harriet (6)

chapter one

Mark watched her from a distance as she went through the new dance routine with the choreographer. There was something in the way she moved that made sure she always caught his eye. He knew almost nothing about her. They’d been introduced at the start of the week, when they started rehearsing for the tour, but they’d hardly spoken. All he knew was her name - Patricia, her age - 17, and where she’s from - Holland, but he was totally hypnotised by her.

He sighed, and turned to go back to the dressing room, but someone calling his name made him stop and turn round again.

‘Mark!’ It was her! ‘Wait!’

‘Patricia, hi.’ He smiled, nervously.

‘I was, err, just wondering if you’d fancy a game of tennis this afternoon.’ She looked up at him.

‘Yeah, that’d be great. None of the guys can ever be bothered to play with me.’

‘I’d noticed.’ She blushed. ‘I mean, I saw you playing against the hotel wall, and thought maybe you’d like someone to play with properly.’

‘Sure. I should be back at the hotel by about 4, how about if we meet at the courts at around half past?’

‘That’s great.’ She smiled, and her whole face lit up. ‘See you then.’ She waved, and she was gone. Mark smiled to himself, and headed off to the dressing room.

Shane came down the stairs into the arrivals lounge of the airport, after an overnight trip back to Sligo, and instantly spotted Alec. She waved and he tried to smile. The tour that they’d waited so long for was finally here, but Shane wasn’t as happy as he expected. Especially after he’d met Lucy earlier that week. He hadn’t been able to get her out of his head. But of course, Alec knew nothing of this. She threw her arms round his neck.

‘Shane! The tour’s here! I can’t believe it.’ She had a smile on her face like a kid at Christmas.

‘I know. It’s great isn’t it?’ Isn’t it? Shane wasn’t sure. But Alec was already chattering away about all the plans they had. About how she’d been reading all the fashion mags so she could get away with her part as a ‘wardrobe assistant’. That was there cover. She’d pretend to be working with them, so that they could travel as a couple.

Alec was so excited by it all, and the news she had to tell Shane that she didn’t notice that he was miles away. Just as well really.

Nicky sat in his Newcastle hotel room, and flicked through all the different channels on the TV. He settled on MTV and half watched Donna Air giggle with a caller. He sighed. This tour couldn’t have come at a worst possible time. He and Georgina hadn’t been getting on very well recently, and the last thing they needed was him disappearing off around the UK for over 3 weeks.

His mobile rang on his bedside table. He sighed again and picked it up. ‘Hello?’

‘Nicky, it’s me.’ Georgina’s familiar voice came down the phone line, and Nicky sat up.

‘Hi. How are you?’

‘Okay, I guess. You?’

‘Tired. Rehearsals are hard work. And missing you.’

There was a pause. ‘Nicky, we need to talk. I’ve got a flight booked in a couple of days. I’m coming to Newcastle.’

‘But I thought you said you couldn’t come with me. That you had too much work to do.’

‘I do, but I need to talk to you, and I can’t wait another 4 weeks.’

‘Oh. Okay. When’s your flight, and I’ll come and meet you?’

‘Don’t worry. I’ll get a cab. Is it the normal hotel?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Okay. See you on Wednesday then.’ She hung up, and Nicky dialled Laura’s number. He knew she’d be there for him, no matter what happened with Georgina.

Kian ran across the stage in the middle of the dancers’ rehearsal. He was totally hyper about the tour finally happening.

‘Kian!’ Karina, their choreographer, shook her head at him.

‘Oops, sorry! How long’ll you be?’

‘That depends how long you’re going to be running around!’ She smiled up at her closest friend.

‘Okay, okay. I get the hint.’ He pulled a face. ‘Still on for lunch ‘Rina?’

‘Yup, sure. Now leave us alone!’

‘Yes Ma’am!’ He saluted, and ran off again. Karina laughed to herself and carried on with the rehearsal.

Bryan wandered into the bar of the hotel. He saw Carol and Anna sitting in the corner, sharing some headphones, both of them nodding in time to the music. He went over and sat next to them.

‘What are you listening to?’

‘Our demo tape. It was sent to us this morning.’ Carol hit the pause button. ‘It sounds really good.’

‘Cool. Can I hear?’ Bryan picked up the headphones. After a minute or two he put them down again. ‘It’s great. You guys have done really well.’ He reached over and gave each of the girls a hug.

‘What was that for?’ Anna asked.

‘Nothing! I’m just proud of you, that’s all. You nervous about the tour?’

‘Nah not really. Eveline is, and Sandra says she is, but I think she’s more nervous about spending so much time with Mark!’ Carol poked her in the ribs. ‘Oops, sorry, you didn’t hear that! I’m not supposed to say anything.’

Bryan smiled. ‘Hear what?’

chapter six to ten