Page 10 of The Perfect Melody

“Yes. Or you can take your chances at baggage claim and hope nobody spots you. Your choice.”

“I hate it when you’re right.”

I’m stuck waiting in a cubicle in the women’s bathroom for a full half hour before Ant texts me to say he has our stuff. When I emerge, he’s right outside the bathroom waiting for me, our bags stacked neatly on a trolley.

Not wanting to push our luck, we power walk to the taxi rank. Well,Ipower walk—thanks to his considerably longer legs, it’s more of a stroll for Ant.

Light rainfall patters against the roof of the taxi as we pull up outside Liam and Bailey’s building. “I’ll text Liam to let him know we’re here.” While I take care of that, Ant pays ourdriver. When Ant insisted on riding with me to Liam’s before going to the hotel we arranged for him, I thought he was being overprotective. Turns out I’m glad to have him here to help me get my bags out of the car.

At first, I didn’t plan to bring anything music-related with me, but in the end, I couldn’t resist bringing one of my guitars. The idea of travelling without one was too weird. Having it with me is reassuring—surprisingly so. Instead of reminding me of all the responsibilities I’ve run away from, the weight of the case in my hand brings me comfort now that I’m thousands of miles from home. I probably won’t play it while I’m here, but at least if it’s with me I have the option.

I dart from the taxi, across the sidewalk, and into the foyer of Liam’s building.

“You’re sure you don’t want me to stay with you?” Ant asks, warily scanning the foyer for threats.

“I’m sure. Seriously, don’t worry. It’s not like I’m going to any events. My plans heavily feature hiding out in my pyjamas.”

“OK, but call me if you have any trouble. I mean it.”

“Sorry, who’s the boss here?”

“When it comes to your safety, me.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ll be fine. Go. Enjoy some time off—you’ve more than earned it.”

“Not until Liam arrives.” Ant’s posture relaxes. “Ah, there he is.”

“Hey superstar.”

Whirling around, I almost take Liam out at the knees with my guitar case before throwing my free arm around him in a hug. Not one to be outdone, he matches my enthusiasm, picking me up—guitar and all—and squeezing me in a bear hug. “Dude, you’re cutting off my oxygen. Put me down.”

“Not to mention you’re drawing attention to yourselves. I thought the point of this entire charade was for you to keep a low profile,” Ant reminds us.

“Good point.” Liam sets me back on my feet and takes my remaining bags from Ant. “We’d better get upstairs. Besides, if we wait too long Bailey’s going to come down here, and then it really will be a scene—she’s so excited to see you again.”

His words bring a touch of warmth to the block of ice in my chest. Bailey’s such a sweetheart—knowing someone so kind enjoys having me around is a compliment I’m unequipped, yet grateful, to receive.

After saying a quick goodbye to Ant, Liam and I head up to the flat he and Bailey share. When Liam bought the place, he sent me a couple of photos, but I know they’ve redecorated since then. I’ve seen glimpses in the background of our video calls, but this is my first time getting to see their apartment properly. I’m excited.

As soon as the front door swings closed behind us, an excited little squeak sounds from off to the right as Bailey leaps up from the enormous grey couch. “You’re here!” She scurries across the open-plan space before skidding to a stop right in front of me. I’m impressed she didn’t slip given the fluffy socks she’s wearing.

“It’s so nice to see you again,” I say, opening my arms to give her a hug. Bailey and I have only met a few times, but she’s always been so sweet. Plus, Liam’s head over heels for her and has been for years, even before they got together—that alone tells me all I need to know about the kind of person she is.

Her hug is soft and warm, just like the powder-blue sweater she’s wearing, and her grey eyes shine with genuine joy when she pulls back to look at me. “We’re so happy you could come and stay with us, even if it is only for a couple of nights. I’m guessing you probably want a shower?”

I nod. “God, yes.” The plane smell has got to go.

“Say no more, flying always makes me feel gross. Follow me. Bring her bags, Alfred,” she calls over her shoulder to Liam.

“Yes, milady,” he replies, mimicking her faux-posh accent and following us across the open-plan area and down a corridor.

“Alright, this is you.” Bailey opens the door to a guest bedroom. Similar to what I’ve seen of the rest of the apartment so far, it’s decorated in a modern minimalistic style with a few cosy touches. There’s a knitted blanket draped over the back of the dove-grey high-back armchair in the corner, and two cute decorative cushions propped against the other pillows on the bed.

Liam comes in behind us and sets my bags on top of the blanket box at the foot of the double bed. “Bathroom’s across the hall. You’ll have it to yourself since Bails and I have an en-suite. Take your time, grab a nap if you need one, then come and find us in the kitchen when you’re ready. We’ll order in for dinner.”

“Thanks. A nap sounds like a good idea—I slept like shit on the plane.”

Twenty minutes later I’ve made it through a quick shower, and the damp strands of my hair leave dark patterns on the cotton of my pyjama top. I set an alarm for five o’clock, not wanting to sleep too long and keep Bailey and Liam waiting for dinner later.