AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Of course not.” He sits in the armchair opposite me. “I’m not stupid; I know what’s going on. Probably about time.” I blink, not expecting this reaction. “They’re not the only ones struggling. Do you think I’d let everything fall apart after all this time?”
“So what? You’re going to loosen the leash a bit?” I ask, unable to stop the snide comment.
“I put my life into this too. The guys implode; I’m going down with them. They need a break, makes sense. They’ll come back.”
“How can you be sure?”
He sits back, fingers linked behind his head. “How many farewell tours have you seen from big bands? Plenty, I’ll bet. And how many of them come back? Most of them.”
He’s right. On both counts. The messed up Dylan needs out, but he could never turn his back on the music. Whether that means coming back to Blue Phoenix or not, I’m not sure. Stepping away is the thing to do for all of them right now, including Steve. The band’s spiralling descent into chaos and ultimately destruction would be more damaging than allowing them time off. Time I think Steve needs too.
“Just do me a favour, Sky. Let him do what he loves, don’t try and change him.”
“Why would I try and change him?”
“Because I don’t think you really want his world.”
“I don’t think our relationship is any of your business,” I retort.
“So I keep being told.” Steve rubs his hands on his legs. “Know why I worry about you and not Honey? Honey’ll break Liam’s heart, but she won’t ever try to stop him doing what he wants. I doubt she’ll be around in a year’s time.”
I stand and place the magazine on the table. “The band is in that room. Maybe knock before you go in?”
I begin to walk away and he calls after me, “You’re welcome by the way.”
I pause and look back at him. “For what?”
“The criminal damage charge I got you off.” I frown in confusion and as the realisation hits, he smirks. “Throwing cameras around, not good. Be nice to the press.”
“Oh, thanks,” I mumble, annoyed at my pink face as I walk away.
* * *
Dylan
“That’s it? No dramas? Threats?”I ask Steve.
Steve doesn’t sit when he enters the room and leans against the door, arms crossed. The tired lines of his face and slackened stance indicate he’s not here for confrontation.
“I’m over this as much as you guys. Sometimes damage control means hitting the brakes. That’s what you want? Please, don’t fucking tell me you’re splitting?”
I glance at Bryn, our usual spokesperson. “Time out, Steve. That’s what we’ve decided. A year and we’ll talk again,” says Bryn.
Steve runs a hand along his stubbled cheek. “No one has any plans to go solo, I hope?”
“We only want a break. Me? I’m spending a year sorting my life out,” says Liam.
“After the wedding?” asks Jem.
Liam’s gaze shifts to his feet. “The fucking wedding, yeah.”
“She’ll be popping out a baby next, old man,” snickers Jem.
“Oh, holy fuck, Mini Honeys,” laughs Bryn.
“No way. No kids yet.” Liam’s as pale as I am now, and I don’t know whether to laugh or feel sorry for him.
“From what I’ve seen, Honey gets what she wants,” says Steve. “She got you.”
