Strings Read Online Free PDF Page A

worked. Sometimes Melissa wished she could be a bit more like that. But at the same time it made her feel slightly uncomfortable when she was dragged along by Beth’s unstoppable momentum.
                  ‘You know my motto, babe.’ Beth flicked her cigarette away.               
                  ‘Yes ... get on with it, you might be dead tomorrow.’
                  Beth grinned at her. She wouldn't be swayed. They heard loud shouts and shrieks from some of the band who had started play fighting, attracting quite an audience. It was the usual behaviour you expect when you put young men and beer together – ‘peacocking’ Beth called it. They knew people were watching as they tried to outdo each other and achieve top dog status. The good-natured brawl spilled into the crowd, knocking people over like dominoes. Suddenly, the girls were right next to Luke, who tried to move out of the way, but not quickly enough. He could see it coming, but the shove was much too hard and he lost his balance, falling into Melissa, the very girl he had decided he wanted to impress. She fell unceremoniously to the floor. 
                  ‘Hey, watch it. You could have seriously hurt her! Idiots!’ Beth yelled, holding her arms out over her friend and making sure she was OK. But secretly she was pleased. This was perfect.
                  ‘Shit. I'm so sorry!’ Luke said as he looked down at her sprawled on the pavement. Beth tried to smother her laugh and Melissa shot her a deadly stare. This was so not funny.
                  ‘Are you OK?’ Luke asked. He couldn’t believe he had just done that, although it was a complete accident and he’d had no control over it, having been pushed by his friend.
                  Melissa tried to play it cool in front of him, but it wasn’t easy whilst laying flat on the floor. He was gorgeous, in an ‘ultimate rock band’ kind of way. He had a cigarette in his mouth, and the smoke rose over his head as he looked down at her. Then he held out his hand to help her to her feet.
                  ‘I'm fine thanks. I don’t think there are any broken bones.’ She was, however, a little irritated that this had happened in front of so many people, many of whom were now falling about laughing. The rest of the band came over to apologise for pushing him and knocking her over.
                  ‘I spilt your drink as well. W0uld you like another?’ He finished his cigarette and flicked it aside, feeling like a complete idiot. This was not a good way to introduce yourself to a girl.
                  ‘Yes, a bottle of champagne please.’ Her expression was deadly serious. Beth sniggered behind her.
                  ‘Who do you think I am, Bono? How about another glass of wine instead?’ he offered, smiling. He felt a bit better now, but he was still secretly seething at his idiotic friends.
                  ‘Fine, I suppose that will have to do,’ she huffed, then shivered, realising how cold it was in the night air. She cursed herself for yet again not bringing a coat. The stage door was slightly open, and Melissa could see the band’s equipment inside. She could also see that there were some chairs. Her feet were killing her and she wanted to sit down. ‘Hey, it’s freezing. Can we go inside to warm up?’
                  Luke could have sworn she fluttered her eyelashes, just for a second, and he thought she looked adorable. ‘Sure, go on in. There isn't any wine but there are beers if you want one?’
                  ‘Beer’s fine, thanks.’ The girls followed the band through the stage door, down a dark corridor and into the backstage area, where they helped themselves to beers from a table. Luke turned to Dale, giving him an angry look because it had been Dale who had pushed him. His friend shrugged