So that’s what I did. And it was phenomenal.
Chapter 50
325
It’s been two weeks since we got home from Aruba, and our lives have been hectic. The news of our wedding made national coverage, but since we were out of the country we dodged all calls and inquiries. Jay and Amber took care of it. The local response was less than supportive. People still believed the lies in the Music City Enquirer and the websites were flooded with comments about me. There were threats and more claims about my infidelity, but no more personal pictures popped up.
I met with Jay and resumed control over scheduling, and we came up with a transition plan. There was no denying Sayge’s popularity now, and the demand for interviews and spotlight appearances was out of control. I wanted to attend the appearances, but Declan felt I wasn’t safe, so Amber went instead. With her by their side, people started rumors that we were already having marital problems and Declan was coming to his senses. No one made any comments waiting for the magazine to hit newsstands on Monday.
Declan and I finally agreed to do an interview for a regional wedding magazine. The reason we did is because they offered a donation to any local charity we chose, and it was a way to boost my flailing reputation. I tried not to bring it up, but I’m worried I’m hurting Sayge through association. This would be a simple, straightforward interview over coffee next week. By then I’ll have some proofs of the wedding pictures they can use.
Declan’s twenty-seventh birthday is tomorrow. I bought him a new surface tablet and had Robbie load some music programs. These programs were recommended by the sound tech that works at MJ Labels. Declan and the guys can work on new music on the road this summer and the program also allows for music manipulations. It will never take the place of the guys sitting around and creating their own music, but they can record it and then figure out where they want to add or change.
I’m cooking dinner for just our families for his actual birthday and then we’ll do something with our friends on Saturday night. I’m about to leave the house to run errands when the garage door opens. Declan walks in a few minutes later loaded down with boxes.
“What you got there?” I take a box from the top and put it on the table.
“Hundreds and hundreds of promotional items Jay wants us all to sign. Do you mind if I have all the guys here tonight to do this?”
“No, but you’ll need to order dinner. I have to work on a paper when I get back.”
“Back from where?”
“I’m about to run some errands. It shouldn’t take too long.”
“You’re not going alone. I’ll come with you.”
“No, I may or may not be picking up your birthday present.”
“Call Robbie. You’re not going alone. I’ll see if the guys can be here within the hour. If we can get this done, you can have a peaceful night.” He kisses my nose and picks up his phone.
“Just five more weeks, we’re in the homestretch.” I refer to the end of my semester.
“Yeah babe, and then you get to put your fancy degree to work by working for me. Bet that’s not what you thought you’d be doing.”
“You better watch it, you guys are actually working for me remember?” I wink at him and grab my keys. I’m pretty sure they’ll appreciate my logic when we hit the road.
I call Robbie to let him know I’m on my way, and I’m alone. He promises to meet me in the parking lot in case I’m being followed. I’m so ready for this to be over.
*****
“This is unbelievable. Show me again.” Declan can’t hide his excitement over his present.
Robbie demonstrates a few of the programs for him again, and my dad and David huddle around them. Abbi, Ella, my mom, and I are in the living room looking over the article that is coming out next week. They find it equally as funny when I relive the story of the guys getting waxed. Like Jewel said, the picture of the band and facing the camera and Declan wrapped around my bare back was the perfect shot for the cover. I thought my dad would have a shit fit, but he rolled his eyes and said ‘this is your life now.’ The editor made room for two thousand more words in order for me and Declan to set our story straight. We took the opportunity to address every single lie the MCE claimed and even told as much as we legally could about Christie. All in all, we were pleased with the outcome.
We go over the upcoming schedule for Sayge and try to pinpoint a date the girls can fly to a show this summer.
“Surviving” was rising up the charts and Mike expects it to break the top ten next week. The guys agreed to play a regional music festival in a few weeks. I’m a bit nervous about it because it’s the first time this group has organized something this big and Sayge is the headlining band. Jay is working with the team and assures me it will be fine.
Robbie goes to the kitchen, and I get up to follow him. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him very much since I got back.
“Thanks for making sure all the tuxes went back to Clyde’s.” I pour another glass of wine and hand him a beer.
“You know it wasn’t a problem. Is this your way of starting a conversation to ask me about Ember?”
“Maybe.”
“She’s cool.”