Page 2 of Real Rocks
“What are you doing up at this hour anyway?” I eyed him curiously. He appeared to be in workout gear and was carrying a bag.
He flushed. “Oh, I was going for an early gym session.”
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Well, yes, and breakfast with a friend.”
“Does this friend also go to the gym?” It made a pleasant change for me to quiz Jonas on his love life. He’d practically made it his full-time job nosing around in mine.
The colour of his face deepened. “Maybe.”
“Will he be coming to the party tonight?”
“Maybe,” he repeated, a shy smile crossing his face.
“Ooo, how long has this been going on for? You’ve been keeping secrets from me!” I teased.
“Is it any wonder? You’ve had enough going on recently without needing to know what’s happening with me.” Jonas looped an arm around my shoulders. It wasn’t like him to be so touchy-feely. Although I knew the almost-overdose had made him even more protective. “Tonight’s going to be great, Saff. I’m really proud of what you and guys have achieved.”
“Thank you. I’m still really nervous though.” I hoped the lie would make Jonas believe it was the real reason behind me throwing up. There was a small element of truth to it. Many people had high hopes for this EP and there was a lot resting on it.
If we got it wrong…
It didn’t bear thinking about.
Jonas placed a kiss on my temple. “You’ll be fine. Take it easy today, find a killer outfit for tonight and I’ll see you there. Don’t be late.”
“With you and Tris bugging me every five minutes, I don’t think there’s any chance of me being late tonight!” I grinned, giving him a gentle push. “Now, I’m sure you don’t want to be late for your date.”
He flashed me a smile and headed for the front door, leaving me alone with my thoughts again.
His words comforted me a little. Deep down, I knew everything would be okay. I had to believe it.
2
Tris
The sound of the front door being slammed woke me. I stretched and reached out for Saff, but her side of the bed was empty. Not for the first time recently, I woke up alone. It still felt strange being here, with Saff. When I’d first started working with my uncle, never in a million years did I dream I’d be in a relationship with a rock singer. Despite the strange way we’d come to be together, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
I turned onto my back, stretching my hands behind my head and stared at the ceiling.
A few months ago, it had all been so different. Waking up in a narrow bunk, with a cellmate for company instead of a beautiful woman, I’d had no idea of the way my life would change in such a short space of time
Despite a few bumps, Saff and I were in a good place. Tonight, she would be showcasing her new music, including a song she’d written for me.
My uncle and I were working on a property around the corner from the Barnes’ house. After we’d finished here, Jonas had recommended us to an acquaintance and suddenly, Uncle Col was inundated with work. I had very nearly cost him the project here, so was pleased things were working out for him. He and Aunt Annie had done a massive amount to support me after I came out of prison. I felt I owed them a lot. This was only the beginning of me trying to pay them back.
When it became obvious Saff wasn’t coming back to bed, I wondered if it had been her leaving the house. I squinted at my phone and blinked in surprise when I saw the time of five forty-five. With a yawn, I pulled myself out of bed and decided to find out where she was. As I passed Jonas’ room, I noticed the door was ajar. Maybe he was the one who had left so early?
Saff sat cross-legged on one of the chairs at the kitchen table. Her back was to me with her shoulders hunched, her pink and blonde streaked hair pulled up in a messy half-ponytail. She appeared to be staring at her phone. I approached her, running my fingertips over the exposed nape of her neck as soon as I was close enough.
“Shit! Tris! What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” The phone bounced out of her hand onto the tile floor and landed face down.
I went to pick it up, but she got there first turning the screen towards her.
“Great, smashed to pieces.” She showed me the evidence and pouted as she put the device on the table. “Guess I’m going shopping for a new phone later.”
I pulled her towards me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you jump.”
