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The band had left us about thirty minutes earlier to go backstage to get ready. Quinn had gone to make the most of the free bar, and Lori and Phil had come to sit on either side of me, joining the conversation I was having with Thomas and his wonderful wife, Melissa.
We all chatted easily for a while before Lori covered my hand with hers. Leaning close, so no one could hear, she whispered into my ear, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that boy smile like he does when he looks at you. I’m guessing all the positive changes we’re seeing in him are down to you.”
“It’s all him. He’s working hard to make things right. Being sober really suits him.”
“So does being in love.” She winked, and I couldn’t hide the blush that rushed up my neck and face. “Welcome to the family, sweet girl.” Tears pricked my eyes. I’d been on my own for so long that it was hard to believe these amazing people were opening their arms and welcoming me into the band, into their lives, and into their family.
The lights on the stage changed and a woman walked on. “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have the pleasure of inviting the Cosmic Gods to the stage with a brand new, never before heard song,” the radio DJ I couldn’t remember the name of announced over the microphone, before sweeping back her arms to the band on the stage next to her. She left and the opening cords played out into the silent room as we all watched their cosmic magic unfolding.
The song was beautiful. It sounded like it was about unrequited love, but I knew it was how Frankie felt growing up and that made it even more special to listen to. She’d taken her pain and turned it into words the band could use. When they finished, everyone was on their feet, clapping and screaming out. The band took a bow before leaving the stage.
“I’m just going to the bar. I need a lemonade,” I announced to the table, pushing my chair backward. Thomas suddenly stood, as did Melissa.
“I could do with a drink as well. Let us come with you,” Thomas announced, buttoning up his suit.
“You don’t have to guard me here, Thomas. I’m sure I’m safe. I mean, the place is full of famous people and their security.”
He frowned. “Humor me. Plus, I think my wife wants to stretch her legs.”
Melissa’s arm wrapped around my waist as Thomas and Matt flanked us while we walked to the bar.
“So, how did you and Thomas meet, Melissa?” I asked, curious about this couple who seemed so in love it was hard to tear my eyes away from them.
“We met when I was a teenager. It’s a long story, but he was friends with my dad. When Dad died and we needed help, Thomas took us in. I was a nightmare and him, and my mum sent me off to boarding school. I came back when I was eighteen and, well, let’s just say things changed between us, but I was way too young for him. We met again a few times randomly over the next ten years. The last time was at a hospital I was working in. I helped save his best friend. I wanted him for such a long time. He was always it for me, even when it seemed impossible.”
I pressed my hand over my heart, loving hearing about their story. “Wow, I thought he was joking when he told me he waited that long for you. What is it you do for work?”
“I’m a cardiologist. I fix hearts for a living.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but fear stole my words as I noticed who was standing at the bar.
“Emmy, is that you?” His shrill voice shook me to my very core. “I’d recognize your body anywhere. Why are you wearing a wig? Are you playing some weird roleplay? I knew you were into all that kinky shit. I should have kept you around for longer. Not let you get cold feet and run from me.” He leaned in closer and bile rose up in my throat. Running his fingers down my arm, he whispered in my ear. “I felt how much you wanted me. Do you remember? I was glad to hear you’d been thinking about me too and wanted to meet up tonight.”
Yanking my arm back from him, I turned to leave, my chest heaving and my head throbbing. Thomas and Matt were around me in seconds.
“Emmy, who the fuck was that? Talk to me,” Thomas demanded.
I shook my head, too scared to speak.
“Emmy…” Thomas asked again, but before he could get another word out, Melissa was in front of me.
“Emmy, Thomas can’t help you unless you tell him. Trust me, he’s dealt with some horrendous things. Let him do his job. Who is that man, and what did he do to you?”
“He forced himself on me. Touched me. I didn’t want him to.” Seeing him had dragged the floor from beneath my feet and I felt like I was free-falling. Melissa wrapped her arm around me.
“Hey, Emmy, you’re okay. We’ve got you until Tanner gets back. No one can hurt you.” I struggled to focus on her words as fear pulsed through my veins, pounding in my head.
“Take them back to the table, Matt, and don’t mention to anyone where I am. I don’t want Tanner getting into a fight in front of all these people. Lissa, I’ll be back in a bit, Queen.”
Melissa walked me back to the table and Quinn jumped up when she saw me. “What happened, Em?”
“That prick from the party is here,” I replied, my voice shaking. Melissa pulled out my chair and guided me to sit.
“Where? I will kick him in the balls until he bleeds,” Quinn cried, her eyes ablaze as she searched for a man she’d never even met.
“He’s been dealt with,” Melissa said with a wink. “Let’s keep it on the down low because Tanner will flip.”
“Oh, I need to be part of this showbiz life. My life, living with your tortoise, is so dull,” Quinn said, trying to defuse this situation and distract me from my fear.
