𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧' 𝐆𝐮𝐲 ➺ 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓃 𝑀𝒶𝓎 & 𝒬𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃

27. Questions

My train chugged its way into King's Cross, fashionably late as always. I knew the boys would already be preparing to take the stage at The King's Head by now. Thankfully, I had managed to persuade Emma to meet me at the station so I wouldn't have to navigate the bustling streets alone.

As I emerged onto the platform, I found myself surrounded by a sea of people, a chaotic mess of bodies jostling for space. Squinting through the crowd, I caught sight of a distinctive ombre ponytail secured with a pink scrunchie. Ah, there she was, my trusty partner in crime. Determined, I forged my way through the throng, finally reaching Emma and placing a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise.

"Oh my God, you scared the shit out of me!" Emma exclaimed, her hand clutching her chest.

"You're so small, I couldn't spot you from over there!" I shouted back, pulling her into a tight embrace. Despite the recent strain in our friendship, it always felt good to return and share a hug with my best friend. Even if she had a knack for making me feel insignificant at times. "Why were you looking in that direction? The train track is right there, you silly bitch," I quipped, teasingly pulling away. She rolled her eyes in response and offered to help with my bags as we made our way out of the station.

Stepping outside, we escaped the clamour and found ourselves in the car park. I instinctively headed towards the bus stop, but Emma grabbed hold of my wrist and steered me toward the rows upon rows of cars lining the station.

Furrowing my brows, I looked at her inquisitively as she produced a car key. "Since when do you have a car? I've only been gone for two weeks." We stopped in front of a small red vehicle, slightly worn but functional enough to get you from point A to point B.

"It's not mine," she replied, walking around to the driver's side and unlocking the door. Sliding into the driver's seat, she reached over and opened the passenger door for me. "I rented it." I hopped in, tossing my bag behind me onto the back seats.

"Where on Earth did you find the money to rent a car?" I fastened my seatbelt as Emma pulled out of the car park. "Last time I checked, we were both pretty broke."

"Roger slipped me some cash," she said, her gaze fixed on the road and the passing cars, deliberately avoiding eye contact with me.

"Oh, did he now?" I smirked, a playful tone in my voice. "Is there some sugar daddy action going on, Em?"

"No, he's just a good boyfriend. Brian gives you money," she replied bluntly, a comment that made me frown. We used to be able to joke about these things, but it seemed that those days were long gone. Besides, I hadn't even mentioned to Emma that Brian gave me money, except for that one time we were Christmas shopping.

Without looking at her, I turned my head toward the window. "Only when I need it..."

"And I don't?" she retorted, reaching over to turn on the radio. It seemed we had reverted back to that dynamic again...

The rest of the car ride was filled with a quiet atmosphere, punctuated only by occasional requests the change the radio station or adjust the volume. Soon, we parked the car by the curb, a short walk away from The King's Head pub. I caught a glimpse of my dishevelled appearance in the mirror and attempted to fix my hair.

"I'm sure he's seen you in worse states, come on!" Emma exclaimed with an overly cheery tone as she hopped out of the car, slamming the door shut. I flinched at the loud noise, sitting in silence for a moment before Emma yanked open my door. I stepped out, closing the door behind me, and followed Emma's determined stride into the pub.

Once inside, I immediately recognised the song the boys were playing. Not that I was complaining; I always enjoyed "Father to Son" when they performed it. It was one of Brian's compositions, at least that much I knew. Actually, my knowledge of their music was still quite limited at that point. After all, they were just a group of boys, and their first album hadn't even been released yet.