Page 28 of The Devil's Tattoo
“What?No.”
“Cos I know it doessometimes.”
“How do youknowthat?”
“I see you rubbing it like it’s aching. You should get it checked out if it’sbotheringyou.”
“No, it’s fine.” I wavedhimoff.
“How’d the merchandise go tonight?” he asked as Simonecameover.
“Like hot cakes,” she replied brightly. “I’m gonna have to call in a new order if it keeps going like it is, or we’ll have nothing left forMelbourne.”
“Bloody hell!” Dee chortled. “We’re gonna be richandfamous.”
“I’m gonna need some help, too. I’m glad Dean’sbacksoon.”
“Already?”
“Yeah, he’s going to meet us at the hotel inSydney.”
Dee wandered off abruptly as Sticks walked past. He grabbed the drummer’s arm and started talking furiously with him, and I wondered what the hell it was allabout.
“Have you said anything to Chris yet?” Simone asked, drawing my attention backtoher.
“No.” I shook my head and smiled at her embarrassment. “ButIwill.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem. You need help boxing up the leftovers?” I asked, pointing back to the merchandisetable.
“Nope. Louie’s helping me. He’s gone to get the extra boxes fromthecar.”
Nodding, I glanced across the room and saw Chris sitting at a table by himself, a drink in one hand and his phone in the other. Winking at Simone, I went over and pulled up a chair nexttohim.
“Hey,Zoe.”
“What are you doin’ sitting here all by yourlonesome?”
He shrugged. “Just wanted somealonetime.”
“Oh, do you want me to go?” I went tostandup.
“No, no. It’s okay.” He gestured for me to sit downagain.
We sat there for a moment in silence, and it was probably as good a time now than any to bring up Simone. “What’s the deal with you andSimone?”
“Sorry?” He seemed surprised Iwouldask.
“You guys have known each other a while,right?”
“Yeah, a few years. Why’dyouask?”
“I was just thinking about it before,” I replied absently, even tricking myself into thinking I was telling thetruth.
“Did she say somethingtoyou?”
Oh man, this was easy. “No. I just noticedsomething.”
