Page 87 of Not Another Rockstar
Knowing he couldn’t hurt her anymore brought Phoebe some relief, but it didn’t make up for the hurt he’d caused by destroying her remaining work. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, though, she focused her energy on building her next collection and decided to reopen her studio as a free space for financially struggling and disabled artists to come together, using the money that Cillian had invested without her knowledge. Struggling with her injured hand had made her feel alone, and she hoped this new space could help others from feeling the same way, as they expressed themselves without worrying about judgement, or paying for materials. Lena helped her get it all organised, and they’d had plenty of time toplan since the band were busy promoting the new album and rehearsing for Cillian’s six-month memorial concert. They all needed time to heal, and they were finally getting it.
Almost there!A text came in from August as Phoebe rocked back and forth on her heels, trying to keep warm outside Abrams Pub in the cold night air. Spotting August and Nick at the end of the street, she hurried inside through the crowded entrance. They were just about ready; Lena gave her a thumbs up as she finished helping one of the bar staff hang up the last ‘Happy Birthday’ banners behind the bar.
“They’re coming!” Phoebe squealed to Anita, who was waiting at the bar.
Anita gave the signal and Susan, one of the pub’s owners, flicked off all lights except for the old neon signs. Phoebe lit the giant sparklers on the cake.
The old couple who owned Abrams had given the band their start by letting them perform on Fridays before they got signed, and they’d been regulars ever since. Staffed by the owners’ friends and family, the pub was the perfect place for Nick’s surprise birthday party without the media finding out. They’d kept the guest list to a bare minimum so there would be no risk of it being leaked.
Nick had refused to let them celebrate given what happened at the house party, but Sheen was gone, and Phoebe wasn’t going to let her brother let a year pass without celebrating. Losing Cillian had taught them every year was precious. She’d alsowanted to do something special for him, since he’d handled her new relationship with Axel surprisingly well.
“Surprise!!” they cheered as Nick walked in.
August smirked, nudging his frozen friend. Phoebe hugged him, hoping this wasn’t a terrible idea.
“I can’t believe you did all this. I said no party!” Nick whispered. “Isaiah warned us all to be careful.”
“Susan kindly closed the pub for the night, and everyone has been sworn to secrecy. I only invited close friends and family.” Phoebe glanced over her shoulder to their parents. “They asked about Sheen, but I told them it’s over. They don’t need the details. This is your birthday, you only turn thirty once, and we are going to celebrate.”
“Thank you.” It was great to see him smile; it was rare these days.
Everyone hollered and cheered as he blew out his candles. The music and lights turned on once the sparklers burnt out. Nick’s laughter echoed around the room as he was tackled by friends from his school days. Seeing him so happy made the effort of keeping the secret worth it. The remembrance concert was weighing on him, and she wanted to give him one night without grief and hurt.
“Shots all round!” Nick cheered over the music.
“Coming right up!” Susan said, with a bright, red-lipped smile as she racked up the small glasses.
Nick joined their parents, and it was nice to have her family all in one place. It brought back memories of when all their friends and family would gather in Abrams for the band’s performances.
With the guests distracted, Phoebe snuck into the back kitchen to cut the cake. Shots on an empty stomach wasn’t a good idea. Axel snuck in through the back door, and she looked up to find him unashamedly running his eyes over every inchof the short red dress that hugged her hips. She’d worn his favourite colour on purpose. Since he’d been busy rehearsing with the band, and she’d been doing physio to help her get back to painting, they hadn’t had much alone time recently. She smirked when he shook his head to stop himself staring.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said, coming up behind her as she cut a slice of cake. “I didn’t think I’d ever get out of the studio. Three days and I’m still trying to put together the setlist for the concert. I thought about adding some of Cillian’s favourite songs, and Nick and August loved the idea, but now I’ve made the job even harder.”
“Don’t be sorry, you’re here now.” She turned to stuff the small slice of cake in his face. She got most of it in his mouth but smeared the rest when he tried to kiss her.
“You’ve got icing on your face, don’t you dare,” she said, trying to wrestle herself out of his arms, but he held her firmly against his hard body.
“It’s too delicious not to share.” He kissed her, smearing the icing and crumbs on her lips and cheeks.
Phoebe tried her best to wipe away the icing without smearing her make-up. “How was that?”
“Tasty.” He winked.
“I wasn’t talking about the cake,” she said, not wanting to return to the party looking like he’d ravaged her in the kitchen.
“Neither was I.” His lips brushed her ear, making her shiver.
“I don’t have time for your seductive antics, I have a cake to bring out,” Phoebe warned as his hands teased the hem of her dress. “Go join the party, you are distracting me.” She turned around to face him as his fingers brushed the inside of her thigh.
“I apologise for distracting you from your very important birthday duties.” He raised his hands in defeat as she pointed the knife at him playfully. She lowered it when she realised how he was dressed.
“You’re wearing a shirt,” she said, surprised he wasn’t in his usual favoured T-shirts with one or more holes.
He shrugged. “I wanted to look my best, have to make a good impression with your parents.”
“You’ve met my parents a dozen times,” she said as he pulled at the end of his sleeves like the cuffs were too tight. Given that it was big on him, he must have borrowed it from August.
“True, but I want them to think I’m worthy of their precious daughter,” he said, kissing her hand like the gentleman he wasn’t.
