Page 29 of Real Rocks
“Everything okay here?” A voice came from behind the doorman and, sure enough, Scott Lincoln appeared, looking every inch the indie rock star. Scruffy, unkempt but perfectly styled hair. His skinny jeans and a Led Zeppelin t-shirt, coupled with a self-assured expression, completed the look.
I hated him so much right now.
“Scott, why did you have Tris taken off the guest list?”
Scott’s gaze raked me up and down, as if assessing the competition. “I didn’t think he’d be coming along. You know, not after everything that’s happened between us.”
My hands balled into fists. I knew he was saying it to get a rise out of me. And I couldn’t let him get to me. No matter how much I wanted to protect Saff.
Saff let out an angry breath. “How many times, Scott? Nothing happened between us. Nothing. And nothing ever will.”
He cocked his head to one side. “Really? Not even tonight? It is my homecoming after all.”
“Fuck off, Scott.” Saff barged past him and pulled me after her. “Tris is with me and no-one is stopping him coming in.”
Scott tailed us as we headed into the club. “You ready to sound check straight away? I don’t want to dismantle Trash Gun’s kit now, then have to set it up again after TheSB have done their check.”
Saff stopped abruptly at the door to the main room and Scott barrelled into the back of me. “When have I ever not been ready?”
“Then let’s do it.”
As the two of them found their way to the stage, I spotted Darren, Barney and Tommo at the bar and went to join them.
“Tris!” Darren slapped me on the back. “Guess everything went to plan?”
A wide grin spread over my face. “Ha, yes. I’ll tell you about it, if you like.”
Darren grimaced. “No, you’re all right, mate. I don’t need that level of information.”
We laughed and I realised I’d missed Darren almost as much as I missed Saff. He really was a good friend.
A screech of feedback filled the hall and I winced, my attention drawn to the stage.
Saff had a mic in one hand, the lead wrapped around her hand as she prowled the floor to one side of the drum kit. Scott was the other side, in an almost identical pose.
He counted them in and began singing.
In fairness, the song was amazing and, if I was honest,Wasted By My Sidewas actually my favourite Trash Gun track. I wasn’t particularly in love with their music and sound, but it had been this song which had drawn me in the most. Hearing Saff sing the female part filled me with pride. I was so pleased for her, even if it had led to the issues with Scott in the first place. The tour would no doubt get TheSB much more publicity and if all went to plan, their rise to stardom could be just as rapid as Trash Gun’s.
Did I want that though?
Did I want Saff out on tour for weeks on end?
Did I want her being in close proximity to Scott Lincoln and other pretenders to his throne?
But I couldn’t stand in her way.
I wouldn’t.
“This really works, doesn’t it?” Darren nudged me. “Probably been the best received song every night.”
It didn’t surprise me. A popular song, given a new twist by an up and coming artist. What’s not to love?
My gaze went back to the stage, watching Saff and Scott play off each other, singing the lyrics with what seemed like restraint. I’m sure in the real performance later there would be much more to it.
As the song reached its crescendo, Scott pulled Saff towards him, staring deep into her eyes. At first, she stiffened, but then appeared to relax in his embrace. Then she returned the look, one I recognised, and for a moment I stopped breathing. It was the look she’d given me earlier right before I thrust into her.
Had she lied to me?
