I look around and spot Sasha locked in a passionate embrace with Sammy, as well as the rest of the band members. There are music-related items strewn everywhere: guitar cases, lyric folders, drumsticks, a microphone stand.

‘It’s a Capital Parade gig?’

‘It sure is,’ replies Matt. ‘Really difficult to secure a gig at this venue apparently. Shows how well the band are doing. There’s even backstage passes.’ He waggles the lanyards in front of me and I grab one.

‘So that’s what these are. Fantastic. Gosh, this really is a grander place than the one I sang with the band at… but it still doesn’t make sense. Why all the secrecy?’

We’re interrupted as Sasha leaps on me with a huge hug and Sammy and the rest of the band gather around us.

‘Lex, how amazing is this?’ Sasha squeals.

‘It’s really amazing.’

‘Alex, how you doing, mate?’ Sammy hugs me, then turns to greet Matt with his usual blokey handshake-cum-hug. ‘Have you asked her yet?’

‘Has he asked me what? What’s going on here?’ I probe, then a thought pops into my oversensitised mind and I blurt it out before I can help myself. ‘You’re not going to propose, are you?’

My eyes are wide, unfortunately betraying the slightest hint of panic.

‘Steady.’ Matt lets out a chuckle, then narrows his eyes at me jokingly. ‘Though it’s good to know it would be so well received.’

‘What? No. I mean, we’re only—’

‘I’d quit while you’re only marginally behind, Alex.’ Sammy pats me on the shoulder.

I feel myself redden, then I decide I can’t take all the secrecy any more – especially if it’s going to land me in trouble.

‘OK, fine. But is someone going to tell me what’s going on here?’

‘Thought I’d leave it to you.’ Matt raises an eyebrow at Sammy.

‘I got this,’ says Sammy, and to my utter befuddlement, he gets down on one knee in front of me. ‘Alex, we’ve only known each other a few months, but I feel like what we have is really special and I can’t imagine a future without you in it…’

He pauses dramatically and I glance around at the others, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. All I’m met with is a collection of stifled sniggers.

‘Alex…’ Sammy continues and my attention snaps back to him. ‘We’ve all missed you so much. Will you be our lead vocalist again?’

I’m so baffled by this peculiar turn of events, I find myself speechless. After letting Sammy’s words sink in, framed by an anticipatory silence from my onlookers, I kick into gear.

‘I… err… Sammy, that was a lovely “proposal”—’

‘For future reference, that’s how it’s done, mate.’ He gives Matt a pointed wink, then focuses his attention back on me. ‘I’m sensing a “but” here. Are you really going to reject me, here in front of all these people?’

I look around at the hopeful faces and I can hardly bear to let them down. ‘Sammy, what are you doing to me? I’d love nothing more than to be singing with you guys again, but it’s not that simple. I’m not reliable—’