The lyrics were about me and I felt every one of the words deeply. Especially the one about being her saviour. If I hadn’t have turned up when I did to that party, who knew what might have happened. We might not have been standing here now.
It didn’t bear thinking about.
“Aww, what a lovely song, Tris. Is she singing about you?” Aunt Annie and Uncle Col had joined me two songs into the set, shortly before Saff made her announcement.
Unable to speak, I nodded.
They listened intently as Saff sang then, as she finished, Aunt Annie squeezed my arm. “I had no idea she felt so deeply about you,” she whispered into my ear.
“Oh, she’s given me a few clues.” Saff’s gaze fell on me and she lifted her chin slightly, acknowledging me. I blew her a kiss in response.
She really had changed my life and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.
5
Saff
Once the set finished, I headed for the toilets. I needed a couple of minutes to breathe and come down. I knew it was the only place I’d get some respite before going back to face the crowd. Luckily, it was empty, and I was able to pee in peace. When I came out, I checked my reflection in the mirror. The make-up Rosie applied was still intact, even the glossy burgundy lips. I ran a hand through my hair, aware of the adrenaline dissipating. After a gig as well received as this one had been, I always wanted to do more. To carry on the feelings of euphoria, the post-singing high. Maybe we could go on to another bar? I’d ask Tris when I found him.
I barrelled back out of the door in a hurry to return to the party, and without realising bumped straight into someone.
“All right, darling? You’re looking pretty fucking hot tonight.”
Instantly, I recognised the voice and my blood ran cold.
Carl.
What the fuck was he doing here?
Lifting my head, I looked at him.
His face was twisted into a sneer. “You haven’t been replying to my messages.”
Taking a steadying breath, I replied, “I don’t have anything to say to you.” I attempted to dodge past him, but he blocked me and backed me against the wall.
“Really? I am surprised.” Without warning, he reached out and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look directly at him. “Your boyfriend broke my nose.”
“Doesn’t seem to have improved your looks much,” I said, sounding braver than I actually felt. My gaze darted around the hallway, desperately hoping someone would appear to rescue me.
“Careful, sweetheart, you know what I’ve got.” He shoved my face to one side, gently slapping my cheek. “If it gets out, I get to take you down like that.” He clicked his fingers for effect.
Ice ran through my veins as I listened to his veiled threat. “What do you want?”
Carl smirked. “You’ll find out when I’m good and ready. But I suggest you play nice, because your career, your relationship, everything you’ve got, could disappear. I’ll be in touch.”
Just as soon as he’d shown up, he was gone, leaving me standing there alone.
“Saff? Where have you been? Jonas is going to say a few words,” Rosie called from the entrance to the bar.
I glanced around to check Carl had gone. The last thing I needed was to try to explain who he was and what he was doing there.
It seemed I was never going to be able to forget that night.
After the encounter with Carl and unable to sleep again, I ended up sitting in the kitchen from around half past three. I honestly didn’t know what to do about Carl and his threats. Those closest to me knew the truth and it was all that mattered to me. But I didn’t want the whole world to find out. Carl’s warnings intimated they could. At least we’d be away for a week or so on tour, so he wouldn’t be able to get to me there.
Tris and Jonas both got up around seven, surprised and pleased to see I’d made them breakfast. Trying to act as normal as possible, it had given me a distraction, something to take my mind away from Carl, albeit briefly. After they’d gone, I took a leisurely bubble bath and got ready in what was record time for me.
This meant, for once, I was the first to arrive at Monet’s. I claimed our favourite table in the corner and nursed a strong black coffee until the others arrived. Darren was next. He sank into the seat next to me, latte in one hand, chocolate croissant in the other.
