Page 33 of Wish You Once More
I wished I’d never got involved.
I wanted to go back to Manchester and forget about everything here.
But I couldn’t let anyone down. Not Jonny, not Dad, and definitely not Bree.
16
Bree
The escape route I’d planned got thwarted the moment I bumped into Mat. I’d told Darla I had a headache and needed to go home for a bit, but I’d be back later to help with the final clean up if I felt better. Reluctantly, she agreed to look after the information point in my absence and let me go. So focused on messaging Callie and letting her know my plan, I didn’t notice someone coming towards me until it was too late.
His touch heated my skin and sent shivers down my spine at the same time.
It always had.
I hated how my body reacted to him, giving away how I really felt.
I wanted to be angry with him still, but it was getting harder and harder.
“I was popping out to get a drink,” I said, making something up on the spur of the moment.
“Like there aren’t enough people selling all sorts of shit in there.” Jonny jerked a thumb towards the park.
“True, but who wants to get ripped off when I can nip into the supermarket and get something for half the price?” I felt bad for dissing the suppliers. They were mostly local bars and restaurants using the festival as a takeaway outlet. But I had to say something to explain away why I was about to disappear only minutes before The JRs were due to play.
“Shouldn’t you be onstage already?” Scott, Rosie and Mat’s girlfriend approached us. “Shit, Jonny, you should know Mat’s always the last to arrive.”
“Prick,” Mat half-snorted, his hands dropping away from my arms. “That crown is reserved for you. You always like to make an entrance.”
Scott’s gaze fell on me. “Hey, Bree, you want to watch with us?”
I could think of nothing I’d like less. “Thanks, but I should get back to my duties.”
“Come on. I’m sure you can escape for a little while? These guys won’t be on for longer than three quarters of an hour.” His wide smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Please?” begged Mat’s girlfriend. “You don’t know what it’s like playing gooseberry with these two. I could do with the company.” She reached out and grabbed my arm. Did she even know who I was?
Standing with her, Scott and Rosie filled me with horror. I wasn’t a part of their gang. Even when I’d been with Mat, I never had been. Scott had never been friendly to me, treating me like more of a distraction than Mat’s girlfriend. His offer probably had some underlying meaning I didn’t get, like he needed me out of the way.
“Bree?” Mat’s brown eyed gaze sought out mine.
One word. A question.
And I couldn’t deny him. Never had been able to.
“Okay.” The word slipped out of my mouth despite my brain telling me otherwise.
In contrast to Scott’s, Mat’s smile warmed through my entire body. Before I knew what had happened, Mat leaned towards me and kissed my temple. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the other woman stiffen.
“Well, now you’ve agreed your viewing arrangements, we should go and set up.” Jonny pulled Mat away from me.
“Yeah, Darla hates it if you’re late,” I added, trying to calm my racing pulse.
“We’ll see you after?” The question from Mat appeared to be directed at me, but Rosie answered instead.
“Waiting with beers and burgers.” She grinned. “I’m sure you’ll be amazing.”
Mat and Jonny disappeared into the confines of the park, and the four of us followed at a slower pace. Mat’s girlfriend linked arms with me.
