Page 87 of The Last Love Song
‘So, what do you think?’
Brad stared at them.
‘It’s feckin’ grand, Brad, that’s what it is,’ said Con.
The others shared their agreement.
‘You’re happy with the new instrumentations in the middle eight?’
‘Very happy.’ Con nodded. ‘It’s improved it no end.’
‘Great. We’ll cut the single. In a couple of weeks’ time, I’ll be able to show you your first piece of vinyl. I think we’re on to a winner, boys!’ Brad spun boyishly on his swivel chair. ‘I’m going to discuss it with Freddy but I think we might put the single forward to be played onJuke Box Juryat the end of November. The television show is great publicity.’
Todd looked nervous. ‘Even if the jury trash the song?’
Brad shrugged. ‘We have to cross our fingers they won’t. Anyway, I gotta dash back to the office. Please can everyone be here at ten tomorrow so we can have a good couple of hours working on track seven? I’d like to lay it down in the afternoon. We’ve only got six weeks until the launch.’ He jumped to his feet.
‘Sure. Bye, Brad.’
‘Cheers, boys. You did good today, really good.’ With a wave, he disappeared out of the control box.
Con spotted Sorcha sitting on a stool amongst the noisy throng of Hades bar.
‘Hello, my love.’ He threw his arms around her shoulders and kissed her.
‘Hello, darling. I got you a beer.’ Sorcha pointed to the glass on the counter, then took a sip of her gin. Con squeezed in beside her.
‘Is that a new dress?’
‘Yes. Audrey gave me a large cheque and I decided to treat myself.’
‘I’d say you were right to do so.’ Con took a sip of his beer. ‘We’ve finally finished “Can Someone Tell Me Where She’s Gone?”’
‘And?’
‘It sounds brilliant. Just grand,’ he grinned.
‘I’m so pleased.’
Con studied Sorcha. Although she looked as pretty as always, and the soft green of the new woollen dress matched her eyes, her face was pale and she seemed distracted.
‘Are you okay, sweetheart?’
‘Yes, yes, I’m fine, why?’
‘You look...strange, that’s all.’
‘Do I? It’s just that...no...’ Sorcha shook her head. ‘I’m being an eejit, really.’
‘Come on now, you can tell me. What is it?’ He reached across the table and took her hand.
Sorcha sighed. ‘You’ll tell me I’m being stupid, but I was in a boutique down the street trying on this dress and I thought I saw Helen.’
Con frowned. ‘Helen who?’
‘Helen McCarthy, from Ballymore.’
Sorcha watched Con’s face shift from puzzlement to unease. ‘Right. Well. Was it her?’
