chickadee
New Yorker
Welcome back! One good thing about being unemployed now is that I have more time to write! Thanks again to everyone who is reading and liking the story, I appreciate all readers old and new, and also thanks to everyone who congratulated me on graduation... I can't believe I am no longer a student!
On with the fic... Again, U2 are not mine. If they were mine, I'd have them all tied to my bed.
Love Rescue Me
Chapter 5
Beth walked into the office, the weight of her task making her head hurt. She knew she had to tell Alex she was leaving, that she couldn’t simply run away with the circus, as tempting as that idea sounded. No matter what had happened in the past, she owed Alex an explanation. Clutching her camera, she knocked on his door.
“Ah, Lizzie, come in.” Alex looked pleased to see her; days before, Beth would have been relieved about this, but now it just made everything worse. “How did it go last night? Your story all ready to go?”
“Um, not really,” Beth answered. “I mean, I went to the gig and I got it done. It’s not that. You see, I’m… well…”
Alex looked at her impatiently. “What? Go on, spit it out.”
Beth sighed. “I’m quitting. I don’t work here any more. I have another job.”
Alex nearly exploded. “What? What do you mean? You work here!”
“I know, I did, but I don’t now.” Beth noted he seemed stunned into silence, and took advantage of that to keep talking. “Apparently the band liked my article yesterday, and they want me to go along on tour with them. To write a book about the tour. I know it’s a bad time…”
“Bad time? Oh, you have no idea!” Alex was out of his chair and doing his usual pacing. Up and down, up and down, around where Cara was standing, around his desk… It drove her crazy, the way it always did, and in that moment her guilt lessened. Why should she feel bad for getting a brilliant opportunity? It wasn’t as if Alex had given her many of those these past months.
“I’m not changing my mind,” she said, holding her head a little higher. “You can’t ruin this for me.”
“But you’re allowed to abandon me? I thought you were part of this team!”
“We’re not together any more! I don’t belong to you! I can do whatever I like, and I’m going on this tour, whether you like it or not!”
“Lizzie --”
“No.” She cut him off with that sharp word, feeling angry now. He was trying to control her to the very last; he had no real perception of their relationship, past or present. “There is nothing more to say. If you owe me wages, please put them in my bank account. What you have to offer me isn’t worth sticking around for, Alex. It never was. You treated me like crap, remember?” Beth turned to leave; on her way out she paused and looked back at Alex, the way he was watching her as if he’d just realised what he’d lost. Well, it’s too late. “And my name isn’t Lizzie.”
The office door slammed shut in her wake, and Beth was free.
*
It was midday and Edge was hungry. He, along with the rest of the band plus a good few crew members, was in the Faneuil Hall area of Boston; it had been Bono’s idea to get everyone out for a few hours and see some sights before their second gig. Tomorrow would be spent packing things in preparation for moving on to Washington D.C., so this was the only real opportunity for socialising en masse.
Edge stopped by one of the many stalls, browsing the jewellery half-heartedly. He didn’t feel able to relax. Aislinn had called before Edge came down to breakfast. In fact, she’d called before he’d even been awake. Something about coming home to work things out and if he couldn’t do that then their marriage wasn’t worth saving. He didn’t remember the exact words, but he got the gist. It was the same gist every time, and it made him weary. He didn’t really blame her for being frustrated; the band had really taken off on this tour and he’d been unable to keep in touch the way he normally would have. But she must know I’m busy. I’m not doing it on purpose. Or at least I wasn’t. Maybe now I am.
“Edge, come on!” Bono’s voice from a few feet away called Edge away from his sad thoughts and towards the prospect of food. “I found us a place for lunch!”
He hadn’t realised he’d been dawdling, and walked quickly to join the rest of their sizeable group who were being directed by Bono towards Cheers, a restaurant that was a replica of the famous television bar. It looked like it was pretty busy with tourists, so how Bono managed to get a table, Edge didn’t know. Still, he certainly wasn’t complaining as he slid into his seat next to Adam, who offered him a smile and a cigarette. Edge accepted both. Bono sat around the corner from Edge, at the head of the table, and Larry was situated across from Adam. Various crew members filled the remaining chairs, and Edge scanned the scene until his eyes came to rest on Jen. She was sitting at the end of the table farthest from him, so it would look suspicious if he went out of his way to speak to her. Even though he knew that was probably for the best, Edge couldn’t help being disappointed. The girl had something about her, a shyness or a naivety, that drew him. He’d thought about her too often the night before when he went to bed, after he’d spent the best part of two hours in her company.
She never once asked me a personal question. She was too shy, maybe. And I was glad. I’m tired of the personal questions.
A harassed-looking waitress took their orders, appearing not to recognise the band, or if she did know who they were, she didn’t bat an eyelid. After all, she had dozens of other customers to see to who weren’t famous, but who were equally as demanding.
Once the food arrived, Edge felt better. Aislinn wasn’t here, now, so he might as well let himself absorb what was going on around him. Bono was entertaining the entire group with a very long, but very amusing, story, which had various colourful characters and its own plot. In fact, it was developing a sub-plot. Even Larry was laughing now and then, showing no traces of his and Bono’s disagreement. It was only when Edge looked to his right that he realised someone else looked as distracted as he had earlier felt.
“Are you okay?” he asked Adam quietly, leaning closer so his question could be heard.
Adam nodded, smoked, then shook his head. “I’m not entirely sure, Edge.” He sighed and took another drag, then a sip of beer. “I saw Cara last night.”
Edge made a great effort not to let his jaw drop, but he was sure surprise must be written all over his face. “Cara? She was in the crowd?”
“Yes. More than that, though, she came backstage and… caught me off-guard. We went back to the hotel and talked. Whether that was a good idea or not, I can’t tell.” He sighed again. There was worry in Adam’s eyes, but also something else. Something indefinable. Longing, perhaps?
Edge took a drink himself before asking, “Did you, um, I mean, did anything happen?”
Adam chucked softly, the sound barely audible over the raucous laughter that had just broken out. “If you mean, did I sleep with her, no. I’m not that stupid, Edge. Well, maybe I am, considering I kissed her. I can’t decide what to do for the best.” He stubbed out his cigarette and pulled out another. “I’m sorry to burden you with all of this. I wasn’t intending to tell anybody, but there’s a real possibility she might be there again tonight.”
Edge nodded thoughtfully. “Larry will have a field day,” he smiled, nudging Adam with his elbow. To his credit, Adam laughed.
“Indeed he will. And I understand why. I know how you all feel about Cara, and it’s not without justification. But since I woke this morning, I haven’t been able to think about anything except her.” He shrugged.
Edge was a little flattered that Adam had chosen to confide in him. They hadn’t always been the closest in the band, and even on tour so far their contact with each other, alone, had been pretty limited. That didn’t mean they weren’t friends, though, or that Edge didn’t care about Adam. He cared, a lot, and he wanted Adam to know that.
“I don’t have anything against Cara,” he said, and that was the truth. Whatever happened between her and Adam was their business, and she’d been lovely to Edge whenever he’d spent any time with her. “It’s your life, Ad’. Do what you think is best, and we’ll support you. Okay?”
“Okay.” Adam grinned, slightly sheepishly, as if embarrassed he’d been caught dithering over a woman. Usually, Adam seemed to find his relationships pretty straightforward. Cara, however, had always been different, and Edge reckoned he knew why. Because she’s the one he loved.
After lunch, Edge and Bono took a stroll down by the harbour. Edge told Bono the latest news on the Aislinn situation, and Bono sympathised. They stood by the water and watched the boats come and go.
“Strange to think we’ll be playing tonight,” Bono mused, hands in his pockets. “Everything seems so peaceful, now.”
“Yeah.” Edge leaned on the railing. “When’s Beth starting, then? I notice she’s not here.”
“Oh, well, she has to quit her old job first.” Bono leaned beside Edge and smiled at him. “I think she’s going to be great. Really intelligent, I can tell. That article was so clever.”
“I’m sure she will be. She seems nice, and I agree about the article. But, B, I wish you’d consulted us before appointing her to, what, write a book about us. We’d have liked some say.” Edge kept his tone mild; he wasn’t even annoyed, as such, but he knew Larry was and even Adam had expressed disappointment.
“I didn’t think you’d mind, Reg. You trust me, don’t you? Anything I do is for the good of the band. She’s not going to probe the depths of your mind, if that’s what you’re worried about. That would be impossible.” He winked, and Edge chuckled.
“Thanks, I think.” He turned to face the pretty scene in front, which was illuminated by the afternoon sun. “It’s just, I know we’re a bigger band now, and our profile is being raised… and by turns, your profile is raised. I’m not accusing you,” he said loudly, hearing a noise of protest, “I’m letting you know. You have to ask us before you make important decisions. Larry, for one, is not going to be happy if you don’t. I know what you do is for the best, but we want to be in on it.” He glanced at Bono, who was looking a little upset.
“Edge, you know that’s not me,” he said. “I’d never leave you out. It’s the four of us.”
Edge smiled and gave Bono the hug he needed. “Of course I know. I’m being your friend, here. Just do me a favour and talk to Larry and Adam properly about Beth. It’ll help her settle in.”
Bono agreed this was a good idea, and they started to walk back towards Faneuil Hall, where everyone was to meet before going back to the hotel. They made small talk, which Edge thought was often preferable to the big stuff.
*
After that night’s show, Cara waited for Adam. She’d spent the entire day wondering if this was a good idea, and had come to the conclusion that she didn’t know, but she wanted to try one last time to fix what had been broken between them. At least give it a shot. That kiss had been no accident, surely; it certainly hadn’t been empty. Adam always had been passionate and demonstrative when it came to Cara, and she was quietly pleased to note that had not changed. The attraction was still between them; in Cara at least it was as strong as it had been when they first met.
Because of that, she’d tried to take things further, but Adam had stopped and suggested she leave. She’d felt hurt at the time, and when she’d returned to her hotel she had cried, wondering why he didn’t want her, why they couldn’t just get through all that had happened. Now, though, she realised Adam had been sensible in making sure neither of them did something they might regret. If there was any chance at all for them to make this work, they couldn’t afford to rush it. All she wanted to do now was find out how things stood, and if there was a chance.
Cara waited for half an hour until the door opened, and Edge stood there. He looked taken aback to see her, but not as shocked as she would have expected. So, he knows.
“Cara,” Edge said amiably, tipping his hat to her. “How have you been?”
She smiled weakly, relieved he was being civil, although she didn’t think him capable of being discourteous. “Okay, thanks. You?”
He nodded, stepping out into the brisk wind. “Not bad. I assume you’re here to see Adam?”
“Yeah. Is he around? It’s just, I don’t have a pass, so…”
“I’m afraid he went back to the hotel.” Edge looked at her, apology in his eyes. “We’ve a lot to do. Tomorrow we’re travelling to Washington.”
Cara stared, feeling her stomach drop. Adam had gone. He must have known she’d be here, she always waited for him in the past when they were a couple, but he didn’t want to see her. Had it been that bad, reminding him of how good they were? If they’d both made mistakes, why weren’t they even?
“I’m sorry, Cara,” Edge was saying gently, laying a hand on her arm. Cara marvelled at the fact he could be such a gentleman while Adam was unable to spare time enough to bid her farewell. “It’s really… I don’t think he’s quite worked out what to do. For the best. He’s not trying to hurt you. You know Adam.”
Cara pulled her arm away, anger flaring suddenly within her. “Do I? I thought I did.” She turned and walked away, ignoring the tears that trickled down her cheeks.
*
Beth dragged her suitcase out of the lift and down the long, plush corridor, towards room 444. She’d arrived at the hotel a few minutes earlier and, upon asking at the desk, had discovered a room booked in her name for that night. She was almost amazed that Bono had thought to take care of that, but then she realised that was the sort of person he was. He came across as thoughtful and considerate, and he’d probably want her to feel at home before going across the country with a band and its massive entourage.
Though she’d stayed in hotels before with her parents on holiday, none of them had been as luxurious as this, and she couldn’t help squealing when she saw her room with its double bed and en suite bathroom. There was a television in the corner, and a large wardrobe. Pity I’m only here one night, this all looks so comfortable. More comfortable than my flat. Even as she thought that, she knew she’d miss her own little space in the world. It was perfectly safe, in the hands of Jo from the diner who was going to live there while Beth was away, but closing the apartment’s front door had felt like a huge step towards the unknown. There was no guarantee this trip would work out, that the book would happen, that she wouldn’t hate living with people she barely knew.
“It’s so scary,” she said to herself as she stood at the window and looked down. A car was drawing up, and as she watched, Bono got out with Edge and went inside the hotel. Beth’s heart beat a little faster in response. This was crazy, the way she felt when he was around, but there was nothing she could do to stop it. He inspired something in her that she’d never known was there. She felt alive when they talked, as if he was what had been missing all this time.
When she went down to the foyer, the first person she saw was Bono. He was leaning on the reception desk, turning on the charm to the woman behind it, and Beth couldn’t help smiling. She strode over and tapped him on the shoulder.
“I’m here,” she said, hoping in that split second that he hadn’t forgotten who she was.
“Beth!” He threw his arms around her, making her cry out in surprise before she got it together enough to hug him back. Okay, so he hasn’t forgotten. “Have you been here long?” He pulled back and they stared at each other, grinning like a pair of excited kids.
“No, not at all. I had to go to my work, and then sort out the flat.”
“And it all went well?”
She nodded. “As well as it could have, really. I can’t believe I’m here!”
Bono laughed. “I can’t believe it, either. I thought you’d change your mind, to be honest. And then I didn’t see you at the show, so…”
He was looking for me at the show? Oh my God.
“I was just busy with everything, that was all,” she explained hastily. “I know it’s a big change and I suppose I’m nervous, but I’m ready for it.”
“So am I.” Bono’s answer was teasing, and it made Beth ache for him a little.
Their contact was broken when Larry stalked past, muttering something about ‘stupid’, and then Edge came over and asked if either of them had seen Adam. Beth hadn’t and Bono hadn’t since the gig, after which their bass played had disappeared.
“He’s probably in the bar,” Bono reasoned. “Why do you want him, anyway? Has something happened?”
Edge hesitated, as if deciding whether he should reply truthfully, and then nodded. With a glance at Beth, he whispered, “She’s back.”
Beth looked from Edge to Bono and back again. What did he mean? Of course she was back. But then she saw Bono’s eyes widen, and realised this wasn’t about her. Edge said no more, leaving to try to find Adam, and Beth was alone once more with Bono.
“Is everything okay?” she asked tentatively.
“What?” Bono stirred from whatever thoughts he’d been buried in. “Oh, yeah, don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Listen, why not get an early night? I don’t think many people are drinking tonight; we have a long day tomorrow. You’ll get a wake-up call at about eight, and if you want to, come down for breakfast at nine.”
“Oh, okay.” Beth tried to hide the disappointment she felt at not being able to sit and talk to Bono like she had the previous night, but when Bono squeezed her hand, she knew she hadn’t managed it.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “We’ll have plenty of time to get to know each another better.” Beth watched him leave and smiled contentedly. Yes, we certainly will.
to be continued...
On with the fic... Again, U2 are not mine. If they were mine, I'd have them all tied to my bed.
Love Rescue Me
Chapter 5
Beth walked into the office, the weight of her task making her head hurt. She knew she had to tell Alex she was leaving, that she couldn’t simply run away with the circus, as tempting as that idea sounded. No matter what had happened in the past, she owed Alex an explanation. Clutching her camera, she knocked on his door.
“Ah, Lizzie, come in.” Alex looked pleased to see her; days before, Beth would have been relieved about this, but now it just made everything worse. “How did it go last night? Your story all ready to go?”
“Um, not really,” Beth answered. “I mean, I went to the gig and I got it done. It’s not that. You see, I’m… well…”
Alex looked at her impatiently. “What? Go on, spit it out.”
Beth sighed. “I’m quitting. I don’t work here any more. I have another job.”
Alex nearly exploded. “What? What do you mean? You work here!”
“I know, I did, but I don’t now.” Beth noted he seemed stunned into silence, and took advantage of that to keep talking. “Apparently the band liked my article yesterday, and they want me to go along on tour with them. To write a book about the tour. I know it’s a bad time…”
“Bad time? Oh, you have no idea!” Alex was out of his chair and doing his usual pacing. Up and down, up and down, around where Cara was standing, around his desk… It drove her crazy, the way it always did, and in that moment her guilt lessened. Why should she feel bad for getting a brilliant opportunity? It wasn’t as if Alex had given her many of those these past months.
“I’m not changing my mind,” she said, holding her head a little higher. “You can’t ruin this for me.”
“But you’re allowed to abandon me? I thought you were part of this team!”
“We’re not together any more! I don’t belong to you! I can do whatever I like, and I’m going on this tour, whether you like it or not!”
“Lizzie --”
“No.” She cut him off with that sharp word, feeling angry now. He was trying to control her to the very last; he had no real perception of their relationship, past or present. “There is nothing more to say. If you owe me wages, please put them in my bank account. What you have to offer me isn’t worth sticking around for, Alex. It never was. You treated me like crap, remember?” Beth turned to leave; on her way out she paused and looked back at Alex, the way he was watching her as if he’d just realised what he’d lost. Well, it’s too late. “And my name isn’t Lizzie.”
The office door slammed shut in her wake, and Beth was free.
*
It was midday and Edge was hungry. He, along with the rest of the band plus a good few crew members, was in the Faneuil Hall area of Boston; it had been Bono’s idea to get everyone out for a few hours and see some sights before their second gig. Tomorrow would be spent packing things in preparation for moving on to Washington D.C., so this was the only real opportunity for socialising en masse.
Edge stopped by one of the many stalls, browsing the jewellery half-heartedly. He didn’t feel able to relax. Aislinn had called before Edge came down to breakfast. In fact, she’d called before he’d even been awake. Something about coming home to work things out and if he couldn’t do that then their marriage wasn’t worth saving. He didn’t remember the exact words, but he got the gist. It was the same gist every time, and it made him weary. He didn’t really blame her for being frustrated; the band had really taken off on this tour and he’d been unable to keep in touch the way he normally would have. But she must know I’m busy. I’m not doing it on purpose. Or at least I wasn’t. Maybe now I am.
“Edge, come on!” Bono’s voice from a few feet away called Edge away from his sad thoughts and towards the prospect of food. “I found us a place for lunch!”
He hadn’t realised he’d been dawdling, and walked quickly to join the rest of their sizeable group who were being directed by Bono towards Cheers, a restaurant that was a replica of the famous television bar. It looked like it was pretty busy with tourists, so how Bono managed to get a table, Edge didn’t know. Still, he certainly wasn’t complaining as he slid into his seat next to Adam, who offered him a smile and a cigarette. Edge accepted both. Bono sat around the corner from Edge, at the head of the table, and Larry was situated across from Adam. Various crew members filled the remaining chairs, and Edge scanned the scene until his eyes came to rest on Jen. She was sitting at the end of the table farthest from him, so it would look suspicious if he went out of his way to speak to her. Even though he knew that was probably for the best, Edge couldn’t help being disappointed. The girl had something about her, a shyness or a naivety, that drew him. He’d thought about her too often the night before when he went to bed, after he’d spent the best part of two hours in her company.
She never once asked me a personal question. She was too shy, maybe. And I was glad. I’m tired of the personal questions.
A harassed-looking waitress took their orders, appearing not to recognise the band, or if she did know who they were, she didn’t bat an eyelid. After all, she had dozens of other customers to see to who weren’t famous, but who were equally as demanding.
Once the food arrived, Edge felt better. Aislinn wasn’t here, now, so he might as well let himself absorb what was going on around him. Bono was entertaining the entire group with a very long, but very amusing, story, which had various colourful characters and its own plot. In fact, it was developing a sub-plot. Even Larry was laughing now and then, showing no traces of his and Bono’s disagreement. It was only when Edge looked to his right that he realised someone else looked as distracted as he had earlier felt.
“Are you okay?” he asked Adam quietly, leaning closer so his question could be heard.
Adam nodded, smoked, then shook his head. “I’m not entirely sure, Edge.” He sighed and took another drag, then a sip of beer. “I saw Cara last night.”
Edge made a great effort not to let his jaw drop, but he was sure surprise must be written all over his face. “Cara? She was in the crowd?”
“Yes. More than that, though, she came backstage and… caught me off-guard. We went back to the hotel and talked. Whether that was a good idea or not, I can’t tell.” He sighed again. There was worry in Adam’s eyes, but also something else. Something indefinable. Longing, perhaps?
Edge took a drink himself before asking, “Did you, um, I mean, did anything happen?”
Adam chucked softly, the sound barely audible over the raucous laughter that had just broken out. “If you mean, did I sleep with her, no. I’m not that stupid, Edge. Well, maybe I am, considering I kissed her. I can’t decide what to do for the best.” He stubbed out his cigarette and pulled out another. “I’m sorry to burden you with all of this. I wasn’t intending to tell anybody, but there’s a real possibility she might be there again tonight.”
Edge nodded thoughtfully. “Larry will have a field day,” he smiled, nudging Adam with his elbow. To his credit, Adam laughed.
“Indeed he will. And I understand why. I know how you all feel about Cara, and it’s not without justification. But since I woke this morning, I haven’t been able to think about anything except her.” He shrugged.
Edge was a little flattered that Adam had chosen to confide in him. They hadn’t always been the closest in the band, and even on tour so far their contact with each other, alone, had been pretty limited. That didn’t mean they weren’t friends, though, or that Edge didn’t care about Adam. He cared, a lot, and he wanted Adam to know that.
“I don’t have anything against Cara,” he said, and that was the truth. Whatever happened between her and Adam was their business, and she’d been lovely to Edge whenever he’d spent any time with her. “It’s your life, Ad’. Do what you think is best, and we’ll support you. Okay?”
“Okay.” Adam grinned, slightly sheepishly, as if embarrassed he’d been caught dithering over a woman. Usually, Adam seemed to find his relationships pretty straightforward. Cara, however, had always been different, and Edge reckoned he knew why. Because she’s the one he loved.
After lunch, Edge and Bono took a stroll down by the harbour. Edge told Bono the latest news on the Aislinn situation, and Bono sympathised. They stood by the water and watched the boats come and go.
“Strange to think we’ll be playing tonight,” Bono mused, hands in his pockets. “Everything seems so peaceful, now.”
“Yeah.” Edge leaned on the railing. “When’s Beth starting, then? I notice she’s not here.”
“Oh, well, she has to quit her old job first.” Bono leaned beside Edge and smiled at him. “I think she’s going to be great. Really intelligent, I can tell. That article was so clever.”
“I’m sure she will be. She seems nice, and I agree about the article. But, B, I wish you’d consulted us before appointing her to, what, write a book about us. We’d have liked some say.” Edge kept his tone mild; he wasn’t even annoyed, as such, but he knew Larry was and even Adam had expressed disappointment.
“I didn’t think you’d mind, Reg. You trust me, don’t you? Anything I do is for the good of the band. She’s not going to probe the depths of your mind, if that’s what you’re worried about. That would be impossible.” He winked, and Edge chuckled.
“Thanks, I think.” He turned to face the pretty scene in front, which was illuminated by the afternoon sun. “It’s just, I know we’re a bigger band now, and our profile is being raised… and by turns, your profile is raised. I’m not accusing you,” he said loudly, hearing a noise of protest, “I’m letting you know. You have to ask us before you make important decisions. Larry, for one, is not going to be happy if you don’t. I know what you do is for the best, but we want to be in on it.” He glanced at Bono, who was looking a little upset.
“Edge, you know that’s not me,” he said. “I’d never leave you out. It’s the four of us.”
Edge smiled and gave Bono the hug he needed. “Of course I know. I’m being your friend, here. Just do me a favour and talk to Larry and Adam properly about Beth. It’ll help her settle in.”
Bono agreed this was a good idea, and they started to walk back towards Faneuil Hall, where everyone was to meet before going back to the hotel. They made small talk, which Edge thought was often preferable to the big stuff.
*
After that night’s show, Cara waited for Adam. She’d spent the entire day wondering if this was a good idea, and had come to the conclusion that she didn’t know, but she wanted to try one last time to fix what had been broken between them. At least give it a shot. That kiss had been no accident, surely; it certainly hadn’t been empty. Adam always had been passionate and demonstrative when it came to Cara, and she was quietly pleased to note that had not changed. The attraction was still between them; in Cara at least it was as strong as it had been when they first met.
Because of that, she’d tried to take things further, but Adam had stopped and suggested she leave. She’d felt hurt at the time, and when she’d returned to her hotel she had cried, wondering why he didn’t want her, why they couldn’t just get through all that had happened. Now, though, she realised Adam had been sensible in making sure neither of them did something they might regret. If there was any chance at all for them to make this work, they couldn’t afford to rush it. All she wanted to do now was find out how things stood, and if there was a chance.
Cara waited for half an hour until the door opened, and Edge stood there. He looked taken aback to see her, but not as shocked as she would have expected. So, he knows.
“Cara,” Edge said amiably, tipping his hat to her. “How have you been?”
She smiled weakly, relieved he was being civil, although she didn’t think him capable of being discourteous. “Okay, thanks. You?”
He nodded, stepping out into the brisk wind. “Not bad. I assume you’re here to see Adam?”
“Yeah. Is he around? It’s just, I don’t have a pass, so…”
“I’m afraid he went back to the hotel.” Edge looked at her, apology in his eyes. “We’ve a lot to do. Tomorrow we’re travelling to Washington.”
Cara stared, feeling her stomach drop. Adam had gone. He must have known she’d be here, she always waited for him in the past when they were a couple, but he didn’t want to see her. Had it been that bad, reminding him of how good they were? If they’d both made mistakes, why weren’t they even?
“I’m sorry, Cara,” Edge was saying gently, laying a hand on her arm. Cara marvelled at the fact he could be such a gentleman while Adam was unable to spare time enough to bid her farewell. “It’s really… I don’t think he’s quite worked out what to do. For the best. He’s not trying to hurt you. You know Adam.”
Cara pulled her arm away, anger flaring suddenly within her. “Do I? I thought I did.” She turned and walked away, ignoring the tears that trickled down her cheeks.
*
Beth dragged her suitcase out of the lift and down the long, plush corridor, towards room 444. She’d arrived at the hotel a few minutes earlier and, upon asking at the desk, had discovered a room booked in her name for that night. She was almost amazed that Bono had thought to take care of that, but then she realised that was the sort of person he was. He came across as thoughtful and considerate, and he’d probably want her to feel at home before going across the country with a band and its massive entourage.
Though she’d stayed in hotels before with her parents on holiday, none of them had been as luxurious as this, and she couldn’t help squealing when she saw her room with its double bed and en suite bathroom. There was a television in the corner, and a large wardrobe. Pity I’m only here one night, this all looks so comfortable. More comfortable than my flat. Even as she thought that, she knew she’d miss her own little space in the world. It was perfectly safe, in the hands of Jo from the diner who was going to live there while Beth was away, but closing the apartment’s front door had felt like a huge step towards the unknown. There was no guarantee this trip would work out, that the book would happen, that she wouldn’t hate living with people she barely knew.
“It’s so scary,” she said to herself as she stood at the window and looked down. A car was drawing up, and as she watched, Bono got out with Edge and went inside the hotel. Beth’s heart beat a little faster in response. This was crazy, the way she felt when he was around, but there was nothing she could do to stop it. He inspired something in her that she’d never known was there. She felt alive when they talked, as if he was what had been missing all this time.
When she went down to the foyer, the first person she saw was Bono. He was leaning on the reception desk, turning on the charm to the woman behind it, and Beth couldn’t help smiling. She strode over and tapped him on the shoulder.
“I’m here,” she said, hoping in that split second that he hadn’t forgotten who she was.
“Beth!” He threw his arms around her, making her cry out in surprise before she got it together enough to hug him back. Okay, so he hasn’t forgotten. “Have you been here long?” He pulled back and they stared at each other, grinning like a pair of excited kids.
“No, not at all. I had to go to my work, and then sort out the flat.”
“And it all went well?”
She nodded. “As well as it could have, really. I can’t believe I’m here!”
Bono laughed. “I can’t believe it, either. I thought you’d change your mind, to be honest. And then I didn’t see you at the show, so…”
He was looking for me at the show? Oh my God.
“I was just busy with everything, that was all,” she explained hastily. “I know it’s a big change and I suppose I’m nervous, but I’m ready for it.”
“So am I.” Bono’s answer was teasing, and it made Beth ache for him a little.
Their contact was broken when Larry stalked past, muttering something about ‘stupid’, and then Edge came over and asked if either of them had seen Adam. Beth hadn’t and Bono hadn’t since the gig, after which their bass played had disappeared.
“He’s probably in the bar,” Bono reasoned. “Why do you want him, anyway? Has something happened?”
Edge hesitated, as if deciding whether he should reply truthfully, and then nodded. With a glance at Beth, he whispered, “She’s back.”
Beth looked from Edge to Bono and back again. What did he mean? Of course she was back. But then she saw Bono’s eyes widen, and realised this wasn’t about her. Edge said no more, leaving to try to find Adam, and Beth was alone once more with Bono.
“Is everything okay?” she asked tentatively.
“What?” Bono stirred from whatever thoughts he’d been buried in. “Oh, yeah, don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Listen, why not get an early night? I don’t think many people are drinking tonight; we have a long day tomorrow. You’ll get a wake-up call at about eight, and if you want to, come down for breakfast at nine.”
“Oh, okay.” Beth tried to hide the disappointment she felt at not being able to sit and talk to Bono like she had the previous night, but when Bono squeezed her hand, she knew she hadn’t managed it.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “We’ll have plenty of time to get to know each another better.” Beth watched him leave and smiled contentedly. Yes, we certainly will.
to be continued...
its going very very nicely .
omg it's all so intrigueing!
