Page 29 of Wild Tonic
That was the first Nate had heard of it. Sometimes he resented Alik for seemingly making all the decisions about the band. Not that he didn’t fancy a break in Mallorca; perhaps he’d ask Clem to come with him.
The food arrived and as they ate, they chatted about the favourite venues they’d had on the last tour and decided the setlist for the new one. Nate thought back to some of the times when Billy Walker had been alive. Billy had constantly challenged Alik and his views of how the band should be. There was such a different vibe around the group now. He and Richey were closer than ever, but the sticking point was still Alik and his attitude to Nate’s blossoming relationship with Clem. Nate sighed as he popped the last chip into his mouth. He wondered if Alik would ever accept her.
When they’d finished, Alik, Richey and Dev went over to the pool table to hustle the locals, leaving Nate and Parker alone. Nate still found it strange that Parker was his manager as well as being his ex-wife’s new partner. Balancing those two different relationships could certainly be complicated.
“You want another drink?” asked Parker. “I’ve got about quarter of an hour before the taxi comes.”
“Sure, a beer would be great. Thanks.”
It only took a couple of minutes for Parker to return with two full pints and he settled back down again. “So how are things with you and Clem?” he asked.
Nate couldn’t help a grin spreading across his face, the memory of the previous night coming into his head. It wasn’t just the sex though, he thoroughly enjoyed her company. “It’s good, Parker, really good.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. Poppy won’t be though, she hates the idea.”
“She’s not the only one,” sighed Nate. “Clem’s mother and brother aren’t exactly my biggest fans either.” He glanced over towards the pool table where Alik was leaning down to take a shot. “Neither’s he.”
“You’re happy and isn’t that all that matters?”
“If it weren’t for the amount of people who are so clearly against the relationship, it would be. I can’t help worrying that Alik’s going to flip out and decide that I can’t be in the band anymore because he hates Clem.” It was the first time that Nate had spoken the words aloud, although he had thought them on numerous occasions. He and Alik were usually so supportive of each other and to find that his best friend wasn’t on his side felt alien.
“That’s ridiculous. Alik would never do that.”
Nate knew Parker was right. That was extreme and it wasn’t Alik’s style. He changed the subject. “How’s Poppy dealing with it?”
“Right now she’s out on a girls’ night with the other mums and I imagine that you’re going to be a hot topic of conversation. They all watch that show Clem’s on.”
“Oh God.” Nate screwed up his face. He could imagine the conversations that were going on, slating him and bitching about Clem and how young, rich and pretty she was. He would put money on the fact they hadn’t noticed that she was running a business and designing her own clothing range. It had him itching to call Clem.
“You and Alik will sort this out,” said Parker. “You’ve been friends too long for this to get in the way. After all, you were there for him when he needed it after the whole Edie and Billy fiasco. He’ll come around.” His phone chirruped with a message. He held it up to Nate. “Poppy.”
Nate scanned it, recognising the badly spelled words and phrasing, always a sign Poppy had a sunk a few too many drinks. He thought it said something likeNeed to see youalthough it actually readBeed to sww tou.Translating Poppy drunk speak had been something he’d been an expert in.
“She’s okay though?” asked Nate. Despite the fact they had argued about his new relationship, he didn’t like to think of Poppy being upset.
“You know what women can be like, Nate. She’ll have found someone else to bitch about next week, probably one of the new mums in her circle. Clem will be yesterday’s news.”
“Not for me, she won’t be.”
“Glad to hear it, Nate. For what it’s worth, I actually think the two of you make a great couple. You’ve certainly been a lot happier since you’ve been seeing Clem.”
It was the truth. Seeing Clem was easy and light hearted. It wasn’t without the drama, reflected Nate, which mostly came from other people who weren’t directly involved.
“Thanks, Parker.” He paused. “I know we have a strange friendship now, but hearing you say that means a lot. And honestly, I’m sorry if I’ve caused Poppy unnecessary stress.”
“Don’t worry about it. I can tell that you’re serious about Clem and I can only tell Poppy that. She’ll have to accept it.” Parker glanced at his phone again. “Gotta go, the taxi’s here. I’ll be in touch about the next steps for the tracks once I’ve agreed things with the label.” He held out his hand and Nate shook it.
He watched as Parker went over to say farewell to Alik, Richey and Dev.
When he’d said they had a strange friendship, he hadn’t been exaggerating, but having Parker seemingly on his side meant a lot.
Chapter Nineteen
The house was in darkness as the taxi pulled up outside. Parker paid the driver and hefted his holdall out of the back seat. He put his key in the lock and entered, listening out for Poppy or India.
There was a light coming from the kitchen and he went to see if it was the babysitter. It was Poppy who sat at the breakfast bar, the cooker hood providing the glow in the room.
“Hey, did you have a good evening?” he asked. He went over to her and kissed her on the side of the forehead. She pulled away.
