“We’re older now, and wiser. At least, I am. This time it will be different,” I said and I meant it. I was determined to enjoy myself and not develop feelings for Trev other than purely platonic ones. We were friends once. We could do it again. Besides, I needed this opportunity—both personally and professionally—and I had no intention of messing it up.
Karla stared at me, as though trying to decide if she believed me. In the end, she dug inside her bag and pulled out a piece of paper. “Here. I made a list of Escrima classes in the cities you’ll be visiting. Just in case you want to practice while you’re away.”
I smiled and took it from her, touched by the gesture. I knew this was as much of a blessing as she was going to give me. “Thanks. I never thought of that,” I said and peered down at the list.
When we first became friends, Karla had seen something in me, a glimpse of the truth, and suggested I learn how to defend myself. She’d always been very perceptive like that, which was probably what made her such a good policewoman. Escrima was a Filipino martial art and a great way to combine working out with self-defence. It gave me a newfound confidence, and I’d been attending weekly classes with her for years now.
She stayed for a while before heading back to work. I made a start on packing, and it was a bigger task than I anticipated. Not only did I need three weeks’ worth of outfits, I also needed to bring my keyboard and all my other sound equipment with me.
On the morning of our train to Brussels, I was running around like a headless chicken trying to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. Trev arranged for my gear to be added to the camera crew’s, so I didn’t have to lug it around with me.
I expected him to just honk the horn when he arrived to collect me, but instead he came and knocked on the door, leaving a taxi idling outside.
“Hey,” I greeted, out of breath. “I’m almost ready.”
“Are those your bags?” he asked, gesturing to the stack by the door.
“Yes,” I answered, wandering around the flat and checking to make sure everything was plugged out.
“I’ll carry them to the car, so take your time. We’re early.”
I nodded and finished up, then hurried out to the taxi. I slid in beside Trev, and we were off.
“So,” I began, pulling up the train schedule and itinerary Jo had forwarded to my email. “We arrive in Brussels around two and there’ll be cars waiting to transport everyone to our accommodation. There are two apartments for the camera crew and one for the cast, including Neil and myself. Leanne and I are going to share a room, which leaves you bunking up with Callum, and Paul and James will share. There’s a small fourth bedroom that Neil will have for himself.”
A warm hand touched mine and I glanced up. “Relax. Neil already gave us the rundown.”
“It’s more for myself than anything else. I like saying things out loud to get them straight in my head.”
He smiled. “I know. I remember.”
A moment passed between us, but I quickly drew my hand away and turned my attention back to my phone. “Jo ordered groceries to be delivered to all three apartments, so I need to make sure I’m there to collect them. The rest of today and tomorrow are free, but you guys start filming first thing Wednesday. I have a gig booked for that night. I hope that’s okay,” I said, glancing up at him.
Interest marked his features. “’Course it’s okay. Can I come?”
I swallowed, goosebumps rising on my skin. “Uh, sure.”
My acceptance was wary, because whenever Trev came to watch me perform in the past it had always been intense. It was something we both ignored for years, didn’t speak of, but I had to admit the sexual undertones were there. He never took his attention off me while I was on stage. I knew it even though I rarely opened my eyes when I sang. It was a weird hang-up I had, and Trev was obsessed with it. He always counted it as an odd little victory whenever he managed to catch my gaze. It was like I could sense him looking, daring me to cast my eyes his way.
When we arrived at the train station, Neil was in charge of handing out tickets, so I didn’t need to worry about that. We were admitted to a sort of VIP lounge and I’d just sat down next to Trev, handing him a coffee, when I overheard the conversation.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m going out and getting some arse tonight,” Callum said loudly, earning a sharp glare from Leanne.
“It’s okay for you. You’re not in a relationship,” said James. “I’m gonna miss Diana like crazy these next few weeks.”
“Isn’t she flying over to Barcelona for the last leg of the tour?” Trev asked before dipping his head to me. “Diana’s his fiancée.”
“Oh,” I said, feeling bad for him. It must be tough being separated like that.
“Yeah, but that’s not for another two and a half weeks,” James sighed while Callum made a face.
“Just come out with me. Diana will never know.”
“You’re disgusting,” Leanne spat and rose from her seat, heading for the bathrooms.
“I’m just honest, babe,” he called after her, and she flipped him off as she walked away. I hid my smirk behind my paper coffee cup. Even though I didn’t know her well yet, I suspected I was going to get along with Leanne.
“Why do you have to goad her like that?” asked Paul. “It doesn’t achieve anything.”
“It pisses her off, doesn’t it? That’s achievement enough for me.”
God, I was starting to understand why Leanne had such a problem with him. He was kind of an arsehole. Then again, I didn’t know their history. Perhaps he had reason to be.
“Cal, take it down a notch, yeah?” said Trev, and some of Callum’s confidence wavered. He mumbled something under his breath, then nodded like he’d just been told he was a bad puppy. I studied him a moment, but instead of the cocky, arrogant smile he’d been wearing a minute ago, his face had fallen flat. His brows furrowed, like he was thinking of something painful. I wondered what could’ve caused such an anguished expression.
I was distracted when an announcement came over the speakers saying our train was now boarding, and everyone started getting up to leave.
I touched Trev’s elbow. “I’ll go grab Leanne.”
“Okay, see you on the train.”
When I reached the bathroom it was empty. Just one cubicle had the door closed so I gave a light knock. “Leanne, are you in there? The train’s boarding.”
I heard a tiny sniffle then, “I’ll be there in a minute.”
I knew I should leave, but I hesitated. From the scratchy sound of her voice I suspected she’d been crying. “Are you okay?” I asked gently.
There was a moment of silence and then the door unlocked. She stepped out, not looking at me as she went to wash her hands. “I’m fine,” she said and turned on the water.
I knew she was lying but we weren’t familiar enough for me to push for the truth. “Okay, well, I’ll see you out there.”
I just reached the door when she spoke. “I don’t expect you to understand.”
I turned on my heel. “Pardon?”