Page 36 of Ex in the City
I dare to mention their infamous falling out.
Mikey nods knowingly.
‘So, Nicole Wilde, family woman,’ he points out. ‘I never thought I’d see the day you grew up. They’re great kids.’
‘They really are,’ I reply. ‘Although I’m not sure how grown-up I am, I did bring them to a recording studio. Their dad had to work. What about you? How have you been?’
Mikey’s eyes come alive as he looks through his phone before he leans in and shows me photos of his wife and kids.
‘I’ve got a family now too,’ he tells me. ‘I’m married – that’s Nicola – and we have two kids, both girls. They’re amazing, you’d love them.’
‘Aww, they’re so cute,’ I tell him sincerely, smiling at the thought of Mikey enjoying family life. ‘I’m so happy for you.’
‘Thanks,’ he replies. ‘Jamie just got married recently and Taz, he’s married, got one kid, another on the way – proper grown-ups.’
I laugh.
‘It sounds like a lot has changed,’ I reply.
Mikey’s expression grows more serious, and he takes a moment to consider his words before he says anything else.
‘Really, you know, it’s just Dill who hasn’t… really grown up,’ he says, almost as though he’s struggling to get the words out.
I nod thoughtfully. It’s not just Dylan, I haven’t exactly nailed adulthood myself, but I suppose I can see what he’s getting at.
‘The old days were a blast, don’t get me wrong,’ he continues while it’s just the two of us. ‘But we’ve all moved on. Sometimes I worry about him. He’s struggled a lot, and I don’t know if he’s fully put those old habits behind him. I’m not sure anyone ever does.’
I take a sip of my tea – I never thought I’d be drinking tea in a recording studio, but here we are – and nod thoughtfully.
‘Well, that’s why I’m here,’ I reassure him. ‘I’ll do my best to keep him on the straight and narrow.’
Mikey sighs.
‘We’ve tried before, you know,’ he reminds me. ‘But when Dylan’s in full swing, he’s hard to stop.’
When Mikey says we’ve tried before, he’s referring to a time, just before the big falling out, when we did everything we could think of to straighten Dylan out. And I failed him then, but that’s all the more reason not to fail him now. He’s starting from a better place, with an amazing opportunity ahead of him, so I’m hopeful this time.
I glance through the glass at him, watching him teach Archie the art of playing the cowbell, and it feels so hard to imagine the old him making a comeback. I know, he’s on his best behaviour, but he’s really trying, I feel like he genuinely wants to keep on the straight and narrow this time. It’s only been a few days, but I can’t picture him acting like he used to. Horny, drunken Dylan is nowhere to be seen. Of course, neither are the fans – yet. The real test will come when the reunion tour is announced. But we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
19
I let out the longest, deepest, most contented sigh and smile to myself.
The car journey home has been a mixture of the boys’ giddy chatter and lively singalongs.
I noticed that Dylan’s vocals had changed in the studio. I wondered if it was down to some kind of magic by Dev but, no, I heard the change again in the car as he sang with the boys. I remember that his voice used to have these irresistibly sexy, raspy qualities. His raw, unrefined tone was part of his charm, it made hearts flutter and knees weak. In hindsight it was probably the result of countless late-night gigs in smoke-filled venues, too many cigarettes, too much alcohol, and everything else that goes hand in hand with rock-star life. Now, though, wow, his voice is so smooth and strong. Velvety soft with these huge bursts of power. His vocals have matured into a sound that genuinely sends shivers down my spine – I love it. His fans are going to be stunned. I suppose taking better care of his body has had this incredible knock-on effect on his vocal cords too.
Dylan pulls up outside our house and helps me get the boys out of the car. I sigh again, a little heavier this time, sad that the day has to end.
‘Okay, boys,’ I say as we hover by the car. ‘Before we go inside, make sure to say a big “thank you” to Dylan for such an amazing day.’
Both Archie and Ned eagerly thank Dylan, their happy faces still lit up with joy.
‘Thanks, Dylan! This was the best day ever!’ Archie tells him. ‘I know for sure now; I want to be a rock star just like you!’
I smile. Archie in particular has had a really special day. Being that little bit older than Ned, he’s been able to appreciate it more. And how many kids get their music lessons from genuine rock stars in a proper recording studio? Oh, and his cowbell is going to make it into the final record, which is so, so cool.
‘You certainly look the part, Archie,’ I tell him.
