'So I heard Nate's got us tickets to the huge pool party tomorrow.' Lily said as we ate breakfast by the pool the following day. 'What a great idea Lucy!' I simply smiled. I'd not told anyone why we were going but I was sure something bad would happen to the girl from my vision if we didn't. I wanted to save her. To help her.
'Don't people dress really cool for those things?' Willow said, twirling her straw around in her orange juice.
'It's just a load of bikinis, right?' Aidan grinned and Lily rolled her eyes.
'For you guys maybe, you idiot. But for girls it's about fashion and style.' Lily smiled and then she looked at Willow and I. 'Fancy a trip today ladies?'
'Erm sure?' I replied although it sounded more like a question.
'Where are we going?' Daisy asked, intrigued.
'Shopping.'
'Oh great.' I groaned, looking up from my Kindle Fire tablet. Nathan shot me a questionning look so I passed him the tablet. Someone had, of course, snapped a photo of us smooching on the beach the night before, when Nathan had said those three words to me. 'Why do they have to follow us everywhere?'
'It's not a bad picture though.' Nathan smiled, cheekily, trying to lighten the mood. 'Maybe it will be my new profile picture on Facebook.'
'There's just no privacy.' I sighed.
'At least they know we're a couple now, though.' He squeezed my hand with reassurance. 'Because otherwise the rumour mill would be having a field day.' He scanned the article, reading aloud. 'Nathan Jones and Lucy May were spotted last night having a romantic stroll across the beach in San Antonio Bay, Ibiza. They looked pretty cosy and seemed to be enjoying each other's company. The couple met earlier this year. See, that's it so don't worry, okay?' I felt relaxed all of a sudden and I shot him a wary look. He grinned at me in response and I knew I was going to have to get used to it. It was part of being famous.
An hour later and we were driving across the island for Es Cana, watching the beautiful landscapes and small Spanish towns and hamlets go by. Lily was beautiful and cute with her petite figure and she was lovely. It made me wonder how she was friends with a group of all-guys and none of them wanted to date her. So it seemed, anyway. The drive took half an hour to reach the other side of the island and Lily parked the Fiat 500 as we all got out of the car.
'It's so nice having some girls to hang with.' Lily told us as she locked the car and we headed towards the sign marked 'Hippy Market.' 'This is my second time in Ibiza now and last time the guys wouldn't let me come here. It's supposed to be awesome.'
The hippy market was already busy with locals and tourists, buzzing around with bags full of gifts, but I didn't mind. Music and street performers were entertaining and the air smelt of lots of different foods being cooked. Willow gave me an excited grin. We walked around the stalls together, pausing to buy souvenirs, necklaces and any other things we came along that interested us. Daisy and Lily bought kaftans, whilst Willow and I bought kimonos, all items unique in their own way.
'I can't believe just how colourful this place is.' Willow said as we sat down on some brightly-coloured cushions whilst eating paella for lunch.
'I know, it's wonderful!' Lily grinned.
'Definitely spent too much money but never mind.' Daisy laughed. 'At least we're getting paid for Ibiza Rocks on Thursday.'
We'd not even been in Ibiza a week yet and I couldn't help but think how much had been crammed in. I promised myself that I would do some more relaxing. Then I looked over at my cousin and realised she looked sad. I shot her a questioning look and she shrugged at me in response. I promised myself I'd talk to her later.
'Well I think we're done here.' Lily said as we finished off our lunch. 'Shall we head to the beach? There's a lovely bay near here.'
She wasn't kidding. The bay was quiet and calm with its white, powdery sat and calm blue waters. It was pure paradise. I knew I had to come back to Ibiza. I was desperate too. I wasn't sure how I'd gone so long without visiting. The atmosphere was great and the beaches were incredible. My own little paradise. We spent the afternoon sunbathing, swimming in the sea and taking silly photos and I couldn't help but think that Lily fitted into our friendship group perfectly. I wasn't sure why I'd needed to worry in the first place.
I caught Willow before we went back to our rooms that evening, dragging her to a sunbed by the pool to try and work out what was going on.
She looked down at me, sadly. 'It's Scott.'
'What's happened?' I asked, my tone softening.
'He called me last night. He's been a bit distant over the last few weeks sure, but I wasn't expecting him to just give up.' Her eyes teared over. 'His ex is back in town and he still loves her. And now she's back...'
'Oh Wills.' I pulled her in for a hug, holding her tight. 'I'm sorry.' I whispered. 'I thought he was one of the good ones.'
'We always do.' She sighed. 'And then they turn out to be just like the rest.'
I thought of Nathan and sighed. I really hoped he wasn't going to be just like the rest. I really hoped that this time he was my prince charming. 'Got to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince, right?' I said, convincing Willow as much as I was convincing myself. 'Want me to come and sleep in your room tonight?'
'No, I'll be okay.' She gave me a small smile. 'Just give me time and I'll be fine.'
I felt angry when I woke up the next day. Angry with Scott. Angry with Ed. Angry with any guy that had ever messed with one of my loved ones or myself. Nathan was sleeping peacefully beside me when I woke up, and I grabbed my guitar and songbook, and stepped out onto the balcony, closing the door behind me.
The lyrics came pouring into my head and I pressed record on my phone as I started to sing.
'You told me on a Sunday
That it wasn't gonna work
I tried to cry myself to sleep
'Cause it was supposed to hurt
We sat next to the fire
As the flame was burning out
I knew what you were thinking
Before you'd say it aloud
Don't say you're sorry, 'cause I'm not even breaking
You're not worth the time that this is taking
I knew better than to let you break my heart
This soul you'll never see again, won't be showing scars
You still love her I can see it in your eyes
The truth is all that I can hear
Every time you lie.'
'So I'm hoping that's not about me.' Nathan's voice startled me and I turned off the recording feature on my phone, turning to face him. He was leaning against the door-frame, arms folded across his tanned, bare chest.
I blushed. 'It's not about you. You've not broken Willow's heart. Or mine.'
'And I won't.' He said softly, moving to sit on the chair beside me. He leaned over and kissed my forehead. 'What's happened with Willow?'
'Scott broke up with her because his ex came back to town.'
His forehead creased. 'Why are most of my gender such idiots, really? They make the rest of us look bad. Is she okay?'
'She will be.' I sighed. 'I just wish guys would stop hurting her. She's incredible.'
'Just like her cousin then.' He smiled, pulling me in for a kiss.
For the beach party that afternoon, I moved to get ready with Lily and Willow in their room, and Daisy did the same. As we got ready for the party, I felt bad that Leanne and Adriana weren't there. They would have loved Ibiza. I made a mental note to send them a message later on. Lily plugged her iPod into the docking station, blasting the room with music as we got ready, fighting over the mirrors.
'Now I remember why I'm not friends with many girls.' She laughed as she watched Willow and I battling for the full-length mirror. 'You have to share mirrors. Saying that though, Kyle and Nate can be pretty bad for arguing over mirrors too.'
'I've not seen that side of Nate yet.' I laughed and Lily smirked at me as she pulled her new hippy-style kaftan over her bikini. I glanced in the mirror at my outfit. I was wearing my white bikini from the photoshoot (now that I knew it didn't go see-through) with a white lace off-shoulder kaftan over the top. Daisy had gone for a black cut-out swimsuit and a red kimono and Willow looked cute in her floral bikini with floor-length cream kimono, showing off her newly tanned skin. We all had flowers in our hair and our make-up was natural and waterproof, thankfully.
'Okay, we're in Ibiza so we need some face-paint or sparkle!' Daisy pulled out a make-up set. 'Who's in?'
Half an hour later and we were ready. Daisy had glittery dots moving across her forehead, just above her eyebrows, with a sparkly moon in the centre. Lily had glitter down the right side of her face. Willow had swirly face-pain coming out from the corner of each eye and then I had white flowers with gold glittery centres, down the side of my right cheek and then across my collar bone. We were ready to party.
Aidan and Kyle wolf-whistled in unison as we met them by the pool and Lily rolled her eyes, tutting and them. Nathan kissed me on the cheek free of face-paint and spoke into my head, You're so gorgeous. It made me smile until I saw the nervous look on Willow's face. Nathan nodded, giving me permission to keep her company, so I linked arms with her and we walked down to Ocean Beach together.
'So this is completely mental!' Daisy gasped as we reached the poolside. Acrobats were hanging in the sky from harnesses and it was pretty crazy. Orange and white balloons were everywhere and so were the partygoers; girls in tiny bikinis or cut out swimsuits and guys in shorts or swimming trunks. We were led to our own reserved area, with comfy sunbeds with built in lockers underneath. There were ten sunbeds pushed together, creating an almost semi-circle due to the weird shape of them. A member of staff took our drink orders and then disappeared, leaving us to get settled.
'I'm with you there, Daisy. It is mental.' I replied, looking around as over one hundred people danced to the music, in the pool and on the ground. So far, we were unrecognised, which was good. I didn't want a whole day of being stared at, especially when I was wearing a tiny white bikini. An unfamiliar remix of Heart attack blared out of the speakers and I groaned, making everyone laugh.
'It's your song!' Lily chuckled, lounging on the sunbed she had claimed with her towel.
'I know, but it's cringey hearing my voice.' I shuddered at the thought and Nathan grinned, planting a kiss on my shoulder.
'I love your voice.' He whispered in my ear, sending goosebumps across my body. 'And I love you.'
I turned to him so that I could see his cute face; his scruffy hair that I liked to run my fingers through when we kissed, the stubble around his mouth and on his chin, his soft lips, his beautiful eyes I could get lost in. 'I love you too.'
We spent some time lounging about, eating lunch on the loungers and drinking our beers and cocktails and then Jesse headed off to find some girls to dance with, and Daisy and Jake headed off together to goodness knows where. Lily and Aidan were dancing by the sunbed, but they stopped when the intro of Budapest started to play, but a remix version.
'How can they even remix this?!' Nathan groaned and I laughed.
'I love your voice.' I told him, teasing him and he glared at me, playfully.
'You'd better watch your back!' He called out, reaching over to me but I jumped up off of my sunlounger. He hurried after me and I ran through the crowds to get away from him but he grabbed my waist, pulling me against him. 'Nice try.' He whispered as we stood by the pool. I knew what he was going to do before it happened. He scooped me into his arms and threw me into the pool. I grabbed my sunglasses just in time as I hit the water. He stood on the side of the pool, grinning cockily as I pushed my hair out of my face, glad that the make-up and face paint I was wearing was waterproof.
'Now you'd better watch your back.' I told him as I reached the pool edge. He held out a hand to help me up but I pulled him in, sending him over the top of me. He surfaced the water, catching his sunglasses as they started to float away. He slipped them back onto his face, concealing his identity, and he grinned.
'It's just as well I love you.'
I smiled as he pulled me towards him. 'Isn't it just?'
After another drink, I was feeling ready to dance and luckily the tunes booming out weren't mine or Nathan's and they were the kind of songs I was used to dancing to. I tapped my fingers against the sunbed in time to the songs, as the DJ mixed the songs together, blending them perfectly.
'This hit
That ice cold
Michelle Pfeiffer
That white gold.'
Willow glanced at me with a huge grin on her face. I knew she loved this song. A lot.
'This one, for them hood girls
Them good girls
Straight masterpieces.'
She held out her hand for me and I knew it was a must. She pulled me to my feet, joining where Daisy and Aidan were already dancing.
'Stylin', while in
Livin' it up in the city
Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent
Got kiss myself I'm so pretty.'
We made up our own almost-dance routine, shaking our hips and moving our bodies in time to the music.
'I'm too hot (hot damn)
Called a police and a fireman
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Make a dragon wanna retire man
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Say my name you know who I am
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Am I bad 'bout that money
Break it down.'
It felt weird dancing in a bikini, wearing so little, but soon I got used to it, either because everyone was doing it or because the drinks were flowing.
Nathan walked over to me, a smile on his face. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I felt deja-vu as I remembered this moment from my vision. Willow was laughing at the bar with Kyle, getting the next round of drinks in. And then the bad feeling in my gut kicked in. Nathan shot me a puzzled look and I spotted the girl with the very curly blonde hair trying to get away from the dark-haired guy with the baggy swimming trunks on. He reached out and touched her and she slapped his hand away, clearly irritated. She pulled away from him and stormed off, only to have him follow her.
'I'm just going to the bathroom.' I told Nathan, although I wasn't sure he believed me. I left his arms and followed the guy, cautiously. The girl hurried, disappearing down an alleyway and I groaned, inwardly. Why were girls always running into alleyways? It happened in films too. And then something bad happened. She'd have been better off staying in a public place and asking for help. Nonetheless, I kept close, glad that I'd grabbed Nathan's shirt from the poolside as it covered me slightly.
'Go away you jackass!' I heard the girl said as I reached the corner of the building they'd disappeared behind. 'I've already told you, Mark, it's over.'
I watched from the corner of the building as the guy reached out to touch her face and she cringed under his touch. 'But we have something special Tori.'
Tori. I knew I'd recognised her. She was the girl who had just been signed to Ed's label. God damn it, why was I always saving the girls he was a manager for? Mark moved closer to her , reaching for her hips and she tried to push him off but wasn't strong enough.
'Please just go away.' She said, her American accent shaking and I knew then that she was crying. She was scared. The situation reminded me of mine and Rich's and it made me shudder.
'She told you to back off, dickhead.' I said, stepping out from behind the building before I could stop myself. I just wished someone had been there for me like this.
'And who the hell are you?' Mark hissed at me. 'Run back to the party now.'
'Not until you've backed off.' I said, folding my arms across my chest.
'This has nothing to do with you.' Mark hissed whilst Tori looked at me, her eyes scared. He turned back to her, reaching for her breast. Acting on adrenaline, I crashed into him, knocking him to the floor, which surprised me really. Maybe going to the gym had done wonders for my strength.
I turned to Tori. 'Go, get security!' She nodded, mutely, and ran off.
'Who are you?' Mark said, glaring at me as he got off the floor.
'It doesn't matter, the point is you need to stop treating women like shit.'
He reached for my waist and I tried to push him backwards, but he held me in place. 'Don't you dare speak to me like that. You have no idea who you're dealing with.'
'Neither do you.' I swung my first, punching him in the nose.
'Christ!' He yelped, staggering backwards and holding the bleeding nose that may have been broken.
'Oh my god!' Tori's voice called out and I turned to see she was stood there with Ed and two security guards.
'Lucy.' Ed nodded. 'We have to stop meeting like this.'
I rolled my eyes at his attempt to be funny and took off my sunglasses, tucking them on top of my head.
'Lucy!' Nathan's voice called out as he sprinted around the corner of the building and stopped behind Ed, Tori and security. 'What the hell just happened?'
'Oh my god, you're Lucy May.' Tori gasped, her eyes widening. She looked at Ed and then glanced over her shoulder at Nathan. Then she ran over to me, throwing her arms around me whilst the security guys each grabbed one of Mark's arms. 'Thank you! Thank you so much! I don't know what would have happened if you weren't there.'
I pulled back from the hug. 'It's okay, really.'
'Ed, she saved me.' Tori said, her eyes watering as she spoke to her manager and my ex.
'She's got a habit of doing that.' He replied with a small smile as Nathan pushed past him, pulling me into a hug.
'Thank god you're okay.' Nathan said. 'I saw the security and I worried something had happened. I guess you can look after yourself though, huh?' He gave me a playful grin and I didn't miss the irritated and jealous expression on Ed's face as he rubbed Tori's shoulder, reassuringly.
'We'll call the police.' One of the security guards said. 'But you're both going to need to make a statement.'
The police didn't take long to show up and they arrested Mark for harassment. He didn't have a broken nose, unfortunately, but they'd taken my statement and congratulated me for my bravery. Or so the Spanish-English interpreter had said. Tori had thanked me over and over, but thankfully Ed had made himself sparse to avoid awkwardness. The pool party finished soon after, so we headed back to the hotel, most of our friends drunk. After a shower, I changed into denim shorts, a tank top and a baggy cardigan, and joined my friends where they were sat by the pool in the dark.
'Hey.' Nathan said as I sat down beside him. 'Feeling better?'
I'd needed a shower, just to get the feeling of Mark's grubby hands off of me. 'Yep.' I said with a smile. I looked over at the sunbed next to us, where Willow was laughing at whatever Kyle had said. 'They've been pretty cosy today.'
'They have.' Nathan said, flashing me his signature smile. 'He's going to give her some time, though. Time works a charm. I'd know.' He planted a kiss on my forehead and I smiled. 'Next time you want to beat up some crazy guy though please do let me know.'
'Sorry.' I apologised, looking down at my fingers, which were intertwined with his.
'You don't need to apologise. What you did was brave.' He lifted my chin with his finger. 'I just don't want to lose you.'
I looked into his beautiful eyes and made a promise I intended to keep. 'You won't.'
The next few days were fairly relaxed and were spent chilling by our pool and rehearsing for my concert, and then going out for dinner and sometimes drinks after in the evenings. Everyone was getting on great and I was now a lot more relaxed around Nathan's friends. It was like we'd known each other for years.
'Kyle wants to take me out for the day.' Willow told me the following Wednesday morning, as we ate breakfast, the day before my big concert at Ibiza Rocks.
I looked at her, surprised. Originally we'd planned to head down to the beach together for a change of scenery. 'And do you want to?'
She looked thoughtful for a moment. 'I think so. Does that make me a bad person?'
'Of course not.' I said, squeezing her arm. 'Scott was a complete jerk. Besides you and Kyle are just hanging out as friends. Nothing wrong with that.'
'You and I had plans today.' She said, apologetically.
'So we'll reschedule.' I gave her a reassuring smile. 'You go and enjoy yourself.'
'Good morning.' Eric said, his voice monotone as he walked out onto the terrace where I was just finishing my fruit salad. He hadn't yet stepped foot in my hotel and him being there surprised me.
'Morning.' I replied, cheerily, determined not to let him ruin my mood. Eric glanced over at Willow and she nodded at him, standing up.
'Would you get Nathan out here?' Eric asked my cousin and she nodded, disappearing.
'Why do you need Nathan?' I asked him, uncertainly.
'I've come up with a brilliant idea!'
'Erm... right.' I replied, unconvinced.
'So are you all set for the show tomorrow?' Eric asked, cracking his knuckles.
'Yes.' I nodded. 'The set you wanted is all good to go.'
'Is there room for another song?'
I raised my eyebrows in surprise, opening up the set on my Kindle Fire, where I'd saved it in my e-mails.
Heart attack
Made in the USA
The Middle
Party
22 (Taylor Swift cover)
Give your Heart a Break
Skyscraper
'Erm I guess there might be a bit of room? I've got the seven that you suggested.'
'Hey Eric.' Nathan said, shaking my manager's hand and sitting down beside me. He gave me a cute smile and squeezed my knee.
'Nathan.' My manager nodded. 'Now, due to the popularity of Love me Harder it would be silly for you not to perform it tomorrow, Lucy.'
'I can sing it, sure.' I replied with a half-smile. It wouldn't be the same as a solo, but I could do it.
'That's where you come in.' He turned to Nathan. 'I've spoken to your manager already and I have permission from The Weeknd. I'd like you to duet with Lucy.' My eyes widened in surprise and Eric continued. 'Everyone is begging for you two to sing a duet and at some point you'll have to write one, but for now, this would be a great opportunity.'
Little does he know we already have a duet, Nathan said in my head, smugly, and I nudged his foot with mine. 'Sure I don't see why not.' Nathan said aloud, turning to face me. 'It could be cool.'
'Great. Well you're going to have to rehearse with the band. There's no official soundtrack tomorrow as for some stupid reason they can't close off the pool area until the concert so you're going to have to be ready.' Eric said. He turned to face me, the familiar unimpressed look on his face. 'Can I trust you to be ready?'
'Of course.'
'Good.'
The rest of the day was spent rehearsing, over and over until I was sick of the songs, although I couldn't help thinking how nice it was to sing with Nathan, even if it was a sexual song. The thought made me nervous. We hadn't done anything like that yet, even though we'd shared a bed most nights. I'd thought about it. More than once. But the thought made me feel nervous. After all, Ed and I had slept together and then everything had gone wrong. He'd run off with his model ex-girlfriend and slept with her too. And then when we'd broken up, he'd slept with even more people. The thought made me shudder. After rehearsals, Nathan took me out on a jetski, which was great fun and it cleared my head a little. Then we headed back to the hotel, sat round the pool having an evening jam-session with our friends.
'I said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You're my wonderwall
I said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me.' Jake finished his duet with Daisy and we all applauded them, Willow and I cheering probably too loudly.
'Over to you, mate.' Aidan nodded at Nathan, who was sat with his guitar on his lap.
Then you'd better help me out, Nathan said into my head, his eyes meeting mine.
I swallowed, it had better be a song I know then.
Nathan strummed at his guitar, a familiar melody.
'Woah-oh-oh-oh
It's always a good time.
Woke up on the right side of the bed
What's up with this Prince song inside my head?
Hands up if you're down to get down tonight
Cuz it's always a good time.
Slept in all my clothes like I didn't care
Hopped into a cab, take me anywhere
I'm in if you're down to get down tonight
Cuz it's always a good time.'
I took a deep breath as Nathan winked at me, signalling it was my time to take over. 'Good morning and good night
I wake up at twilight
It's gonna be alright.'
'We don't even have to try
It's always a good time.'
As usual, our voices blended together to create the perfect harmony, complimenting each other as we sang. 'Woah-oh-oh-oh Woah-oh-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Woah-oh-oh-oh Woah-oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try, it's always a good time.'
I smiled as I sang, tapping my feet along to the beat. 'Checked out of my room hit the ATM
Let's hang out if you're down to get down tonight
Cuz it's always a good time.'
'Good morning and good night.'
'I wake up at twilight
It's gonna be alright.' I held the note as Nathan continued.
'We don't even have to try, it's always a good time.'
'Woah-oh-oh-oh Woah-oh-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Woah-oh-oh-oh Woah-oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try, it's always a good time.'
Nathan shot me a cheeky smile and I wondered how he was always able to do that when he sang. 'Doesn't matter when, it's always a good time there.'
'Doesn't matter where
It's always a good time there.' I sang, running my hand through my fringe.
Our voices blended together once more and I wasn't surprised when I looked up to see some guests gawping at us. Oops. 'Doesn't matter when,
It's always a good time then.
It's always a good time
Woah-oh-oh-oh Woah-oh-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Woah-oh-oh-oh Woah-oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try, it's always a good time.'
Our friends joined in for the last chorus and I smiled as they all sang along, surprisingly all pitch-perfect. It sounded awesome. 'Woah-oh-oh-oh Woah-oh-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Woah-oh-oh-oh Woah-oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try, it's always a good time.'
The guests watching us cheered and applauded and Nathan and I gave our own little cheers to our friends as a fantastic idea filled my mind. 'So I think I know what I want to do for my 'cover of the week' tomorrow.'
The following morning, we moved the instruments outside and recorded the 'Good Time' cover, all of our friends included, whether they were playing instruments or dancing until the last chorus, when they all joined in. I uploaded it straight away, happily. It was my favourite cover yet. Then the band and I headed into the recording studio, rehearsing the set list one last time before the concert. There was a knock on the door just as we finished and I wondered who on earth would be knocking. Nathan, Lily, Aidan, Kyle and Willow usually walked right on in. But then most of them had gone into town for lunch...
'Hello?' I called out and the door opened, causing me to nearly drop my guitar on the floor. Thank goodness for my guitar strap. 'Oh my god!' I shrieked at the sight of Amanda, Leanne and Adriana stood in the doorway. I put down my guitar, probably harder than I should have, and rushed over to the doorway, pulling them into a group hug. 'What are you all doing here?!'
'We may have lied about not being able to get time off.' Leanne said to me. 'And Ad and I wanted it to be a surprise. We wouldn't miss your first ever show in Ibiza.'
'And I was always going to come, I just didn't tell you. Couldn't have someone else styling you, could we?' Amanda chuckled.
'I'm so glad you're here!' I told them, a huge and idiotic grin on my face. 'Where are you guys staying?'
'Here. Not in a suite, mind, they were pricey but we've got a room together so we can crash out easily after your fancy after party later.' Adriana winked. 'A long weekend in Ibiza was a perfect break from work.'
'And a perfect surprise.' I told them, excited. 'Thank you.'
I spent the day chilling by the pool with my friends and, before long, it was time to get ready for the concert. As Nathan and I had the biggest room, being a suite, he gave it up and allowed it to be taken over by girls, heading to join the guys instead. There was nothing I wanted more than some time with my girls, including Lily, the newest member of the posse. She naturally blended right in, helping everyone with their hair and make-up whilst Amanda gave me my show make-over.
'So how was the swimwear shoot you were stressing about?' Leanne asked as she blew her nails dry.
'She looked gorgeous, so there was nothing to moan about really.' Willow laughed, rolling her eyes at me whilst Lily straightened her hair.
'Girl, you're always smokin' hot whether you believe it or not. There has to be some reason guys are lining up waiting to date you.' Adriana winked and I kicked her gently, glad she was within foot distance. 'Hey! It's true! I'm sure Nathan thinks it too.'
'Oh he does.' Lily nodded. 'You should see the way he looks at her.'
I blushed. 'Girls can we stop talking about me like I'm not here because hello I am.'
Amanda stood back, checking my curled hair was even. She nodded, satisfied, and then started on my foundation. 'Oh, actually Luce, I was going to ask you something.'
I raised an eyebrow and she tutted, so I relaxed my face again. 'What were you going to ask me?'
'Will you be my head bridesmaid?' I looked at her in surprise and she tutted again. 'I can't apply your make-up when you're doing that.'
'You want me to be your head bridesmaid?' I checked with her, uncertain.
'Of course. You're one of my best friends and one of my only female friends. I know you're busy and all but-'
'Of course I'll be your head bridesmaid.' I smiled.
'Hey, at least the dresses will be decent, you know that much.' Leanne laughed from behind me. She was right about that.
'Thank you so much. This means the world to me.' Amanda smiled. 'Now close your eyes and stop moving your face before you drive me crazy.'
Half an hour later and we were all ready for the concert. Amanda had given me my usual make-up look of silvery eyeshadow, darker in the outside corners, winged eyeliner and a subtle lipstick that made my lips plumper. I was wearing a black bralet-shaped crop top, which had pink flowers on it, with a pink mini skater skirt and black wedges, the music note necklace Nathan had given me round my neck. It was cute, but sexy at the same time, and I hoped that my boyfriend would like it. After all, I would be performing with him. And it wasn't a cheesey Carly Rae Jepsen classic this time. The thought made me blush and I glanced up to see Leanne looking at me, warily.
'You surprise me.' She whispered as we walked through the hotel to the cars waiting for us outside to take us to Ibiza Rocks.
'I do?' I raised an eyebrow at her.
'I can't believe that you and Nathan haven't-'
'Woah, shhh.' I hissed, signalling to the friends around us. 'There's at least two people here that probably don't want to hear that. Besides, I'm offended that you're surprised.'
'I'm surprised because he's Nathan Jones. He's a god.'
I elbowed her. 'One day, maybe, you might stop making inappropriate comments about my boyfriends.'
'I took the poster down if it helps. And the Ed one has darts in it.'
I laughed. 'Why on earth am I friends with you?'
'I ask myself that on a daily basis.' Adriana said, butting into the conversation. 'Now come on hottie, let's roll.'
We arrived at Ibiza Rocks early, and the patio behind the stage was sectionned off, being made into a makeshift backstage area. The girls hung backstage with me for a bit and then they left the band and I to it, leaving us to sing our vocal warm-ups and check the instruments were okay. Then it was almost showtime.
Wow, I'm still the luckiest guy in the world. Nathan's voice filled my mind and I turned around to see him watching me, his signature smile on his face, his eyes locked onto mine with that look that just made me want to kiss him over and over. He looked hot too, in his skinny jeans and a tank top, that made me want to just drool at his muscles. I felt myself blush and I bit my lip. I wanted to do more than kiss him.
A tech guy came over, attaching my ear piece and I quickly switched my thoughts to something more appropriate. A microphone was handed to me and I knew it was nearly show time.
'Good luck.' Nathan said to me as his eyes rolled over my body, from my eyes, down to my legs and then back up again. He smiled at me as his eyes locked with mine again, an intense look in them.
'Are you watching the show?'
'Yep, going to watch with the guys.' He said with a smile. Love Me Harder was the final song, so he had time to.
'Well I hope everyone likes it.' I said, nervously.
'They will.' He kissed me on the forehead and then he was gone.
'Right band, you're on!' Eric announced. Daisy, Jake and Jesse high-fived me before disappearing onto the stage. I took a deep breath and then it was showtime.
The crowd were incredible and I was glad Eric had chosen upbeat songs, because the crowd sang along and danced around, excitedly. I lost myself completely in the music, until it reached a song I was nervous about. The one I'd written recently about Nathan. I took a swig of my water and walked back to the front of the stage.
'I hope you don't mind Ibiza, but I'd like to try out something a bit different.' It was different because it involved Jake on the keyboard and not on the base. And it wasn't my usual style. 'This song is a new one, I hope you like it.'
Jake started up the intro and I sucked in a breath as I looked out at the crowd, some who were drunk and some who were sober. Either way, I really hoped everyone liked it. I spotted Nathan at the back of the crowd with everyone else and the thought made me nervous. He was the one that really mattered.
I closed my eyes as I started to sing, 'The day I first met you
You told me you'd never fall in love
But now that I get you
I know fear is what it really was.
Now here we are,
So close yet so far.
Haven't I passed the test?
When will you realize,
Baby, I'm not like the rest?
Don't wanna break your heart
Wanna give your heart a break
I know you're scared it's wrong
Like you might make a mistake
There's just one life to live
And there's no time to wait, to wait
So let me give your heart a break, give your heart a break
Let me give your heart a break, your heart a break
There's just so much you can take
Give your heart a break
Let me give your heart a break, your heart a break
Oh yeah, yeah.'
I opened my eyes and saw the crowd dancing and they cheered. Then my eyes met Nathan's and he smiled, his smile reaching his sparkling eyes. Had he realised the song was about him? That some of the lyrics were phrases he'd said to me over and over?
'On Sunday you went home alone
There were tears in your eyes
I called your cell phone, my love
But you did not reply.'
I walked across the stage in time to the music as I continued to sing,
'The world is ours. If we want it,
We can take it if you just take my hand.
There's no turning back now.
Baby, try to understand.'
Jesse came back in with the drums for the chorus and I danced as I sang, moving in time to the beat. 'Don't wanna break your heart
Wanna give your heart a break
I know you're scared it's wrong
Like you might make a mistake
There's just one life to live
And there's no time to wait, to wait
So let me give your heart a break, give your heart a break
Let me give your heart a break, your heart a break
There's just so much you can take
Give your heart a break
Let me give your heart a break, your heart a break
Oh yeah, yeah.'
I stopped, standing still as the lighting changed to a spotlight on me as I sang the bridge.
'When your lips are on my lips
Then our hearts beat as one
But you slip out of my fingertips
Every time you run, whoa-oh-whoa-oh-oh.'
The lights came back on and people in the front row started to clap as they danced to the song.
'Don't wanna break your heart
Wanna give your heart a break
I know you're scared it's wrong
Like you might make a mistake
There's just one life to live
And there's no time to wait, to wait
So let me give your heart a break
'Cause you've been hurt before
I can see it in your eyes
You try to smile it away, some things you can't disguise
Don't wanna break your heart
Baby, I can ease the ache, the ache
So let me give your heart a break, give your heart a break
Let me give your heart a break, your heart a break
There's just so much you can take
Give your heart a break
Let me give your heart a break, your heart a break
Oh yeah, yeah
The day I first met you
You told me you'd never fall in love.'
The crowd burst into applause, clapping and cheering, some even wolf-whistling. I felt breathless as I took my microphone. 'Thank you so much.' And then it was time to slow things down, with Skyscraper. Nathan disappeared and I realised he was getting ready for our performance together. The thought made me nervous as I sang the single that was still in the Top 40 in the charts, months after its release.
I didn't announce that Nathan was going to join me for 'Love me harder', but I knew that a lot of the crowd thought that I was going to surprise them with Abel walking out onstage to join me.
'I know your motives and you know mine.' The crowd roared as Nathan stepped out onto the stage and girls screamed hysterically. I could have done that too as he sang, his eyes not once leaving mine. 'The ones that love me, I tend to leave behind
If you know about me and choose to stay
Then take this pleasure and take it with the pain.'
His voice was so different to Abel's, but somehow it suited it. As he walked towards me, I realised that I was supposed to be dancing, not stood like a gawping idiot.
'And if in the moment you bite your lip
When I get you moaning you know it's real
Can you feel the pressure between your hips?
I'll make it feel like the first time.' Nathan reached me as he sang and we stood together, facing each other as we sang the chorus.
'Cause if you want to keep me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder (I'm a love you harder)
And if you really need me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder (love me harder)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oooh,
Love me, love me, love me,
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oooh,
Harder, harder, harder,
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oooh,
Love me, love me, love me,
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oooh,
Harder, harder, harder.'
'So what do I do if I can't figure it out?' Nathan reached out, placing his hand on my waist and I suddenly wished we'd rehearsed it with steps because I was worried I was going to make an idiot of myself.
'You got to try, try, try again, yeah.' He reached out to my cheek and I swallowed.
'So what do I do if I can't figure it out?'
I turned around, hoping it wasn't obvious to the audience that my cheeks were flushed. 'I'm gonna leave, leave, leave again.'
I walked around Nathan as we sang the chorus together, so that we were stood singing back-to-back as I had done with Abel before. 'Cause if you want to keep me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder
And if you really need me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder
Cause if you want to keep me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder (love me harder)
And if you really need me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder.'
I walked around to the other side of Nathan and he surprised me by catching my hand in his, pulling me in towards him, one of his common dance moves.
'Ooh, ooh, ooh, oooh,
Love me, love me, love me,
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oooh,
Harder, harder, harder.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oooh,
Love me, love me, love me
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oooh,
Harder, harder, harder.'
Nathan leant me backwards, his face close to mine as the song ended and the stage fireworks went off, marking the end of the performance. I breathed quickly as he held me there, his eyes looking deep into mine, and then, when I was just about to kiss him, he pulled me back up onto my feet. 'Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Lucy May!' He said into his microphone whilst I snapped back into reality. The crowd cheered.
'And give it up for my special guest, Nathan Jones.' I said into the microphone, causing hysterical screams. 'Thank you so much! And goodnight!' I walked off of the stage after I'd taken my bow with my band, pulling out my uncomfortable ear piece straight away.
'Nice work.' Eric nodded and I could have sworn it was a compliment. 'Enjoy the rest of your night.' And then he was gone.
I pulled my band into a group hug. 'Thanks guys, you rocked and we totally rocked Ibiza!'
'Yes you did.' Nathan said with a smile, appearing beside us. 'Nice new song, huh? I guess you had some inspiration.'
'I guess I did.' I replied with a playful smile. I leaned forwards to kiss him but then...
'EEEE! YOU WERE GREAT!' Cue hysterical screams and being attacked for a group hug by Leanne, Adriana, Amanda and Willow. Way to ruin my kiss with Nathan. I frowned and he smirked as they smothered me with hugs.
'Can't breathe guys.' I gasped and they released me.
'Everyone totally loved it.' Willow grinned.
'I'm so glad we didn't miss out!' Adriana said, running a hand through her perfectly straight hair.
'Me too.' I smiled up at them. It wouldn't have been the same without them.
'So your performance with Nathan was pretty heated.' Leanne commented with a smirk as we were driven back to the hotel. I was relieved it was only Amanda, Willow, Daisy, Adriana and I in the car with that kind of comment. My cheeks blushed crimson.
'Yeah I'm not sure how your mum and dad will feel about that.' Willow chuckled. 'I'm guessing they've still not watched the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?'
'Of course not! They were mortified by the thought but then I was too!' I sighed, shaking my head.
'You're twenty-three years old.' Adriana commented.
'But I'm still their baby girl.' I replied, shaking my head.
'They think she's still a virgin.' Willow added and I glared at her. Some things didn't need to be said. 'What? It's true.'
'Boy are they wrong.' Leanne whistled.
'Right, please can we change the conversation now?' I said, feeling frustrated, and not the kind of frustrated Nathan was making me feel. The car stopped and I felt relieved. 'Okay guys, so no more of this? It's a party. Get drunk and go crazy.'
'We're good at that.' Adriana grinned.
'I know.' I sighed. 'First round's on me.'
The afterparty had already started when we arrived and guests were dancing to the music, drinks in hands. The party was open to the other guests, but also to the public, those who were willing to fork out the money for a ticket. I was surprised, when we walked out onto the patio, to see that Tori was there, in a black playsuit, her crazily curly blonde hair styled as normal.
'Hey.' She said to me in her Californian accent.
'Hey.' I replied with a smile, looking around, warily.
'Don't worry, Ed isn't here.' She replied and I instantly relaxed. 'I wanted to thank you in person without any of the awkwardness.'
'Really, like I said the other day, it's no problem.'
'Luce, I thought you were buying our first round?' Leanne appeared behind me and then glanced at Tori with recognition. 'Oh hi, Tori, right?' She glanced around for Ed.
'He's not here.' She laughed.
'Thank god because I don't know if I could resist punching him.' Leanne said and I stifled a laugh. She turned back to me. 'But you did promise to get me drunk.'
'Tori, would you like a drink?' I offered.
'I'm okay thanks.' Tori said, holding up her drink. 'I'll catch you later.'
'So I did hear that you're Wonderwoman now. Punching douchebags? Way to go, but just be careful.' Leanne warned as we walked over to the bar where the rest of the girls were stood.
'Don't worry, I'm not about to become a superhero. I've not got the boobs for Wonderwoman anyway.'
By midnight, I'd been tipsy and I was sobering up, and soon it was nearing 1am, when there was a curfew. I'd spent most of the night dancing and laughing with my friends, so I headed on over to my gorgeous boyfriend, who had stopped posing for pictures with fans (I'd done the same). He gave me a cute smile and greeted me with a kiss on the nose.
'Hey princess.' He smiled.
'I'm surprised you've not been kidnapped.' I laughed, signalling over to where a group of girls were stood, watching him in a way that they thought was subtle. It wasn't.
'Oh but you see, I kept telling them how wonderful my girlfriend was and it scared them off.' He said with a playful grin, pulling me in for a kiss. I smiled as he pulled back. 'Have you had a good evening? I'm surprised you're not drunk.' He looked over to where Adriana and Leanne were dancing wildly.
'I was a bit tipsy but I've sobered up now. Must have been the midnight snack.' I watched as Amanda and Willow started doing the Macarena to the song that was currently playing; Shake it Off by Taylor Swift. 'It's probably just as well I'm sober though or I'd be dancing like that.'
'They're having fun.' Nathan chuckled as the song ended.
'Okay time for our final song so get on the dancefloor.' The DJ announced and the crowd groaned before cheering as the song started.
'Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on
You got the healing that I want
Just like they say it in the song
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on.'
'So are you too sober to dance?' Nathan asked with a raised eyebrow.
'Nope.' I blushed and he grabbed my hand, leading me to where people had congregated by the pool.
'We got this king size to ourselves
Don't have to share with no one else.'
He positioned his hands as usual, one holding my hand and the other in the small of my back, gently moving me in time to the music.
'Don't keep your secrets to yourself
It's kama sutra show and tell.
Woah
There's loving in your eyes
That pulls me closer
It's so subtle
I'm in trouble
But I'd love to be in trouble with you.'
Nathan sang the chorus, his eyes locked in mine and his forehead resting against mine. 'Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on
You got the healing that I want
Just like they say it in the song
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on.'
He pulled me closer and I took a deep breath and his body moved against mine, my cheeks reddening.
'You got to give it up to me
I'm screaming mercy, mercy please
Just like they say it in the song
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on.'
He moved us around the dancefloor, stepping in time to the music as we found a new space whilst Meghan Trainor's vocals filled the air.
'And when you leave me all alone
I'm like a stray without a home
I'm like a dog without a bone
I just want you for my own
I got to have you babe
Woah
There's loving in your eyes
That pulls me closer
It's so subtle
I'm in trouble
But I'd love to be in trouble with you.'
Dancing with him was not making the feelings from earlier go away. His eyes were filled with a lustful look I'd not seen before as his hands ran over my body as we danced together, our bodies close. I just hoped everyone else was too drunk to be paying attention. The song ended and Nathan leaned his head towards mine.
'Ugh, I can't believe the party's over already!' Leanne said dramatically, grabbing my arm and I groaned. I hated drunk Leanne sometimes.
I turned to face her. 'It's 1am.'
'The night is still young! Come on, let's go out into town! Aren't there places over til 6am in Ibiza?'
'I'm too tired.' Yawned Adriana. 'Come on Lea, let's go to bed.'
'Boring old farts! The lot of you!' Leanne muttered, as Adriana dragged her away.
'I love you cuz!' Willow pulled me into a hug. 'Sweet dreams!'
'You too.' I said, laughing at my drunk cousin.
'Night!' Lily grinned, walking off arm-in-arm with Willow and Amanda.
'Shall we head to bed too?' I asked Nathan as I turned back to face him. He didn't say anything. His eyes just looked into mine and he nodded. We walked hand-in-hand to our suite and as soon as I closed the door, Nathan's lips were on mine, his body pressed against mine. I ran my hands through his hair as he kissed me full of passion, his tongue exploring my mouth. Then he lifted me up, my legs wrapped around his waist as he carried me to the bedroom, his lips not leaving mine. He kicked the bedroom door shut and put me down, his lips still on mine. I moved my hands to work on his buttons, carefully undoing them and then sliding his shirt sleeves down until his shirt was on the floor. He unzipped my bralet and did the same, revealing my bra, our lips never leaving each other. Then his jeans were gone and then my skirt, and his lips left mine as he pressed his forehead against mine, his breathing quick and loud. He looked at me stood there in my pale pink silk underwear and I was thankful that I'd worn a matching set.
'I love you.' He whispered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
'I love you too.'
He smiled and then his lips were on mine again, his hands exploring my body. By the time we'd finished each other, almost an hour later, I was exhausted. Nathan lay beside me, sweaty and breathing quickly, as his hand caressed my cheek, a smile on his face. He didn't say anything but he didn't need to. It had been incredible. He hadn't been the least bit selfish. In fact, he'd been selfless, more worried about pleasing me than being pleased himself. I turned on my side to get a better look at him and he mirrored me, his hand moving to gently stroke the curve of my waist.
'I really am the luckiest guy in the world.' He whispered, a smile playing on his lips.
'Are you?'
'Absolutely.' He grinned and then I kissed him passionately before making love to him that time.
I wasn't sure what time it was when I woke up the next day but I was sure that there was an empty space beside me. I looked around the room, confused, and realised that Nathan wasn't in the bedroom or the bathroom. I grabbed his shirt, where it laid on the floor from the night before, and I buttoned it up covering my naked body, tiptoeing out into the living room. Just then, he came through the front door, carrying brown paper bags and coffee.
'Good morning.' He smiled, closing the door quickly behind him.
'Where've you been?' I asked as he walked over, planting a kiss on my nose.
'I got us breakfast. I didn't want to wake you.' He played with my hair, making me smile at the affectionate gesture. 'Shall we tuck in?'
'Sure.' I smiled. I grabbed the coffee and brown paper bags, placing them on the coffee table in front of the sofa. Nathan sound down beside me, turning on the television. The entertainment news was on and, no surprise, another star had got butt implants. 'Really?' I said, shaking my head in disbelief. 'Why would you do that?'
'No idea.' Nathan laughed. 'But don't think about it. You have a lovely bum.'
I laughed but the laughter stopped as a picture of us appeared on screen.
'Last night, Lucy May rocked Ibiza Rocks with a very sexy surprise performance of 'Love me Harder' with singer song-writer Nathan Jones.' A video clip played and I blushed at the moves my hips were performing. Nathan grinned beside me and I shook my head at him. 'The couple have been spotted enjoying the Ibiza romance more than once and have been rumoured to be dating since Ed Sheeran cheated whilst working in Australia. Ed was spotted performing an emotional cover last night of Bruno Mars' 'When I was your man.'' Cue a video clip of Ed singing, looking all sorry for himself. 'Is this about Lathan's relationship? Does Ed still love Lucy? We'll keep you posted.'
'Oh, boy.' I whistled, adding sugar to my coffee.
'Are you all right?' Nathan asked, concern on his face.
'Of course.' I replied, honestly, smiling at him. 'We're Lathan right?' I teased.
'You know he's going to try and win you back right?' His expression looked sad.
'He can try as much as he wants but you are the man I love.' I smiled, leaning towards him. I planted a kiss on his lips and he smiled against mine.
'I love you too.' He whispered, pulling me on top of him so that I was straddling his lap, only wearing his shirt. 'Now let's have a look at that lovely bum of yours.'
'So how's everyone feeling?!' I asked chirpily when Nathan and I eventually made it downstairs after a cold breakfast. I felt happy and relaxed and I wasn't even fussed about walking around in just a kaftan and a turquoise bikini.
'Eugh, too loud.' Willow groaned, burying her face in her beach towel.
'What?!' I teased, loudly and Leanne groaned, lobbing an empty bottle of suncream at me.
'How are you not hungover?' Amanda sighed, adjusting her sunglasses as she looked at me.
'Some of us can handle our drink.' I said, patting Willow's back as I sat on the sunbed beside her. She swatted me with her hand.
'Yeah or it's because you had a lie-in.' Willow mumbled, her face inside the beach towel. Nathan shot me a cheeky grin and Leanne caught it, her eyebrows shooting in the air. She was on our wavelength. Ooops.
Behave yourself. I tutted at Nathan in his head and he grinned even wider.
'Hi everyone!' The hotel events manager, Deano, greeted us with a wave and friendly smile. 'Are you all coming to the Rock Night party later?'
'Yeah.' Kyle nodded. 'I think so.'
'Sweet!' He turned to where I was sat, Nathan stood beside me. 'I've actually come to ask you two a favour. Three of the acts performing later have pulled out. Would you be up for it? It's just a single cover of your favourite rock song from any year. Drinks will be on me.'
'I'm up for it.' Nathan smiled.
'Me too.' I nodded. Might as well. I had the perfect song in mind.
'Sweet. It can get a little competitive though, everyone battling to get the crowd going.' Deano said with a cheeky grin.
'That's okay, I like a challenge.' I smiled wickedly at Nathan.
'As do I.' Nathan nodded.
'Uh oh, I feel a competition coming on and maybe a bet.' Lily said, nervously, looking between Nathan and I.
'Girls vs Boys?' I suggested.
'We'll kick your pretty little ass.' Nathan said with a cheeky grin.
'Girls?' I looked up at my friends. 'We've got a song to rehearse.'
We were in the recording studio ten minutes later, having jumped in before Nathan and the guys could. With the aircon on and our bikinis covered, I nibbled on the end of my pencil, trying to choose a song. And then it hit me.
'What about I love rock and roll?' I suggested.
'A good song choice.' Lily nodded. 'I can play it on base.'
I turned to Daisy. 'Guitar?'
'Sure.'
Then I looked at Willow. All she needed was to watch a Youtube video for it and she'd soak it up. 'Drums?'
'Erm, sure.' She replied casually.
'I didn't know you played drums.' Leanne said to my cousin with a smile.
'I'm multi-talented?' My cousin's response sounded more like a question than a statement. 'I'll just pop to the ladies.' To watch Youtube. But she wasn't going to let anyone else know that.
'And you guys can do vocals.' I said to Amanda, Leanne and Adriana.
'You know I don't sing in public unless drunk.' Leanne said, biting her lip nervously.
'Then I'm going to need the whiskey.' I winked. 'Come on girls, let's do this.'
We rehearsed most of the afternoon, only stopping for food and drink. Then we were happy. I told Nathan the girls and I were taking over our suite again and, surprisingly, he didn't mind. Housekeeping had been so the rumpled sheets had thankfully been tidied. We had a take-away from the restaurant and rifled through our belongings trying to decide what to wear.
'I've got nothing.' Lily sighed, frustrated. She was right. Her case was filled with florals and girly clothes, the most rockstar thing being a brown suede fringe waistcoat.
'Here, you're my size.' I threw her black denim shorts and a black crop top. 'Wear those with the waistcoat and your ankle boots.'
Daisy had opted for a grey studded vest with drop-down arms, exposing her black crop top, with denim shorts and black fringed sandals. Leanne was wearing a sequinned t-shirt and denim shorts, black wedges on her feet. Willow was in a tiny black tutu wearing one of my Rolling Stones t-shirts. Amanda was in denim shorts, a black crop top and an open red plaid t-shirt, long necklaces around her neck. And then Adriana looked the rock goddess in a Jack Daniels vest, leather shorts and plaid shirt tied around her waist. I looked in the mirror at my outfit; a black sequin mini skirt and a black bralet, a statement necklace around my neck, shoe boots on my feet and bangles up my arm. We looked like the perfect Rock girlband, like Haim or something. It was pretty cool. Amanda had done our make-up, giving us all smokey-eyes with perfect eyeliner and lipstick, whilst Leanne and Lily had focussed on our hair, scrunching and adding volume, backcombing so that even the girls with updos had volume.
I turned to Leanne. 'Need that whiskey yet?'
'Get me a glass when Nathan is performing.'
I grinned. I probably needed one too. We were performing second, just after Nathan. Knowing my boyfriend, he would set the bar high. And the girls would love it. They always did.
When we got to the poolside, where a mini stage was set up next to the water, the hotel was already buzzing with people, girls and guys, all dressed as rockstars. There was lots of leather, lots of tartan and lots of black. But everyone looked awesome, even those who were wearing their shades despite the sun starting to disappear, even more so now that it was nearing 8pm. Deano gave me a thumbs up and I nodded, signalling we were ready.
'Welcome everyone to our monthly Rock Night!' Deano announced into the speaker, cheerily. 'There's lot's going on tonight starting with our live show featuring some of your favourite stars. Then there's karaoke in the bathroom, open mic in the living room and there's a special guest set until 2am right here by the pool. Who's ready to rock?!' The crowd cheered, some of them clearly already drunk. 'Let's do this!'
Nathan walked out onto the stage looking dead sexy in his very tight black skinny jeans, baseball boots, Guns and Roses vest and biker vest. I sucked in a breath, hoping that my girl friends didn't notice as they stood around me, drinking their alcoholic beverage (Leanne on the whiskey, of course). Stood at the back of the crowd, I wasn't in Nathan's eyeline at first but he soon spotted me and shot me a sexy smile as his 'band', made up of Jake, Jesse, Kyle and Aidan, walked out onstage. Straight away the intro started and Nathan closed his eyes, singing a song familiar to the whole of the crowd.
'Tommy used to work on the docks
Union's been on strike
He's down on his luck...
It's tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man,
She brings home her pay
For love, for love
She says, "We've gotta hold on to what we've got.
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not.
We've got each other and that's a lot.
For love we'll give it a shot."
Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear
Whoa, livin' on a prayer.'
I knew he'd set the bar high. The crowd loved his performance and danced and sang along, filming the performance on their phones. I swallowed harshly, looking at Willow nervously and she shot me a reassuring smile, encouraging me. Deano called us over and we stood by the stage, just as the song came to an end.
Let's see what you've got sexy. Nathan's voice filled my head and he winked at me as he got down off of the stage and we walked on. My heart hammered against my chest and I felt hot. I was glad I'd decided against my leather jacket. I reached the microphone and my friends took their places behind me as rehearsed.
Willow came in with the drums and then Lily was in with the bass, Daisy starting just after her with the guitar. I counted in silently and then I started to sing.
'I saw him dancing there by the record machine
I knew he must have been about seventeen
The beat was going strong
Playing my favorite song
And I could tell it wouldn't be long till he was with me, yeah me
And I could tell it wouldn't be long till he was with me, yeah me.'
Leanne, Amanda and Adriana came in with the chorus, providing harmonies and I was suddenly very thankful that my friends could sing in tune. The audience nodded and started to move, some singing along.
'Singing, I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
Ow!'
The song went by without a hitch and we moved around the stage as we sang, dancing sexily and I even did a few tricks with the retro-looking microphone that I'd seen happen in movies. By the last chorus, everyone was singing, dancing and whooping as the girls and I moved our hips in time to our Joan Jett cover.
'I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with me.'
The crowd roared with cheering and applause and I looked up startled when I saw Ed Sheeran stood in the wings. Damn it, was he stalking me now? I ignored him, calling my friends to the front and we took a bow together before walking off the stage, completing ignoring my ex.
'Well it's safe to say we were bloody brilliant!' Leanne grinned and I nodded.
'Thanks ladies, this round's on me.' I smiled. 'It's safe to say we rocked.' I pulled the girls into a hug and they all smiled, happy with our performance.
'Coming out of my cage and I've been doing just fine
Gotta gotta be down because I want it all
Started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?'
'Oh, but of course. How typical.' Willow rolled her eyes and I couldn't help but agree. Of course Ed would sing Mr Brightside. It was part of his wounded soldier act. But what he wasn't realising was that it was his fault. Although I couldn't help but feel glad it had happened. Nathan made me happy, he treated me like a princess, he loved me, he wasn't selfish in any way (bedroom included- not that I would say that to my friends). Nathan was great.
'Well he's getting predictable now.' Leanne said, agreeing with my cousin. I glanced over and realised he was looking at me. As were lots of the audience.
'Oh bloody hell.' I sighed, rolling my eyes. 'Come on ladies, let's go to the bar.'
'I just can't look its killing me
And taking control
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
Cause I'm Mr Brightside.'
'What can I get you?' The bartender asked me and I quickly ordered a round of shots and a cocktail for each girl. I sure needed it and I hadn't been drunk the night before. The bartender returned with our drinks and I paid with cash.
'Right ladies, here's to a fabulous and very sexy performance.' I said with a wink. '1, 2, 3.' We drank our shots and Lily winced, squinting her eyes.
'Crikey that was sour!' She said, her eyes half-closed.
'Never did well with shots, Lils.' Aidan said as he and the guys appeared beside us.
A familiar pair of muscular arms snaked around my waist and I smiled. 'Hey princess. I hate to say it but your performance was awesome.' He said, adding with a whisper, 'and damn sexy.'
I blushed, turning to face him. 'Yours wasn't too bad either.' I said playfully.
'Too bad? Everyone was dancing and singing! Give me a little credit.'
'Sorry, but didn't I knock you off the number one spot a few months back?' I teased.
'Mmmmhmmm.' He kissed me on the forehead. 'It's lucky you're so damn cute.'
'Now they're going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head
But she's touching his chest
Now, he takes off her dress
Now, letting me go.'
'His song choice is rather apt, huh?' Nathan said, looking tense.
'It's predictable. He's too predictable.' Kyle said to his friend, rolling his eyes. 'I've always thought that.
'I was kinda hoping he'd realise he's lost out and that he's made the biggest mistake of his life.' My boyfriend sighed, his eyes meeting mine. 'But I don't think he's going down without a fight.'
I wanted to kiss him, there and then. To reassure him. But I was afraid of looking like a bitch. Too many eyes were on me, including Ed's. I was always going to be angry. I was never going to understand him or forgive him. Ed deserved it. But I wasn't heartless. He'd lost me and realised he that he'd messed up, that was something. I wasn't about to rub my happiness in his face, as much as I wanted to. I'd always been raised to be the better person and that was just who I was going to be.
'Oh my god, that guy over there is totally looking at you!' I said to Lily later, nudging her from our position at the bar later that night.
She blushed. 'I'm sure he's just looking at you.' She glanced over her shoulder at the guy with the short, dark hair who was watching her. He smiled at her and she turned back to face me.
'Oh he's definitely not looking at me.' I told her with a playful grin. 'Go talk to him.'
'I couldn't.'
'You can.' I said. 'Go on Lily, you look great.'
She sucked in a deep breath. 'I can do this, can't I?'
'Yes.' I nodded, finishing my drink. She hopped off of the bar stool and tucked her hair behind her ear, walking over to the guy. I smiled as she shook his hand, introducing herself.
'Here, it's on me.' I turned around to see Ed holding out another bottle of beer for me, taking me by surprise.
I glanced around me, but my friends and boyfriend were elsewhere. Probably still hanging at the open mic in the 'living room' area. 'Erm, thanks.' I said, taking the bottle from him cautiously.
'So how are you?' He asked, a small smile on his lips.
'I'm good.' I replied, honestly. 'You?'
'I'm okay. Could be better, but you know.' He said with a shrug before taking a swig of his beer. 'Nice choice of song.'
'Thanks.'
'You seem to be doing pretty well for yourself. I'm proud of you.' His steel-blue eyes met mine and I looked away, feeling awkward. I spotted Aidan and Nathan walking into the room and they waved at me from across the crowd. 'Why him?' Ed suddenly said, his voice sounding pained.
'Because he's kind, funny and he loves me.' I replied, my voice just above a whisper. 'I have to go.' I started to walk away, but Ed grabbed my wrist, turning me to face him.
'I'll never give up Lucy. You're my soulfinder. We're supposed to be together and sooner or later you'll realise that.'