Page 57 of Happiness Under a Summer Skye

As they travelled back north once more, Angelia pondered the events of the evening. ‘I think I’d like to sing at the concert,’ she said.

Ed frowned. ‘But… I thought you didn’t want to? Don’t feel pressured. They all completely understand, you know. I’ve never felt so uplifted by a group of people, Angel. They really do get it. There’s no expectation on you. None at all.’

Angelia nodded. ‘I know. And that’s why I want to. Because they lifted me up tonight too.’

After a pause, Ed said, ‘He adores you, you know. Ferris, I mean. I think Evin does too, but who wouldn’t? You’re adorable,’ Ed said and Angelia giggled. ‘But joking aside, I think he’s falling for you. Again, Ferris I’m talking about.’

Angelia turned towards him. ‘Do you really think so? But I’ve only known him, what, a few weeks?’

Ed shook his head. ‘Means nothing. When you know, you know. And I definitely get the feeling he knows.’

Messages had been flooding in from her parents with photos of each stop on their Canadian adventure and Angelia looked forward to each instalment. Calls were limited due to time differences, but the regular updates were wonderful. They both looked so happy and had clearly met some interesting people on their travels.

Meghan had been in touch, too, to say her mum’s surgery had gone well and she was on the mend. These messages were so welcome but on Sunday Angelia got the message she had been both dreading and anticipating after her message to Josh about her trip. A demand for her to join the inevitable Zoom call she had hoped to avoid.

Ed gave her a pep talk just before she was due to join the call. ‘Don’t let them make you feel bad for not telling them about our camping trip. You’re entitled to do what you want when you want to do it now. The band is no more. They don’t own you. Now here, Dutch courage,’ he said, handing her a glass of wine. ‘I’ll be downstairs if you need me to kick some virtual butt.’ He left her to it and she logged on.

‘Hello, Angelia, thank you for joining us,’ Den said, his face deadpan.

Heath was there too but no one else, which added to her state of nervousness. She was definitely in for yet another dressing down. ‘Hi, Angelia. Good to see you. You’re looking well,’ Heath said, his face also a mask of serious civility.

‘Thanks, I’m feeling great just now.’

Den’s jaw was ticking under his skin. ‘I suppose you’re aware that Meghan’s mum is out of the woods.’ As he spoke, he steepled his fingers and perched his elbows on the table in front of his tangerine-hued face.

Angelia nodded, her heart pounding. ‘We’ve kept in touch, yes. I’m so relieved for her and her family. It’s really good news.’

He narrowed his eyes. ‘And your camping trip. How was that?’ he asked with a knowing glare and a tilt of his head. He just needed a cat to stroke, and he’d be the perfect Bond villain.

‘Oh… erm… I…’ She remembered Ed’s words and straightened her spine. ‘It was great, thanks. Really good fun.’ She forced a smile.

Den pursed his lips and his eyes remained unblinking. ‘Hmm. It would have been good to have heard it direct from you, rather than to have Josh messaging us, panicking about you being unsafe.’

Angelia sighed. ‘I wasn’t unsafe. I went camping with my best friend. And anyway, the band has folded so I need to get used to being out without a driver or an assistant, or security, don’t I? And I’m on the Isle of Skye, Den, it’s hardly the crime centre of the world. I’m sorry but you’re being ridiculous and as the band is no more you don’t really get to have a say about what I do and don’t do now.’

Den sat, wide-eyed, in a stunned silence which was a first, while she herself was quite proud of the fact that she hadn’t used a single swear word. Ferris would be proud, she thought.

Heath pursed his lips, evidently amused by the whole situation. ‘Just to let you know, Angel, the press release is going out tomorrow so expect some attention on social media. I imagine we’ll all get tagged in stuff, good and bad. There’ll be lots of speculation regardless of what we put out there. The fans will have questions, and some may not take so kindly to the news of the split. And even though you’re on Skye, just be prepared that the press might arrive and try to get information from locals. Maybe just let your friends and family know to point them to the band’s website or the management’s.’

Angelia nodded. ‘Fine. I will. Thanks for letting me know.’

‘I’ve emailed you a copy of what’s going out. Let me know if there’s anything you want to add or remove.’

After an awkward pause, Heath said, ‘I know Den maybe came over quite harsh about this whole thing, Angel…’ Den opened his mouth to speak but Heath continued. ‘Come on, Den, you did a bit. But the thing is, you’re like a kid sister to us in the band. We just want to make sure you’re safe. You’ve gone from being escorted around big cities by bodyguards to camping out with your friends. It’s a massive change. And as safe as you feel, things do happen in the most unlikely of places. We just want you protected, even if the band is no more, okay? We love you, that’s all.’

A lump lodged in her throat as she realised how much she missed the guys. ‘Yeah… well… I love you too.’ She sounded like a stroppy toddler.

Heath pursed his lips and then burst out laughing. ‘God, I miss you, kid!’ he said. ‘Den, I think she’s right. We need to move past this. The last thing I want is for the band to part with any animosity. Can we just drop it and move on?’

Den held up his hands in a surrendering motion and sighed.

Heath continued, ‘Look, while I’ve got you here, I wanted to ask something a bit left field. I’m asking on behalf of Anouk because she’s otherwise engaged.’ He leaned forward and whispered, ‘She’s on a date.’

Angelia was delighted for her former bandmate. ‘Ooh, exciting. What do you need to ask? Fire away.’

‘The thing is… I’m joining Den in band management as part of his team and Anouk is my first artist.’

Angelia widened her eyes and clapped her hands together. ‘That’s amazing, H, I’m so happy for you! But… what does that have to do with me?’