Eden’s eyes burned.

Hold on. Think of the diamantés.

She smiled at him. “It is way too soon, but I love you too, you know.”

“I do know. But I wasn’t expecting you to get there so fast baby, well done.”

She slapped his shoulder, happier than she could ever remember being. “So, we’ll go on tour together?”

“I think so.”

He kissed her again, gentle and sweet. Then he pulled away. “I promise I’m not trying to come on tour with you to fuck with Francis or anything. He’s a little shit, but arguing with him at the bach was dumb. I’ll apologise and—”

“I’ve already talked to him. He’s going to be more respectful or I’ll shit-talk him on Instagram.”

Willow laughed. “You’re the best thing.”

“That ever happened to you?”

“Nah, just the best thing.”

As Deww’s set reached its crescendo, Willow spun her around like an old disco ball. “I’m so glad we got here.”

He said it like it was inevitable and maybe it was. Eden thought of all the mistakes she’d made, with Willow and everyone else. They had brought her here. To her and Willow, turning slowly in their own private dancehall. And while that didn’t erase the sting of waiting so long to fix things, it was still a lovely idea.

“Eden!” There was a loud rap on the door. “Eden!”

“Fuck,” she whispered. “I should be ready by now!”

Willow winced. “This isn’t a good start to my personal assisting career.”

The door cracked open. “Eden, five minutes until—what the fuck?”

Andy swung the door wide. “Willow? How the fuck did you get back here? Eden, you’re not even dressed!”

“Sorry, Andy.” She wriggled out of Willow’s arms. “I’m all made up, I’ll go backstage now.”

“What about your dress?”

“No dress tonight.”

Andy looked like she’d shot his dog. “You need the dress.”

“I’ll wear it again,” she promised. “Just not tonight. Anyway, I’ve been this nude on stage before.”

“Not from the start!”

“It’s just skin. Who cares?”

Andy pulled at his cheeks. “I do!”

“Hang on, I’ve got an idea.” Willow unbuttoned the top of his denim shirt. “You can wear this.”

Eden laughed. “Then what will you wear?”

Andy shot them a panicky look. “Guys, I don’t have time for this, I need to talk to the sound guy. Eden, please get backstage in…” he checked his Apple watch, “… two minutes, wearing more than just a G-string.”

She saluted. “I won’t let you down.”