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31
CERYS
Following Liam’s impromptu visit,I'm running late for dinner. Liam decided on an informal poolside barbecue so I pull a sarong style green dress over a black bikini and don’t bother with make-up.
Dylan greets me without the pretension I expected. I haven’t seen him for many years and the shirtless Dylan in front of me has filled out a lot since the skinny kid who founded Blue Phoenix with Jem. Dylan looks exactly as he does in recent pictures, his striking blue eyes captivating, and good looks enough to turn any girl’s insides out. But not mine—I was always Liam’s girl. Whatever Liam says, I swear there was insecurity underlying his behaviour an hour ago.
“Hi, again,” says Sky. “Excuse me if I don’t do the whole ‘air kissing’ thing.”
I smile. “I wouldn’t know what to do if you did.”
Dressed in a short, blue summer dress with spaghetti straps, Sky sits at the edge of the pool with her feet dipped in the warm water. Sky’s blonde waves are pulled back into a ponytail, and her sunglasses resting on her head. Dylan sits on a lounger behind, absentmindedly stroking her neck. The Dylan I knew years ago had long hair; he looks strange with short curls barely touching his ears.
There was always something remarkable about Dylan, even when younger. Apart from the face and body that consistently attracts attention, he has a presence. Even if you don’t like him, there’s no way you could remain unaware of the aura surrounding Dylan. He exudes something inexplicable that persuades people to do what he wants without his needing to ask. I’m sure this isn’t all due to Dylan’s fame—I was aware of this years ago and was nervous of him back then.
“Have you been in the States for long?” asks Sky.
“A week. We go back to Wales next week.” I perch onto the edge of the pool next to Sky.
“I think Liam would like to keep you here,” says Dylan, and Sky elbows him. “What?”
“That sounded creepy.”
Dylan flicks Sky’s ear. “Whatever. I need a beer.”
As he stands, Sky leans backwards and looks up at him, holding up her empty glass. “White wine, please.”
“Huh. I’m a waiter, now?”
“Yep. What do you want, Cerys?” She smirks at me.
“I’m okay for now, thanks.”
Dylan wanders off and returns with two beers and a wine. As he passes the glass to Sky, he kisses her softly on the mouth before walking over to Liam. I remember Dylan as a tense person, with a guarded look similar to Jem’s. The look in his eyes tonight is far removed from the stressed guy I once knew—a softness I wouldn’t associate with the Dylan Morgan I’ve read about over the last few years. Liam briefly told me about the mess he found himself in last year, and I can see exactly how he pulled himself out. Sky.
“Is your little girl around?” asks Sky.
“Ella? She’s sleeping. Her body clock is still all over the place so I imagine she’ll be up and about soon.”
“I’d like to meet her—this girl who’s stolen Liam’s heart.” Sky sips her wine. “Well, the other girl, apart from you.”
I can’t help my face heating, and I glance over at Liam who’s joking around with Dylan by the barbecue. They’re both shirtless with tattoo covered, toned chests, just like in pictures of the two men constantly on my Facebook feed. Malibu mansion and two semi-naked rock stars—the school mums would kill to be where I am now. I laugh.
“What’s funny?” asks Sky.
“This. Here.” I tip my head. “Being with Liam.”
“You look worried.”
“Weren’t you?” I ask her.
“Of course, but you have the benefit that you knew Liam. I didn’t know who the hell Dylan was and it was a shock when I found out. Not as big a shock as the cameras in my face, but yeah...” She sloshes water with her feet. “I won’t ever like the attention, but if I want to be with Dylan, I’ll have to accept this until the next big thing comes along and they’re bored of us.”
“I worry that I’m not enough,” I say quietly.
“Why? Because you’re not Honey?”
Her straight talking is a surprise, but also a relief. “Partly, but I’m a single mum and very ordinary.”
