“Maybe that's not the point.”
Instinctively, Alik grabbed her hand and pulled her into the neighbouring alleyway, where no-one could see them. With one hand entwined in her hair, he pulled Caro towards him, his lips crushing hers, tongue gently probing into her mouth, before becoming more urgent and insistent. He felt her respond to his touch, tasting smoke and whisky. Edie's face swam into his head and he reminded himself this shouldn't be happening. Despite how totally right it felt. Caro pulled back, breathing heavily.
“We should head back in,” he said. “People will be wondering where we are.” The effort it took to pull himself away from Caro was immense. “Caro... I...”
“Alik...”
“I haven't been able to stop thinking about you,” he said. “Since I saw you in The Vegas a couple of days after we... you know... and then again at Billy's party. And now...”
He watched her take a steadying breath.
They stood there, the rain growing harder, neither of them prepared to leave first. Alik gently pushed Caro back in the direction of the restaurant.
“Go. I'll be back in shortly.”
* * *
Caro returned to the restaurant, stopping in the ladies on the way, which is where she had said she was going in the first place.
Olivia was in there, checking her make-up. Immediately, Caro felt guilty.
“Where have you been?” Olivia asked. “You've been ages and you're all wet.”
“I wasn't feeling well,” said Caro. “I needed to get some air.” She ran some cold water over her wrists, trying to make her excuse look genuine.
“You do look a bit flushed,” Olivia said. “Maybe it was something you ate?”
“I'm sure I'll be fine, maybe I just need some water.”
They exited the toilets, as Alik was just coming back up the stairs, equally as wet as Caro was. He nodded at Olivia and Caro and let them go ahead first.
“There you are, Caro,” said Edie. “We were wondering where you were.” Her eyes narrowed as Alik came in behind them.
“I wasn't feeling well, so I headed outside for some air,” said Caro. “It's raining,” she finished lamely.
Alik took a sip of whisky, staring down at the table, unable to make eye contact with either Edie or Caro.
The somewhat awkward atmosphere hanging over the table was temporarily interrupted by the arrival of the main course.
“You'll feel better if you eat something,” said Olivia, as the waitress placed a fillet steak in front of Caro.
Caro reached for her wineglass instead and downed what was left, before turning back to Tommo and resuming the conversation they'd been having before she'd left the table.
* * *
The rest of the meal passed without incident. Alik deliberately avoided looking at Caro or talking directly to her. There was plenty of alcohol being consumed and the chatter got louder. Edie was practically sitting on Alik’s lap and everyone seemed to be getting on like a house on fire the more they drank. A selection of desserts had been passed round, along with pots of coffee and digestifs, and it was only when the head waiter came over to tell them, gently, that it was an hour past closing time, that they realised how late it was.
The larger group walked back to the house and separated into smaller ones: Edie and Minty, arm in arm, leading the way, with Olivia, Mischa, and Karine close behind, followed by Alik, Tommo, and Caro dawdling at the back. Alik was apprehensive about being in such close proximity to Caro again after their liaison outside the restaurant and made sure that Tommo was between them.
Tommo was asking him about life on the road and how he dealt with the hordes of women that undoubtedly threw themselves at him after each gig.
“It's hardly hordes,” said Alik. “You learn to distinguish between the ones who want to bed you for being famous,” he made finger-quotes to illustrate the last word, “and those who are genuinely interested in you.”
“Which category does Edie fall into?” asked Caro.
“Probably the former, knowing her,” said Tommo, laughing. “You're not her usual type.”
“Opposites can attract,” said Alik. “Although you can find instant attraction with someone you only spend a few hours with.” He looked across at Caro as he spoke.
Chapter Seventeen
By the time they arrived back at Gramercy Lodge, the ballroom-come-games room had been totally transformed. Groups of candles had been strategically placed around the room and the lights were turned down low, creating a rosy glow and sultry atmosphere. There was also the unmistakeable scent of cannabis penetrating the room.
Edie curled up on one of the sofas and gestured for Alik to join her. Tommo and Caro helped themselves to the shots that were laid out on the sideboard before grabbing a couple of cushions and sitting on the floor directly opposite the sofa.
“We're playing truth or dare,” Edie announced to the group, snuggling in to Alik's body and positioning herself between his legs. “Where's the strangest place you've had sex?” she asked Caro.
“You're really asking me that question?” Caro said. “What are we, fifteen?”
Edie pouted. “I once had sex in the back of a limousine.”
“Was it your prom night?” asked Caro. “I imagine that's probably when you first did it, am I right?”
Edie sat up straighter. She didn’t want to let Caro get to her. She had to show that she could compete with Caro, that she wasn't bothered about being less experienced or worldly-wise.
“Caro, have you ever kissed another woman?” she asked.
She watched as Caro shifted awkwardly, taking a sip of her tequila. Finally, she answered, shaking her head.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to take a dare on that one.”
Alik almost choked on his drink. Gently, Edie placed a hand on his thigh, insinuating her fingers higher up his leg until she reached his crotch. She could feel the increased tightness of his jeans as she inched her hand closer.
Edie fluttered her eyelashes. “Gosh, I wasn't expecting that,” she said. “In keeping with the line of questioning, I dare you to kiss...” Her eyes moved around the room, briefly falling on Olivia. “Me!”
Caro started to protest, but Edie knew she wouldn't back down. She slid off the couch and crawled over to Caro. Pushing Caro's caramel hair away from her face, Edie ran a fingernail around her lips and knelt in front of her. She leaned in and kissed Caro full on the mouth, closing her eyes as she did so. Bolstered by drink, Edie put her hand around the back of Caro's neck and slid her tongue into her mouth.
A sly glance at Alik watching them told her that he was certainly enjoying the spectacle. And the fact that the other guys were wriggling around in their seats told her that the effect was pretty universal.
Finally, Edie drew breath, sitting back on her heels and biting her lip, a smile flitting across her face. She stood up gracefully. “If you'll excuse me for a moment.” And she exited the room.
She didn't have to wait long until Alik joined her.
“What the hell was that all about?” he said.
Edie dropped her eyes to his crotch, still half erect. “What do you mean? Did you enjoy watching me getting it on with someone that you want to do the same with? Or maybe you'd like us both at the same time?” Her tone was honey, but she wasn't going to be messed around.
“Don't be silly,” he said, softly. “I only want to be with you. Caro means nothing to me.”
But Edie wondered who he was trying to convince - her or himself.
Chapter Eighteen
Since the, frankly awful, weekend at Gramercy Lodge, Edie had made more of an effort with Alik, even taking some time to go and visit him and the band at rehearsals. And just before they'd finished the previous day, she had asked Nate if he and Poppy were around for dinner and had promptly booked a table in Sarastro.
But, of course, they were running late.
Edie had been trying on different outfits and wondering what to wear; she knew she need
ed to impress.
Twenty minutes after they should have been there, they finally arrived at the restaurant.
“I am so sorry we're late!” exclaimed Edie, leaning down to kiss Poppy on both cheeks. “You know what the traffic can be like getting into town.” She sank down a little breathlessly into her chair.
Alik sat down next to her, opposite Nate. “Alright, mate?” he said. “Have you been waiting long?”
Nate reached for his beer. “We were a bit early. Poppy wanted to go to the shops.” He gestured to the colony of carrier bags clustered around the table leg. “Apparently she wants to get a few things for her weekend break.”
“A girl can never have too many bikinis, right, Edie?” said Poppy.
Edie glanced down at the H&M, Zara, and Mango bags. “You can get a lot for your money there, can't you?” She waved to get the waiter's attention. “Personally, I find they fall apart after one or two wears.”
The waiter came over and Edie took her time in choosing some wine, forcing the others to wait. Again. Finally settling on an expensive South African Pinotage, she turned her attention to the menu.
“I bet you boys will be having steak, won't you? Build you up for the festival. Nate, I really liked what you were doing at rehearsals the other day, you seem so energetic. I bet it takes a lot of stamina to run around the stage like that for such a long time." Edie smiled.
Nate nodded in response. “Thanks Edie, yeah, you do need to be pretty fit. Which reminds me, Alik, we need to hit the gym again.”
Alik groaned. “Can't I exercise in another way? Like in the bedroom?” He winked at Edie and placed a hand on her thigh, before squeezing it.
“I was thinking of the steak, or maybe a burger,” said Poppy, running her finger over the menu.
Edie's head snapped up. “Really? This close to the wedding? You're not on a diet or a detox by now?”
Poppy laughed. “Um, hardly.” She waved her empty glass. “I need filling up!”
“But every bride needs to lose weight before her wedding day.”
“Not this one.”
Edie cast her gaze over Poppy's figure. “Oh... right...”
An uneasy silence descended over the table, before Nate broke it, changing the subject.
“Tell me about The Magpie, Edie. What made you decide to open it?”
Poppy muttered something under her breath about her needing the attention, but Edie chose to ignore it. Instead she regaled Nate with the story of how she had come up with the idea and how Pretty Rich Things had picked up on it and decided to feature her. She explained that it was a little intrusive having people follow her around with a camera, but it hadn't interfered with her life too much.
“And the publicity for both me and Alik has been brilliant.”
“Yeah, I always wanted to be in Apsire magazine,” said Alik, rolling his eyes.
“You can't deny that we've had a bit more interest in Blood Stone Riot since.” Nate said. He gratefully accepted the beer that the waiter brought over. “Although some of the offers of gigs have been quite interesting. What was that person who wanted us to do their birthday party? Some twelve year old with a billionaire father?”
Edie smiled. “But why wouldn't you do that? Surely it would make you money?”
They paused as the waiter came over to take their orders: steak for Nate and Alik, and a burger for Poppy. Edie chose the seafood salad, making a comment about watching her weight and glancing at Poppy.
“Good choices all round,” the waiter said. “We'll get them out to you as soon as possible.”
Once he had gone, Edie asked Nate about how he and Alik had met and how they'd started the band. Truthfully, she was bored, as Alik had told her about a million times how things had come about. But it was definitely time for her to show that she was there to stay. It certainly wouldn't hurt to get to know the band a little better, although Dev barely spoke to anyone outside of the band, and Billy wasn't exactly the type she could have a long conversation with, beyond what his favourite sex position was. She'd have to engineer some kind of party and invite them all, along with her real friends. She couldn't bear to go to too many more gigs in horrible little clubs with horrible little people. Nate was definitely nice enough, but Poppy... Edie was glad that she hadn't invited her along to Gramercy Lodge as well as Caro.
When the food arrived, she noticed that Poppy didn't eat a great deal, and just pushed her food around her plate. Maybe Edie’s words had sunk in after all. They ate in relative silence, commenting on how good the steaks were, ordering more drinks, and mentioning the upcoming warm up gigs for the festival. Edie decided not to order dessert, instead switching to sparkling water. She said she needed a clear head for work in the morning and watched as Poppy ordered another huge glass of wine. Nate and Alik headed over to the bar, leaving the girls alone. Edie reached into her bag for her phone to pass the time until they came back. She could feel Poppy's eyes on her. They hadn't really had a great deal to do with each other in the past, even though Poppy had been around a lot longer than she had. She put her phone down on the table as Alik and Nate came back.
“Any plans for your hen night yet?” she asked, with a smile. “I know a few spas I could put you in touch with if you were interested. I think they have some cheap package deals if you can get enough people to go along.”
“Not made any decisions on that, have you?” said Nate. “Unfortunately, most of her friends are in Australia so it's unlikely to be a big do.”
“Chrissy and Lara are definitely coming,” said Poppy. “They're just as keen as you are to know what the plan is, Edie. Although I don't actually remember inviting you.”
Edie gave a tinkly laugh. “Sorry for assuming, but I thought that as another band girlfriend, I'd be one of the first on the list. We have to stick together after all.”
“I know what I'd like to stick...” said Poppy, before Nate hissed something in her ear.
Edie checked her watch. “Gosh, is that the time, we should really be heading off. I've got a load of deliveries tomorrow that I can't miss. Exciting new stock; you should come and take a look, Poppy, see if there's anything for the wedding.” She paused. “I could probably offer a small discount if it wasn't on one of the popular sellers.”
Nate put a hand on Poppy's arm and answered on her behalf. “Thanks, Edie, we may just do that.” He stood up and embraced Alik in a man hug. “We'll catch up again soon, mate,” he said. “Maybe just us the next time though,” he added, quietly.
Edie gathered her bag and coat together and made a show of air kissing Poppy on both cheeks as she said goodbye, leaving the couple at the table. She smiled at Alik. “I thought that went rather well. Nate is so lovely. Such a good friend of ours.”
Alik hesitated for a moment before speaking. “You're right, he is. Poppy is great too, you should give her a chance.”
“What do you mean? I'm sure I'll get to know her a lot better by the time the hen night comes round.”
“If she invites you, Edie. And I think right now, that's a big if.”
Chapter Nineteen
Caro was buried under supplier invoices, CVs, attempts at rotas, posters, and cocktail menu proofs for approval, and all manner of other chaos when Poppy stopped by the club the following morning.
“I'm so glad you're here!” said Poppy. “I had an awful time last night.”
Caro looked at the paper mountain on her desk and then at Poppy. Work needed her attention, but apparently the bride-to-be did as well. “What happened?”
Poppy briefly described the double date that she and Nate had been on with Edie and Alik. “I mean, seriously, what does Alik see in her?”
Caro thought about Alik's confession outside Gallacher's, but decided Poppy didn't need to know that. “Having spent time with both of them, I'm curious about that myself.” She went on to tell Poppy about the awful weekend at Gramercy Lodge. “I don't know who she was trying to impress, me or Alik.”
Poppy shuddered. “
What are you doing this weekend?”
Caro gestured to the bomb site that was her desk before answering. “Um, probably working.”
“You can't! Pack a bikini and a pair of sunglasses; we're going away.”
Caro laughed. “Poppy, be serious. I can't just drop everything. I've just been away with Olivia. Nic will kill me if I disappear again.”
“Please?” said Poppy. “I promise it will be better than last weekend.” She made puppy dog eyes.
Caro gave in. “I'll talk to Nic.”
Which is why, that Friday, at some godawful hour of the morning when it was still dark and in her old life she would probably just be going to bed rather than just waking up, Caro was waiting outside Nic’s flat for Poppy to arrive. A weekend bag was at her feet. As expected, Nic hadn't been pleased that she was taking off for the second weekend running. Caro reasoned that they wouldn't make any progress anyway as all the people they needed to contact weren't working and it would give him an opportunity to spend quality time with Olivia. When she mentioned Olivia, he reluctantly agreed.
A people carrier pulled up and the driver got out and opened the door for her. Clambering into the back seat, she was surprised to see that as well as Nate, Alik was also in the car. She started looking around for Edie.
“It's just the four of us,” said Poppy. “I wanted to say thank you for agreeing to be my maid of honour.”
“Hey, when did I do that? I only remember offering to help you out.” Caro laughed. “You could just have bought me a drink, you didn't need to take me on holiday.”
They sped along the motorway, mercifully free of traffic at that time of day, and made good time in getting to the airport. After check-in, they made their way through security and into duty free. Poppy and Caro made a beeline for the perfume outlet, while Nate and Alik went to find a pub - even at that time of the morning, they could be persuaded to have a beer.
“You didn't say anything about Alik coming along,” Caro said, as they browsed.
Cocktails, Rock Tales & Betrayals Page 8