Page 28 of Waste
Shelley sat up. She was suddenly much more agreeable. “Huh, you did?”
“Yup. I ordered six from your wish list. That’ll keep you busy for a while!”
“Nice,” she drawled, appreciating her brother a bit more.
“And just in case, Mum and Dad also sent you an e-reader gift card for you to catch up on your reading,” Charlie added.
Shelley beamed at him, forgiving Charlie his bromance with Drew.
Drew
“Let’s address the elephant in the room,” Charlie said, making Shelley and Drew look at him. “You’re a massive superstar, mate. Why were you in our small town?”
Drew laughed as Shelley rolled her eyes. “Charlie!”
“It’s fine. I was recording a video there. It was kept quiet because I’m not a huge fan of the paparazzi, nor do I like crowds. I’m quite a private man in truth, and I don’t enjoy being the focus of attention, which is at odds with my career,” Drew replied.
“Got to admit, that seems a strange choice for someone who shuns publicity,” Charlie stated.
“I love singing, and I enjoy producing music. It’s better when people sing along with me. The fans are usually fantastic, but a tiny number take matters too far. I’ve had fans camped outside my home, lunatics trying to break into my hotel room, and don’t get me started on the paparazzi,” Drew said.
“You seem pretty humble,” Charlie drawled, and Shelley gasped. Was that an insult?
Drew laughed. “Why wouldn’t I be? I was blessed with a good voice; that doesn’t equate to being self-entitled about it. Four years ago, I earned a lucky break and became popular. I could have done without the famous part, but it is what it is. Just because I’ve got talent doesn’t mean I’m special.”
“Actually, that does,” Shelley replied, and Drew offered a crooked grin.
“People like my voice; others might hate it. It’s a toss of a coin. I’m fortunate, but that doesn’t entitle me to act like a diva,” Drew added.
“No?” Shelley teased, and Drew laughed.
“I bet the women flock to you, mate,” Charlie said, and Drew frowned.
“Yes, but nobody worth knowing. They seek either fame, fortune, or to baby trap me. They want Drew Martin, a country singer. But that’s only a tiny part of me. I’m dead happy, settled in an armchair with a glass of good scotch and a roaring fire. I make model kits, like you, Shelley, and that’s my perfect idea of an evening.”
“Not the red carpet?” Shelley murmured, holding Drew’s eyes.
“No, that’s for those seeking attention. I’m not. Seriously, I love being at home,” Drew replied.
“But surely you enjoy the touring. I bet you’ve visited some countries,” Charlie said.
“Yeah, I’ve toured a lot, but there is nothing like home.” Drew didn’t mention that the big apartment he lived in wasn’t home. The castle was. Sure, people saw him enter his London property, but he disappeared into his bedroom and headed straight for the full-length mirror there.
The press called him reclusive, and Drew wasn’t inclined to deny the accusation. He rarely gave interviews and had a tiny social media presence. His publicist despaired at Drew’s lack of ambition in pushing his public persona. Drew wasn’t worried about the Hunters connecting him with Ghoul.
It didn’t appear they knew the Legends could shift, and it was a zealously guarded secret. Drew would love his fame for the next ten years before dying quietly and retiring from the spotlight. He wasn’t very bothered about that. Being famous was a byproduct of his enjoyment of singing. Plus, with the surrounding magic, if he wanted to rejoin society, he could always use a glamour, although sometimes Hunters could detect them.
“Are you okay?” Shelley asked, leaning forward, and Drew realised he’d drifted off with his thoughts.
“Yes, fine. Sorry,” Drew replied. “When we get to my chalet, I’ve hired several guards, who’ll protect us from prying eyes.”
“Do you usually have security around?” Charlie asked.
“Not at my private homes. But with Shelley being targeted, I thought it necessary,” Drew said, and Charlie nodded.
Despite their age gap, which Drew felt keenly, he liked Charlie. The guy was rather upfront and in your face. What you saw was what you got. Charlie didn’t put on a front while hidinghis true self. Instead, the man let it all hang out, and you either liked him or not. It didn’t bother Charlie.
Whereas Drew noted Shelley was quieter but no less strong than her brother. It was a quiet strength, which Drew admired. Somehow, Shelley was worming her way past his walls, and she wasn’t doing it deliberately. Drew found himself fascinated by her and wanted to know what she was thinking. He didn’t feel a bond between them, but he was attracted to her.
