Forever Box Set

by Wendy Louise

  “I hear you E. I have no intention of hurting Liv; she’s the one for me. I just need to get through this fuckin’ tour and the time apart so that we can work on our future together. We’ve worked so hard to get the band to the point that we are at now and I owe the boys everything. I just hate the fact that I want to stay put in my life with Liv rather than leave her.”

  “Gray, I’ll be with her. Filming starts next week. We’ll keep a close eye on her and I’ll keep in touch.”

  I clap him on the shoulder as he takes the tongs and turns the sausages over.

  “Thanks E, I appreciate that. I was thinking that maybe you, Liv and Ava could join me for the San Francisco show. That way I can introduce Liv to my folks, and I know they’d love to see you again. Our last show is in Vegas, so maybe you guys could do a road trip there too?”

  “I’d love that man. Send me the dates and I’ll get Josh to put them into the calendar so we can keep it free. As long as we’re not filming, we’ll be there.”

  The girls join us on the patio, as they place salads and plates out on the ornate wrought iron table that sits proudly in the outdoor living area.

  Ava places her hands around Ethan’s waist and checks on his progress with the BBQ. I move over to Liv and put my arm around her shoulders, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. “I love you,” I say in her ear as I kiss her in that tender spot that she loves.

  She looks up at me with those chocolate coloured eyes and kisses me hard on the lips, letting me know that she loves me too.

  As we settle around the table and start to hand around food, the sun pokes through the clouds and we are privy to a perfect LA evening. It’s so great to have Ava and Ethan home, I didn’t realise how much I had missed my best friend until I had him back.

  “So Gray is the album launch still set for this Friday?” Ethan asks as he spears a piece of steak.

  I nod. “Yep, it’s ready to go. You will all be there right?”

  “We wouldn’t miss it Grayson,” Ava says as she passes the salad bowl around the table.

  “Has Ruby been busting your balls, getting you guys ready for it?” Ethan asks.

  At the sound of that name I blanch.

  Ruby Rhodes is our publicist, assigned by the label.

  She’s a ball-breaker.

  She’s organised and professional, but I also know that she wants me.

  She’s made that loud and clear.

  She is one of those women that couldn’t care less if you’re married or attached to someone else; she just goes after what she wants no matter what. She’s well known in this business for promoting her talent, but also well known for doing the leading man if you get my drift.

  Ethan has had to ward her off a couple of times so he knows how hard she comes on.

  I haven’t spoken to Liv about Ruby. I’m not interested in her in the slightest, so I don’t want Liv to worry unnecessarily about her.

  “Who’s Ruby?” Liv asks suspiciously as she takes a sip of her beer.

  I give Ethan a look that says, ‘Why did you have to bring her up?’ and turn my attention to Liv.

  “Ruby Rhodes is our publicist. She’s been working hard on promoting the tour and getting us out there so that we can fill the stadiums. You’ll get to meet her at the launch,” I state, shutting down the conversation.

  Liv turns back to her food as I risk a glance at Ethan.

  He is thinking the same thing as I am; how the hell am I going to keep Liv away from Ruby?

  Ruby will not be threatened by the fact that Liv is a major Hollywood star, in fact that will only make me more a challenge for her.

  I am so fundamentally screwed!

  I pull back the covers so Liv can hop into bed beside me.

  She has a little pink silk nightie on that skims her thighs and has little areas of lace that play peek-a-boo with her breasts.

  Her long hair is flowing across her shoulders and falls softly over the top of her plump chest. She is breathtaking. She snuggles against my side and throws a leg over mine, burrowing closer.

  I hook my arms around her and squeeze her tight. I’m going to miss this so much when I have to leave her.

  “I’m scared Gray,” she says quietly into the darkness of the room.

  I grab her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her gaze to mine. “What’s wrong baby?”

  “I’m scared of what’s going to happen when you go. How do we know that we are cut out for a long-distance relationship? There’s so much going on in each of our careers. We’ve both worked so hard to get where we are, but this…” she says as she gestures between her chest and mine, “….this is more important to me than anything else right now. That makes me feel guilty.”

  I take her face in my hands and kiss her softly but deeply.

  “Liv, we don’t have to feel guilty for being happy, for being in love, for wanting to be together. That’s the most natural thing in the whole world. What we both do for a living is just that, it’s a living! One that we both love thankfully, but still just a job at the end of the day. This thing between us, that’s what’s real, that’s what’s important, and that’s what will keep me going every day when I’m away from you.”

  I bend and kiss her lips again. She tastes so sweet. Like honey and sugar.

  I skim my thumb over her cheekbone before running it across her bottom lip. She snakes her tongue out and sucks on the tip of my finger before pulling it into her mouth and biting down gently on the pad. “Tell me what you want Liv?”

  “You,” she says. “Only You.”

  I’ve been dreading today for the entire week. I should be so freakin’ pumped to launch our album, but all I can think about is the fact that Liv is going to go mental when she meets Ruby.

  Especially given the fact that Ruby will be on tour with us while Liv is stuck here.

  I finish doing up my black button-down shirt and roll the cuffs back to my elbows. One last swipe of gel through the top of my hair and I’m ready.

  I leave the bathroom and stop dead in my tracks when I come upon Liv fastening the ankle strap of her heels.

  She’s wearing a short red strapless dress. It is all lace, with what looks to be a nude shell underneath. It gives the illusion of being see-through but it’s not. All I want to do is rip it off her and keep her in bed all evening.

  Nervous energy flows through me, too many douchebags will be at this party and I don’t want them all staring at my girl.

  I know that if I ask her to change she won’t, and truth be told she looks stunning. I suck in a deep breath and walk towards her.

  “Liv you look amazing, that dress should be illegal.”

  She giggles against my neck. “I’m glad you approve Gray.”

  I don’t but I’m not about to say that aloud.

  “There is something missing though Liv,” I say, tracing my finger along her collar bone.

  She looks at me with a puzzled expression.

  “What?” she asks, as she looks down to see if she has forgotten anything.

  I hold out a small box in the palm of my hand. “This,” I say.

  She takes the box and smiles at me. “What did you do?” she asks as she pulls back the lid.

  Olivia gasps and her small hand flies over her mouth. “Gray!” she whispers.

  “Here let me,” I say as I pull the antique gold necklace from the box. I move her hair to one side and place a kiss on her shoulder. I place the necklace around her neck and fasten the clasp at the back, kissing her again between the shoulder blades.

  Liv picks up the heart charm and reads the inscription out loud, “My heart is yours.” On the other side of the charm I have had our names engraved along with the date that we first got together.

  “Gray I love it!” she says as she smashes her mouth to mine and kisses me hard. “You are so getting laid tonight!”

  I spent all afternoon yesterday trying to find the perfect gift for her. I wanted something that she could wear every day, noth
ing too ostentatious, but enough for her to look at it and be reminded of us each time she did. I came across the vintage necklace in an antique store. I knew she would love it.

  “You ready baby?” I ask as I hold out my hand to her.

  She nods and grabs her clutch purse from the bed. We walk hand in hand out to the waiting car and make our way to the party.

  Ethan and Ava are standing at the entrance having their photo snapped by loads of paparazzi when we arrive. They look every bit the happily-in-love couple that they are as they smile and pose patiently for the cameras.

  Liv checks her lipstick in her compact mirror before placing it back in her purse and taking my hand.

  “If I don’t get a chance to tell you this baby, I’m really proud of you,” she says to me as she kisses my lips carefully so as not to transfer her bright red lipstick to my lips.

  God, I love this girl!

  The driver opens our door and I step out onto the curb to screaming fans and flashing cameras.

  I turn back to give Liv my hand, and as she emerges from the car, the cameras and screams escalate to a whole other level. The public and the media are really digging Liv and I together, it’s like we’re some super power-couple, and they can’t get enough.

  Liv gives a small wave to the crowd, and we make our way over to the step-and-repeat area of the carpet. The banner has the record label’s logo as well as graphics of the album cover. We stop and pose for a few minutes, turning our heads towards each of the photographers as they call our names.

  Liv is so good at this that it makes it much easier for me to cope with, but still my heart is beating furiously. I feel Liv’s thumb rubbing a light path on the inside of my palm, her way of calming me down - and it’s working.

  “You wanna’ give ‘em something to scream at?” I whisper to her.

  She smiles and nods, so I plant a kiss firmly on her plump lips in front of all the cameras and all the fans - and they go wild.

  Even with my eyes closed while kissing Liv I can still see the blinding light of all the flashes through my lids. Before I pull back I feel an arm on my elbow and a voice hiss in my ear, “Enough!”

  I release myself from Liv’s lips and turn to see a very angry looking Ruby standing in front of us.

  Great!

  I don’t want this introduction to be captured on film, so I gently move Liv forward into the venue, knowing that Ruby is hot on our heels. We give one last wave to the waiting crowd and duck inside.

  Ruby is dressed in her signature black power suit. The skirt is way too short, the jacket very tight, and the hot pink silk shell underneath is cut too low. Her long blonde hair is curled to perfection and her legs are covered in fish-net stockings.

  Most guys would find her look sexy and appealing; I think she looks like she tries too hard.

  Ruby’s heels click on the marble behind us and she comes to a stop. “Grayson, no photo ops without me present, is that clear?” she says with authority.

  “What did you want me to do Ruby? We arrived, they were waiting, we posed, end of story. You were nowhere to be seen.” I point out.

  “I was busy with your sister and Cooper; they created quite a stir when they arrived too.”

  Ruby turns her attention to Olivia and looks her up and down. She sticks her bony hand out and simply says, “Ruby Rhodes, Publicist.”

  Olivia being the bigger person, smiles at Ruby and shakes her hand. “Hi, I’m Olivia Lucas.”

  “I know who you are,” Ruby says, dismissing Liv. “Grayson, how many times do I need to tell you that sex sells albums? Those women out there don’t want to see you kissing your girlfriend; they want to believe that they have a chance with you. No more public displays of affection!” she barks, as she places her long manicured fingers around my forearm; a gesture that doesn’t go unnoticed by Liv.

  “We want to sell you as a single, available man, not someone who comes as part of a package deal.”

  Olivia laughs from beside me and grabs my hand away from Ruby’s vice grip. “Ruby, I’ve always been taught that any publicity is good publicity, and Gray and I have been front and centre on most of the gossip rags for the past week. The album is not going to suffer any from the type of publicity that we’ve provided.” She gives me a warm smile.

  Ruby turns her gaze to Olivia and there is fire in her eyes. I tighten my grip on Liv’s hand and start to move us forward.

  “Let’s go in and get a drink baby,” I say to Liv, trying to move us away from Ruby’s venomous look.

  “Don’t drink too much,” Ruby calls from behind, “you have interviews to do throughout the evening.”

  I feel like chucking her the finger but I don’t. “God she’s a pain in my ass,” I say to Liv under my breath.

  “I can see that,” Liv says, before adding, “…please tell me that I misinterpreted the fact that she wants in your pants Gray.”

  I stop dead and turn to face her.

  “What are you talking about Liv?”

  She gives me a stare. “C’mon Gray, you can’t tell me that you missed that. She wants you - plain and simple. She wants what’s mine.”

  I pull Liv against me tight. “God I love it when you’re jealous over me Liv,” I say, smiling at her and trying to lighten her mood.

  It fails miserably.

  I cup her cheek and run my thumb over the side of her face. “Olivia Lucas, when I’m with you, I don’t see anyone else, you’re all I want, all I need. You’re my air.”

  She leans in and kisses me, running her hands through the hair at the back of my neck and sending tingles down my spine.

  “Thank you and I love you too, but don’t think that I didn’t notice Gray. She had better not cause any problems; I won’t be so nice to her next time.”

  I groan against Liv’s mouth. “God Liv, you’ve got me all worked up with this possessiveness, let’s get inside before I find a quiet room for us to disappear into.”

  She pokes her finger into my chest. “We can’t do that, remember no more public displays of affection according to Ruby!” She rolls her gorgeous eyes and takes my hand, leading me into the room.

  The entire space has been converted to look like our album cover.

  The name of the album is “Checked Out”, and the cover has a photo of the four of us in black and white.

  Very simple but really effective.

  Banners displaying the album cover are hanging from the ceiling, and the entire backdrop of the stage is filled with the photo of the four of us on a large electronic screen. It’s really overwhelming but very exciting to see it come to fruition. The boys and I will be playing five songs from the album tonight, so our instruments sit centre-stage waiting for us. A flash of nerves runs through my system and I shudder, more from excitement than anything else.

  Sienna, Cooper, Ethan and Ava are all standing near the stage talking, so we make our way over to them. I grab two glasses of champagne from a passing tray. Not my first choice in liquor, but it’s a start. At least it will help to take this fuckin’ edge off. I hand one to Olivia and take a small sip of mine.

  Ethan gives me a one-armed hug and we share our signature handshake. “Hey Gray, what’s new?”

  “Lots and nothing,” I reply, “You?”

  Ethan laughs and throws an arm around my shoulder. He gestures to the room with the same hand that is holding his glass of champagne, “This is amazing man, I’m so fuckin’ proud of you.”

  “Thanks E. I’m pretty pumped. I can’t believe we’re finally here.”

  Sienna throws her arms around my neck and squeezes tight. “I love you Grayson and I’m so pleased for you. You deserve every part of this.”

  I kiss her on the cheek, and take in the fact that Cooper has reclaimed her, snaking his arm around her waist.

  I give him my best don’t-fuck-with-my-sister glare and he laughs, clinking his champagne glass against mine. Deep down I know that Coop wouldn’t do anything to hurt Sienna, he knows I’d kill him if he did
, but I just like messing with him.

  Rafe, our Manager, makes his way through the crowd to us.

  “Hey Guys, we’re ready for you all on stage. Follow me and we’ll get things started.”

  Ruby is standing behind him glaring at Liv again, but thankfully she doesn’t notice. I hand my almost empty glass to Liv and she kisses me on the lips, I don’t miss the dirty look that Ruby gives me, and I really don’t care.

  If I want to kiss Liv, I will.

  Hell - I can’t help myself most of the damn time anyway.

  “I love you; now go kick some ass up there,” Liv says, as she swats me on the ass as I walk away.

  I give her a wink over my shoulder and follow the boys to the stage, ready to launch the hell out of this album.

  Making a stand

  If Grayson thinks I missed the glare that Ruby-bitch was giving me then he is mistaken. I saw her hard face staring at me when he was kissing me, but I don’t care. I want her to know that he is totally mine.

  She wants him plain and simple, and I am not giving him up.

  She is stunning, in a model type of way.

  She is tall and thin, and very well dressed. Her business suit showcases her long lean legs and her ample breasts, and she has the type of hair that you see in shampoo commercials. None of that matters to me though. The only thing I care about is the fact that she wants Gray and he belongs to me.

  Wow, I sound like a child fighting over a toy, but it is what it is.

  “You look so stunning Liv,” Ava says as she takes a small sip of champagne. “Red is definitely your colour.”

  “Thanks Sis,” I reply, as I keep my eye on my man who is slowly climbing the stairs to the stage.

  “Who’s the chick behind Grayson?” Ava asks.

  “That’s Ruby-bitch,” I respond without thinking.

  Ava spits champagne from her mouth and says, “What?”

  “Ruby-bitch,” I repeat. “She’s their Publicist, and she wants him.”

  Ava laughs and puts her arm around my waist. “She can want all she likes Sis, but she has no chance with Gray. He has eyes for you and you alone.”