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He was actually pretty good, and we’d often stand on the sideline watching him play. Let’s face it, his mum was never going to do that, but the joy on Frankie’s face as he got to share Logan’s passion was priceless.

“No, Logan. We’re going to a fancy restaurant, so you need to be on your best behaviour.”

“I will, I will. Chill out, man.” He grinned, flashing the gap where he’d recently lost a tooth.

By now, the auditorium was emptying, Frankie being the final act of the night. I left the others waiting in the foyer and rushed backstage to see him.

He wasn’t difficult to spot, surrounded by the other students all congratulating him on a fucking great performance, even if I did say so myself.

I watched from the sidelines, not wanting to interrupt, but when he saw me, the biggest smile broke out, and he rushed towards me.

“Oh my God, Mac. Was it okay? Did I do all right?” His eyes danced with excitement, his cheeks ruddy.

“It was more than okay, and you know it. I told you it was the perfect piece to play, and you didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to see where this takes you.”

“I know. One of the professors has asked me to go see him on Monday. He wouldn’t tell me why, but he said he had an opportunity for me if I’m interested.”

“You are simply brilliant, my love.” I hugged him, my eyes welling with tears. He was simply wonderful, and I was overjoyed to call him mine. “Come on. If you’re ready, everyone is waiting.”

“I’m ready for anything and everything with you, Mac. Let’s go conquer the world.”

Frankie

“So, you see,” the professor said, “they’re looking for someone to join their team. Someone who can bring enthusiasm and passion, and I instantly thought of you.”

“Me? You want me to work with a production company, writing music?” I could barely catch my breath.

“Yes, that’s right. They have plenty of shows and movies in the works, and when I showed them what you could do, they made their minds up there and then that you are the one.”

“And it’d be a proper job. I’d get paid?” I couldn’t quite believe what I was hearing. I’d been playing music all my life, composing only for the past few years, but it was my absolute passion.

“You will get paid and plenty of other benefits, too. This is an amazing opportunity, one I think you’d be foolish to turn down, but of course, I can’t tell you what to do.”

What would Mac say? He’d be over the moon, as I was. My dream job at aged twenty-two. Who would have thought it of the school dropout with no qualifications?

“When do they want me to start? What about my scholarship?” I didn’t want to lose that. I’d learnt so much here, and everyone had been fantastic, taking a chance on me.

“In the New Year, so you can finish your studies here, and then in January, you’ll be a free bird. If you’re happy to go ahead, I’ll ask them to email them over to you. If you want, I can look over the contracts, make sure all is well.”

“I mean, yeah. Send them over and I’ll take a look. My fiancé’s sister is a solicitor, so I’ve got that covered, but thank you.” My heart was beating so fast, my fingers tingling. “I’m just blown away.”

“You are one of the most talented students we’ve had here. I don’t mind telling you that. You deserve this and more, and I’ve no doubt we’ll see your name on the big screen very soon. Now, go tell that boyfriend of yours. I’m sure you’re dying to call him.”

He wasn’t wrong, and the moment I left his office, I was on the phone. There was no answer, but I left a message for him to call me the moment he was free.

I went about my day, but concentration was nigh on impossible. What the actual fuck had my life become? Not that I was complaining, but fuck.

By afternoon, Mac still hadn’t called me back, but that wasn’t unusual. His job was demanding, and often, he didn’t get time to eat, let alone check his messages. I loved him something fierce; his determination to succeed, his compassion, his dedication, but most of all how he loved me from the start.

Because of him, I was who I was today, and that was something I could never repay.

I walked to the bus stop, stopping in my tracks when I saw Mac lounging against his car.

“What are you doing here?” I reached up and kissed him. “I thought you were working?”

“I was, but I got off as early as I could. You had your meeting today, and I knew it’d be something big.” He produced a bunch of flowers from behind his back and handed them to me.

“Aw, you shouldn’t have.”