Page 62 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘Never mind that, you little dark horse, you’d better spill,’ Brogan had said.

‘Yeah, come on, tell all, and don’t even think about missing anything out ’cos we’ll be able to tell if you have.’ Kristy’s eyes had twinkled knowingly.

Despite her friend’s warning, Anoushka relayed a heavily edited version of the afternoon. She dreaded to think what the pair would have done if she’d told them about the kiss and how it had turned her world upside down. That didn’t bear thinking about; she’d definitely be keeping it to herself for the time being. She was still struggling to get her head around it herself. She’d deal with what they had to say once they’d seen the video – which they’d told her they’d make a point of doing – when the time came.

‘You know he’s a guest onThe Tina Stone Showtomorrow, don’t you?’ Brogan had said, popping a chip into her mouth.

‘Oh, yeah. I wonder if he’ll mention anything?’ Kristy’s eyes slid to Anoushka who’d felt her face grow warm.

‘We’ll have to make sure we watch it just in case.’ Brogan had shot Kristy a loaded look.

Anoushka had groaned inwardly. She hadn’t even wanted to start thinking about that.

* * *

‘Surely you’re goingto watch it with us, Noushka lovey?’ asked Kitty. They were in the kitchen and she was setting nibbles out on plates in readiness to take through to the living room. It was quarter-to-nine, fifteen minutes beforeThe Tina Stone Showwas due to air.

Anoushka, who’d been poring over her laptop at the table for the last hour, scrunched up her face. ‘I’m not sure. I’d like to get these orders finished.’ She didn’t notice the look that passed between her parents.

‘Come on, Noushka, it’s not every day you see someone you know onTheTinaStoneShow; everyone in the villages round here’ll be tuned in. It’s big news,’ said Ollie, his eyes shining happily as he poured hot water into the teapot.

Which is exactly why she didn’t want to watch it with anyone else. ‘I might watch it on catch-up.’

‘What? And miss out on sharing a pot of tea and some mighty fine nibbles with your old folks? Anyone would think you don’t appreciate how rock ‘n’ roll we are.’ Ollie chuckled.

She got to her feet and walked round to him. ‘Well, Dad, when you put it like that…’ She rested her arm on his shoulder and kissed his bristly cheek. ‘How can I miss out on a cup of “rock ‘n’ roll” tea and nibbles with you and Mum?’

‘Hey, don’t forget about me. I’ll be there too.’ Lily bowled into the kitchen, grinning broadly, grabbing a handful of crisps from one of the bowls.

‘Don’t worry, Lils, I hadn’t forgotten about you.’ Anoushka smiled at her stepsister. She was thankful it was only their little family unit who’d be watching the interview together; she’d half-expected Jimby, Vi, and Molly and Camm to rock up and make an event of it. That would’ve had the potential to be excruciating.

Anoushka was nestled in her favourite squishy chair, legs tucked underneath her, hugging her mug of tea when the familiar theme tune ofThe Tina Stone Showstruck up and the opening credits began to roll on the pre-recorded episode. She felt a flutter of nerves in her chest and scolded herself inwardly. There’d be nothing to worry about; Gabe was hardly likely to share his innermost feelings on national TV.

After the first two guests had been on, it was finally Gabe’s turn. Tina gave him a glowing introduction and he walked onto the set to rapturous applause, his new single, “My Rose-Shaped Heart”, playing in the background. The flutter in Anoushka’s chest had become a full-on thud and her stomach gave an accompanying flip. Conscious of her family taking surreptitious glances, she lifted her mug, hiding her face behind it. Gabe looked heart-stoppingly handsome in his dark suit and light blue shirt, open at the collar. He’d had his hair cut since Anoushka had seen him last, lending him a boyish air.

The set – designed to make guests feel instantly at ease, which it successfully did – exuded a trendy loft apartment vibe. Gabe took a seat on the large, midnight-blue velvet sofa opposite Tina. A coffee table made of rustic metal and salvaged scaffolding planks, set with a teapot and two mugs, sat between them. The applause finally died down and Tina was able to speak. ‘So, Gabe, that was quite a welcome.’ Her friendly grin flashed whitened teeth.

‘Ah, it’s amazing what a bit of bribery can do,’ he said, smiling broadly and turning to look at the audience. ‘Thanks for that; you can collect your drinks at half-time.’ They replied with a ripple of laughter.

‘Well, thank you so much for being here. Tea?’ she asked, the teapot poised.

‘Thanks so much for inviting me, and yes, I’d love some tea. Splash of milk, no sugar, if that’s okay.’

‘There you go, a good old mug of builder’s brew.’ Tina handed him the drink. ‘And can I just say, you’re looking very dapper in your snappy suit.’

Gabe gave a throaty laugh, resting one leg over the other. ‘Ah, well, you wouldn’t be saying that if you’d seen me this morning. I tell you, it wasn’t pretty. I swear my jeans were that grubby, they could’ve walked off on their own. It’s surprising what a change of clothes and a trip to the barbers can do.’ He ruffled his newly shorn locks with his hand.

After a few questions asking about his early days, and how he’d got started in the music industry, Gabe seemed to relax, reaching for his tea. ‘And am I right in thinking “Dublin” isn’t your real surname?’ Tina asked. Gabe chuckled and went on to explain how when he’d moved to London there were two of them with the name Gabe in his group of friends. Gabe had gone from being referred to as “Gabe from Dublin”, to “Gabe D” – the “D” standing for the first letter in his real surname, Donoghue – and eventually morphing to Gabe Dublin.

‘It stuck and I quite liked it, so decided to keep it as my professional name.’

‘What a charming story,’ said Tina.

Anoushka watched intently but all she could think about was that kiss and how it had turned her world upside down, replaying it over and over in her mind.

‘So, Gabe, you’ve got a new single coming out in a few weeks’ time – “My Rose-Shaped Heart” – gorgeous title by the way. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?’

The artwork for the song appeared on a screen in the background; it was a heart shape filled with pink roses, overlayed with a filigree pattern and accompanied by Gabe’s name and the song title in his familiar font. Simple but striking.

---