Page 19 of Wild Tonic
Finola laughed. It wasn’t something she often did and Clem found the tinkly sound somewhat out of character. “No, I thought it best he gave this one a miss.” She caught sight of someone over Clem’s shoulder. “There’s the Beauty Editor fromGrazia, I really must go and say hello. Make sure you get a product demo, won’t you?”
“Of course.”
Clem turned around looking for another familiar face and immediately clapped eyes on Anastasia Green. The one person in the world who could transport Clem back to the age of fourteen and a place that was basically hell on earth. Her gaze swung to thePretty Rich Thingscrew that were filming parts of the event and hoped that they wouldn’t be present if—more like when—she faced up to Anastasia. She wished that Leona was with her.
“Clementine Cameron! Fancy seeing you here.” Anastasia swept in to the group and air-kissed Clem on both cheeks. “Although I guess you had to be here contractually.” She cast a meaningful look in the direction of the camera crew.
Clem bit her lip. “Finola invited me. I was glad to come.”
Anastasia made a face. “Bit dull though, isn’t it? Bunch of gluten-free, teetotal vegans going mad over avocado face wash?” Her words coincided with a break in the music and a bunch of people turned around to stare at her.
“Keep your voice down!” Clem hissed. She took a slug of champagne, hoping it would settle her. Anastasia always made her nervous, with good reason.
“Surprised your new boyfriend isn’t with you, although I guess it’s not really his scene, is it?” Anastasia stopped one of the waiters as he went past and claimed another glass of fizz for herself, not asking Clem if she wanted a top up. “He’s pretty hot.” She waggled her eyebrows.
“He’s busy. The band are going into the studio soon and they’re practicing some of the new tracks.” The thought that Anastasia was even interested in Nate put Clem’s hackles up. Her interference in her last relationship had been enough.
“Aww, written a little love song for you, has he?” The smile on Anastasia’s face didn’t reach her eyes and Clem knew she was playing with her. “That’s so cute!”
“Everything okay here?” Finola’s wispy voice broke in between the pair. “I wondered if you wanted to come and try the avocado face wash?” Her tone left them in no doubt that she had heard every word Anastasia said.
“We’re fine, aren’t we Clem?” Anastasia looked between her and Finola. “Catching up on the gossip, you know. Clem’s been telling me all about Nate.”
“Such a lovely man,” said Finola. “I met him the other night. He really does care about Clem.”
Anastasia sipped her drink and gave Clem a loaded glance. “I guess he hasn’t seen your old school photos yet. That’s enough to put anyone off.” She laughed. “Although, I’m sure he’s not that image conscious, being in a grubby rock band and all.”
Clem felt a cold hand run its way down the length of her spine. Why did Anastasia have to say that? Clem hated being reminded of her school days. They certainly weren’t the best days of her life, not by a long shot. And most of that was due to Anastasia.
“I can’t wait to meet him, Clem. Be great to chat to him about our shared history. I bet he’d love to hear some of the stories.” Someone waved at Anastasia and her hand shot up in the air to wave back. “Gotta go. Catch up with you soon. Give my regards to your brother.”
Then she was gone in a whirl of perfume. The scent lingered long after she had gone. Clem glared after her. What did Dean have to do with anything? When had Anastasia even last seen him?
“Are you okay?” Finola frowned in the direction that Anastasia had gone in.
“She’s an old classmate.” Clem sighed. Calling Anastasia a friend was an outright lie.
“My guess is that you weren’t friends.” Finola put a soothing hand on Clem’s shoulder. “Look, let’s go and get you a make-up demo; there’s a really great palette that will definitely suit your colouring…”
Finola’s words were meant with nothing other than kindness. However, it took Clem back to boarding school and the times when Anastasia and her crew would give Clem a ‘makeover’. The horrors they created had been sent to numerous classmates and the laughter that accompanied them almost rang in Clem’s ears now.
Her phone vibrated in her bag and she gratefully reached for it. It was a message from Nate and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The thought of seeing him again tomorrow lifted her spirits as she dutifully followed Finola across the room.
Chapter Thirteen
One of the benefits of the lead singer in your band having a girlfriend who owns a rock bar, was the opportunity of impromptu gigs. The Indigo Lounge usually had bands on most nights, but there were occasional cancellations, which Caro always offered out to Blood Stone Riot first. Since returning from tour, the band hadn’t played live, and it was a good way to get back in to the groove before they went into the studio.
It also gave Nate the chance to show Clem what his life was like. Two dates in and he was hooked. He was trying to ignore the outside influences that were projecting negativity on their relationship but given that both Alik and Poppy were there that night, it was going to be difficult.
He had arranged to meet Clem late afternoon for something to eat first. Earlier, she messaged him saying she was coming on her own; something about her friends being ill and letting her down at the last minute.
“I’m really pleased you still came.”
They were at a corner table in Sarastro, which was one of the busiest restaurants in North Ridge. Normally, you needed to book to get in. However, as soon as the waiter clocked Clem, they were immediately ushered inside. Nate almost laughed at the irony. Even in his home town, he wasn’t the one who got recognised.
“Me too.” Clem gave him a broad smile. “I’m not normally brave enough to go to something on my own. Especially as it’s in a rock club, I’m really not going to be comfortable in.”
Nate reached across the table for her hand. “You’ll be fine. Poppy, Caro and Eva are going to be there. Yulia as well, and she almost never comes to gigs. Stick with them and they’ll look after you.” He prayed that Poppy would be pleasant.
