I give Declan back his phone when we get back to our room, and he tells me it’s overloaded with messages, both text and voice. He calls Cooper to see if anything is urgent. If not we’ll worry about them later.
I put on my bikini and hear him in the other room on the phone. He seems upset, so I join him.
“Let me talk to Raven and we can discuss when we get home.”
Silence.
“I know, man. I am excited but give me this weekend with her to plan our wedding. I’ve tried to get this girl to marry me three times already, and she finally agreed. The details are done, and I have twenty-four hours with her until we get hit with all this shit. Give me this.”
Silence.
“Yeah, I’ll be there tomorrow around five. Y’all plan on coming over. We’ll celebrate then. Is there anything else? My phone is full of messages.”
Silence.
“Right, tell them I fucking proud too. Raven’s proud, our families are proud. It’s surreal. But if you all could give me the next day with Raven, I’d appreciate it.”
Silence.
“Got it, see ya then.” He hangs up and turns to see me in the doorway.
“You sure you want to take a walk? I’m sure I could give you some exercise right here that would involve a very thorough workout.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me, and I laugh.
“You nut! We’re not walking for exercise, I want to at least see the beach while we’re here. You want to tell me what that was about?”
“Yep, either when I’m buried in you with your back against that wall. Or when our toes hit the sand.”
“Toes in the sand. I have a feeling that way I’ll get the whole story. Get on your suit−let’s go.”
He strips right there and looks through our clothes for his suit. My mouth waters at the sight of his delicious body and the things it does to me. He catches me staring and smirks.
“Want to change your mind?”
“Yes. No. I mean I want to but...”
He walks over and pulls me into his rock hard body and captures my face in his hands. “How about we do one now and the other when we come back before our shower? That way we both get what we want.”
I nod and kiss him quickly. He lets me go to finish dressing, and I pack a small bag with some sunscreen, our phones, and room keys. He takes it from me and puts the key in his pocket. Throws the phones on the bed and rubs my shoulders with the sunscreen.
“We don’t need anything but you and me. No fucking phones.”
I don’t argue and head to the beach.
*****
“So let me get this straight, in less than twenty-four hours, Jay and Mike have gotten half a dozen calls regarding Sayge’s summer plans?”
“That’s what Coop said. There are other calls too. Interview requests, magazine spreads, local charity shows, etc. But that’s not all. People are still after our story. Charlie told Coop last night that the phones are still going crazy trying to get information on our wedding.”
“Thank God, we changed our plans. Hopefully, we can keep it quiet for the next five weeks.”
“Yep, then no more secrets.”
We walk hand in hand listening to the wave’s crash and the seagull’s squawk above us. There are a few women who stare at Declan as we pass, but he doesn’t pay any attention. I wonder if I should have made him wear his shirt. We’ve walked quite a ways when I gasp at a house behind the sea dunes. It’s one of the largest mansions I have ever seen, and I’m from Nashville. Nashville hosts some of the biggest homes due to the rich and famous world of country music. But this is amazing. I pull Declan beside me and stare admiring the architecture and style.
“Like that?”
“Yeah. It’s beautiful.”
“You want something like that one day?” He pulls me to him and wraps his arms around my waist.
“Not that big, but maybe we could have a beach condo or something. I would love to spend summers and vacations at the beach.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Let’s get back.” We turn and walk the way we came.
“Dec, there’s something I want to tell you. I don’t want to register for wedding gifts.”
He looks at me and stops walking. “Why not?”
“I don’t think it’s appropriate. You’re a rock star in a famous band. It’s tacky to ask people for gifts. For our big reception, I think we should do an ‘in lieu of gifts’ and donate to a charity.”
“Are you sure? What about that china shit you’ve been looking at? And the kitchen stuff?”
I shrug my shoulders. “I’m sure I’ll get it eventually but I think it’s inappropriate for us to register.”
“What charity are you thinking?”
“Not sure, we have time to look into them. Maybe we can pick two.”
“Whatever you want babe. But you want that china now, you tell me. I’ll buy it tomorrow.”
“I love you, you know that right?”
“Once again, that makes me a lucky man.”
*****
Dinner is delicious and during our meal the owner comes over and goes over the brochure so we can decide on our menu for the rehearsal. We choose a surf and turf buffet. When we finish our dinner, we head back to the hotel bar to listen to live music.
When we finally get into bed, Declan holds me close singing to me softly until I fall asleep. Right before I doze off I hear him say ‘thank you Sparkle’.
Chapter 42
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.”
“She’s right. There’s a lot more going on. We have a week or so to decide about the tour, but I have more to discuss.” Mike breaks in. “I’ve been contacted by a local music magazine that wants to do a spread on Sayge. Not a puff piece or blog; a whole exposé. The reporter has asked for one full week with the band, and this includes some time with Raven. We also have several requests for shows around town, blogger interviews, and radio appearances. There’s no way we can accommodate everyone’s request, so we need to iron out the details.”
“Why do I feel like everything in our lives just took a drastic turn?” Nate asks.
“Because it did. I told you guys last fall the aggressive approach was the way to pave your road. Well, now we’re here. You are nationwide for fucks sake. This is what we wanted. Now is the time to seize these opportunities. Expand on every chance we get to publicize you. Think of other local talents that have hit the scene; Kings of Leon, Ke$ha, Lady Antebellum to name a few. This is it boys, time to play in the big leagues. Once decisions are made we stick to them and bring your music to the people. We have to make a choice.”
“Fuckin’ A.”– Blake
“Motherfucker.”– Cooper
“Hell Yeah.”– Nate
“Babe?” Declan looks at me with concern. “What’s your take on all this?”
My mind is racing but in a good way. I take a second to pull myself together. My business sense kicks into gear, and I grab my notebook from the table behind me.
“Can I speak freely?” I look at all the guys and get nods and grins. Nate rubs his hands together and smiles like he just won the lottery.
“Okay, let’s think of this from a business prospective. I think you should try and take every interview possible even if you have to break into pairs. I can work with Amber to try and schedule them together but the requests are too great to promise all four of you can be together. As for the radio interviews, I think you should take every request. Everyone loves the story of a local group with the success y’all are getting.
“I have no problem doing the magazine article but I request they do not release the story until after I graduate. I’m sure they will want a photo session too. We should cut Sayge’s stage presence to two shows a week around town, maybe even less. It may even be time to call Ryan and see if Knight’s Dream has any shows they can add a group. ”
Mike and Jay smile widely at me while Declan and the guys stare at each other. In a flash Nate has jumped at me but Declan catches him midway and they fall to the ground wrestling. Since Declan is occupied, Cooper comes over and lifts me out of my chair and sandwiches me between him and Blake. They hug me so tight, I almost can’t breathe.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Declan growls trying to get me.
“Safe to say, Raven’s business sense came through again. Mike and I already discussed it and felt the same as her. Everyone in agreement with what she said? If so, we’ll get started tomorrow morning.” Jay confirms.
Over dinner, we talk about the advantages of the two tours. LiveNation will kick off Memorial Day weekend in Central Park with six other recording artists. Throughout the summer, the tour will fluctuate between four to six artists at each show. It’s a thirty-five show commitment over a fourteen week period. The other choice is only three bands together for a six month commitment. If they sign, they want Sayge in LA in May. My stomach knots but I keep quiet. Thankfully, Declan picks up my vibe.
“Guys, I’ve got a really big conflict with this. May is a huge month for Raven and me. I don’t want to be in LA while she’s here by herself. Plus, it sounds like this group isn’t too keen on us flying back for Bonnaroo.”
“I think that made our decision. LiveNation it is!” Cooper claps his hands together.
Everyone agrees, and I smile around the room. I want to argue, but in my heart I know this isn’t really about me. This is about the best choice for their career.
I clean up the kitchen and decide to go to bed. I leave a group of very excited rockers in my living room on their way to inebriation.
Chapter 43
Slander
EXLCUSIVE! SAYGE’S GOLDEN GIRL NOT SO GOLDEN!–Music City Enquirer
~ Article written by A. Reeves
The hottest news around the last few months is local band Sayge’s rise to stardom. Rumor has it that landing on the American Top 40 last week secured them a spot on a nationwide tour this summer with some of the hottest bands in the country. There’s no doubt this group is HOT, and their sound is in demand¸ but what do we really know about them?
Earlier this year, SCENE magazine did a spread on Sayge spotlighting their humble beginnings and pathway to success. In that same interview we learned lead singer, Declan Collins was off the market and engaged to be married to Ravenel ‘Raven’ Hayes. You may remember Raven as the beautiful object of desire in their hit single, “Surviving.” Brenda Brown did a great job painting this relationship as a fairytale fantasy. Almost too good to be true. Here at MCE, we wanted to know more about this muse. Once we started digging around and talking to sources close to Raven, we learned this Golden Girl is not so Golden!
On the surface, she may look like the quintessential good girl, but she’s anything but. Sources tell us when she first met Declan Collins, he was in a relationship. She was relentless in her pursuit, even moving in with his sisters to keep tabs on him. Once they started dating, she took over all control of their shows around town and even banned fans from coming backstage during performances at local bars. Loyal fans of the band from the beginning were turned away from social events unless Raven approved them.
Months later when Sayge became a local favorite and started branching out to local and regional sta
ges, Raven took over their web presence insisting that she handle all fan interaction. She even told the guys what to Tweet! Friends of the band say Declan fell hard and deep and had severe jealousy issues. Raven would parade guys in front of him all time threatening to leave him unless he married her. Once she had a ring on her finger things got worse.
We spoke to Declan’s ex-girlfriend. For privacy reasons, we have chosen to keep her name anonymous but our hearts go out to her. Shortly after hearing about the engagement, she became so distraught, her parents have placed her in a facility in order to make sure she doesn’t hurt herself. Her doctors say her depression is a day to day battle and medication and therapy are needed.
Sources claim that things became too much for the members of Sayge, and they refused to have Raven join them last summer on tour. As retaliation, she left the country and spent the summer in Europe in the arms of another man. Declan’s heart was broken, and he almost drank himself to death until his friend Ryan Knight stepped up to save him.
There are endless stories surrounding how friends and family members worried about the success of Sayge while their lead singer dealt with a cheating fiancée. There are reports of several other men in her life, but what is the most surprising is how she came back in the picture. It’s been told that Declan decided to give her a second chance, against the wishes of everyone close to him.
Raine Mitchell, a national model, was originally chosen for the “Surviving” video. She told us that Raven was in the creative meeting and had a fit when she learned Declan would have to be intimate with her. Raine felt she had great chemistry with everyone in the group, especially Declan. She was released from her contract within twenty-four hours. Her agent told her Raven did not approve.
MJ Labels, who signed Sayge to a multi-record deal, is owned by a family friend of Raven’s. She threatened to pull in a favor and have the deal eliminated unless he married her. Raven is from a very influential family with ties that run deep in Nashville. While Mrs. Brown painted her in a very positive light, we have learned differently.
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