“Because there’s not a risk of you and Jay falling through a stage at a small bar on campus. What if we don’t live up to expectations? And what if you get on the road with us and realize you hate it? What do we do then?”
“What? You can’t blame yourself for what happened. It was clearly a safety issue. And as your new manager, I have already requested a safety report at every venue we go to. Even though most of them are inside, I still want to see it. And as for me, I’ve actually grown on the idea of traveling with you guys to all these cool places and living the rock star lifestyle. Don’t you ever worry about me, Declan Collins, because I’ll tell you if I’m unhappy. Sayge has come a long way and accomplished so much. I look forward to the next twenty or thirty years of watching more accomplishments. You know, if you want a baby in six months, I have to live it up now.”
“God you’re so right, I don’t know what happened to me tonight.”
“Understandable, but we should probably tell the guys you had a lapse in sanity. I think they’re pretty freaked out.”
All three guys are with my friends at the bar. I smile and wave them over.
“We’re all good. Just a small nervous breakdown. But I’ve got to tell you, if we’re going to be together all summer nonstop, you’ve got to learn to talk to each other better.”
“Hell no, that’s why we have you.” Blake jokes. “But in all seriousness, I think we’ve all had doubts and insecurities.”
“Completely normal guys. But no more. We leave in four weeks. Buck up, game on.”
“You okay man?” Nate looks at Declan.
“Hell yeah, Raven just told me we’re gonna try to have a baby. Fucking thrilled.”
“REALLY DECLAN!! That’s what you took from our heart to heart? Don’t listen to this idiot. We are not going to try for a baby for a while.” The horrified expression on their faces is priceless.
“If you have his baby, does that mean I have no chance?” Nate falls on the sofa next to us.
“Nope, I’m sure it’s completely acceptable for me to be married and knocked up carrying on an affair with a band member. Sure it’s part of the whole experience.”
For once Declan doesn’t threaten or act jealous. He smiles widely and kisses my neck. When my friends see us laughing, they come over and join us. We enjoy the rest of the night talking about nothing important and no more drama.
*****
Shit! My parents will be here in five minutes, and I’m not close to being ready. I’m already a nervous wreck and having all the family in one car is going to put me over the edge. I’m not sure why I’m anxious. It’s not like I haven’t graduated twice before. Cap and gown, boring speeches, walking across a stage, it’s all the same. Maybe it’s because this time, I am a wife, daughter-in-law, and my moves are tracked. Since both the music and wedding articles were released, I’ve been recognized more often. Even though it’s poor taste, I’m pretty sure someone will take a picture today and post on the Sayge fan sites.
I wince when I slide my feet into my heels. I’ve been in nothing but flip-flops since the accident to let my ankle heal. The doorbell rings as I look into the mirror one last time. Declan greets our parents loudly which is his signal for me to hurry up.
I welcome everyone with hugs and check my purse one last time. It makes me smile when I see Declan has slid a pair of flats in. Robbie surprises me by walking in the door with Ember. It’s obvious they had gotten closer the past few weeks, but bringing her to my graduation is making a huge statement.
Sometimes it’s nice that my dad has connections everywhere. Instead of waiting in the traffic jams coming into campus, we have a reserved place. My mom takes us to several spots for pictures before I have to leave them. Declan walks me as far as he can and kisses me gently.
“Don’t be nervous, babe. It’ll be fine. And tonight’s going to end with me and you screaming each other’s names.”
“That happens often.” I wiggle a little, feeling the familiar build in my body.
“Do you remember the end of your first semester when I told you I had something special for when you graduated?”
I nod my head because I also remember attacking him in the bathtub like an animal.
“I have a feeling tonight we may create new memories similar to those.”
“I can’t wait.” I whisper against his lips. We’re interrupted by the click of a camera, and I see Mari with her cell phone and a grin on her face. Declan pushes me forward, and I follow Mari into the auditorium. This is it.
*****
“You did it!” Robbie twirls me around in a circle. He’s the first one to make it to me through the crowd. “I’m so proud. Now promise me this is the last graduation for you I have to sit through.”
“Promise.”
“ILY.”
“ILY too.”
“Think I can give my wife a hug?” Declan stands behind us looking mad. “Payback is hell, Robbie, you remember that.”
“Oh no, what happened?”
“Your brother tied my laces together so he could get to you first.”
The whole group laughs and even Declan cracks a smile. I jump into his arms and then give everyone else a hug. My mom takes more pictures and then we walk back to the car. I’m surprised to see the entire parking lot filled with all our friends. The far end has been set-up tailgate style with a catering truck. Tables and chairs are scattered around covered with black and gold decorations.
“Surprise!” They yell in unison.
“Did you do this?” I question Declan.
“I helped. It was going to be very hard to get a reservation for all of us at a restaurant and our houses weren’t really a good choice, so James and I came up with this idea. Your dad talked to the school and found out this is a common place for families to celebrate after graduation. The rest was easy.”
I’m overwhelmed with emotion, but don’t want to cry in front of all these people, so I turn around and shout, “I did it!”
Finn gets to me first and picks me up spinning us around.
“Congrats, Baby Girl!”
“Thank you so much for coming.”
“Always.”
Declan had told Brent, Mari, and Kyle about this last week at the bar and they joined us with their families. There in a small parking lot on the Vanderbilt University campus, we celebrated.
Chapter 54
Dream Come True
“You know we have a list a mile long we need to start tackling tomorrow.” I tell Declan as we get out of the shower.
“Like what?”
“Well, I’ve made the arrangements for someone to check on the house each week and set us up for all our bills to be online. But we still need to pack.”
“Okay, packing is easy. Give me the list, and I’ll start.”
“Packing may be simple for you, but I’ve never had to plan for fourteen weeks away before. And now I’m going to be living on a bus with four guys fifty percent of the time. I’ve completely had to buy a new pajama wardrobe. Not to mention, I’m nervous as hell about taking over. Since Jay’s not only representing you, he’s taking on new clients. What happens if I need him?”
“Calm down. He’s only a phone call away, and he’s coming to seven of the shows. I’ve seen the files, folders, and spreadsheets you’ve made. I’ve also heard you on the phone with God knows who this week demanding schedule times, ticket numbers, and travel arrangements. You’ve set up hotspots on all our phones and computers and even ordered food for the bus. It’s safe to say, you are doing fine. The only thing we need to do is meet with the lawyer before we leave.”
“What are we meeting him for again?”
“He’s your family attorney and he’s going to take us on. We need to discuss Christie and MCE. He’s also going to recommend someone for Sayge’s business interests. You’ll need to be on most of the paperwork.”
“It’s so official.” I tease.
“Yeah, babe.”
I press my body to h
is with only towels separating us.
“Baby, we have to be in Franklin in less than two hours. Don’t tempt me.”
“But I want to tempt you.”
“I guess you could thank me again for your graduation present.”
“Declan, I could hardly move for two days. But I must admit; it was fantastic.” My body responds, thinking about how I attacked him after he told me he is taking me to Napa Valley for two weeks, after the tour is over.
“I’m not going to be the reason we’re late. This is your parents’ big night.”
He’s right so I reluctantly pull away and start the process of getting ready for what will inevitably be a wild night. I smile to myself thinking about the eclectic mix of people coming to celebrate our marriage.
When I join him in the living room, we both stare at each other for a few seconds. He looks amazing in black slacks and a white oxford button down. He asked me if he should remove his lip ring for the night, but I told him no. He looks like sex on a stick, and my knees go weak. He comes over and wraps his arms around my waist.
“Jesus Christ, you’re gorgeous. I thought you were only supposed to wear a wedding dress when you actually got married.”
“This isn’t a wedding dress, it’s just white.” I refer to my slip dress with lace overlay. “I’m more surprised you haven’t noticed the shoes.”
“Oh, I noticed and you know my thoughts about sexy heels, especially red ones. Lucky for me I get to see you in nothing but those heels when we get home. Now we need to go before we have an incident like Thanksgiving on that kitchen counter.”
The farm is already full of people when we arrive. My mom gives me an evil look, but I check my watch, and we are not late.
“Raven, I swear, you could have been a little early for your own party.” She scolds me while hugging Declan. My dad rolls his eyes. We both know not to argue with her.
She leads us around, and I’m in awe at the transformation of this beautiful property. The main area has a video playing in the corner that is a montage of pictures from the wedding weekend. Bars and appetizer stations are set up around the room. Every table surface is covered with seasonal flower arrangements. Even though we didn’t want gifts, there is a table already filled with wrapped boxes. Tents are set up outside for dinner and dancing.
It takes several minutes for me to soak it all in and when I do my eyes fill with tears. “Mama, it’s perfect. Everything is exactly what I wanted. Thank you.”
Her face softens, and she hugs me tight. My dad and Declan have horrified expressions on their faces.
“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?”
“Means I was played by pussy. Once your story came out, I was fired. I had to sign a confidentiality agreement in order to get severance, but now no one will hire me. Can’t even explain my side of things.” He gulps back the rest of his drink. “So which one of you gets me first? Not sure I can even fight back so go ahead and put me out of my fucking misery.”
“Gotta tell you man, I’m ready to jack your shit up, but not keen on beating a drunk. And besides you have information I want.” Robbie answers him.
“Can’t tell you shit. I can be personally be sued. But you know the worst thing is I really thought this was it. This was the story that would launch my career. But fucking bitches let me take the fall. Funny thing is, I don’t think they’re through. I got the feeling they’ve got something else planned.”
I want to be a dick. I want to be pissed, but the hurt in his voice is obvious. Something’s not right here. I relax my stance and so does everyone else.
“Man, you got a chance here to set the story straight. Even redeem yourself.”
“What do you care? Everything turned out perfect.”
“Someone hacked into my fiancée’s personal files and stole from her. Then they tol
d lies. Of course, I fucking care.”
“What do you mean stole from her?” He looks genuinely confused.
“The pictures and information on her kidnapper were confidential.”
“You don’t think I did that? I swear all that shit was handed over to me.”
“Now’s the time to talk and make things right.”
His face is resigned, and he sighs. “Fine, but you all need to sit down and probably want to get a drink. It’s a long story.”
We pull up a few tables and sit. He tells us his story and every guy at the table looks murderous when he’s done. This is not good.
*****
Raven
Rage, fury, anger doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel right now. When Declan walked in last night with all the guys in tow, I knew right away something was wrong. Then he introduced me to a man that looked like a hobo and I couldn’t believe it. Why in the hell would he bring Andy Reeves to our home?
When I heard the whole story, I was so mad I started crying. I was hurt and humiliated. Poor Andy couldn’t really tell me anything except how sorry he was. Declan told me they had to basically piece the story together because Andy could be sued if he released certain details, but there was enough evidence on his phone to confirm what he said.
Even though we had to leave in a few hours, Mike called an emergency meeting at his office to discuss our next steps. Every employee except the sound techs were going to be there as well as Sayge.
I have to take a few deep breaths before we go into the offices. Declan holds my hand and Nate throws his arm around me. We walk in the conference room which is full of nervous energy. No one is really talking to each other, but everyone is wondering why we are here. Declan makes sure I get a seat at the large conference table and stands behind me. Charlie and Blake lean in the back by the door.
“I know this is extremely unexpected, but I learned some bad news last night that affects one of our largest clients. We’re here today to put together a plan of action. As you remember a few months ago, Raven was spotlighted in an article that defamed her character. It took our team months, but we found the reporter and the source of the article.” Mike pauses for dramatic effect.
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