He sliced his teeth across his lower lip and opened his mouth to speak. When no words came, I folded my arms and studied him. “What is it?”
“I have something I want to say but I’m not sure how you’re going to react.”
“So say it and you’ll find out.”
His eyes narrowed infinitesimally. “Our PA is going on maternity leave next week.”
“Okay.”
“We need someone to fill in for her, but Jo is so great and it’s hard to find the right person. She takes no shit, you know? We’ve been interviewing temps, but half of them are rabid fans and the other half aren’t qualified.”
“You only have one PA between all five of you?” I questioned, still not getting where he was going with this.
“No, we have two. When we’re done filming, Neil, our second PA, will be able to handle the workload on his own, but we need someone for Europe. It’s going to be too busy for just one person.”
“Ah, right,” I said.
“I think we should give you the job,” he blurted, and I placed a hand on my hip.
“Me?” I scoffed, incredulous.
“Yes, you. Why not?”
“I’m a musician, Trev, not a PA.”
“Yeah, but you’re a quick learner, and I know you wouldn’t take any bullshit from us, the same as Jo. We need someone to keep us in line, make sure everything runs smoothly during the day, but your evenings would be your own. You could book some gigs. I think it’d be a great opportunity for you to play in new places, and all your expenses would be paid for.”
I stared at him, not knowing if I should slap him across the face or kiss him on the mouth. It was a great opportunity. Strike that. It was an amazing opportunity, but as with most things in life, there was a catch. I got a free trip around Europe, but I had to be with Trev every day, the one man who ever got close enough to break my heart. There was just too much risk for me to say yes.
Not only that but he said he wanted another chance at being friends. And he was specific to point out it wasn’t romantic. If I travelled with him, I’d see first-hand the girls fawning all over him. See up-close and personal the women he had sex with. Why the fuck would I say yes to that?
“It’s a very kind offer, Trev, but I can’t.”
“Why not?” he asked and stepped closer. It didn’t help that I could smell him, his clean, manly scent.
“Y-you know why not. And besides, I’m hopeful about these meetings I have lined up tomorrow. I’ll have new work in no time.”
The disappointment in his eyes was palpable, especially given how close he was. And somehow, I felt guilty. It couldn’t have been easy for him to make the offer, given our past.
“Okay, well, I just thought I’d ask. Good luck for tomorrow,” he said and I turned around to open my door. When I stepped inside he was already back at his car. He waited for me to close the door before I heard him start the engine and pull away.
Even as I went inside my flat and changed into some pyjamas, the whole encounter just didn’t sit right with me.
Three years. Three whole years we’d been best friends before we parted ways, and it had only blossomed into more because he had pursued me. Persistently. But now? Now he drove away. He left. Just as he left two years ago. Better to not get too close, Reya. You won’t survive it when he leaves and never bothers for that second chance again.
With a deep, resigned exhale I climbed into bed and pulled the covers tight around me.
Four.
The following morning I was up early. I put my very best effort into my appearance, wearing my favourite burgundy skirt with a cream lace top and black cardigan. I styled my wavy hair into loose curls and spent extra time on my makeup. I wanted to make a good impression at my interviews.
I heard a car pull to a stop just as I stepped outside and hitched my bag up on my shoulder. Most of the clubs had their own pianos, so I didn’t need to lug my keyboard around, which was a relief. I’d just I reached my gate when I stopped in surprise.
What is he doing here?
Trev exited his car with two takeaway coffee cups in hand and my breath caught at the sight of him. He wore a form-fitting white shirt and grey slacks, which was way more grown-up than the combats and hoodies he used to wear. I came over a little peculiar at the sight of him looking so adult.
“Perfect timing.” He grinned. “I was hoping I’d catch you before you left for your meetings.”
I stepped up to him and he held out one of the coffees. The aroma hit my nose and I couldn’t resist. I took a sip and the temperature was perfect just like his timing.
“Thanks,” I said. “What . . . um, what are you doing here?” I knew Trev as much as anyone could possibly know him, so I recognised when he had an ulterior motive. This wasn’t just a visit for the sake of a visit.
“I just wanted to stop by and wish you luck,” he said . . . like butter wouldn’t melt.
“And?”
He made an attractive expression as he gave in. “Fine. I also wanted to try and persuade you one last time to take the PA job. It could be the best three weeks of your life, Reya.”
I was already shaking my head. “Trev, you know I—”
“Look, just think about it,” he said and handed me a piece of paper. “We’re holding more interviews today. This is the address. If you stop by before five o’clock you’ll get to meet the gang. Maybe they can persuade you better than I can.”
I took the paper and unfolded it to find an address for an office building in the city. He really didn’t give up. I shoved it in my bag, no intention of using it, but I knew if I handed it back to him he wouldn’t take it. Hands in his pockets, he blew out a breath and I found the uncertainty in his gaze curious. He never used to have an uncertain bone in his body. In fact, he’d always been an act first think later type of person.
“Can I give you a lift to your first meeting?” he asked as I studied him.
My first instinct was to refuse, but like always I couldn’t resist the opportunity to spend more time with him. Some things never changed.
I nodded. “Sure. It’s in Camden.”
Trev smiled wide, that handsome expression that never failed to make my belly flutter as he gestured to his car. “I’ll have you there in no time.”
A few hours later I pulled the address from my bag, my attitude far different from what it had been earlier. Needless to say, my interviews didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. I never realised how good I had it at Club Echo. One manager wanted me to wear sexier clothes when I performed, another wanted to pay me a pittance, and the third basically propositioned me, insinuating I’d get the gig if I put out.
Eh, no.
Sometimes, even when you had talent, you couldn’t avoid creeps who wanted you to lower yourself just to get a gig. It was demoralising, and also the reason why I was now considering something I never would’ve considered just a few hours ago.