The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (74 page)

“Have you had a nice day?” he asked.

“The best.”

“I love this place, it’s our place.” He sighed.

“I know, when the sun is out, it is the best place to be.” It truly was.

“Do you fancy going out tonight? We could go for a meal,” Joel suggested.

“No, I just want to spend the night like this curled up tight against you, just us, no one interrupting us. This is my perfect night.”

“I’m not arguing. We could get a Chinese.”

“Now you are talking, and order extra prawn crackers. I’m going to veg out, after tonight I’ll be on a strict diet so this is like my final supper.”

“We are definitely going all out then.” He kissed my hair, and I sighed into his chest. Just Joel, Ruby and more Chinese food than what my body could handle.

“Now make sure you stay in touch and eat well. Performing everyday will be exhausting for your body so get plenty of vitamin C inside of you to fend off all those bugs going around.”

“Yes, Mum.” I rolled my eyes at her non-stop of list of demands, but I knew she meant well.

“I mean it, Izzy, I need to know you’ll look after yourself. I know you’ve long flown the nest moving in with Joel, but I still worry about you daily. Make sure you check in with me at least twice a week, I need to know you’re okay. Promise me you will,” she insisted, giving me the look.

“I will, I will,” I reassured her.

“Good, because a mother needs to know her child is happy. I know you’re going to be amazing. We’ll be coming to see you soon. We’ll let you know when.”

“Oh, I’m sure Mike will love that,” I scoffed.

Mike pulled a face rolling his eyes. “Ecstatic,” he mumbled sarcastically, pulling me into a hug. “But seriously, sis, I’m so proud, you’re living your dream. Break a leg for me and we’ll see you soon, probably front row if Kara and Mum have their way.”

I laughed and then immediately felt nervous at the thought of all eyes being on me, but it was something I’d get used to. They soon left leaving only Joel and I to have some privacy while we said our final goodbye.

“So your train should be getting in soon. This is it,” Joel said, sighing.

“I don’t want to leave you,” I whispered.

“I don’t want you to go either, but you need this. Once you’re there, surrounded by all the other actors, you’ll feel at home. They’ll welcome you into the group and become your family.”

“But you’re my family.” I pouted.

“I know but they will be your substitute family and take care of you while you’re gone.” He smiled at me reassuringly, but I still felt sick at the thought of leaving everyone behind.

“Will you ring me every day?” I asked, beginning to panic.

“Err of course, and it will be more than once.”

“Good.” I felt more appeased by his words. I would talk to him all day long if I could, but in between practicing and the shows and Joel’s job there would limit how much time we’d get to chat but I’d savour every second of it.

“Ring me when you get checked into the hotel. I want to know you arrived there safely.”

“Joel, I’ll be fine on the train.” He was always worrying.

“Ring me.”

“Fine.” I sighed against his lips. I wanted to launch into the kisses of all kisses, but here in a crowded Euston station that wasn’t a possibility. When they tannoyed my train was about to arrive, I almost burst into tears.

“Hey, you’ll be fine.”

“I know, I’ll just miss you.” I felt a tear trickle down my cheek, which Joel quickly swiped away.

“But this is your dream, you have to do this. I will be here waiting for you.”

“I’m just being daft, now kiss me because I have go.”

“Better make it a good one.” He winked.

I grinned as he pulled me in, he didn’t hold back. This time I wasn’t bothered about drawing the attention of anyone else, as this was our final moment. When they tannoyed again we broke apart and both laughed, until I realized I was leaving.

“Ring me, Iz, when you get in,” Joel urged me again.

“I will.”

He gave me a quick peck on the lips and stood back. I looked at him one more time before I grabbed my case and headed towards the train, handing over my ticket to be checked. I glanced back quickly and waved. Turning, I swiped away a tear and boarded the train. I didn’t look back again. I didn’t have the strength to. I knew I’d break down. So I placed my suitcase down in the luggage area, heading for my seat. I sat down instantly hearing my text alert go off. I knew who it would be and a part of me was hesitant to look. I took and deep breath and clicked on the message.

I love you. You will be amazing, but I miss you already. When you are finished with the tour, I want you to come home and marry me and make me the happiest man alive x

The tears quickly flowed, it was a good job I was wearing waterproof mascara or else I’d be sporting panda eyes right now.

I want nothing more to marry you. Once I return we’ll make this wedding happen. I want that ring on my finger to seal the fact I will be yours forever x

I clicked my phone off and sat back in the seat. Closing my eyes, I let the tears fall knowing the pain I was feeling now was for the greater good. I was on my way to a new place, a new career and a mixture of nerves and excitement bubbled within me at the prospect of what just was ahead.

* * *

Unlocking the door to the place that would be my home for the next week, it was basic but clean. After all I would barely be here. Rehearsals would take up much of my day and then the performance so I would be at the theatre most of the time. This was just a place to rest my head after a long tiring day.

I unzipped my suitcase and hung up a few of the essentials before sliding the case to the corner of the room. I checked my phone to find another text from Joel. He would be patiently waiting to hear that I had arrived safely. I thought about ringing, but I didn’t trust myself not to cry so I decided to go with a simple text to placate him and stop him from completely worrying. I instantly received one back, I could feel his relief radiate from the screen. I knew it was hard for him to let me go. He had been so selfless in not showing me his true feelings, always being so supportive, even though the distance between us would be one that would be unbearably difficult as time went on.

I was soon knocked out of my thoughts by a sharp rap on the door, the noise alone made me jump. I hesitantly opened the door to find a tall, dark haired guy smiling back at me. He was slightly unnerving the way he grinned, at first I thought he was drunk. After all he didn’t appear to be lost, the way he leaned in against the doorway, his eyes giving me the once over before slowly returning to my face.

“You must be Izzy,” he asked smiling.

“Yeah, that’s me and you are?”

“I’m Josh. I was asked to come and be the welcome party. They said your train was getting in around now, you must be ready to leave this room.”

“Yeah, the walls are beginning to close in on me,” I joked, before immediately feeling ungrateful. “Not that I’m complaining,” I quickly backtracked. Oh god, my first impression was not going well, I could have kicked myself for my honesty.

“I know what you mean, but trust me, months in you’ll barely notice. You’ll just look at this room as a place to lay your head. We have a lot of social activities to keep ourselves amused when we’re not practicing or performing. I have a feeling you’ll fit right in. I like a person who’s direct, none of that bullshit malarkey.”

“I can certainly do that.” I laughed and he quickly followed suit.

“Come and let me introduce you to all the crew.”

I couldn’t hide my look of hesitation. I wasn’t great around new people, but I had to make an effort. These were people I’d be working alongside for the next few months. So I had to put my awkward side away and try to be more of a social butterfly that would make even Elijah proud.

“Hey, no one will bite, well maybe I might.” He winked and I smiled, grateful for the jovial mood. I grabbed my phone and my bag as we made our way to the theatre.

“Hey guys, this is Izzy.”

I smiled awkwardly as all eyes now appeared to focus on me. Yeah, not intimidating in the slightest.

“Hey Iz, I’m Corinne, nice to meet our replacement for Diane. She’s going to be a big miss but that’s the way it is around here. We’re a nice crowd. You’ll settle in and get used to the busy schedule.”

I smiled over at Corinne, she seemed nice. She was petite with a choppy blonde bob and striking features “Thanks, it’s a little overwhelming, but I should get the flow of it all.” Well, I hoped so anyway.

“You will. Do you fancy coming for a coffee? We’re just about to head over to Starbucks, a girl needs her caffeine to get through the day.”

“Oh you read my mind, I’m definitely in.” Starbucks was my one guilty pleasure.

“Micha, are you ready?”

“Yeah, just give me two seconds,” The redhead said, barely even looking up, her eyes remained transfixed on her phone screen as her fingers worked the keys. I could tell from the look on her face she was obviously texting someone that meant something to her.

“Oh don’t mind Micha, she has to be practically surgically removed from her phone. She’s always texting her boyfriend Luke.” She winked as Micha gave her the middle finger never once losing the rhythm as she continued to message.

“I’m coming too,” Josh added, even though by the looks of it he had not been invited.

“Just invite yourself along,” Corinne muttered loud enough so Josh would hear. He grinned and I could tell from his laid back attitude that he clearly wasn’t one to take offence at anything they said. Though I got the impression that most of it was in jest, they all appeared to have adopted a dry sense of humour, and I knew there and then I would fit it right away.

“Well, if no one is bothering to ask, then what is a guy to do?” he retorted.

“Oh purlease, don’t act like the injured party,” Micha snapped, finally popping her phone into her pocket and grabbing her jacket to join us.

“Wow, are you finally tearing yourself away from Luke for five minutes? That’s got to be a contender for the Guinness Book of Records, hasn’t it?”

Micha didn’t reply vocally, using a swift dig in the ribs as her response as Josh grunted with the pain. I got the impression Micha was a no nonsense kind of girl. I made a mental note to not use too much sarcasm when it came to our future exchanges.

“What was that for?” Josh groaned.

“You know, just because you haven’t got that special someone don’t ridicule me because I have.”

“You have to admit though, you never have that thing out of your hand. Seriously, what the hell do you guys have to talk about that you have to be connected almost every minute of the day?”

“I don’t have it on me when I perform or practice.” Micha stuck her tongue out in retaliation.

“If you could get away with it, I’m pretty sure you would,” Josh added.

“Look, are we going to Starbucks or what? My caffeine levels are dropping every second of this pointless conversation. Micha’s loved up, get over it,” Corinne barked.

“Fine,” Josh snapped, grabbing his jacket and pouting his lips in disapproval at being scolded. I had to try to keep the smile from my face. He really looked pissed that he had been put in his place.

Corinne smiled over at me. “Come on, Iz, let’s go. It’s not always like this. I know they say first impressions count, but please disregard this one,” she said reassuringly.

“It’s fine, me and my brother still bicker all the time. We have slowly started to get better, but he still has the ability to rub me up the wrong way.”

“Brothers have the knack of doing that. I have two and they are so overprotective it’s almost embarrassing. The curse of being the youngest girl, I suppose.” Corinne sighed.

“Aww, that’s sweet though.”

“Trust me, it isn’t when they almost rugby tackle a guy you were hoping to be your next potential boyfriend, just because he had the audacity to give you a kiss,” Corinne scoffed.

Yeah, she had a point.

“Ahh, maybe not so endearing then.”

“Nope, so what’s your story? Are you seeing anyone or single ready to mingle?” she enquired.

“Did you just actually say that?”

“Yeah, even I may be cringing.” She laughed.

“I’m actually engaged.”

“Shut up!” Josh exclaimed, as his eyes instantly fell to the ring on my finger. “How old are you? Twenty?”

“Twenty-one actually,” I replied defensively.

“Like that makes a difference,” Josh scoffed.

“When you know you know. He’s the only guy I’ve ever loved. He’s my brother’s best friend, and I’ve been in love with him since I was twelve. We got together when I turned eighteen. We’ve had a lot of ups and down but we got there in the end, and now I couldn’t envision spending my life with anyone else.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet.” Micha smiled, maybe she wasn’t as tough as I first thought.

“I think I’m going to throw up,” Josh muttered, pretending to gag.

“Oh shut it you,” Micha snapped. “I’m the same Izzy, Luke and I were childhood sweethearts, it will be five years in a month’s time since we got together. There are just some people you are destined to be with. Age is not an issue, in your heart you know what’s right.”

Corinne sighed. “I wish I could find the one, I am sick of looking. It doesn’t help that you’re in the kind of job where there is no stability, having to move around for work.”

“You’ll find the one, Corinne, when you’re not looking, Mr Right will turn up and totally blow you away,” Micha said soothingly, trying to placate her.

“Oh good god, I’m off to get the drinks before you all start painting each other’s toe nails and eating ice cream. Please try to tone it down for my sake,” Josh growled, jumping up.

“Oh pipe down, it’s your turn to pay anyway,” Micha retorted.

“Fine. Izzy, what would you like?”

“A caramel latte, thanks.”

“And we’ll all have a brownie too, thanks,” Corinne added, grinning.

“Hey, I didn’t get any special treatment when it was one of your turns,” Josh replied, looking completely put out.

“Oh quit your bitching, you know our moods will improve once chocolate is involved. Look at it being your duty to placate us with something so small that will give you a far more easier time.” Corinne winked.

“I suppose,” Josh conceded. “Brownie for you too, Izzy?”

“Please, if it’s not too much …”

“Trust me it isn’t, now chop chop, we’re dying of thirst here. You standing here gabbing isn’t going to bring the coffee any quicker, capisce?”

“Jesus, Corinne, you should be in the mafia with that mouth.”

“Just get gone already.” Micha turned to face me. “Now, Izzy, tell me all about this hot fiancé of yours.”

Josh rolled his eyes at the level of conversation and quickly made a swift exit towards the counter.

“I didn’t say he was hot . . .”

“Err he’s engaged to a sexy thing like you, so I know he’s hot.”

“Yeah, he is,” I conceded. There was no point denying it.

“Well then, you have got to back this up with some proof. Pictures, please.” Corinne grinned and Micha followed suit.

I pulled out my phone and clicked the button to show the hot screensaver I was now sporting. It was of Joel asleep with Ruby snuggled into him, no matter her size she made sure she was still available for nap time.

“Oh my god, he is hotter than hot,” Micha remarked, as her eyes widened with approval.

“Jesus, Izzy, what are you doing to me?” Corinne shrieked, grabbing my phone.

I grinned at their reaction, still unable to believe that despite the fact I wore the ring to prove it, it was still my biggest disbelief that this guy was all mine.

“You have to get Joel to come visit. We need to witness this Adonis up front and personal,” Micha said, grinning.

“Err what about Luke?” I asked as Micha blushed slightly at the fact she had probably all but forgotten her boyfriend the moment she had clapped eyes on mine. But Joel always had a habit of doing that, so I couldn’t really be mad at her for something that was totally out of her control.

“I am allowed to window shop, you know,” she all but fumed.

“You remind me of my best friend, he likes to window shop a lot, despite the fact he is completely loved up with this amazing guy.”

“I need to meet this guy, he sounds like a man after my own heart.” Micha chuckled.

“You’ll no doubt meet him soon. He’s going to be coming to one of my performances.” Elijah would make an entrance, of that I was sure.

“He’ll have to join us for drinks so we can become more reacquainted. I think I need tips, I feel like I’m losing my swagger.” Micha frowned.

“What swagger?” Corinne asked.

“You know the ability to flirt and just enjoy the harmless banter with guys. I’ve been with Luke so long, I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be chatted up, to have guys show any real interest.”

“That’s because you’ve always got your nose pressed to the phone,” Corinne jested, poking out her tongue.

“Haha.”

“Are you not happy with Luke?” I asked.

“God no, I love him with all my heart, but I can’t help but feel envious of people like Corinne, that get to flirt their little arses off and have a good time getting a boost from all the guys that swarm around her.”

“You know a lot of these guys do not have a brain cell between them? They come over because they think I have a hot dancer’s body. They don’t care if I have anything to say, they just want to have a go at scoring me,” Corinne added.

Micha bit her lip and frowned. “I know that but it’s still nice to be fancied, for guys to put in the effort to have a conversation with, to try and battle to catch your attention.”

“But Micha, I would give anything to have what you and Izzy have to find a guy that is completely in love with me. It soon gets old when all a guy wants to do is score you in front of his friends and then take you home for a mindless shag. I’ve been there and done that, I want something more. I want the hot boyfriend with the cute dog on my phone, to look at it and think they are mine. To feel like I belong to someone.”

Micha’s face fell at her admission. “Oh Corinne, I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t realise you felt that way. You will find that special someone, just some of us have to wait a little bit longer to meet the one, but you can never give up hope. He’s out there. I promise,” Micha urged.

“Who’s out there?” Josh asked, placing the tray down that was loaded with coffees.

“Never you mind.” Micha narrowed her eyes at him in a silent warning not to pursue it any further.

“Fine, I’ll just be the coffee slave and sit here like a good boy then, huh,” he snapped, flopping down onto the chair.

“I’m glad you finally know your place.” Micha grinned, taking a sip. “Mmmm, that’s good, I really needed this.” She eagerly grabbed a brownie from the stack and took a welcoming bite. We all followed suit, groaning at the delicious gooeyness, it was like heaven in my mouth.

“What do you think of Corinne, Josh?” Micha suddenly asked as Corinne’s eyes widened with alarm.

This was not good.

“What do you mean?” he asked, looking confused.

“Well, if you saw her in a crowded room, would you be attracted to her?”

“For god’s sake, Micha, shut the hell up,” Corinne hissed.

“Why are you asking me this? Are you attracted to me, Corinne? Is that your way at masking it, being so evil towards me?” he scoffed.

“Ha, you wish.”

“Just answer the question, Josh,” Micha bit out.

“Is it a trick one? Will I be scolded with coffee if my answer is not the right one?” Josh narrowed his eyes.

“We just want your take on it, from a man’s point of view.”

“Well then, yeah, I would be interested, well, until she opened that mouth of hers and ruined the moment.”

Corinne’s face dropped.

“Seriously? Can you just for once be nice?” Micha cried, slapping his arm.

“That’s not in my vocabulary.” He winked, sipping on his coffee. I nibbled on my brownie feeling kind of awkward. Poor Corinne looked like she was on the verge of tears as Josh remained oblivious to it all.

“Well, I would bang you, date you, and marry you, Corinne. If my lesbian gene ever kicks in, then you will be at the top of my list,” Micha said between bites.

“Err thanks, I think.” She looked rather confused by the sudden turn in the conversation but the humour behind Micha’s words helped to lighten the mood, even Josh was brought out of his haze and smiled.

“Of course, I would bang you too, Corinne, just say the word and I’ll be standing proud.” He winked as we all cringed.

“Ewww, really, Josh?” Micha hissed.

“That’s basically what you just said.”

“Yeah, but as if she would even go there.”

“Charming, I am still here you know, don’t hold back with the compliments, will you. A guy does like to get his ego stoked once in a while, not completely battered and bashed to death.” Josh pouted.