Page 15 of Fake Rocks
“That’s quick, even for Saff.” Darren laughed and Saff punched him on the arm.
I gulped down more beer, hoping I’d created the cover story okay. When Saff reached over and squeezed my leg, I knew it had been fine.
9
Saff
Sandwiched between him and Darren, my body was pressed close to Tris’. He looked gorgeous in his new clothes and thankfully, much less like Jonas. I breathed in his scent: manly, workmanlike,strong.
Things appeared to be going well. Darren and Barney had bought the story about us meeting at uni. If that was going to be our ‘meet cute’ then we’d have to iron out some details and get things straight. The last thing I wanted was for someone to think it was suspect and call one of us out over it. We’d definitely have to sort it out before I introduced Tris to Rosie. She’d be all over any inconsistency like a rash.
The band started playing and I turned my attention to the drummer. Their musical style was a little more mainstream compared to TheSB’s. They went through a few predictable covers: Green Day, Foo Fighters, that sort of thing. It was hard to read the expression on the drummer’s face, he appeared totally impassive as he did his thing, beating the skins and counting the beats. I wondered if the monotony of playing the same cover song was getting to him. They flew through their short set, which lasted no more than about thirty minutes, receiving an adequate reception from the assembled audience.
As soon as they had finished, Barney sprang up and went over to the drummer, catching him before he left.
Darren leaned over to me. “What did you think?”
“He can play.”
“Do you think he can work with us?”
“You mean, can he work with me, more specifically?”
The sheepish look on Darren’s face gave it away. I knew I wasn’t the easiest person to be around, but I was determined to give TheSB my full attention. At least for a while.
Barney came back. “You want to pop out for a smoke? Then I can tell you what Tommo said.”
I stood up and touched Tris’ shoulder. “Will you be okay if we head outside for a while?”
He grinned. “I think I can manage without you for ten minutes, Saff. I’ll get some more drinks in while you’re gone.”
I almost leaned over and kissed him, which is what a couple would usually do, but something stopped me. There was a little voice in my head telling me a kiss with Tris wouldn’t be fake. “Thanks, Tris,” I said instead. “I’ll have another vodka.”
The boys were waiting on the patio, huddled close to one of the heaters. Darren passed me a cigarette, knowing full well I didn’t have my own on me, and held the lighter out.
“So? What did Tommo say?” I didn’t beat around the bush. I wanted to know if he was interested.
“He’d want to jam with us and see how we gel as a foursome. But in principle, he’s interested.” Barney blew a stream of smoke towards the sky. “If we liked him, of course.”
“I already said to Darren he can play. Is he happy going for more of a heavier, harder sound?”
Barney nodded. “He’s listened to the first SB album.”
I liked how he said, ‘the first album’. It sounded promising for our future.
“And he reckons he can replicate it.”
“When is he free to jam?” asked Darren.
“Let’s go and talk to him now, I’ll introduce you properly.”
He dropped the butt of his cigarette to the floor and ground it out with his foot. Darren and I followed suit and we went back inside.
True to his word, Tris had bought a round and our drinks waited on the table. Barney waved Tommo over and once again, we squeezed around it.
“I can always go and sit at the bar?” offered Tris.
“Why don’t I just sit on your lap instead? Give us a bit more room.” I jumped up, pushed my stool away and carefully lowered myself onto Tris’ legs. He shifted a little, and for a moment I enjoyed the hardening that prodded against my thigh. Trying to focus on the matter in hand, I shook the thought away.
