Page 109 of Encore

“Where’s Rhys? I haven’t given him a cuddle yet. I bet he’s changed a lot since I last saw him.”

“In the gardens near the kitchen. We have a babysitter for the kids, well, two if you include Ella. She’s constantly nagging her mum for a brother or sister. Liam’s face is priceless. I don’t think he’s keen on the idea.”

“Cerys isn’t either. Ella will have to put up with her half siblings. If you get what I mean.”

“How is Bryn?” I ask.

“I think he struggles a bit still, but Connor’s in remission. We’re heading to Australia next week for a few.”

“Oh. Nice.”

“I’m looking forward to the sun.” Avery smiles and reaches over to take the last pastry parcel on the table. “I’ll grab more, I’m starving.”

She heads to the nearby table and takes a plate, reaching out for food.

“Avery Paige, tell me you’re not waitressing!” Bryn’s voice calls from nearby and heads turn. The tables aren’t full, but enough people sit near to cause Avery to throw him a dirty look. “Put the plate down. Step away from the soup.”

“There isn’t any soup!” she calls back. “Maybe you should put the alcohol down?”

“Bryn...,” I call at him in a warning voice.

He ignores me and strides over to Avery. They have an inaudible conversation, which includes Bryn grinning at a scolding Avery. After a minute, Bryn takes hold of Avery’s face and plants a huge kiss on her mouth. She struggles against him for all but a few seconds, and the following kiss isn’t one for in public.

They head out, Avery ahead and Bryn trailing behind. He points at Avery. “Fucking love her. Isn’t she awesome?”

“Seriously, Bryn,” she mutters and tugs his hand harder.

“But I do,” he grumbles. “Does nobody want me to tell them I love them today?”

I cringe for Avery, at Bryn’s drunk behaviour, but can’t help smiling at the confused sincerity in his eyes. “I should find Dylan,” I say to Tara and push my chair back. “I hope he hasn’t had as many as Bryn.”

Tara laughs. “Bloody rock stars.”

I prowl around the grounds, attempting to avoid conversation with people. He’s not in the last place I saw him, looking bored as someone connected to the record company chatted in excitement. No sign of Dylan anywhere. I always feel ludicrous doing this, but sometimes I lose him on the estate. I search for my phone and text Dylan.

* * *

DYLAN

Sky walksinto the converted barn I call my studio, but she knows is my hideout. She shakes her head in despair at me as I sit on the old sofa, shoes and jacket off. Old Blue Phoenix tracks play in the background.

“You can’t just disappear!” she protests.

“Yeah. I can.”

“It’s rude.”

“I’ve had enough.”

Sky holds a hand out. “Tough. I’m not doing this on my own. Come on.”

I don’t want to be anywhere but here, with the woman I’ve spent all day desperate to be alone with. I’d forgotten how much other people mess with my head, how the intrusion and questions fill my head and push away the quiet peace. Weeks back on the promotional circuit doesn’t help. This party in the midst of the hecticness wasn’t a great idea.

I grab Sky’s hand and pull. She trips forward onto me. “Stay here.”

“You okay?” Sky balances on my lap, and I support her as she strokes my cheek. “Did you argue with the guys?”

“No. I don’t know. I’m overwhelmed, I guess.” I offer a rueful smile. “Don’t tell anybody, but I think Dylan Morgan’s party days are over.”

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