In His Place: Sonic Idols Book #2
Page 15
When I arrived at the bar, Den and Roger were together in a huddle, talking about all things wedding, no doubt. Chris and Stig were having some debate about guitar manufacturers, and the crew were dotted around the place in their usual cliques.
I stood waiting to be served when hands covered my eyes.
“Guess who?�
I immediately recognised the fragrance of Bobbie’s perfume. “Erm… pfft… not a Scooby Doo,� I teased.
She whacked me playfully on the arm as I turned to face her. She was pouting. “Well, that’s just charming.�
I winked at her. “Just kidding. I knew it was you. What are you up to?�
She slipped her hands around my shoulders. “Nothing, but we could change that if you feel like it?� The sultry whisper to her voice wasn’t lost on me. But I wasn’t in the mood for getting amorous. Irritatingly, since my conversation with my mum, thoughts of Allie and her accountant plagued my mind.
“Aww, I was just going to get a drink and chill for a bit with the guys.�
Bobbie stepped away. “Oh, okay. No worries. Let’s go and sit with Den and Roger then, huh?�
The disappointment in her eyes caused a niggle of guilt inside of me. “Yeah, then maybe later we can grab a bite to eat if you fancy?�
A wide smile spread across her face and a cute dimple appeared in her left cheek. I hadn’t noticed it before. “Deal.�
Bobbie and I pulled out chairs opposite the newly engaged couple. “Hi, you guys. How are the wedding plans coming along?� I asked.
Den’s face lit up. “Super-duper. We have a venue that will do the wedding and the do afterwards.�
Bobbie scrunched her face and glanced at me. “Do?�
I chuckled at her confused expression. “Party,� I informed her, and she formed an ‘o’ with her mouth and nodded.
Den continued. “The best bit is they can fit us in in two weeks!� His voice went up an octave and I waited for the windows to smash. “By the time we return from playing London and Birmingham, we’ll be good to go.�
Wow. Two weeks. That shocked me as I thought they were being totally unrealistic expecting to get a venue at such short notice. But Den had so many contacts; I definitely underestimated him.
���
I was excited to be playing London again. The night after we arrived, Nick asked for the band and Den to gather in the private meeting room at the venue after the soundcheck.
Nick was flushed and pacing the floor when we arrived. He was twisting his hands in front of himself and I was so worried about what he was going to announce. Was he leaving the band? After the year he’d had, I wouldn’t have been surprised.
I was relieved when he finally began to talk. “Thanks for being patient with me these last couple of weeks, guys. I know this tour hasn’t been the usual bang, bang, bang of dates we’re used to but I needed to ease back into things after what happened.�
I wanted him to just spit it out. “That’s fine, mate. We’re your family and we get it. But you’re worrying me. There’s been so much secretive shit going on lately, I don’t know whether I’m coming or going.�
Chris laughed out loud. “Hey, dude, if you don’t know when you’re coming, you’re either doing it wrong or you need to see a doctor.� He carried on guffawing and I punched his arm. He and Stig bumped fists like the immature tossers they were and I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help laughing too.
Turning my attention back to our leader, I said, “So, back to adult conversation. What’s going on, Nick?�
He cringed. “Well, the thing is… I’ve bought a property in Gairloch. It’s in the Highlands. I want to convert part of it into studios and make the rest into a home. I figure eventually we’ll get sick of touring and I want something else to focus on too. Plus, I think it would be a great place to record our next album. What do you think?�
Chris stood and grappled Nick into a bear hug. “Bloody hell, mate. You don’t do things by halves, do you? I think it sounds fucking awesome. Good on you!�
I stood to join them. “Great news, Nick. I love Scotland. And I think it’s a good plan. No one wants to see old rockers pootling around a stage, do they?�
Stig slapped Nick on the back and then turned to address me. “You have heard of The Stones and Aerosmith, right? Those guys may not be twenty-somethings, but they could give us a run for our money. There’s nothing wrong with being an aging rock star in my book. Lasses love it.�
Okay, so he had a point. But I was trying to be supportive. “So, anyway, Nick, what are you going to call this studio? Are you naming it after us?�
Nick shook his head. “Nah. ‘Fraid not, Si. It’s aptly placed on Rockhill. So, it’ll be Rockhill Studios and Rockhill Records, mate.�
I grinned. “Perfect.�
Chapter 28
Si
*
London was awesome, just as expected. Packed to capacity and the guys were buzzing. Bobbie watched from the wings, and every time I glanced her way, she beamed at me. The pride on her face made me wonder if I should just jump in with her. But I shelved the thoughts and pounded the kit like my life depended on it. My heart thudded along with every beat, and every chance I got, I wiped the sweat from my eyes with my bare arm. Fucking awesome gig.
After the show, we all showered and changed in the dressing rooms and headed out to an exclusive club for a few celebratory beers. Bobbie looked amazing. She wore a short black leather skirt, thigh high boots, and a backless black top that showed her tattoos and advertised the fact that she didn’t need a bra. Her hair was freshly dyed a vivid purple and it really suited her.
She dragged me to the dance floor and we stayed there until the early hours, grinding against each other, kissing and touching, and letting the sexual tension build between us. I regretted the fact that we were on the tour bus and not in a hotel as I was ready to take things up a notch with her. Alas, the tour bus was waiting in all its stinky, man-carrying glory.
Bobbie took my hand and tugged me to a dark corner of the club where other couples were making the most of the shadows. She launched herself into my arms and wrapped her legs around my waist as her lips met mine and her tongue slipped into my mouth. A mixture of alcohol, lust, and libido took over, and I kneaded at the flesh of her arse and pushed her against the wall as I ground my erection into her. Sensations of pleasure fogged my mind and I almost forgot we were in a public, albeit dark, place. She nibbled on my lip and slipped her hand down between our bodies to touch me through the denim of my jeans.
I was ready to explode until she whispered into my ear, “Si, I think I’m in love with you.�
Fuck.
I stopped moving and held my breath. What the hell? I hardly knew her. Love had only crossed my mind as a distant hope for us, but I was nowhere near that yet.
A heavy hand landed on my shoulder and someone belched loudly in my ear. “Come on, little drummer boy. Den says you need your beauty sleep. And we both know he’s right. It’s nearly six a.m., dude.�
Talk about saved by the bellend. I was so grateful to Chris right then, I could’ve kissed him.
As if he just realised what was going on, Chris continued, “Whoops. Sorry, mate. Hi, Bobster. Sorry, babe. Didn’t see you there. Got to take this skin basher away, I’m afraid. Den’s orders. You can bash Si’s skin another time, eh?�
“Fuck’s sake, Chris. Perv,� I growled.
Although I couldn’t see his face, I could sense feigned innocence in his, “What?� response, b
efore he walked away.
Bobbie lowered her feet to the floor and she kissed my cheek. “To be continued, huh? Now, let’s get you back to the tour bus so you can dream of me and all the things you want to do with me.�
My stupid erection flinched at her words. What can I say? I’m a man.
���
The bus journey from London to Birmingham the following day passed by in a blur. I slept for a big chunk of the journey, and when I was awake, the other guys were sleeping. I was relieved not to be bombarded with innuendos from Chris and took solace in the silence, concentrating on the whirring of the tyres against the road.
The one thing I was plagued by as we travelled was the memory of Bobbie and her confession of love. Should I tell her how I feel? That I hope we’re going somewhere but that I can’t say I love her? Not yet, anyway. Would that hurt her? I didn’t know until I bit the bullet.
We arrived at the arena for the soundcheck and Bobbie was banging out a drum solo on my kit. When she realised I was watching, she stopped playing and her cheeks coloured pink.
“Hey, are you after my job?� I teased as she clambered awkwardly from the seat.
“God, no. I was just… the acoustics in this place are really rad.�
I held up my hands. “I was only kidding around. It’s fine. You’re really good, Bobbie. How come you don’t play in a band? Or set your own up?�
She stared at the floor. “Oh… well, I’d rather be here.� She lifted her gaze. “With you.� She cleared throat. “With Sonic Idols, I mean. You’re just the icing on my cake of awesomeness.� She smiled sweetly but it was brief. “And listen, about last night… I’m sorry if I freaked you out. I’d been drinking… you know… got carried away.�
I stepped towards her and placed my hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You just took me by surprise, that’s all.�
She leaned her cheek onto my hand and closed her eyes for a moment. “Do you think you and I have a chance, Si?� Her wide-eyed expression was filled with hope. “I don’t throw myself at guys and I’d rather know if we have… something, at least, before I sleep with you. Because I do want to sleep with you. But I don’t want to misread the signals again.�
I sighed. “Look, I’m new to the whole relationship thing. I have no clue what I’m doing. But I want to try. I do mean that, Bobbie. I’m just so used to the shag now, think later mentality. No strings, you know? But I’m very much aware that’s not who you are. So, you might just have to bear with me. Although I totally understand if that’s not enough. But if you can cope with my bumbling attempts at an us then I promise to keep things strictly PG. Until I know for certain how I feel.�
She stared at me, the cogs in her mind almost audibly whirring as she processed what I had said.
Then she smiled and stepped closer. “Maybe not strictly PG, huh? We could throw in a little R rated action too? But just not… you know, go all the way. Not until you’re sure.�
“SOUNDCHECK IN FIVE!� came over the sound system.
I leaned to place a chaste kiss on Bobbie’s forehead. “Sure. Now, buzz off, will you? Your arse is too distracting in those jeans and I’ve got to be all professional and shit.�
She grinned and shook her head. “See you later, drummer boy.� Then she turned and walked away, swaying her hips on purpose, and I watched unabashedly as she did so.
���
We rocked Birmingham, obviously. And after the gig, we were all cajoled into a press conference and fan meet and greet—which all took place a little too late in the night for my liking. I was knackered and wanted to sleep.
We started by posing with fans for photos, signing autographs—some on body parts—and chatting to local newspapers. Then we were ushered through into another room which was filled with national press.
Questions were randomly fired at the guys, and luckily, I was getting a reprieve. Or so I thought.
“So, Si, rumour has it there’s a new lady in your life. Are we to expect wedding bells in the not too distant future?� The place fell silent.
I laughed. “Yeah. You sure are.� Before I could finish, a cheer erupted and a rumble of conversation traversed the room. Camera flashes temporarily blinded me and the rest of the guys stared open-mouthed in my direction. Once things had quietened down, I continued, “They won’t be my wedding bells, I should point out. They’ll be ringing very soon for Den, our manager, and his partner, Roger, as they tie the knot. You’ll probably be better waiting for hell to freeze over than wait for my nuptials.� The guys burst out laughing and slapped me on the back. No idea why they were so relieved.
The female reporter who had asked the question spoke again. “Mr Delaney, has anyone ever told you you’re a big tease?�
I made direct eye contact with her and gave her a cheeky wink. “It been said before, yeah.� Her cheeks turned crimson and she fanned herself as the rest of the crowd ‘Oohed’ in unison.
Bobbie was waiting for me after the press conference. She reached up to kiss me and said. “You were great in there.� Luckily, the press had been escorted out of another exit at the back of the arena so no one saw the exchange between us. Well, no one apart from the guys who all whistled and cat-called like kids.
We were heading in the bus to a hotel for a decent night’s sleep, ready for the long journey north to Dumfries for the wedding. We were setting off at crazy o’clock, so sleep was paramount.
Bobbie linked arms with me. “Can I escort you to the bus?�
“Sure. Are you guys following us up to Scotland tomorrow?�
Her smile disappeared and she shook her head. “No. Limited space, apparently. I guess I don’t know Roger and Den that well to be classed as close friends.�
I had a crazy lightbulb moment, and before I could stop myself, I blurted. “Be my plus one!�
Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hand. “Seriously?�
Wishing I could somehow suck the words back in, I urged, “Look this won’t change things between us, okay? We would be going together but that doesn’t mean anything is different. I wouldn’t want to get you there under false pretences. We can get separate rooms. I just thought… I know you’d like to be there.�
She stopped walking and turned to face me. Placing her hands firmly on my arms, she smiled. “You’re not going to get all caught up in the emotion of the day and propose. I get it. But we could use the time to get to know each other a little better maybe? Unless you’re regretting asking me in which case—� We started walking again.
“No not at all,� I lied. “So long as you’re not expecting—�
“Si, I’m expecting to go to a wedding and have a nice time with you. Period. Now stop worrying. I have to figure out where the hell I can shop for a dress.�
We arrived at the bus. “Right, well you can come along with me on here tomorrow. So long as you don’t mind a bunch of rude, obnoxious male companions.�
She laughed. “How could I resist such an appealing offer?�
Chapter 29
Allie
*
The phone rang and I was in no rush to answer it. “Hello?�
“Hey, gorgeous. It’s me, Evan. What are you up?�
I glanced at the clock. “It’s eight o’clock in the evening. What do you think I’m up to?� I laughed. He clearly didn’t know me well yet. I was sitting on the couch
in my joggers, braless and in a baggy T-shirt with my hair scraped into a ponytail. I had no make-up on and was settling in for a night of crappy TV.
He chuckled. “Got your glad rags on, I bet. Ready to go paint the town red.�
“Erm… more like paint this wine bottle and the contents of the fridge empty, I’m afraid. Not really dressed for going out.�
He sighed. “That’s a shame. I was going to suggest I take you out for a nice meal and then we could come back to my place… have a little wine… see what happens next…�
The unspoken words were deafeningly loud down the line. He wanted us to take that next relationship step. But I wasn’t sure. I had learned very recently that sex complicates things. With drastic consequences. And I had also learned that maybe his wife was still in the picture, even if he hadn’t quite realised it yet.
“Look, I’m sorry, Evan, but I’m really not in the mood tonight. Maybe we can arrange another night? I’ve got some paintings to get framed. That little gallery on Horsemarket in Kelso have agreed to give my work a shot.� It was kind of true. The gallery had agreed that but the paintings were all ready to go. It just seemed like a good excuse.
“That’s great, sweetheart. I’m very proud of you.� Ugh, why did those words sound so condescending coming from him? “You’ll be a fully-fledged artist before you know it.� Yup. Condescending.
I bit my tongue so as not to say something I may regret. “Yeah. You never know. Anyway. Better get on. See you soon. Goodnight.� I hung up before he had a chance to reply, and I hoped he might realise how his words had affected me.