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And I knew something.
Cole Clarke was fucking mine, and now I needed to do something to show him just how much he meant to me.
30
“What’s the matter, Cole?”
I looked up from my laptop screen to see my mum eyeing me with concern. I’d chosen to work from home today, just so I wouldn’t be tempted to text Huxley and ask him to meet up with me to grab some food. It was getting too hard to put on a brave face, and although I’d accepted that things had to be this way, it didn’t mean I had to like them.
“Nothing’s the matter. I’m fine.”
My mum took a seat at the table next to me, placing her hand on my arm. “Cole. I know you, and you haven’t been yourself lately. You seem…sad. If there’s something you need to talk about…” She paused, her gaze searching, before she sighed. “You know you can talk to me about anything. I promise I’ll listen.”
It was tempting, but no. I wasn’t a kid who could go crying to their parent and they’d make it all better. Never had been, really. I had no doubt that she was genuine, but this was one secret that Huxley and I would take to the grave.
“I’m fine,” I said again. “Just tired. I’ve had a lot of extra shifts at the club.” Shifts I hadn’t needed to take, but I’d volunteered because at least when I was busy, I didn’t have time to think about Huxley. They also had the bonus effect of making me so tired I fell asleep easily and slept deeply, rather than tossing and turning all night, asking myself pointless questions with no answers.
Rising to her feet, she dropped a kiss to the top of my head. “I mean it, Cole. If there’s anything you need to talk about—”
I forced a smile onto my face. “Thanks, but I’m fine.” Like a lifeline, my phone chose that moment to buzz, and I pounced on it, glad for a chance to escape the conversation. My mum sighed again but took the hint and left me to it. When I opened my phone, I found a message from Tom waiting for me.
Tom:
Frog and Fiddle tomorrow at 7pm. BE THERE
My forced smile turned genuine.
Me:
You got on the list?
Tom:
Yeah baby! This place can make or break bands. I’m buzzing. Had the audition yesterday. The band that was opening for the main act tonight had to pull out because the lead singer got appendicitis and they asked if we wanted to fill the slot
This washuge. This was the venue both Tom and Huxley had spoken to me about, and the last I’d heard they were waiting for an audition spot. Now they were actually going to be playing there?
Me:
Fuck yeah! Happy for you guys
Tom:
You’d better be there. No excuses. We need our original groupie. Rob says you’re a good luck charm
Me:
I’ll be there
Tom:
Good. We’ve already put your name down on the door so you don’t need to worry about getting a ticket
Hux told me to give you the set list. We’re opening for another band so we’re playing a short version
He sent through a picture of a piece of paper with song names written in marker pen, and I made a mental note to memorise the order.
Me:
