Page 16 of Edge

Jory rolled his eyes.“What the hell does that mean? It sounds rude.” He flicked hisspent ciggie butt into the ashtray.

Sooty laughed. “It meansmy little strange mix, my hodgepodge of people. You fourtogether.”

Jory nodded thoughtfully.“That sounds like us. We couldn’t be more different if we tried.It’s likely what makes us able to work together as wedo.”

He dug into his Eton Messpudding, enjoying every decadent lick and bite of strawberry,meringue, and double whipped cream. He adored puddings. They werehis culinary weakness. Sooty’s gaze darted sporadically around theroom, taking in the beautiful people sitting and milling around.She was always on the lookout for opportunities to plug the band orintroduce herself to influencers.

He choked as someoneslapped him hard on the back. “Jory Langenstein. It’s been agessince we saw each other, and here I find you in this neck of thewoods. How the hell have you been?” The Germanic accent wasfamiliar.

Jory swallowed hismouthful of dessert and turned to see who the hell had interruptedhis pudding worship. His heart sank when he recognised who itwas.

Shit, it’sDieter. What were the chances of ever meeting him again?

Not low enough, itseemed.

He nodded awkwardly,unsure whether to get up and embrace the beaming, rotund man withhis arms held out. “Dieter. Yes, it’s been a while. How’ve youbeen?” He flapped a hand. “I’d prefer not to get too close, a cold,you know.” He coughed pathetically and saw Sooty’s eyes narrow incalculating assessment.

“It has beenyears, ja? Thelast time I saw you must have been about fourteen. You have notchanged much.” Dieter’s face grew sad. “I remember you and Larkplaying in my fields when you were small boys. It was such atragedy when he passed away. Such a lovely young boy. And then yourparents…scheisse.So much tragedy for such a young soul.”

Joryswallowed. Shut up, please. I don’t needeveryone knowing my sad story.

“That was along time ago,” he muttered. “I’ve moved on since then.”

To his horror, Dieterpulled up a chair and sat down. “So, who is this lovely lady withyou?” he asked, eyeing Sooty appreciatively.

Sooty extended a gracioushand. “Sooty Marcus. Nice to meet you.” She shot Jory a look heknew meant she’d be having words with him later. “I’m his manager,and his friend.”

“Manager ofwhat?” Dieter’s face creased.

“Jory here isthe lead singer of a rather successful rock band,” Sooty saidsmoothly. “You may have heard of them. Stone Edge.”

Dieter laughed. “No, I’mafraid not. I am not the one for rock music.” He nodded his head.“That is good news. I am glad you found the muse.” He looked atSooty. “This one was always sitting in his family barn playing hisguitar and singing. He was rather good at it if I remember.” Hesmiled kindly at Jory. “I am so glad you took your passion and aredoing something you love now. After what you suffered, you deserveda good life.”

Jorytensed. Shut up, shut up, you fool. Stopflapping your mouth off.

He gritted his teeth andstood. “It’s been lovely seeing you, Dieter, but I’m afraid I havea rehearsal and we need to get off or we’ll be late.” Sootystiffened at the lie, but recovered swiftly and smiled sweetly atDieter.

“He’s right,we do need to go. Thank you so much for making contact again.” Sheswept to her feet and took her wrap from the back of her chair andswooped it around her shoulders. Dieter looked confused. but noddedhis head.

“Of course, Iunderstand. Here, Jory.” He reached into his pocket and drew out abusiness card. “As this is karma us meeting again, here’s mynumber. Perhaps at some time, we can have a propercatch-up?”

Over my deadbody. But Jory smiled graciously and tookthe proffered card. “No problem. Sorry again for the quick exit butshow business calls, you know? Good-bye, Dieter.”

He strode over to theexit, knowing their meal was on a tab, which would be settled atthe end of the month. Inside he was a quivering mass of sick gutand fears, Dieter’s well-meaning comments having set off memoriesJory hadn’t asked for, and certainly didn’t want.

No doubt Sooty would askhim about them and he’d have to tell her his whole sordid story. Herespected her too much to lie to her face since she’d heardsomething bad had happened in his past.

Why the fuckdid you bring Dieter back into my life, universe? he thought savagely as he stood waiting forSooty.

She arrived a minute ortwo later, her face contemplative. “Let’s get a taxi back to thestudio,” she murmured. “I’m not in the mood for a walk.” She heldup one imperious hand and immediately a taxi came to a stop besidethem. The lady had a way about her, that was for sure. It oftentook Jory a couple of attempts to get one.

Sooty placed a hand onhis arm and stopped him from entering the vehicle. “Jory, when youare ready to tell me, you have a pair of willing ears right here.I’m not going to hound you. Please remember I’m here.”

Jory nodded numbly andclimbed in. Sooty followed and gave the driver directions. Thejourney was a quiet one, Jory lost in his thoughts, and Sooty wasprobably trying to figure out how to get him to tell her everythingwithout appearing to try to get him to tell hereverything.

One day he’d be able totell her, but not now.

Sharing would meanexplaining Roger’s part in his family tragedy, and Jory wasn’tready for it.