by Julie Archer
“Maybe next time.”
In the background, Clem could hear someone knocking on Nate’s door. She watched as he put a hand over his mouth, trying to stifle a chuckle.
“Yeah, give me a minute, Alik. I’ll be down in a few, fell asleep didn’t I?” Nate winked at her. “I guess I’m going to have to go.”
“Do you have to?” Clem pouted, not quite ready to end the call yet.
“I’ll see you soon. And we’ll recreate everything we’ve just done.”
“You’re still coming down to Westbourne Deane, aren’t you?”
“What? Yes, of course.” Nate seemed distracted, and Clem knew he didn’t remember her asking him about the Festival weekend. “And if you’re still awake later, maybe we can talk again?”
The smile that crept across her face was wide. “I’d love to.”
Chapter Eighteen
On the last night at The Blacker Lodge, Parker joined the band for a meal and a discussion about the new songs.
The past few days had been intense and Nate was knackered. Despite their differences, he and Alik managed to put them to one side and had come up with some mind-blowing material. With Richey and Dev’s contribution, the music was coming from the band as a whole and it sounded tighter and slicker than ever. Nate couldn’t wait for people to hear it.
They had escaped from the house to a country pub about a mile down the road, which had a reputation for good food. The Hatch Inn was an old-fashioned, nineteenth century building with all the character one expected of a pub in a small village. When they walked in, the bar fell silent and the few locals turned to look at them. After a beat, they all turned back and resumed whatever they were doing.
“We had the Rolling Stones here a few years ago,” said the barman, as they approached him. “Never know who you’re going to get. Looks like no-one was really bothered about you.” He laughed. “What can I get you?”
Nate took charge and got five beers, while Alik and the others went into the restaurant and found a table.
“I’ve heard rough cuts of the material,” began Parker, when Nate joined the group.
“Sounds ominous,” said Nate. He sat down next to his manager and took a huge slug of beer. After the effort they’d put in on the last session, he felt he deserved it. The buzz was still with him after putting down some incredible riffs.
“Not at all. I think you’ve got some formidable tracks there, at least three of which I think you should release as singles.”
“That’s good to hear, Parker,” said Alik. “Which ones do you think will work?”
“There’s one called Big Periods of Nothingness. It’s got a totally awesome hook.”
Nate and Richey burst out laughing. The one song that had been written totally under the influence was the one that Parker thought was the best.
“Best not ask us how that came about,” said Nate, between breaths. “Alik did justice to the words though.” He looked over at his best friend, who nodded sagely at him.
The waitress came over. “Are you ready to order food yet?”
“Yeah, steak please.” Nate smiled and handed her the menu back.
“That bacon and cheeseburger looks the business.”
“And the chicken pie, please.”
They bombarded her with requests, changing up the sides and ordering extra chips and onion rings, none of them completely convinced they were going to get what they ordered.
“What happens after we finish here?” asked Alik, turning the conversation back on track once the waitress had gone back to the kitchen.
Parker picked up one of the olives that the waitress had left and chewed thoughtfully on it. “I think the guys can get on with editing, mixing and mastering what you’ve put down. They’ve done some arranging and tracking already. Then we can aim to get it in a state for release. I’ll get in touch with Olivia Cole and work out when we can do promo.”
“Are we touring it again?” asked Nate.
Parker nodded. “The last tour was a success, so if you wanted to do something low key again like that, I’m sure that can be arranged.”
“Low key sounds good,” said Alik. “And I know Caro’s keen for us to play at the reopening of The Roca Bar.”
That was the first Nate had heard of it. Sometimes he resented Alik for seemingly making all the decisions about the band. Not that he didn’t fancy a break in Mallorca; perhaps he’d ask Clem to come with him.
The food arrived and as they ate, they chatted about the favourite venues they’d had on the last tour and decided the setlist for the new one. Nate thought back to some of the times when Billy Walker had been alive. Billy had constantly challenged Alik and his views of how the band should be. There was such a different vibe around the group now. He and Richey were closer than ever, but the sticking point was still Alik and his attitude to Nate’s blossoming relationship with Clem. Nate sighed as he popped the last chip into his mouth. He wondered if Alik would ever accept her.
When they’d finished, Alik, Richey and Dev went over to the pool table to hustle the locals, leaving Nate and Parker alone. Nate still found it strange that Parker was his manager as well as being his ex-wife’s new partner. Balancing those two different relationships could certainly be complicated.
“You want another drink?” asked Parker. “I’ve got about quarter of an hour before the taxi comes.”
“Sure, a beer would be great. Thanks.”
It only took a couple of minutes for Parker to return with two full pints and he settled back down again. “So how are things with you and Clem?” he asked.
Nate couldn’t help a grin spreading across his face, the memory of the previous night coming into his head. It wasn’t just the sex though, he thoroughly enjoyed her company. “It’s good, Parker, really good.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. Poppy won’t be though, she hates the idea.”
“She’s not the only one,” sighed Nate. “Clem’s mother and brother aren’t exactly my biggest fans either.” He glanced over towards the pool table where Alik was leaning down to take a shot. “Neither’s he.”
“You’re happy and isn’t that all that matters?”
“If it weren’t for the amount of people who are so clearly against the relationship, it would be. I can’t help worrying that Alik’s going to flip out and decide that I can’t be in the band anymore because he hates Clem.” It was the first time that Nate had spoken the words aloud, although he had thought them on numerous occasions. He and Alik were usually so supportive of each other and to find that his best friend wasn’t on his side felt alien.
“That’s ridiculous. Alik would never do that.”
Nate knew Parker was right. That was extreme and it wasn’t Alik’s style. He changed the subject. “How’s Poppy dealing with it?”
“Right now she’s out on a girls’ night with the other mums and I imagine that you’re going to be a hot topic of conversation. They all watch that show Clem’s on.”
“Oh God.” Nate screwed up his face. He could imagine the conversations that were going on, slating him and bitching about Clem and how young, rich and pretty she was. He would put money on the fact they hadn’t noticed that she was running a business and designing her own clothing range. It had him itching to call Clem.
“You and Alik will sort this out,” said Parker. “You’ve been friends too long for this to get in the way. After all, you were there for him when he needed it after the whole Edie and Billy fiasco. He’ll come around.” His phone chirruped with a message. He held it up to Nate. “Poppy.”
Nate scanned it, recognising the badly spelled words and phrasing, always a sign Poppy had a sunk a few too many drinks. He thought it said something like Need to see you although it actually read Beed to sww tou. Translating Poppy drunk speak had been something he’d been an expert in.
“She’s okay though?” asked Nate. Despite the fact they had argued about his new relationship, he didn’t like to think of Poppy being upset.
“You know w
hat women can be like, Nate. She’ll have found someone else to bitch about next week, probably one of the new mums in her circle. Clem will be yesterday’s news.”
“Not for me, she won’t be.”
“Glad to hear it, Nate. For what it’s worth, I actually think the two of you make a great couple. You’ve certainly been a lot happier since you’ve been seeing Clem.”
It was the truth. Seeing Clem was easy and light hearted. It wasn’t without the drama, reflected Nate, which mostly came from other people who weren’t directly involved.
“Thanks, Parker.” He paused. “I know we have a strange friendship now, but hearing you say that means a lot. And honestly, I’m sorry if I’ve caused Poppy unnecessary stress.”
“Don’t worry about it. I can tell that you’re serious about Clem and I can only tell Poppy that. She’ll have to accept it.” Parker glanced at his phone again. “Gotta go, the taxi’s here. I’ll be in touch about the next steps for the tracks once I’ve agreed things with the label.” He held out his hand and Nate shook it.
He watched as Parker went over to say farewell to Alik, Richey and Dev.
When he’d said they had a strange friendship, he hadn’t been exaggerating, but having Parker seemingly on his side meant a lot.
Chapter Nineteen
The house was in darkness as the taxi pulled up outside. Parker paid the driver and hefted his holdall out of the back seat. He put his key in the lock and entered, listening out for Poppy or India.
There was a light coming from the kitchen and he went to see if it was the babysitter. It was Poppy who sat at the breakfast bar, the cooker hood providing the glow in the room.
“Hey, did you have a good evening?” he asked. He went over to her and kissed her on the side of the forehead. She pulled away.
“You’ve stepped it up a level this time.” Her voice was flat and empty.
“What are you talking about?”
“You were the topic of conversation tonight. All the others were asking if I was alright and if I needed anything.” Poppy fiddled with the handle of her coffee mug. “I had no idea what they were on about.”
“Neither do I. Poppy, tell me what’s happened?” Parker wondered whether there was something the matter with India. There was no sign of the babysitter.
“Hitting the Daily Mail sidebar of shame is really something, Parker. I didn’t think you had it in you.”
Parker’s eyebrows knotted together. He had no clue what she was going on about. Why on earth would he appear in a gossip column? That was more Lexi’s style and something he definitely shied away from.
Lexi.
It had to be her. Oh God, had Tommy gone through with his threats?
A cold hand clasped his heart.
“Are you leaving me to go back to Lexi?” Poppy’s voice cracked. “If you are, just tell me and we can get it over and done with.”
“Why would you think that?”
“There are pictures of the two of you together at a hotel. You went up to her room. Then you left separately.”
Suddenly, it all fell into place. It must have been when Lexi first told him about the blackmail. The stupid meeting in that hotel where she had been all about the secrecy. Now it wasn’t so secret. “Oh, that was ages ago.”
“So, it’s been going on for ages, has it?” Poppy ran a hand through her red hair, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I knew there was something going on. The way you were always so secretive when your phone went, hiding things from me.”
“Poppy, there isn’t anything going on.” Parker sat down beside her and reached for her hand. He had to tell her the truth, even if it meant breaking Lexi’s confidence. “You have to believe me. You know what these gossip columns can be like.”
Poppy’s hand lay unresponsive in his. She wasn’t going to make this easy for him. If he thought about it from her point of view, those photographs were pretty incriminating so why should she?
“I saw the pictures, Parker.”
“And you know they can lie. I can assure you, I’m not seeing Lexi.”
“Then what were you doing in a hotel with her? Is the boring, family life not for you any longer? You need the excitement and glamour of the showbiz world?”
“I get enough of that with the band.” Parker winced as soon as he’d said the words. Bringing Nate into the conversation probably wasn’t the best idea.
She snatched her hand away. “I bet you do. And I bet Nate was encouraging you all the way when he heard you were having an affair.” She stood up, her stool crashing to the floor. “I thought you were different. What is it about me that makes men want to cheat on me?”
“I’m not cheating on you!” Parker yelled. A burst of heat rumbled in his chest. Why wouldn’t she let him explain? “I wouldn’t do that.” He lowered his voice and inhaled deeply. “I don’t feel right telling you about this, but if it’s the only way to get you to believe me, then I have to do it. Sit down.”
A frown flitted across Poppy’s face as she did as he requested. Parker took both of her hands in his.
“Lexi asked me to meet her because she was in trouble. She needed money to get her out of a situation and thought I would be able to help her.” He watched her expression soften a little.
“Money? Isn’t she loaded?”
The corner of Parker’s mouth quirked. “Let’s just say that Lexi’s not very practical with money. She may have a million pairs of Jimmy Choos or whatever, but there’s not much in the way of a fall back.”
“Oh.” Poppy wrinkled her nose. “What did she need the money for? More shoes?”
Parker shook his head. He paused and breathed in hard. Breaking a confidence wasn’t something he did lightly. She had to know though, otherwise the future of their own relationship was in doubt.
“She’s being blackmailed.”
“What?”
“One of her former co-stars.” Parker hesitated to inform Poppy that Tommy had also been Lexi’s lover. “He, um, has some compromising pictures of her and he’s threatening to take them public if she doesn’t hand over thousands of pounds. She came to me, asking if I could lend her the money.” He neglected to mention that Lexi had also tried to kiss him when he’d agreed to help. There were some things that Poppy was better off not knowing.
“Did she show you?” asked Poppy. “I mean, it wasn’t a ruse to get you into a hotel room.”
One of the pictures floated through his mind and he quickly shook it away. “Yes, she did. They aren’t exactly the sort of thing that goes with her image.”
Poppy was silent as she digested everything Parker had told her. It was as if she were weighing up the truth in his story. “And that’s it? You’re not seeing her again?”
“No, of course not. It’s her business, nothing to do with me.” Underneath the counter, Parker crossed his fingers, hoping that Poppy wouldn’t ask him again.
“Good. I wouldn’t want to see you get involved with her again.” Poppy gave him a brief kiss. “I couldn’t compete.” She stood up again and headed towards the door. “I’ll see you upstairs.”
When she had gone, Parker slid his phone out of his pocket. There were a couple of messages. One from Nate, thanking him for the chat earlier and one from Lexi, telling him she had arranged to meet Tommy and would he come with her as back up.
He tapped his chin with his finger. He didn’t like lying to Poppy.
Some things she was better off not knowing.
Chapter Twenty
The cityscape gave way to rolling hills as the train made its way along the route towards Westbourne. Nate spent most of the journey staring out of the window, trying to stay awake. The band had pretty much been up all night to get one last track down properly. He had barely slept.
There was a small part of him that wished he’d declined Clem’s offer now.
He could have done with a couple of days chilling out at home
His idea of music festivals was more in line with the Wilde Park
Festival or Download or even Reading. Not some tiny town festival with about four acts that no-one had ever heard of. Then he told himself to put it into perspective. Everyone had to start somewhere and if he thought back to some of the places Blood Stone Riot played before they scored the deal with Numb Records, the crowds amounted to little more than a couple of friends and the stalwart drinkers who always went to the pub on a Wednesday, regardless of what entertainment was on.
Nate turned his mind back to the present and Clem waiting for him. He barely knew any of Clem’s friends and he was pretty sure that she’d mentioned her ex was going to be there. Even though she’d reassured him that there was nothing between them anymore, being in an unfamiliar place with a bunch of people much younger than him had him jigging his legs up and down, his fingers beating out a fast tune on his knees.
Clem and another girl he vaguely recognised were waiting at the station for him. He grinned wide as soon as he saw her.
“Nate!” Clem threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“I see you missed me then, babe.” Nate hugged her back, his hands sliding down around her arse.
“Ugh, please! Some of us singletons don’t want to witness a love fest.” The other girl pretended to stick her fingers down her throat. “I’m Leona, by the way.”
“Hi, Leona, nice to meet you. Clem talks about you all the time.” He let go of Clem and went over to Leona, kissing her on both cheeks.
“Not as much as she talks about you.” Leona rolled her eyes. “Can we go back to the house now? I’m dying for a drink.”
Clem led the way to the car. Nate tossed his bags into the boot and settled into the backseat, leaving the girls up front. Even if he wanted to make polite conversation, he was tired enough that he couldn’t string a coherent sentence together. With the sun beating through the window, he closed his eyes and drifted off.
Nate was awoken by the car pulling to a sharp stop. He blinked, slowly getting his bearings. His mouth almost dropped open as he took in the building in front of him. The three-storey period house with its sweeping driveway looked even bigger The Blacker Lodge, and had stunning views over the river. Nate almost pinched himself.