Guarded Heart (The GH Series)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

I put my idea to the girls. After listening to Ashley finally open up to Fiona, it confirmed things for me and I know, I guess I've always known really, I want Ashley back.

Fiona was looking hopeful at me through the screen. "Does that mean you are coming back to Glasgow?"

"Yes. I am going to see how things go. Just for one visit though."

"This is brilliant! I can't believe that I get to see you and hear your smart mouth properly again." That wicked grin that came over Fiona's face was brilliant. She is really starting to shine.

"I just need to see if we can get things organised at this end. But I will keep you posted."

"Great. I'm going to go. I shall speak to you both soon." We both said our goodbyes to Fiona, and I closed the laptop.

I could feel the butterflies warming up in my chest, knowing that if we can manage to put this off, then things will certainly start falling in to place once more.

***

3 Months Later

7th July

Fiona

It's time. I have to face my social anxiety with the biggest event that I have ever been to in my life. I've always wanted to see the Backstreet Boys and here I am, ready to head to the hydro to go and see them with Ashley.

"How are you feeling about tonight?"

"Actually, I am quite excited to go. We have awesome seats and I get to see a childhood dream come true." Which was true but knowing what I know...not being able to tell Ashley, it's unbearable, but in a good way.

"I must admit, I liked them back in the day as well."

"Wow. Closet Backstreet Boys fan!!" I burst out laughing and Ashley looked somewhat shocked.

"Oi you!! Callie has certainly rubbed off on you. Getting a little cheekier each time."

Still laughing, I grabbed my car keys from the sideboard. "All good. Are you ready to go? Remember I'm driving. If it gets too much for me, I'm out of there."

"I'm ready. I get to chill out for once. Let's go."

Meanwhile at the other side of Glasgow...

Callie

Sarah and I are near the hydro and we are about to head into the building. "How are you feeling Callie?"

"Tired, anxious, happy. I just hope they play the one song I need them to play." My stomach is an absolute knots about all of this.

"Did you scope out the setlist?"

"I did. If they stick to the setlist that has been released, it will be the tenth song that they perform." I've picked a song that signifies everything that is going on in my head.

"Have you let Fiona know?"

"Uhm no. That's the one thing I have forgotten to do." Sarah's eyes went wide at me.

"Bloody hell Callie, text her just now so she is aware of the plan. Sometimes, I wonder where your head is at!"

I grabbed my phone and text Fiona.

Callie: "Hey...so my first choice of song is apparently the tenth song that they will perform tonight. Right after show me the meaning of feeling lonely...look at your phone. I will simply text "GO", and I will meet you out at the foyer, but we need to move quick. I am so glad that you feel strong enough to help me with this plan. Love ya Fi..."

"That is my text sent." I looked up and the queue had gone down quickly as I had text that.

"Good. Do you want to get a drink when we get in? Settle your nerves?"

I shook my head. "The only drink I am having is soft drinks. I cannae let anything cloud my judgement tonight."

"If it goes well, what is the plan?"

"I am going to ask her if she can meet me near the Clyde and we will take it from there." I could feel my hands starting to shake in anticipation.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to see how this all goes down."

"I'm glad someone is. I'm bricking it." I showed Sarah my hand and she gave it a squeeze.

"It will be fine Callie. I'm sure..."

I watched the hydro fill up and looked at the amount of people that were in the building. I hope Fiona doesn't freak out or anything. Eventually after listening to the support acts, it was time for them to appear on stage.

The concert was amazing so far. I couldn't believe the setlist was spot on. Then that pivotal moment arrived. I had my phone in my hand and when song finished and my song started, I text Fiona with "GO" and legged out of my seat.

I ran towards the foyer and Fiona was already there. "Go get your girl!" I smiled and went through the door.

Fiona

I made a dash for it and made it back to Callie's seat. Sarah was looking worried. "Where is she?"

I looked and smiled. "She is there." I pointed to where Callie was.

Callie

I am so nervous, but they had already performed part of the chorus and AJ was at his next part. I need to find the courage and move my ass. Out of nowhere, this rush came over me as Nick sang "I tried, to go on like I never knew you..."

I slipped both my hands around Ashley's waist, pulled her close and whispered in her ear. "Listen to the words."

Nick sang his next line; "I'm awake but my world is half asleep...I pray for this heart to be unbroken. But without you, all I'm going to be is incomplete..."

Ashley spun around after Nick had finished singing and I had been singing along with him. I offered her my smile that she loved so much and wiped the tear that fell from her eye.

AJ sung his next line. "I don't meant to drag it on, but I can't seem to let you go..."

My eyes darted with hers, but sorry AJ, I never heard the end of your verse as my lips crashed on to Ashley's, making her mouth mine in that moment.

I never really heard the song lyrics after that moment, I was caught up with holding Ashley in my arms again. We did however hear the song come to an end due to the crowd going wild. I kept Ashley close to me, listening to the deafening screams get lower. "Meet me after the gig okay? Down by the Clyde. This is Fiona's seat and she deserves to be this close to her dream."

"Okay Callie." Ashley's smile was warming me up inside more and I gave her a cheeky wink before going back out to the foyer.

"Wow!! That was intense. Sarah and I screamed when you two kissed. We were more glued to you two than the show!"

I laughed and grabbed Fiona and gave her a massive hug. "Thanks Fiona, now go and enjoy the rest of the show."