Just for Tonight

35.

He wanted to talk to her about it. He could have asked her opinion. She often gave good advice, with a particular, sometimes childlike way of looking at life. But he hadn't dared. It was difficult too, as they're separated by thousands of miles.

It was time to go on stage. The rehearsal had once again been a disaster.
Gas's wrists were killing him. So he couldn't give his percussion instruments their full power. Linde only seemed to come alive on stage during his guitar solos. Migé did his best to balance things out, but his mind was elsewhere. Burton was... Burton. Happy to be on stage, whatever happened.

As for him ... you could hear the tiredness in his voice. Or was it his disappointment? His perpetual questioning?

"I've got to spare Chloe", he thought. "There's no hurry, the advice can wait."

If only she were here... but would it have made any difference?

‐---

"Dude, she tried to call me again," Migé said. "But sorry, I won't answer her. I don't want to be in the middle of you two, Ville. What's all this about? Why aren't you answering her call?"

"And what do you want me to tell her, Migé? If she asks me how the tour is going, what am I supposed to tell her? Is everything OK? Can you believe it?", Ville stated with bitterness.

"I don't know, Ville. You're the only one who complains all the time. Moreover, if you don't answer her, she's going to wonder. You'd better call her." Migé turned his heels and let him alone with his thoughts.

He took his phone. " Sorry, sweet honey, I didn't answer sooner. You know how it all works. Difficult to find time and solitude. I hope you are OK. I miss you. V."

She replied immediatly.

"What's wrong, beautiful ?"

He couldn't help but smile. She knew him by heart.

"I'm really tired. I hope it isn't the extra tour. I just want to be home with you. And I'm disappointed. You know everything I put into this album. It means so much to me. I would have liked the tour to have been exceptional, but I don't think that's the case. But don't worry, I'm fine."

"I wish I were there."

"I love you, honey."

" you're my world, V."

He smiled. Whatever happened, she'd be there. He would offer her the ring and she would say yes. This thought helped him for a moment. Six more weeks and he would be back in Helsinki. He missed her so much.

---

Chloe was reading the latest press articles about her relationship with Ville. The situation seemed to be gradually calming down, and so were the attacks on their duo. She couldn't wait for him to come back to Finland. She hadn't heard much from him or from the guys. She thought about their relationship. Everything they had been through together. Was the tour too much for them as a couple?

At the office, the behaviour of some colleagues had changed since they found out about her affair with Ville. Once again, she avoided looking at all the articles about the tour. She knew she'd only find something to worry about. Whatever happened, she would know soon enough. But she missed him so much. She wanted to send him a message, but she didn't. "I've got to spare him", she thought.

"What's wrong, Chloe?', Matti asked her. He had seen the fine wrinkles form on her forehead as she lost herself in thought.

"I'm fine, Matti-Matt", she replied as she tried to smile.

"We're going to the Crow. Come with us this time," he insisted. "Don't stay alone, waiting for him to come back."

"I suppose you're right. I'll see you there at 9pm". She grabbed her things, hailed a taxi and headed home. Going out with her colleagues was probably a good idea. The evening would go by quicker, just one less day.

At the Crow, she spotted Matti and the others. She tried not to pay attention to the looks on some people's faces. She had put on a pair of black trousers, her converse and a black T-shirt. She had put on more make-up than usual and her hair was loose. They had never seen her like this, and comments were made in low voices. Matti welcomed her with open arms.

"Stunning, darling. It's so ...rock", he smiled.

"The lady might want to sing a song too", Claudia remarked in a high-pitched voice.

"Leave her alone, Claudia", Matti stated.

"I only sing with one person, Claudia."

"You know, Chloe, don't think your story will last forever. He hugs all the pretty fans, and poses with them for photos. I really wouldn't like to be in your shoes, always wondering if he's faithful or not. Does he even call you often? Or does he give you the 'I'm too busy' excuse? And look at you. Look at him. He's so handsome, do you really think you're enough for him?", Claudia asked ironically.

"What happens between Ville and me is our business. You sound almost jealous, Claudia. But if you behave, maybe I'll ask him to sign an autograph for you?", Chloe coldly replied.

She turned to Matti. "I shouldn't have come," she sighed.

"Claudia is a pest. Don't pay any attention," Matti said loud enough for Claudia to hear.

"I'm tired of these little games, Matti. Really."

She felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned away. Perttu smiled. "I thought it was you and I was right," he declared.

"Perttu! I'm so glad to see you!". She hugged him.

Claudia's face fell. "You need them all, Chloe! It's got a name, you know!" she raged.

Perttu looked at her, then at Chloe and Matti.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"Claudia. A slightly jealous colleague", Chloe murmured. "She thinks Ville is going to ditch me for a fan who's prettier than me". She shrugged.

"Good evening, Claudia. I'm Perttu, from the band Apocalyptica. I'm also a friend of Chloe and Ville. Do you think Ville will give up on Chloe? I can assure you that those two love each other and that nothing and no-one can separate them. Believe me, I've paid the price...". He winked at Chloe.

She smiled. In the end, she was right to come. Things would calm down at the office too, thanks to Perttu.