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‘Okay.’ Callum turned his attention back to his hand. He clearly had more important things on his mind and he was looking nervous again.
Jamie was right, fixing his attention on the results of the procedure would help Callum through the discomfort. Even now, after everything they’d been through, Jamie was still there in her head. The worst part of it was that even though it hurt, she welcomed it because it was the last thing she had left of him.
‘Right. Would you like to say goodbye to these?’ She smiled at Callum, indicating the remnants of the tattoos. ‘It may well be the last you’ll see of them.’
Callum laughed. ‘Good riddance more like.’
‘I think so too. Let’s get started...’
* * *
‘What do you think?’ Jon handed Jamie the playlist, which had been typed in double spacing to make it easier to read. Jamie studied it carefully.
‘That’ll be great. You’re accompanying “Everywhere” on the mandolin?’
‘Yes, that was a great suggestion of yours. Just right for the unplugged version.’
Jamie and Jon were sitting in armchairs on either side of the fireplace, where a blazing fire was chasing away the chill of an October evening. Good food, long tramps in the countryside and intensive counselling had done their work, and Jon was looking a great deal better now.
‘You’re sure this isn’t too soon? You don’t have to get straight back to work, you know.’
Jon shrugged. ‘I know. I really want to do it, though. Getting back to my roots a bit, playing small venues with a few new arrangements of the songs. It’s only going to be four dates, and I’m really looking forward to it.’
‘Well, I’ll be keeping an eye on you.’
‘That’s another thing I’m looking forward to. Having my big brother keep an eye on me.’
They’d come a long way together. They’d talked about everything, all of the things that had gradually built up resentment and pushed them apart. Then finally they’d talked about Gill. Jamie had acknowledged that his relationship with his ex-fiancée had been quietly deteriorating for some time, and Jon had acknowledged that his behaviour had been inexcusable. Then they’d forgiven each other.
‘Caroline says she’s coming along, to the final gig. She’s bringing Jessica.’
Jamie chuckled. ‘Doesn’t that make you feel old? That your niece is grown up enough to come to one of your concerts?’
‘I quite like it. Feels like a new lease of life.’ Jon stretched his arms out, holding his hands towards the fire.
‘I
hope it’s not going to be too cold.’
‘Nah. Big tent in the park. What’s not to like? If anyone gets frostbite I’ll hand them over to you.’
‘Because it’s always useful to have a doctor around?’ Jamie smiled.
‘Yep. You can never have too many doctors.’ Jon frowned suddenly. ‘I wanna say something.’
That usually meant it was something that he didn’t want to hear. But Jamie felt numb these days. The pain of missing Anna had made everything else seem trivial. ‘Yeah, go ahead.’
‘It’s none of my business...’
‘Whatever. Say it anyway.’
‘You’re bloody miserable, mate. Caroline’s noticed as well.’
Jamie stared at his brother. Since he hadn’t spoken about his affair with Anna, he’d told himself that no one need know about the break-up. Silence had been his way of keeping it all together, because it hurt too much to put into words. Clearly he hadn’t made as good a job of covering his feelings as he’d thought.
‘I’m okay.’
‘Yeah, pull the other one. One minute you and Anna are joined at the hip, and you’re looking like the cat that’s got the cream. The next minute she’s gone and... Look, I’m the last person who should be mentioning your love life to you.’
