Page 30 of Two Hit Wonder

Ellie was failing to hide a smile. "You also got suspended yourself. Twice."

Maeve shrugged. "I did." She looked over at Iona. "And when did you get a daughter? Just pick her up off the side of the road or something? Find her in a daughter shop? How did that happen?"

"The usual way," Cam said. "Presumably." She lifted an eyebrow at Iona then sighed at Maeve. "Alright, maybe we should have a quick catchup here. You missed a lot while you were off being a hermit."

"I wasn't being a hermit," Maeve said, looking stung.

"You lived alone in the Scottish Highlands for fifteen years."

"That's not hermitage. That's sensible housing choices."

Cam ignored her. "Right, well, first, Iona and Shepherd got married."

Maeve's head turned toward Iona so fast Iona heard something click. "You married Shepherd?"

"Years ago. We divorced. Amicably."

"You married Shepherd Nixon. Our agent."

"Former agent. And yes."

"And divorced him."

"Also yes."

"And had a child with him." Maeve gestured toward Mo, who didn't look up.

"Correct."

"You married Shepherd." Maeve said it like she was trying to make the words make sense.

"Is that really so surprising?"

"He wore boat shoes. Unironically."

Iona sighed. "Can we maybe have this conversation later? When there's less of an audience?" She gestured toward Mo, who was still lost in her phone.

"She also married someone called Calinda," Cam added helpfully. "That one only lasted a year. Calinda was a fashion editor. Very glamorous. Mo still hasn't forgiven Iona for letting that one go."

Maeve was staring at Iona like she'd announced she'd spent the last decade as a circus performer. "Two marriages?"

"Can we please rehearse now?" Iona asked.

"Yes," Ellie said firmly. "Let's do that."

They set up. Maeve took her position at the microphone, still looking at Iona with an expression that suggested she had many more questions. Iona picked up her guitar and tried to focus.

They ran through one of Maeve's songs. It sounded better than yesterday, but that wasn't saying much. The bass line was steadier, Cam was mostly keeping time, but there was something missing. Some spark that wouldn't catch.

"The bridge still isn't working," Iona said when they'd stumbled to a finish.

Maeve's jaw tightened. "The bridge is fine."

"It's too static."

"I feel like we've had this conversation."

"And you didn't listen."