Page 36 of Wish You Once More
Her words caught me right in the gut. I’d done it because I thought it was the right thing to do, not necessarily because I had a burning desire to do so. But she nailed it.
The lie I planned to tell Ellie was no longer a lie. I really did want to spend time with my family tonight.
After The JRs set, I went to find Scott, Rosie and Ellie. If I was going to explain my absence, I needed to do it soon. Plus, I also wanted to find out what Ellie and Bree had spoken about. I found them still standing where they had while I was playing, drinking and discussing what to do.
“Ah, there he is!” Scott punched me on the arm. “Great set, mate. Does it mean I need to find a new bassist?”
“Fuck off. I might have done this as a favour, but there’s no way I’m going back to sleeping in a van and lugging my own equipment around.”
His face grew serious. “Look, buddy, I know we said we were sticking around this evening, but Rosie’s just been offered a shoot tomorrow in Manchester. So we’re going to drive back up there tonight instead of staying. Is that okay?”
I glanced over at Ellie. “Are you going too?”
“I need to be back for a meeting tomorrow afternoon and the train times don’t work, so yes.” She looked disappointed. “I was looking forward to spending some time with you later.”
Inwardly, I punched the air. Outwardly, I mirrored her expression. “Me too.” I waited a beat. “You seemed to be getting on well with Bree.”
“She seems really nice. I realised it was her who was messaging you the other night. I thought you had another woman on the go.” She winked.
It seemed I needed to remind Ellie we weren’t actually together. And if I had my way, never would be. “So many women, so little time.” I shrugged, then waved at Melinda who was with a group of four of her mum friends, but Ellie wouldn’t know that. “I’m sure someone will look after me tonight.” Three of them waved back and blew kisses in my direction. I was fairly sure I’d been at school with most of them.
Ellie’s face dropped. “Oh, right.”
“Really, Mat? Got a crush on your sister-in-law?” teased Scott.
“She’s not my sister-in-law,” I protested, pissed that Scott had burst my bubble. “At least not yet. I’m sure Jonny’s going to make her an honest woman someday though.”
“And I suppose you’ll need time off for the wedding?”
“Fuck’s sake, what is it with you needling me?” I shook my head. “I promise, time off for weddings and funerals only from now on, okay?”
Scott laughed and threw an arm around Rosie’s shoulders. “Weddings and funerals, got it.”
We chatted for a few more minutes, until they decided it was time to leave. I kissed Ellie on both cheeks before she went. When I drew back, I found Bree’s gaze firmly fixed on me.
After Scott, Rosie and Ellie left I felt about a hundred pounds lighter. Not having to entertain Ellie or think of reasons to avoid her took such a weight off. I could finally enjoy some time with my family.
I sought out Dad, Jonny, Melinda and Henry, who by now were down by the front of the stage listening to the headline band.
Jonny shoved a beer into my hand. “We did good, little bro. Darla’s already asked if you can come back next year.”
I chuckled. “Nice idea, Jonny, but I think Scott might have something to say about that.”
“He always did have a say in your future, didn’t he? The one with the drive and motivation to push the band forward. Look where it got you.” Dad chipped in, spreading his hands wide. “Sometimes think I should have adopted him.” He let out a belly laugh.
Instantly, I bristled. Now wasn’t the time.
“Who was the girl with Scott and Rosie?” Melinda asked. She had hold of Henry’s hand, a plastic cup of gin and tonic in the other. “We didn’t get a chance to be introduced.”
“You mean Ellie?”
“How many other girls were with you?” Melinda rolled her eyes. “I mean, I know you’re a total stud and everything.”
“Oi, don’t talk about my brother like that.” Jonny made a face. “It makes me uncomfortable to think of my little brother shagging a bunch of groupies.”
“Me too. And watch your language,” added Dad, gesturing to Henry. “She looked nice, Mat. Is she your girlfriend?”
I felt four pairs of eyes boring into me, even Henry giving me the stare. Why was everyone else so obsessed with Ellie being my girlfriend?
