Page 23 of Ex in the City
‘He’s been spying on us?’ I practically gasp.
Dylan nods, his expression mirroring my shock.
‘It looks like it,’ he replies. ‘I came in here last night, looking for something to read, and I found all these.’
‘Did you read them?’ I ask, as curious as I am concerned.
‘No,’ he replies. ‘Just this first bit of this first one, until I realised what I was reading. I suppose it’s more interesting to you, because you know these people. I mean, look out of this window, he’s got the best spot on the street, he can see everyone.’
I peer outside and he really does have a cracking view of the entire cul-de-sac, and I’m looking without the telescope. In fact, looking out from up here, it’s probably the only spot on the street that can see inside our front garden, with a view of the driveway right up to the front door. I suppose it’s a good thing that we had an extra pair of eyes looking out for the place, but it makes me cringe at all the times I grabbed the milk from the step in my PJs.
‘Hmm. As tempting as it is to read what he’s written about everyone, it can only end in trouble, right?’ I say, my lip caught between my teeth in thought. ‘People deserve their privacy.’
‘Says the journalist,’ Dylan points out with a grin.
‘Erm, former journalist, thank you,’ I reply, keen to distance myself from the label. ‘Which reminds me why I’m here in the first place.’
I try to push Mr Campbell’s neighbourhood watch from my mind as I edge closer to the door.
‘Come on,’ I say firmly. ‘Let’s get to work.’
Back downstairs, I take a seat on Mr Campbell’s tatty green sofa. Dylan sits down next to me, ready to get down to business.
‘I can’t believe you guys are getting back together,’ I say, smiling, but still in shock. ‘I thought The Burnouts were done.’
Dylan leans back on the sofa, a knowing smile on his face.
‘Well, everyone is doing a comeback tour, right?’ he points out. ‘So anyone with any kind of financial interest in us wants it to happen, and Mikey and I have decided to put the past behind us, so that we can move on, because we both really want to get back to doing what we love, which is being on stage together.’
I can’t help but smile at the idea of the two of them reuniting after all these years. Yes, it will be great to see the band back together, but seeing the two brothers back on good terms means so much more.
‘Well, that’s great,’ I say sincerely. ‘So now we just need to clean up your act, huh?’
Dylan flashes me a cheeky smile.
‘Are you sure you’re up to it?’ he asks. ‘Because I’ve forgotten most of what I’ve done.’
‘Oh, I remember a lot, don’t worry,’ I say playfully. ‘Actually, do worry.’
Dylan’s laughter fills the room.
‘Well, we’re just putting the last bits and pieces in place for the comeback,’ he explains. ‘We’re announcing the tour with some secret shows so I suppose that’s when I’ll need you to start, when I’m back out there.’
‘Yeah, you’ve been doing a great job at keeping your head down,’ I point out. ‘I guess, in the meantime, I’ll find you… something.’
‘Like what?’ he asks, his tone a little more serious.
‘Something to make you look good,’ I say simply. ‘But, unfortunately, it’s going to make you look good by making you actually good.’
‘Boo,’ he hisses jokily.
‘Your makeover is a great start,’ I tell him. ‘There are glow-ups, and then there is… whatever this is. This will work really well. You look great, healthy, like you’re taking care of yourself.’
‘Thanks for noticing,’ he replies.
‘In my professional opinion,’ I clarify, trying to maintain a semblance of professionalism. Then, I can’t help myself, and a genuine smile creeps onto my face. ‘I thought you looked great before too.’
‘Well, thanks for noticing that too,’ he replies.
