Surviving (Surrender 2)

“Don’t look so scared, I’m having a moment.” I tell them and wiping my eyes. As I compose myself, I see people walking our way.

Here we go; Ravenel Hayes is now Ravenel Collins, and it’s time to celebrate Nashville style!

*****

I tried to spend time with my friends, but I was pulled in many different directions. Declan was too. Each time I saw him, he was talking to someone in the music business. He had met several contacts the last six months and wanted to welcome each of them personally. Cooper was in the corner talking to a local politician that was friends with my dad. It was a hilarious sight to see Cooper’s full tattoos on display and his new eyebrow ring with the suited up businessman.

Declan has been a good sport, but I can tell he’s aggravated. We got one dance together to celebrate as ‘husband and wife’ and then we were separated. I’ve danced with every one of my dad’s business associates and some of David’s friends too. He gives me a look from across the dance floor telling me to come to him as soon as possible. I try to excuse myself from John, one of my dad’s security experts, when my dad cuts in.

The Temptations “My Girl” fills the speakers and my dad holds me close. We don’t speak but smile as we twirl and dance together in perfect rhythm. Guests all around us cheer and clap. The dance floor is just the two of us and in this moment, I know the song is more about a father and daughter dance. He’s declaring I will always be his little girl.

“Are you happy, Baby Girl?” he asks when the song ends.

“Daddy, this is my dream come true.”

He accepts my answer with a nod and leads me directly to Declan.

Chapter 55

Charade is Over

Declan

“Can you at least tell me what the fuck is going on?” I ask Robbie for the tenth time.

“Make sure the rest of the guys are with you. Ember’s got Rave occupied with the other girls. Let’s just say we finally got a lead on the A. Reeve’s that wrote that article in February. It’s taken three fucking months, but we’ve nailed him. He’s been hiding. I’ll text you the address.”

Even though it’s bothered me, I wanted to forget the whole Music City Enquirer thing happened. Whomever started that shit fucked with Raven and hurt her. The intent was to push her away from us, but it failed.

Blake, Nate, and Cooper agree to come with me. Raven knows something is up but doesn’t push because she gets the night with her girlfriends.

We drive up to the seedy bar, and I’m not sure we’re in the right place until I see Robbie. My pulse races when I notice all of the guys are here. Robbie, Finn, Jimi, Tripp, Gabe, Jay, and Mike are waiting when we walk up.

“Holy fuck man, what’s going on?” I ask.

“Declan, you need to promise to keep your shit together. If Finn and my suspicions are correct, we’re not going to like what this guy has to say. You have to keep your hands clean, but I don’t. Let me do the talking.”

I nod and follow him inside. He must see who he’s looking for immediately because he leads us straight to a table in the back with a man sitting alone. The guy can’t be much older than me, but he looks like shit. His clothes are dirty, his face unshaven and clearly he’s been drinking a while. Our group surrounds his table before he even looks up.

“A. Reeves?” Robbie says more of a statement than a question.

The guys looks around, and his eyes get wide. Then he goes back to drinking.

“Figures, the only place I can even afford to get drunk is the place I get my ass beat.” He says.

“You know who I am?”

“Yeah, I know who all of you are. The brother, the friends, and the husband of the woman who ruined my career.”

“Ruined your career? You’re fucking bullshit article almost ruined my sister’s reputation.”

“Yeah, well, I didn’t know it was bullshit at the time.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” I can’t help but shout.

“It means, I thought I had a reliable source. The facts were there. I was played. Turns out I was a pawn in a game. I stood by my story even after I was slapped with slander. Learned my lesson.”

“Once again, what the fuck does that mean?”