Epilogue

The Grammys (LIVE), 2018.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 8:17 p.m.

“Oh my gosh, her dress is amazing. Look how it glitters,” said Matilda.

“Bet you could make a better one.” Jay grinned and leaned over to give his wife a peck on the cheek.

“You’re such a sweet talker.”

Jay winked. “You know it.”

Matilda let out a dreamy sigh. “I can’t believe we know someone whose song is going to be sung on the Grammys. This is so exciting.”

Jay arched a wry brow. “It’s been number one on the Billboard charts the past two weeks.”

“I still think Reya’s version is better.”

“Me, too, but you do know this is her ideal set-up. That girl has no ego. She doesn’t care if it’s someone else singing the song, so long as the message is heard.”

“Plus, she’s probably made a bunch of money.”

“Ah, there’s my little capitalist,” Jay teased and pinched her on the hip.

“I’m just stating the obvious. Oh, do you think they’ll invite us to the wedding when she and Trev tie the knot?”

“They better. I’m aiming for best-man status.”

Matilda scoffed. “He has three brothers, Jay. He’s not going to ask you to be his best man. Plus, you’ve only known each other a year.”

Jay made an overly dramatic sad face as he blew out a breath. “I guess I’ll just have to hold out hope for Jack and Lille. Although, who knows when that’s ever going to happen.”

“Oh my God, you’re like a mother complaining about no grandbabies. Jack and Lille will get married when they’re good and ready.”

“Look,” Jay interrupted. “She’s about to sing.”

“Gah! Okay, shut up. Nobody say a word for the next three minutes.”

Jay shot her a perplexed look. “I’m the only one here.”

“Pfft, you know what I mean.”

“Sometimes I wonder if my weirdness is rubbing off on you.”

“Jay, seriously, I love you, but if you don’t stop talking in the next five seconds I’m going to knock you out.”

Jay grabbed her and pulled her close. “How I love your sexy threats.”

Dublin, Ireland, 04:17 a.m.

“I’m exhausted. Tell me again why I agreed to stay up for this?” Jack complained while sitting in bed next to Lille, a laptop open in front of them.

“Because I don’t want to miss the song. It’s going to be the highlight of the entire show,” Lille argued.

“But can’t we just watch the repeat tomorrow night?”

“It’s not the same thing. I want to see it happening live. It’s way more exciting that way.”

“It won’t be exciting when we’re both exhausted in the morning.”

“Quit being a grump. It’s unbecoming,” said Lille as she nudged him playfully.

Jack blindsided her when he grabbed her at the waist and pulled her body under his. He brought his mouth to her neck and licked up as far as her earlobe, causing her to melt beneath him. She emitted a low moan, trying to see past him to the screen of the laptop.

“You’re trying to distract me,” she complained, at the same time trembling when he brought his hand between her legs.

He smiled as he kissed his way to her mouth. “Is it working?”

“Almost,” she replied on a breathy chuckle.

Jack tut-tutted. “Then I better up my game.”

“Wait. Stop. She’s coming on stage now,” Lille shrieked eagerly, wriggling out of Jack’s hold to turn up the volume.

He sighed and flopped back into the pillows. “You’ve got three minutes and then I’m stripping you naked.”

Lille flashed him a grin. “If you must.”

London, England, 04:17 a.m.

“Can you lot keep it down? You’ll wake little Tessa,” King complained, holding the baby monitor in his hand.

“I don’t get why we couldn’t have this party at our place,” said Lee. “No babies to wake up there.”

“Because we left it too late to organise a babysitter,” Alexis told him. “Besides, you wouldn’t have gotten to play football with Oliver today if we’d gone to yours. Your garden’s way too small. You know, you should really think about moving to a bigger place.”

“There’s a house for sale at the end of the road,” said Karla, shooting her friend a knowing look. “She’s been hedging for us to buy it for weeks.”

“I just think it’d be great if we became neighbours,” said Alexis. “We could pop around for tea all the time.”

“We already do that anyway,” Karla replied.

“But this way I wouldn’t have to wait forever for you to drive over,” Alexis argued.

Lee glanced at Alexis. “What’s the asking price?”

“I’m not sure, but I’ll check in the morning.”

“Are you actually considering it?” Stu asked, where he sat on one end of the couch next to Andie. “I didn’t think I’d ever see the day that you left Hackney.”

“Yeah, I always thought you’d have your ashes scattered over the local football pitch,” Liam teased.

“Now there’s a classy idea,” Iris added.

Lee flexed his hands then rested them at the back of his head. “I don’t know. I kinda like the idea of moving up in the world. Plus, it’ll be fun making the neighbours nervous when they see us lot moving in.”

“You see,” Alexis exclaimed, making pleading eyes at Karla. “Think of all the hijinks we’re missing out on.”

“Fine. I’ll think about it. Now can we all focus on the TV? She’s about to sing Reya’s song.”

They all quietened down as the presenter announced the next performance.

The Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, 8:17 p.m.

“I can’t believe they actually invited me,” said Reya as she ran her hands nervously over her dress.

“Of course they invited you. Your song is up for an award,” said Trev, draping an arm around her shoulders for moral support.