This is the 9th and final part of this series. Best to read parts 1 to 8 before this, so that you know the background. Even if you have, revisiting part 8 might be a good idea as a reminder of what led to this.
***
'Vix, it's me, Mads.... I'm sorry...I stepped over a line. I should have known better.'
Oh my God... After all my pessimistic gloom, here was a chance to avert the disaster. We could pull it out of the fire! I felt waves of sweet relief sweep over me. I couldn't speak.
Mads went on, 'I let my feelings for you get out of control, Vix. You were right to put me straight...' There was a pause, but I couldn't formulate a sentence. My mouth opened, but nothing came out. 'Before I'd even got home, I knew I'd fucked up. I wanted to call you straightaway but it's taken until now to be brave enough. Have I ruined everything, Vix? I don't want to ruin everything, but I'm just mad about you. I have been for a long time...'
Tears welled in my eyes. They weren't sad tears, they were tears of relief I suppose. I really had thought we were history. I did feel a bit guilty for the way I'd rejected her, even though I had to, and now, here she was apologising to ME.
'Vix? Are you there? Say something, darlin, I'm dying here.'
'Yes Mads, I'm here,' I croaked. I'm just... I don't know... I had no idea you felt like that about me... it's all been a shock... I really thought it was all over... us, the band, everything.'
'Well, I don't want it to be over. Can we still be friends? Please.'
'Yes, Mads, of course we can. It killed me to think you had walked out of my life. I'm glad you haven't.' There was a little sob and a sniff from her end and I had to stop because I was struggling to speak too. It was very emotional.
'Look...' I swallowed after along pause, 'I don't want to do this on the phone, Mads. Do you know the Three Bulls at Gerrard's Cross?
'Yes.'
'I'll meet you there in half an hour.'
'Okay.'
I grabbed my car keys and headed off, shouting 'Just nipping out. I'll be back.'
I arrived at the pub just as Mads was getting out of her car and I abandoned the Alfa, carelessly, and got out to meet her. We embraced in the middle of the car park, standing there for a long time, just holding each other and reaffirming our connection, until a car horn reminded us we were blocking the exit.
We went inside, got drinks and sat down, and then we both started talking at the same time. I stopped. 'You first.'
'Oh, Vix...Meeting you, and your mum and dad, and the rest of The Chootes, starting The Zelmas, not to mention the girly sex with you and Roo... It's all been a whirlwind. I was on a high, Vix. A euphoric high. I thought nothing could go wrong, but I was wrong, wasn't I? I got too cocky, thought you couldn't possibly resist me, but God you're a strong little bitch aren't you?' She smiled, ruefully.'
I gave a slight chuckle. 'You are very nearly irresistible, Mads, VERY nearly, and I think, in a way, I am in love with you, but I'm with Roo, and I won't let anything compromise that. She's my number one. You know that, right?'
'Yes, I do.' She looked sad. 'Roo is lucky to have you. I hope she knows it.' She suddenly looked alarmed. 'Have you spoken to her? I mean, does she know... about... today?'
I shook my head. 'No, and I'm not going to tell her.'
'What? But...'
Listen, Mads. If I told her, it would be kamikaze honesty. She'd be hurt and angry. It would drive a wedge between you and her, and it would compromise The Zelmas. Maybe even split us up. It might even have a negative impact on MY relationship with her. There'd be no winners, all of us would lose. It'd be crazy.
'Really? You're going to keep it a secret?'
'I don't see it like that. She doesn't need to know. It would only cause hurt. My relationship with her is unchanged. I'm flattered that you made a pass at me, Mads, I really am, but it doesn't change how I feel about Roo - or you either as a matter of fact. Let's just carry on as if nothing happened. You just have to remember that the three of us having some fun is OK, but you and me alone is not on.'
She turned to hug me and kiss me on the cheek. 'God, you're such a diamond, Vix. A real gem.'
'No, Jem's our lead guitarist,' I laughed.
I was driving home, after 11pm, when my phone buzzed. I knew it would be Roo, so I pulled off the road to call her back. I would usually have spoken to her by now, and she was obviously wondering why I hadn't.
'Hey babe,' I said breezily when she picked up, 'sorry, I took a nap and woke up late. You OK?'
'Yeah, I was just about to go to bed. How did it go today? Did Mads behave herself?' This was extraordinarily perceptive of her; she obviously EXPECTED Mads to try something on.
'Yeh, she was fine. A bit flirty but what's new? She knows where the line is.' Well, I thought, she does now.
I stumbled into my bedroom at half eleven and flopped into bed. Emotionally exhausted. Crisis averted.
The next time I saw Mads was at Saturday rehearsal and we acted like Wednesday didn't happen. It felt different though, now that I knew she was carrying a torch for me. I was a little less open and unguarded with her, and she was a bit more cautious around me, and noticeably quieter. It was a shame; I liked it as it was before. Perhaps we would gradually get back to the way we were. I hoped.