“Photographic evidence, Saff. You can’t tell me it didn’t happen.”
“Fuck, Jonas. Do you really think I’m so shallow I would cheat on Tris? Particularly with Scott Lincoln? He pounced on me and I couldn’t get away quick enough. Some smart arse with a phone caught it on camera and here we are.” I chewed on the skin around my thumbnail. My heart pounded, so loud I was sure Rosie would be able to hear, and I wanted to cry and scream all at the same time. Conveniently, I’d forgotten the Troy Carson incident.
“Have you told Tris the truth?”
“No. I haven’t spoken to him.”
“Don’t you think you should?” Jonas’ tone softened. “If I’ve misconstrued it, I’m sure he must be going crazy wondering what the truth is? After all, he knows your reputation, Saff.”
“Fuck off, Jonas. I’ve changed, and you know it. Tris does too.”
Despite my bravado, the temperature in my body dropped at his words. He was absolutely right. The original reason for Tris and I getting together was to stop the gossip about me and bad boys. Ones like Scott Lincoln.
When he didn’t respond, I changed tack.
“Is there anything you can do, Jonas? Put out some kind of statement on my behalf, denying everything?” I begged.
Although I couldn’t see him, I imagined he was shaking his head.
“Sorry, Saff, I think your online silence on the matter speaks volumes. It might be a bit too late.” He paused. “I understand the gigs are going well though; keep me posted.” And then he hung up.
I turned to face Rosie, feeling a tear slide down one cheek. “I guess you heard it all?”
She nodded. “Couldn’t really not, sorry, hon.” Her hand covered mine, warming me a little. “Why don’t you get dressed and we’ll head out? Some retail therapy might help.”
It might help Rosie, but it was the last thing I needed now. I tried Tris, but it went straight to voicemail. Leaving a message didn’t seem like the right thing to do, so I hung up, staring at the screen, willing him to call me.
I needed to know he didn’t believe it.
14
Tris
Sometimes I wished Uncle Col wanted to work on a Saturday. It would certainly have stopped the myriad of thoughts spinning around my brain.
Andy and Jason suggested meeting up for a game of pool, but I couldn’t face it. I didn’t want to spend the time discussing Saff and Scott Lincoln. I lay in bed, looking at my phone, scrolling through various social media platforms, devouring anything relating to them. The posts and pictures were all from Scott’s side. There was nothing from Saff, no physical evidence of what had gone on between them. The last post from her was a shot of her singing at their first gig in Bristol.
I stared at the picture and my heart contracted.
I missed her.
Each time I’d tried to call her, it went straight to voicemail. I had no idea if she’d even seen I was trying to get in touch. When it got to the beep, I hung up. I didn’t want to leave her a message. I had no clue what to say.
Hey, Saff, you know our relationship was fake? Well, I guess it still is if you’re shagging Scott Lincoln. Anyway, call me back when you can.
The door opened and Aunt Annie barged in, clutching an armful of clean washing to her chest. “What are you still doing in bed, Tris?” She dumped the clothes on top of the chest of drawers and went to pull open the curtains, letting a stream of sun bathe the room in light. It didn’t match my mood.
Quickly, I pulled the covers around me. “What are you doing? I’m not ready to get up yet.”
“You can’t stay in here all day.” Annie turned around to face me, hands on her hips. “I know you’re seeing your dad tonight, but I thought you’d be going out with your friends. Don’t they know some nice single girls you could date?”
She seemed to like Andy and Jason and was always encouraging me to see more of them. It didn’t take a genius to work out she still wasn’t a huge fan of Saff’s.
“I’ve seen those pictures of Saff and the other musician chap. It seems being away from you hasn’t made her heart grow much fonder.” Her lips pursed into a line.
I wanted to tell her she was wrong, that everything was fine between us. Problem was, I couldn’t be sure.
“What time are you meeting Louis?”
