1st Chance Read Free Page A

escorted her to security who could lead her back to the auditorium.
     
    “Bit of a crazy was she?” the bass player, Jon said in my ear. I had known Jon the longest out of all the guys. We had jammed together as teenagers in my mom’s garage, and I didn’t have to put up as much of a front with him as I did others. I couldn’t—he’d see right through it.
     
    “Just not feeling it. What are you up to now?” I suddenly wanted my friend to stick around.
     
    “I gotta hit the hay. Marissa and the kids are flying out tomorrow. Can’t wait. Are you okay?” I felt a surge of admiration for Jon and his loyalty, his ability to combine two such different worlds. He had married Marissa ten years ago, when they were both twenty one. He had two adorable kids and even though he bounced around on tour, got screamed at and plagued by fans everywhere he went, he still managed to maintain a perfect and loving family life.
     
    “I’m fine. Can’t wait to see Marissa and the beans. Oh, Anna’s coming to the show tomorrow, too. She’ll be glad to hear she’s got some company.”
     
    “Becky’s friend Anna? That a good idea?” Jon queried.
     
    “Sure, why not?” I frowned. “It’s not like she’s coming with Becky. And she’s pretty cool. I thought it’d be good to catch up with her.”
     
    “Just as long as it doesn’t bring back too many memories. Seems you’ve been struggling with those enough lately.” He gestured toward the drink in my hand. I was shocked by how many people had noticed—I thought I had been doing a good job of covering my abject misery, but perhaps not. It was tough shit though, I needed it right now, I had nothing else. Unexpectedly, I felt a flash of anger toward my friend. How dare he judge me? No one had the faintest clue what I was going through, no one had even fucking bothered to ask properly. I stared him in the eye as I lifted the bottle and took a large swallow, and carried on glaring at him as he walked away.

CHAPTER 3— ANNA
     
    “What are you up to tonight honey?” Becky asked me as I spooned pasta into my mouth. I used chewing as an excuse to find a decent answer, I didn’t want to lie to her, but as I hardly ever went out, I’d have to think of something believable. I choked as I tried to get rid of my food, my throat constricting with guilt.
     
    “Erm. . .” It was no good. I came clean. “I’m actually going to the Chance show.” I raised my eyes slowly to assess her reaction. It was not good. She slammed the glass of water she’d been holding onto the kitchen table opposite me. I flinched and braced myself.
     
    “I’m sorry. You what?” Her voice was dangerously calm and I knew she was bubbling. I had very good experience in detecting outbursts from people.
     
    “A girl from work had a spare ticket and asked me to go. It’s not like I’m going to see him.” The lie fell out of my mouth without me even preparing it. Perhaps I was better at this than I’d thought. Becky exhaled slowly, I could see the blue in her irises darken as she smoothed her white-blonde hair. We couldn’t have looked more opposite if we tried, with her all-American pinkness contrasting to my olive tan.
     
    “I can’t believe you would even consider going. You know what that man put me through. I wouldn’t go and meet up with Pete—I couldn’t even bear to look at him after the way he treated you. How could you do this?”
     
    “Becks.” I stood up from my pasta and walked round the table to drape an arm over her shoulder. “I’m just going to watch the show. They’re regular seats, I’m not going to talk to him or be anywhere near him. I won’t mention it when I come home and that will be that. What are your plans?” I was impressed with how convincing I sounded, and sickened at being such a deceitful friend. I would see Nate tonight, and then that was it, I promised myself. He could move on with his tour and I would never have to lie to Becky again. She