Italian Escape with Her Fake Fiancé

by Sophie Pembroke

  But apparently not right now.

  Daisy grabbed her stuff, slung her mandolin over her back, and flashed them both a patently false smile. ‘Well, in that case, I’ll leave you two to decide the rest of my life for me while I go and get some sleep.’

  And then she was gone.

  Kevin frowned. ‘She must really be grieving her aunt,’ he said. ‘She’s normally so happy.’

  Jay considered enlightening him as to Daisy’s actual nature, but decided it probably wasn’t worth the time it would take.

  ‘Yeah, that must be it,’ he said instead. ‘I’ll talk to her later, figure something out.’

  After she’d calmed down. And in the meantime, he was going to talk to the only stable and sensible person he knew on this tour.

  His brother, Harry.

  CHAPTER THREE

  DAISY SLAMMED ONTO the tour bus, glad that for once it was empty apart from the driver, who was on his phone up front in the cab. She needed to be away from people—especially Kevin.

  One thing was abundantly clear to her—she didn’t hold enough bargaining chips here to get what she wanted. But wasn’t that always the case? It just meant she had to pick her battles. Figure out what she needed most and fight for that—even if it meant giving in on the parts that mattered less to her.

  And what she needed most was to get away from this tour.

  Flopping onto her bunk, she pulled out her phone. One of the reasons her friendship with Aubrey and Jessica worked so well was that neither of them expected all that much from her. They didn’t expect her to be free for a night out when she just needed to be alone. They didn’t complain when it took her a few hours—or days—to respond to messages, because she just wasn’t in a people place right then.

  Daisy liked people—honestly, she did. She just liked them on her own terms.

  She thought that Jessica and Aubrey got it. Jessica had a natural gift for connection with others, but she was also generally happiest safely between the covers of a book—well, until she decided to accept the chance to go to New York and interview for a new job, anyway. And while Aubrey was far more extroverted than either of them, after a serious health scare, she hated being fussed over by her loving—but overbearing—brothers, so she got it when Daisy said she was just peopled out.

  Now, lying flat on her back on the surprisingly comfortable bunk, she checked her messages, knowing there would probably be something from one or both of them to their message group. She’d texted the group last night to tell them about the solicitor and the cottage, and she was interested to hear what they had to say on the matter.

  A cottage? In Italy? Awesome!

  Just reading Aubrey’s reply made Daisy smile. She could almost hear her friend saying it in her broad Aussie accent.

  Italy is totally on my bucket list. But who could have left it to you?

  There was nothing from Jessica, which was a surprise. Normally, Daisy would expect her to weigh in with a note about caution, being careful and taking her time. Jessica was always suspicious of change, which was why persuading her to go to New York and find out more about the job had been such a challenge. But she needed it, Daisy knew—and knew that Aubrey agreed too. Jessica had suffered a heart-breaking tragedy years ago that had shrunk her world right down to her small-town life and the books she read. But Jessica was such a friendly, loving soul, she deserved more than to just play it safe her whole life.

  Daisy liked to think that she and Aubrey had helped show her that in getting her to accept the New York offer.

  That music festival in Copenhagen had given Daisy more than her shot at a serious music career. It had given her friends—a family, almost. She relied on Aubrey and Jessica in a way she’d never been able to rely on her blood relations. They listened to her, gave her advice, helped her stay on the right path. And she knew they only ever had her best interests at heart, which was a lot more than she could say for her actual family.

  The day they’d met, at the Annual Ascot Music Festival, had been the day before she’d met Jay and the band. That one festival had given her a future she’d never imagined until then—a successful music career and two best friends she could rely on.

  They’d come together to save a dog called Max, but once they’d deposited the dog’s owner, Viv, and Max at the hospital, the girls hadn’t gone their separate ways. They’d stayed up chatting that night, learning about each other’s lives. Aubrey and Jessica had come to her gig the next day, had been there when she stepped offstage to cheer her and celebrate with her.

  And they’d been there with her, virtually at least, every step of the way since.

  Jessica was still silent, but Aubrey was typing again, Daisy could see from the screen. She waited to hear what her friend had to say before responding.

  And, speaking of awesome opportunities, guess what? Someone has GIVEN me the money to take the round the world trip I always planned! Just given it to me! Like a lottery win!

  Daisy’s whole body went cold. Of course she could understand why Aubrey was excited, but this seemed like just one too many coincidences to her.

  She wrote back.

  Wait. They just gave you the money? How did you find out about it?

  This solicitor guy came to my house and told me. There’s paperwork, bank transfer details, everything. It’s REAL, Daisy!

  And that doesn’t seem a little...weird to you?

  No weirder than someone leaving you a cottage. Or Jessica getting the chance at her dream job in New York, totally out of the blue.

  Daisy waited a moment.

  Hang on...do you think they’re connected?

  Daisy had known Aubrey would catch on quickly. She typed on...

  I can’t see how they could not be. I mean, it’s just too much of a coincidence, right? You get the one thing you wanted most, ever since you fell sick—the chance to finish your grand tour trip. And Jessica gets exactly what she needs—the opportunity to step outside her safe little world and try out her dream job.

  And you get a cottage in Italy.

  Daisy had to admit that part didn’t make much sense.

  I guess I already have my dream—I’m an actual musician.

  With a number one hit! Have I mentioned lately how much I love that song?

  Yes.

  Daisy knew she was blushing, could feel the heat in her cheeks even though there was no one there to see it. She still couldn’t believe that she, Daisy Mulligan from Liverpool, had an actual hit single. What would all those teachers who’d dismissed her dreams as impossible say about her now? Not that she planned on going back to find out.

  She typed again, bringing the conversation back to what really mattered.

  The point is, all three of us have received mysterious but incredibly generous gifts or offers in the last month. Remember, Jessica’s job interview wasn’t just for her dream job, it involved days in New York too. What company interviews like that?

  Not that Daisy had any idea of what job interviews in New York looked like. Hers had tended to be more of the Can you pull a pint? Great, you’re hired! variety, back when she’d been serving behind bars rather than playing in front of them. Most of them had barely even checked she was eighteen, which had honestly been just as well when she’d been starting out.

  Aubrey had replied.

  They’ve got to be connected. But the only thing the three of us have in common is...

  Viv.

  Daisy finished the thought for her.

  Could the older lady they’d helped in Copenhagen two years ago really be behind their gifts? And, if so, why on earth would she do it? Finding a missing dog didn’t earn this kind of a reward.

  Daisy could almost understand Jessica and Aubrey’s gifts—everyone loved Jessica, and it was so obvious she needed to step outside her safe bubble and find actual happiness, not just contentmen
t. And Aubrey...she’d had such a rough time of it with her illness that of course she deserved to finish her bucket-list trip now she was well again.

  But why on earth would Viv give Daisy a cottage? She already had everything she needed.

  Aubrey had sent another message.

  Let me do some research. See what I can figure out. In the meantime...you’d better go see about this Italian cottage of yours!

  Daisy typed back.

  Looks like I might not have much choice. Kevin wants me and Jay to head there during the break in the tour schedule. We get to write new songs for the album while also pretending we’re on a romantic getaway, since he’s practically got us engaged in the press now.

  I saw that! Well, it might be a good opportunity, Daise.

  How?

  There was a long pause before Aubrey’s reply came through, as if she was thinking exactly how to phrase it.

  You’ve been...kind of tense about the tour lately, right? I mean, some days your messages sound like you’re not enjoying playing at all, and that’s not you.

  Daisy frowned at the screen, but the sad thing was Aubrey was right.

  Maybe this cottage is your chance to get away from it all for a bit and figure out where you want to go next. I mean, maybe that’s why Viv sent it to you now. You’ve already achieved your dreams, so maybe it’s time to dream some new ones.

  And Jay going with me? How is that helpful?

  Gives you something pretty to look at while you’re dreaming!

  Even in her rotten mood, Daisy couldn’t help but laugh at that. Trust Aubrey to find a silver lining to everything.

  * * *

  Harry was exactly where Jay had expected to find him—in the dressing room, lovingly polishing his favourite guitar. Harry had rituals and routines he employed to get him through every performance, and it was rare that he let anything or anybody distract him from them.

  Jay just hoped he’d be willing to be distracted today.

  ‘So, I understand congratulations are in order,’ Harry said without looking up as Jay entered the room. ‘Shall I email Mum and ask her to courier Gran’s ring over?’

  ‘Kevin wants us to go ring shopping and get photographed doing it, actually,’ Jay replied, morosely.

  Harry’s head jerked up. ‘Wait. You’re letting Kevin plan the proposal? No way. You need someone with a smidge of romance in their soul. Kevin’s heart was replaced with sales figures years ago.’

  ‘Since this pretend relationship is all about sales figures, that sounds about right.’ Sighing, Jay sank down into the chair opposite his brother, and watched as he ran the cloth over the instrument.

  Harry clicked his tongue. ‘Shame, really. If you’d just get engaged, Mum would stop worrying that you’ve lost your one true love and throw herself into the wedding planning. She might even get off my back about finding a nice young man to settle down with.’

  ‘If she had Daisy as her daughter-in-law she’d have much bigger problems than your love life, you mean,’ Jay shot back.

  He couldn’t ever quite shake the vague guilt he felt about dragging Harry into all of this. Yes, his brother loved making music as much as he did, but Harry would have been as happy as a session musician, or even music teacher, as he was as a member of one of the biggest bands to come out of the UK in years. And while he was sure his brother enjoyed the lifestyle and the money, he knew it came at a cost for Harry.

  Love.

  Starting the band had been Jay’s idea. Getting out and gigging, finding an agent, signing with the label...it had all been Jay. He’d dragged Harry along with him every step of the way, and he suspected that one of the main reasons Harry had gone along with it was because he knew that music was Jay’s coping strategy. Throwing himself into forming the band had been how he’d coped with their father’s sudden, unexpected death. Just as forcing them all out on tour had been helping him cope with Milli leaving. Until now.

  ‘What love life?’ Harry scoffed. ‘Your imaginary romance is more alive than my love life.’

  ‘You could always try going out on a date,’ Jay pointed out. ‘Then maybe Mum would get off your back. You know she just worries about you being alone.’ She’d had true love, and she was determined that her boys should find the same. It was kind of exhausting, Jay had to admit.

  ‘What, you want me to sign up to some dating app and find a new guy to ask out in every city we play in?’ Harry shook his head. ‘Whatever would Kevin say?’

  ‘Kevin would be fine with it, as long as you were—’

  ‘Discreet?’ Harry interrupted.

  ‘I was going to say happy,’ Jay replied.

  His brother didn’t look convinced. And Jay knew he wasn’t entirely wrong. The band had an image, and a lot of fans—most of them female. Harry coming out as gay would probably win him some new ones, but Jay knew they’d take a hit from the girls who fancied him most. Not that he cared about that, not if it meant Harry was able to relax and be himself.

  But Harry’s answer was the same as always.

  ‘I’ll tell you again. I don’t want the press picking over my personal life until there’s something worth picking at. I don’t want them watching me every time I talk to a guy, wondering if he’s the one for me. When there’s something—or someone, I guess—to tell, I’ll tell the world, I promise. Right now, I’m happier being a man of mystery. Unlike yourself.’

  Groaning, Jay ran a hand over his forehead. ‘You haven’t even heard the worst of it yet.’

  ‘Worse than having Daisy Mulligan as a sister-in-law?’ Harry looked thoughtful. ‘Although, actually, that wouldn’t be all that bad. She and I could hide out together at big family events and avoid people. She’d probably remember to bring the good alcohol with her, too.’

  ‘You realise I’m not actually proposing to her, right?’ Jay asked. ‘Whatever the papers—and Kevin—think.’

  ‘What does she think?’ Harry raised his eyebrows at him and put the guitar on its stand to give Jay his full attention. ‘I mean, all this talk about diamonds and a girl could get ideas...’

  Jay barked a laugh. ‘Not Daisy. All she wants is to get away from all of us and not have to deal with people for a while.’

  ‘I know how she feels.’ Harry stretched his arms over his head. ‘I’m going to go see Mum, then spend two weeks at the cabin, I think. Out by the lake, just the fish for company...’

  ‘Well, don’t forget to come back for that awards ceremony in Rome, right?’ Harry’s cabin was the one thing he’d bought with the proceeds of their first platinum album. ‘Kevin won’t be happy if you miss that.’

  ‘Ah, no one will notice if I’m there or not,’ Harry teased. ‘Not with you there with Daisy on your arm, sporting some giant rock on her left hand.’

  ‘I was hoping that if you went I wouldn’t have to. But I suppose at least we’ll be in the right country,’ Jay mused.

  Harry frowned. ‘You’re going to Italy?’

  ‘That’s what I came here to tell you.’ Jay explained about the curious cottage Daisy might have been left, and how they were supposed to spend the next few weeks there writing love songs.

  ‘Sounds cosy,’ Harry commented.

  ‘Sounds more like she might murder me in my sleep if I get on her nerves. She really is on edge right now.’ He shook his head. ‘I know I’m meant to be her mentor and what have you, but I don’t know what to do with her when she gets like this.’

  ‘Then maybe this is exactly what you both need.’ Harry tilted his head as he looked at his brother, and Jay had the uncomfortable sensation of being studied, observed, like a scientific specimen. Like Harry was trying to make sense of him.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Well, like you say, Daisy’s at the end of her temper and needs some time away before she’s allowed out in public again, right? And you...well. M
aybe you could do with some downtime too. All this gossip about your fake relationship with Daisy is one thing, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re not actually over your last relationship yet, does it?’

  Jay thought about lying, about telling Harry that he was completely over Milli, that he barely even thought about her these days. But Harry knew him too well for him to believe that.

  Although even his brother didn’t know the real reason the break-up was hanging over his head. It wasn’t as their mum thought, that Milli was his one true love and he’d never fall for another woman. It might have been, if Jay hadn’t realised the truth—as much as he had believed himself in love with Milli, the woman he’d thought he loved didn’t really exist.

  Because for Milli, their relationship was as much a publicity stunt as his fake relationship with Daisy.

  If their love affair had never been real for Milli, how could he really have been in love with her in the first place? That was the question that was messing with his head. What made love real?

  But he didn’t want to get into that with Harry now.

  ‘I guess some time out of the public eye wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world,’ he admitted instead. Maybe away from all the chaos of the tour and the cameras, he could get his head around what had happened with Milli, and how he was going to move on.

  ‘You going somewhere, Jay?’ Nico, their drummer, swung through the doorway and dropped into a spare chair, followed by their bassist, Benji.

  ‘He’s whisking Daisy away to Italy for a romantic break,’ Harry said, wiggling his eyebrows.

  Nico rolled his eyes. ‘Yeah, well, try and write some decent new songs while you’re there, yeah? I’m getting bored of hearing the two of you singing the same damn duet every night.’

  ‘I’ll see what we can do,’ Jay promised dryly. ‘You guys don’t mind me skipping out during the break in the tour schedule?’ They didn’t always spend the time together, and Harry would be in Cheshire then at the cabin in Scotland anyway, but as their frontman, their leader even, Jay felt an obligation to check.