Surviving (Surrender 2)

Make a Choice

We successfully made it thru our morning and trip to the airport without any more interruptions from home. Once we got through security and to our gate, I scroll down my messages and after reading them decide to do one large text chain instead of individually.

Me: All, It was a terrific trip. Details are done, and place is perfect. Will try to give you a call this week, at airport now. Sorry I didn’t share about the AT40–needed to wait and see what happened. Yes, we are excited and proud. Love y’all–talk soon

I attach one of the pictures from yesterday of Declan and me so they can see the scenery. I get a few messages back.

Kendall: Can’t wait to hear more

Abbi: Love the view, great photo ops

Mama: We WILL meet this week. Plan on it

Declan checks his messages too and grunts a few times into the phone. I listen to him talk to Blake and tell him to meet at the house after five. I open my laptop and go through my emails.

Our flight is uneventful, and Declan tells me that Jay has left messages about another magazine wanting to do a spread on Sayge. And SCENE wants to do a follow up since my name is now released. I don’t see a problem with it, so I tell him as much.

“I’m just not sure I’m ready for that yet. I mean we do this because we love the music. How far wrapped up in the media are we going to get?”

“Declan, I hate to tell you this, but you’re crazy if you think one comes without the other. With the success comes the interviews, spotlights, expose’s–all of it. If you don’t take the chances in front of y’all now, you could damage your reputation. You’ll look like a bunch of assholes. I’m not saying you should do every single request, but pick a few to celebrate the success and go from there.”

“How’d you get so smart?” He nuzzles against my neck, nipping on the skin below my ear. I feel the moisture start between my legs. I’m not sure how I can even think about sex after the last three days, but I find myself fantasizing.

“Whatcha thinking about?” he whispers, still kissing along my neckline.

“You have to stop.”

“Stop what?”

“You know what. Stop now.”

He pulls back but stares at me with desire and heat in his eyes. I lick my lips, which encourages him to pull my hand to his lap rubbing the bulge against his zipper.

“Tonight, you and I have a little unfinished business.” He tells me matter of factly.

“How can it be unfinished? We had sex all weekend and in multiple places.”

“It’s still the weekend, Sparkle and I want you in our bed screaming my name.”

I nod at him and smile. I’m pretty sure our exchange has left a puddle in my seat, but I don’t care. In order to tease him, I pull out my reader and open a book I’ve been trying to get to. I can tell by the fourth chapter, this is exactly what I want him to read over my shoulder.

We barely get our luggage inside when the doorbell rings. Cooper and Nate come in carrying bags of liquor and food. The smell of Italian spreads through the house, and my stomach growls. I take the bags and put them in the kitchen. Not paying any attention to what’s going on behind me, I squeal when I’m lifted and twirled around.

“We did it, RJ! We fucking did it!” Nate pulls back, and I see the shine in his eyes. I’m so overwhelmed with the emotion he has that I can’t stop the tears that fall. I’ve always known these guys were talented and determined, but this is all their dreams come true. If they never do anything again, they can say they hit the National Radio circuit.

“I’m not sure what pisses me off the most. My girl in your arms or the fact that she’s crying.” Declan barks from the doorway.

We both laugh at him as Nate sets me down. Declan continues to scowl until I roll my eyes at him, and his face softens. Blake, Jay and Mike come in, and there’s a lot of black slapping, hugs, and kisses (me) exchanged. Once everyone has a drink and is settled in the living room, Jay fills us in on what has happened since Friday.

“We’ve had many calls about artists wanting to tour with Sayge. Also, Bonnaroo wants you back this year on a larger stage. The offers range from small indie groups to a LiveNation summer tour. Each one has its own pros and cons but ultimately it’s your choice. ” He takes out his notes and tells us about each offer.

Mike stays quiet, but I catch him eyeing me through the conversation. When Jay is finished, the guys talk through the offers and narrow it down to two. I stay quiet but get the feeling there’s something else going on. I’m lost in my own thoughts when Declan reaches over and squeezes my hand.

“Huh?”

“We asked what you thought but you looked a million miles away.” He looks at me concerned.

“Um, sorry, I get the feeling there’s something else going on and I was trying not to interrupt.”