Page 44 of The Last Love Song
‘You stupid, arrogant little shit!’ Lulu picked up a cushion from the sofa and threw it at him.
‘Lulu, I thought you’d be on my side? You’ve always said how much you love my lyrics. Freddy Martin said they stank!’
He looked like a hurt little boy. Lulu knew she must try a different approach.
‘Darling, I do love your songs. I think you’re wonderfully talented. It’s just that after all this time, the break has come. Freddy Martin,theFreddy Martin, ex-manager of one of the most famous groups in the country, has offered to manage you. And you say you’re leaving. You must understand that I’m surprised.’
‘Look, Lulu, you don’t know, you weren’t there. Freddy insulted me. I’m the lead singer of the Blackspots, yet there was Freddy Martin kissing Con Daly’s arse and telling him how wonderfulhisvoice was. Seems to me that I’ll be consignedto supporting cast inmy owngroup. No thanks. I’ll start another, better group. I’ll beat Con Daly at his own game.’
Lulu sank into a chair and sighed. She pushed her thick black hair back from her face. ‘So this is about jealousy more than anything else. You think Con’s stolen your limelight.’
Todd clenched his fists. ‘I bloody hate him, Lulu, and his gentle Irish charm. He has the rest of the band and Freddy Martin taken in, but not me.’ Todd put his head in his hands. ‘Behind that calm exterior is steel. Con is as determined to make it to the top as I am.’
‘And is that wrong?’ Lulu shook her head. ‘Now youaresounding spoilt and jealous. Con’s a nice guy, Todd. Yes, he’s talented, and good-looking. But surely those are the qualities a group needs to make it?’
Todd shot a steely look at Lulu. ‘You’re talking as if you fancy Con Daly.’
Lulu rolled her eyes. ‘No, but I can see why a lot of women would find him attractive.’
‘Great. Just boost my ego, why don’t you.’ Todd hiccupped suddenly.
‘Todd, darling, you know it’s you I love. What I’m saying is that Conisan asset. That’s how you should think of him. There’s room for both of you! Look at Lennon and McCartney – both brilliant musicians, singers and songwriters. I’ll bet there’s been fireworks between those two at times. But the more ability you have in a group, the more potential there is for massive success. Work with Con. Don’t make an enemy of him.’
‘You’re certain I shouldn’t leave then?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Shit.’ Todd rubbed his eyes and stifled a yawn. ‘I’m a bit pissed.’
‘I know.’ Lulu stood up and went to sit next to him. ‘Trust me, Todd, darling. My instincts tell me you must stay.’
‘Okay,’ Todd sighed, after a long pause, ‘but I can never like that Con Daly.’
‘You don’t have to like him; you just have toworkwith him. Come on, I’m going to put you to bed.’
Todd rose slowly to his feet. He took a tress of Lulu’s hair and twirled it round his finger. ‘You think I’m better than Con, don’t you?’
Lulu took his hand and led him to the bedroom. ‘Yes, darling.’ Without putting the lights on, she began to unbutton his shirt.
‘Hi, Con, I...I was just passing and I wondered if I could pop in for a chat.’
Todd lived in Chelsea. Con thought it unlikely he had just been ‘passing’ Arkwright Road in Hampstead at nine thirty in the morning.
‘Sure. Come in.’
Todd followed Con up three flights of stairs to a large airy room.
‘This is pleasant.’ Hands in pockets, Todd looked out of the window.
‘Ah, ’tis Sorcha. She has the touch.’
‘Yes. Um...look, Con, I thought we ought to have a chat.’
‘Of course. I was just making myself some coffee. Want some?’
‘Great. I seem to have one hell of a hangover this morning. I would have slept it off except Lulu gets up at five to go to the studios and for such a feminine creature she clomps around like a baby elephant. Subsequently I can never get back to sleep.’ Todd knew he was rambling out of nervousness. ‘Look, Con, what I said yesterday...I was in a state, angry at the way Freddy Martin spoke to me. You know how you feel about your own songs. It’s hard to be told they stink, especially when you’ve studied for years at music college.’
‘Of course.’ Con filled two mugs with instant coffee powder and hot water. ‘We’re out of milk.’
