Free Sing a Song of Love by Sian O'Grady

name was
Darren but he had been nick named a long time ago for his ability to dazzle,
generally the opposite sex.  I had known him for years as he did the
scaffolding for most of the concert sets around New Zealand.
    “Thought I recognised that thatch of curls, how you doing
darling?”  And he swept me up in a big hug and kissed me firmly on the lips. 
    Normally I would protest at that sort of treatment but with
Dazz it just went with the territory.  He was the biggest, try hard flirt I
knew but he was great for the ego and a really nice guy underneath all the bravado. 
And I always felt better after a dose of Dazz so maybe he was doing us woman a
service.  He sure made us feel like the centres of the universe!
    He put me down to catch up with Cam and I looked up to see
Mack looking as black as thunder.  I wondered what had gone wrong to have him
looking like that.
    “Jess, Cam; come check out the stage.”  Lance called.
    I forgot about Mack’s problems and went to join the guys on
stage.
    “Wow this really is something.  It’s like the Glastonbury of
New Zealand!”  Robbie was drinking in the vista of the surrounding ranges and
it really was a majestic view.  They couldn’t have picked a better spot to kick
off the first concert.
    “OK let’s see what we sound like out here?”   Lance grinned
round at us as we took our places and then counted us in.
    The sound rehearsal went smoothly and when we finished we
organised to head back to Queenstown for a rest before tonight.
    “Hey Jess you want a ride back to Queenstown?  I know the
best hot chocolate shop where we could grab a bite to eat.” 
    “That sounds fabulous Dazz, it’s a stunning spot but man
it’s cold out here!”
    Dazz grabbed my arm and helped me down the steps from the
stage.
    “You guys rocked that stage and you looked hot!”  Dazz was
giving me his best smouldering look and I laughed.
    “You’re a liar but thanks anyway!”
    I had on old jeans, sheepskin boots and a huge, old,
fishermen’s rib jersey which hid layers of thermals underneath.  I looked more
like Michelin man than anything that resembled hotness!
    “Jess can I see you for a minute before you leave.”  Mack
barked out.
    “I’ll meet you at the car park Dazz. Won’t be long.”  I
walked over to Mack to see what he wanted.
    “Don’t you think you should be heading back to the hotel for
a rest rather than heading out on a date?”  Mack looked aggravated and I
wondered again what was happening that was causing him to look so grumpy.  It
seemed so out of character for him.
    “Just getting a bite to eat first.  Will be back at the
hotel resting within an hour I promise.  I know you’re probably nervous about
tonight but it’s going to be fine.” I said in an attempt to reassure Mack.
    “It won’t be fine if you’re not up to it.  I know about
Dazz’s reputation and I know how quick you are to jump into bed with random
men.  Don’t mess this up Jess.” 
    I could feel my eyes start to prickle with unshed tears and
I blinked them away determinedly.  How could Mack say that?  I felt so angry
and stupid for having thought it was anything more than a fling.  Mack must
sleep with different woman all the time so why would he think I was any
different.  I turned around and hurried off determined that he wouldn’t see how
hurt I was.
    Dazz looked over at me with concern when I got to the car
park.
    “You right darling?  I wouldn’t worry too much about the big
boss.  They always have a bee in their bonnet on the opening night.”  He gave
me a reassuring hug and his kindness almost brought me to tears again.
    “I’m fine Dazz and thanks.  Was having a sensitive moment
but your right, Mack is probably just being as ass because he is stressed.”
    I tried to shrug his words off as I enjoyed lunch with
Dazz.  It was an amazing café and the served real hot chocolate, made from
melted chocolate and laced with whatever your heart desired.