by Danni Fall
In the stairwell, he looks at his phone, sees several texts from Simon and dials.
***
Simon
Simon is both relieved and disappointed that it's Mark calling, not Ryan.
"Where did you go?" he asks.
"I told you, I had to turn the oven off. All sorted now."
"Will is actually gonna kill you, you know? There's deals."
He thinks he hears Mark's breath catch. "Plural?"
"Yeah, they're fighting over us, Maiden and Victrola, and you're God knows where. Who did they talk to?"
"Who did who talk to?"
"The papers."
"Christ, why does everyone wanna know that?" Mark gripes.
"Who's everyone?"
"It doesn't matter who they talked to. Rest assured, they don't know you."
'But they know what you do," Simon says.
"I'm not having this conversation again today."
"Who've you been talking to? Where've you been?"
"Why d'you keep asking?" Mark snaps.
"Because we're this close to signing a record deal and you're slowing us down."
"Bollocks, don't act like that's what's got you worrying. Why're you really asking?"
Simon shoots a look out the windscreen but the road to the industrial estate is still empty. "Because rumours spread."
"What rumours?"
"Those girls in Luton, they could sell their story."
"What a riveting read that'd be," Mark says.
He sinks down in his seat, voice lowered. "They might invent stuff."
"Christ, keep it together Sharp. You're drowning in women, who'd believe whatever nonsense you're imagining? Who'd print it?"
"And what about you? You and Chris?"
"There's no me and anyone."
Simon ignores his own knee-jerk smile. "But what about that person they interviewed? What if they-"
"They'd never talk about who I shag."
"Because they don't know about it?"
"Because to say anything other than I shag women – which I do, case you're forgetting – it'd disgust them. They'd never admit to it."
The words settle like a weight in Simon's chest.
"You still there?" Mark asks curtly.
"Yeah."
"Where are you? HQ?"
"No, I'm out driving," Simon says.
"What about all the lovely record deals waiting for us? How'd you get Will to agree to you swanning off?"
"I'm not swanning off, I'm looking for you. Again."
"Actually looking for me or that's what's written on your permission slip from Will and Zoe?" Simon's silence is damning. "Thought so. What time is it now?"
He checks his mobile. "Coming up to two."
"I'll be back to HQ by teatime if you are. Deal?"
He looks down the road at the warehouse, anticipation making his stomach churn. "I'll see you later."
"Can't wait, Sharp."
He hangs up, leans back in his seat and waits for Ryan's shift to end. A few minutes later, cars start leaving the car park. Everyone slows down and rubbernecks when they see the Audi. Simon resists facing away and ends up locking eyes.
After several blokes wind their windows down to wail Who Are Ya's chorus at him, he turns on the radio and gnaws his lip. It's not long before Who Are Ya comes on. He mouths along distractedly, toying with driving up to the warehouse and asking the security guard to let him wait in the car park. He starts at the knock on his window. Tom from school, wide eyed and grinning, stares back.
He winds down the window. "Alright Tom."
"What're you doing here Si?"
"Was Ryan on shift today?"
"Your single is so good mate. Did you really write it?"
"When's R-what d'you say?"
"Did someone else write it for you?" Tom asks.
"Why do you think that?"
"You used to only do covers, didn't you? Like Wham and stuff. This is way better than that."
Simon resists correcting him. "Is Ryan working today?"
"Yeah, he is."
"Was he on the same shift as you?"
"Yeah, are you waiting for him?" Simon nods. "He'll be out soon. Did your single get to number one?"
"Number three."
Tom whistles. "Not bad. At this rate they'll name a street after you."
Simon fakes a smile. "Yeah, probably will."
"I better get going. Tell Louise my Auntie Claire says hello and when are they going out next."
"Got it, will do."
"Better go get my bus," Tom says, obviously angling for a lift. Simon stares at the road and wills Ryan to appear. "See you later then, yeah?"
Several cars later, Claudia drives towards him. Ryan pulls into the layby, walks over and bends down to peer in Simon's window.
"Got lost on your way to Hollywood?" Ryan asks.
"You took forever getting out of there."
"I didn't know you were waiting for me, I'd've gone quicker. What you doing down here?"
"I saw you tried to call me. I was in a meeting, I couldn't answer."
Ryan looks suddenly embarrassed. "I didn't mean to call you."
"What, you mean you called me by accident?"
"Yeah, exactly," Ryan says, rubbing his ear.
"I know when you're lying."
"I'm not lying, I just... Look, you didn't have to come down here to check, you coulda just called me back."
"Shall we go back to yours?"
"Simon, you're busy, it's fine. Sorry you had to drive all the way out here."
"I'm not busy," Simon lies. "And I'm here now. It's better if we go to yours, we won't be bothered there."
"Are people really coming up to you in the street and stuff?"
"Some are, yeah."
"Wow. Alright, let's go back to mine. No promises people won't take an interest when you park that outside."
Ryan leads the way home. Simon parks on the road and scurries inside after him.
"Mum's out shopping and dad's not back yet," Ryan says as they head upstairs. "Want something to eat?"
"I'm fine." Simon's shoulders relax when Ryan closes the door behind them.
"Why you standing on ceremony?" Ryan grins as he sits against the headboard, legs stretched out.
Simon joins him, back to the baseboard. Ryan makes a show of wafting his sock-clad feet.
"Fame's not made them smell any sweeter, Pratt."
Simon grins and wags one under Ryan's nose. "Y'sure?"
"Glad you can still crack a smile, anyway."
His expression wavers. "I'm fine."
"You were looking pretty serious back there. Is it about that newspaper article?"
"How d'you know about that?"
"We had the radio on. I heard Mark lose it and then one bloke dug out a copy of the paper. Is it true?"
"I don't care."
"You don't look like you don't care."
"I don't," Simon insists. "I just want a drink."
"Hang on."
Ryan goes downstairs and returns with two cans of lager. Simon uses his to down some pills before chugging the rest.
Ryan subtly raises his eyebrows. "I'd get us more but dad'll be having words if we get trolleyed this time of day."
"How was work?"
"I dunno. Soon as I walk out the door, I've already forgot what happened, yunno?"
"I had days like that at P&Ts, you get stuck on autopilot."
"Yeah, and the next thing you know, your alarm's going off and you're about to go and do it all again." Ryan rubs a hand down his face. "Anyway, who cares about that? How was being on the radio?"
"Alright. We've been on before, it's nothing new."
"You came over really well, sounded like a proper rock star. I reckon that DJ wanted some and all."
"I think you're right."
"Was she fit?"
"Sort of, a bit old," he says.
Ryan takes another swig while Simon tries to coax more lager from his em
pty can. His foot bounces anxiously until Ryan holds it still.
"Easy, you'll bounce off the bed."
Simon stares at his hand. "Why did you call me?"
"I didn't mean to."
"But you did though. Stop lying and tell me."
Ryan sinks his head into his hands and Simon feels the urge to sit up straight, watching intently as he waits for an answer. He's surprised when Ryan starts laughing.
"It's so stupid," Ryan mutters into his hands before dragging them down his face and fixing Simon with a look. Simon resists ducking his head.
"I wanna work for your dad."
"What?"
"I wanna work for your dad, down the garage. I wanna be a mechanic."
Simon fiddles with the ring pull on his empty can.
"What did you think I was calling about?" Ryan asks jokily.
"I don't know."
"I know it's jammy asking you but I came up with the idea one day and now I can't stop thinking about it. I'd be closer to home, I'd make better money." Ryan clearly knows he's off to a bad start. "And I like your dad, and I know my way around a car, Claudia would've packed up years ago if I didn't."
Simon makes a noise of agreement.
"Ian and Karl are sound as well. I can't keep working at the warehouse, I already feel about fifty."
"You wouldn't have to work nights."
"Exactly! How great would that be? I might even get to see Donna now and then, poor girl."
He forces a smile which Ryan returns uneasily.
"You're not mad, are you?" Ryan asks.
"Why would I be mad?"
"I dunno, maybe you think I'm trying it on."
"I don't care, it's not my garage," he says.
"Don't go getting your finger stuck in that ring pull. They might have to chop it off to free you."
"Good thing I've got my hands insured."
"I can't even tell if you're joking." Ryan looks subtly pained. "It's weird, seeing how well you're doing, you know? Makes me think about how shit I'm doing."
Simon wishes the ring pull would snag on his finger to give him something else to focus on.
"It makes me wanna do better for myself, you know?" Ryan says. "Anyway, forget it, I shouldn't have asked."
"Are you serious about it?"
"I'm seriously serious."
"Cause Dad's been nervous about getting anyone else in after I left so fast."
Ryan pulls a face. "I don't think there's much risk of me leaving to become a rock star. Look, if it's weird, forget I said anything."
"I can talk to him."
Ryan instantly brightens. "Seriously?"
"Yeah. Seriously serious."
"You're not just saying that?"
"Course not. Dad likes you, I'm sure he'd think about it."
Ryan pretends to clutch his chest in relief. "God I'd got all worked up about that and all, I feel right stupid now."
"Well you are right stupid."
"How come you looked so gloomy before? What did you think I was gonna ask you? If I could marry your Auntie Lou?"
Simon sticks his foot in Ryan's face and Ryan pretends to bite it.
"You know she'd say yeah," Simon grimaces. "I thought maybe... Maybe you wanted to work for me, as a roadie or something."
Ryan studies him for a moment before bursting into laughter. Simon makes himself join in.
"That can be plan Z," Ryan says.
"Yeah."
"D'you want another beer? As a thank you?"
"Sure, cheers."
As soon as Ryan has left, Simon texts is it t time yet? to Mark.
Mark responds rapidly. Don't tell me you're missing me, you feeling alright?
where r u?
On the pier at Southend.
y?
Thought I'd fling myself off.
y?
I'm joking, Pratt. I've never been, thought I'd see what the fuss is about.
wot u think?
Fucking massive and nowt to see except seagulls.
"Texting Mark?" Ryan guesses when he returns.
"Yeah, sorry," Simon says, eyes trained on his mobile as he opens his beer.
"Where'd he go? Did he murder whoever spoke to the paper?"
"Something like that." He senses Ryan's alarm. "Not really, he's just been busy."
"Busy with what?"
"Our record deal," Simon invents as he texts will u still be there?
Ryan gawps. "A record deal?"
"Yeah," Simon says absently while reading Mark's latest message:
Why? Planning to pay me a visit?
"A deal for a record?" Ryan asks. "As in an album, not another single?"
"Yeah, with a major."
"Which one?"
"Either Maiden or Victrola, they're fighting over us. Zo and Will are figuring it out," Simon mutters as he texts r u still in?
"Jesus Si, why aren't you excited about it?" Ryan asks.
In what? Mark texts back. You can't be in a pier. I'm on it, if that's what you mean. I finally made it to the end – nowt down here either.
i mean r u still in 4 signing 2 a major after wot hapend this mornin
I've got a plan.
"Earth to Simon?" Ryan asks, wafting a hand at him.
Simon reluctantly puts his mobile down. "What?"
"I said, how do you not sound excited about signing?"
He pulls his shoulders back and smirks. "What you talking about? I've got what I wanted, course I'm happy. We're both getting what we wanted, aren't we?"
Ryan grins and jostles him. "Exactly!"
Simon's gaze strays back to his mobile. "Could you do me a favour?"
"You really shouldn't have another beer if you're driving."
"Nah, not that. Can I borrow your hands-free kit for the drive back to Southend?"
"For you mate, anything," Ryan says.
"Could you hook it up for me?"
"What, you're going already?"
"Yeah, I gotta take off, but I'll call round Dad's on the way and talk to him."
"You diamond," Ryan grins. "D'you want me to come with you to see him?"
"Leave it with me, I'll let you know how it goes."
"Alright. Gimme your keys and I'll get you set up while you finish your beer."
Simon hands them over. "Cheers."
When Ryan has left the room, Simon dials Mark.
"So what's this plan?" he asks.
Mark laughs. "Why don't you come and see me? All will be revealed."
"I'm not walking all the way down Southend Pier, it's miles long."
"Alright then, fusspot. Where suits your exacting requirements, the Sex Den?"
"No, I don't want any fans showing up neither. We need somewhere no-one would think of."
"Oxford University physics department?" Mark suggests.
Simon grins. "I've thought of somewhere closer to home. Get to Barking train station and I'll give you a lift from there. Look presentable."
"Don't I always? I'll go get my finest togs on. See you in an hour, Sharp."
Chapter 22
Mark
"This's the daftest thing we've done," Mark says.
Simon shushes him. "Eyes down."
"Jesus wept."
Mark picks up his dabber and listens to the bingo caller. He's nowhere near winning when some old dear yells bingo.
Simon folds his arms moodily. "I was so close that time, I only needed three more numbers."
"We're the youngest people in here by about forty years."
"What's your point?"
"We're supposed to be going incognito but we stick out like a sore thumb."
"Everyone's seventy, they won't know who we are, guaranteed."
Mark drinks more of his vodka tonic. "Good point."
"Try saying that louder."
"Don't push it. I still think there's a problem, even if you did choose a place with a liquor licence."
"What's that?"
"Your nan comes here, doesn't sh
e? You said when you were getting all teary over the minibus, back when."
"She only comes on the weekends, the prize money's not worth it on a week night."
Mark can't help his grin. Simon returns it wryly.
"What's your plan?" Simon asks.
Mark makes to explain but the bingo caller starts up again. They grab their dabbers and check their numbers. Once again, Mark isn't close to winning when the prize gets claimed.
"Is there gonna be a break any time soon?" he asks. "I don't want some granny clobbering me for talking."
"We could go in the lounge, you can talk all you like out there, and smoke."
"Then why didn't we go out there from the start?"
"Because I hadn't had dinner and I like the fish and chips here."
"Twat. C'mon, shake a tail feather."
He grabs his beer and follows Simon to a dingy side room. A few women give them looks before returning to their conversations. On autopilot, he lights cigarettes for himself and Simon.
"Why d'you bring the bloody bingo stuff out with you?" Mark asks.
"You can play out here, there's speakers."
Sure enough, the bingo caller's patter continues.
"What a relief," Mark says. "Wouldn't want to piss away my chance of becoming a millionaire."
"The top prize is five grand."
"Enough to pay off your Audi debts."
"But not as much as an advance from a major," Simon says, voice hushed.
"How much money are we talking about? Did Will say?"
"Five figures from Maiden, five figures from Victrola. DMA might make a move too."
"Five figures for each of us?"
"As if. It's enough for each of us to buy a second-hand Audi. Maiden's deal is best, so far."
"You would say that."
"No, honestly, it's the best deal. More albums for more money."
Mark pulls a face. "Five figures is good but not great."
"You used to play student unions for free drinks and no pay. This is better than not bad."
"So I take it you're still on board with signing?"
"Course I am, what about you though? What's your plan?" Simon asks.
"I'm going to ditch Mike."
"Don't you mean Chris?"
"I can get his number if you've got a crush or summat."
Simon takes a drag and blows smoke in his face. Mark breathes it in.
"What do you mean, you're ditching Mike?" Simon asks. "I'm not pretending we sacked your twin and hired you instead, that's ridiculous."
"I'm gonna say it was all a performance. I tried on Mike for size so I'd have new bar tabs to abuse but he's given me the same old grief as Mark."
