Page 70 of Conviction

My dad reaches out his hand and covers mine.

“Slowly boy, slowly.”

When my breathing is more under control, I speak, “I can’t lose her Dad, I can’t. I’ll give it all up. I’ll walk away.”

I stand up from the table, walk outside and pull my T-shirt over my head. It’s a beautiful summer’s day, so I head down the steps from the deck and jump into the pool.

After a few lengths, I feel calmer, but I keep swimming until my lungs burn. Once I’m out of the pool, I collect my dogs from my dad’s back garden and take them for a run with me around the grounds of my house. I’m just trying to kill time until Meebs gets back. I’m embarrassed to think about the number of times I’ve checked my phone since I’ve been out of the pool, but I’ve not heard from her by twelve, and I’ve got to admit, yeah, I’m a little disappointed.

I shower, then head to my office. I call Marley Layton, and he informs me that SNL wants us on the show this coming Saturday. Luckily it’s filmed in New York so the flight won’t be too long. If Meebs can get away from work on Saturday, we could fly out Friday night and be home by Monday morning.

Marley also informs me that the EP containing the recording from Saturday of our versions of ‘With You’ and ‘Where I Are’ have gone straight to the top of the download chart. It’s been a while since I had a number one and it feels good. I can’t help but think as Marley talks though, that for Meebs, I would still give it all up. I’ve had ten years in the spotlight. Ten years of touring, cameras going off in my face, interviews and intrusion. It’s made me a shit load of money, and I’ve experienced things that would blow your mind, but right now, I feel the time is right. I’m thirty-four-years-old and ready for the next stage of my life, and I want Meebs to be a part of that. I’ll find another way to be involved with music. I’ll write, produce, whatever, but I’m more than happy to step out of the glare of the public eye now.

I reply to a couple of emails. I talk briefly to Jordan and Ty on the phone as well as make some calls to a couple of people that can hopefully dig some dirt on the arsehole brother and soon to be ex-husband of Meebs. Then, I finally give in and text her.

Me:Hey x

I must check my phone at least twelve times a minute for the fifteen minutes it takes for her to reply.

Meebs:Hey baby. Watchya doin'? x

Me:Missin u. x

Meebs:Baby, you have no idea. x

Me:I think I do. x

Meebs:I’ve been to four different salons today. Carried out 2 disciplinary actions and sacked one apprentice. :( x

Me:That’s harsh. x

Meebs:That’s business. x

Me:So, you haven’t actually cut anyone’s hair today? x

Meebs:Sadly no. it’s not often I get to cut or colour hair these days. Maybe one day a week. x

Me:Does that mean you’ll have no problem getting Saturday off and coming to NY with me? x

Meebs:WHAT????

Me:NY, you fancy it?

Meebs:Shit!

Me:Is that a yes? x

Meebs:No.

Me:What???? x

Meebs:I mean, yes. x

Meebs:I mean shit. Let me see what I can sort out. x

Me:OK. What time will you be here? x

Meebs:Not sure, why? x