marie says, following my gaze to the window where Vicky and her friend storm off up the street.
What do I do? Do I call Johnny and give him the warning? But before I can decide, my own phone is vibrating across the table.
Darren.
“How are things with him?” she asks. “Is he okay with you having a boyfriend?”
“I’m not sure Johnny is my boyfriend,” I say, lowering my voice. “Besides, it’s none of Darren’s business.”
“Well, you’re spending a lot of time together.” Marie raises her eyebrow, but I push the conversation back to the tour.
We visit the high street, and I pick up some new clothes before we head home on the bus, all the while checking my phone at every opportunity to see if Johnny has messaged me. I have no idea if he actually went to see Sarah, and the anxiety is sitting heavy on my chest.
As we pull into our street, I spot Johnny’s car straight away.
“Told you,” Marie says in a sing-song voice, stepping off the bus.
But I perceive this isn’t going to bethatsort of visit.
He’s sitting in the driver’s seat, head back on the headrest, and I knock on the passenger window, indicating for him to come inside.
“Talk to me,” I say, closing the door behind him, waiting until Marie is out of earshot.
“I’m going to need a hug, beautiful,” he says.
And with no hesitation, I wrap my arms around him.
“What’s going on?” I say into his chest. He’s wearing a jacket over his team hoodie, and he’s got his cap peak forward, casting a shadow, so when I glance up, I can’t make out the expression on his face.
He doesn’t reply. He holds on to me, and all the while his phone is on a constant vibration in his pocket.
He sighs after a moment, then pulls it out of his pocket, tapping a message on the screen before slipping it into the back pocket of his jeans.
“Can we go into your room?” he asks, and I nod, tugging his arm behind me as I go.
I try to clear away the open case I have on my bed, one I’ve started to pack since I need to plan ahead for Monday, but Johnny looks at me, eyebrows knitted as if he’s forgotten about my upcoming schedule.
“What’s going on?” he asks. “Where are you going?”
“I told you about the tour with Darren. We’re going on Monday.” I drop my shopping into the case to sort through later before moving it onto the floor.
“Oh, yeah. Shit. Sorry.”
“Forget about that for now. Talk to me.”
