Surviving (Surrender 2)

“No kidding, I can’t wait to tease her about this.”

“It’s the first claim of many. Be prepared, all of you.”

“If you’re all over your laughing fit, I have an update.” Amber says as she types in her tablet. “I can arrange the interview for tomorrow at four.”

We all nod in agreement and I get an idea. “Amber, you think the interviewer would be willing to come to our house? We’re all comfortable there and it is a showcase of Declan and my lives. We have pictures of us everywhere and will show that I’ve been a permanent fixture for a while.”

“That’s a great idea. I’ll get it set up and send through the details to your email. There’s going to be one reporter and at least one photographer. Jay and Mike will be there too.”

We agree to a few more details and then finish the meeting. I practically run to Charlie, trying to get to her before Blake. She hangs up the phone as soon as I get to her desk.

“Rave, you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Are you okay?”

“Absolutely. Since I’ve been working, here I’ve heard all sorts of stupid shit about the artists we work with. At first I wasn’t sure I heard this girl’s message right. But after the fourth time listening to it, I got pissed. I mean who does that type of thing?”

“Babe, I heard you found out about my love child.” Blake shouts coming down the hall towards us. We laugh and I tell her goodbye.

I call Janie on our way home and beg her to come clean tomorrow. Luckily she has an opening in the morning. Declan pulls up beside me in the garage and he is on the phone. He looks upset when he gets out of his truck.

“James, I don’t know what Mike’s deal is with you, but I want us to be ready with someone. Even though I prefer female, I’ll deal with a guy if I have to.”

No wonder he looks upset. My dad is probably drilling him for details right now. I take my stuff to the table and go to the kitchen to find something to make for dinner.

“What are you doing?”

“Thinking about dinner, what are you in the mood for?”

“Sparkle, come here. Either we’re getting delivery or going out. After the meeting we just had I don’t want to do anything but eat, shower and get in bed with you.”

“That sounds good to me. Let’s go now.” I tug his hand, but he stays still.

“You okay with everything that happened today?”

“I have to be. Just because my bubble burst doesn’t mean I’m going to let those people affect me. We’ve got a plan to address the issue and I’m sure this is not the first time we’ll have to defend ourselves. I’m confused how my personal pictures are being used.”

“Yeah, I think it’s time we let Finn know someone is trying to paint a picture of the two of you together. Can you tell me about the picture today?”

“Declan, I don’t think that’s a good idea. We’re over this remember? It won’t do us any good to dredge up what happened with Finn.”

“Rave, I know I promised to never ask, but that picture wasn’t just a picture was it?”

“No, Dec, it wasn’t. It’s a reminder of a very special moment between Finn and me.”

“Motherfucker!”

Tears fill my eyes when I realize how hurt he is. “I’m sorry.” I whisper “Please don’t let this come between us.

He pulls me towards him and wipes my cheeks. “I hope to God, this article will at least stall some of the rumors until we get married.”

I don’t tell him that it will probably get worse once he announces we’re engaged, but I’m pretty sure we have a rocky road ahead of us.

Chapter 36

SCENE

Declan and I called Finn first thing this morning and explained what was happening. We also explain our plan to introduce me to the public through the interview