Jay interrupts our private celebration to tell Declan he needs to do an interview for a blogger that’s waiting. Declan gives him the evil eye, but joins the rest of the band and gives the interview. The blogger asks him who I am, but he refuses to answer. After the third time, the guy asks Jay and he answers that I’m just a friend of the family. Declan doesn’t correct him and he won’t look at me. I look down at the ring on my finger and wipe the tears from my eyes.
I discreetly say my good-byes and make my way to the waiting car. I have just over an hour in the car to cry it out. Then I’m determined to let it go for the next eight weeks. I’m leaving.
*****
Declan
Where did she go? I don’t see Raven anywhere. I want to punch Jay for that little fucking stunt. I was doing fine evading that bloggers questions and I already told the guys I was going to avoid talking about Raven, but I will never deny our relationship. If asked directly, I wouldn’t lie so we all agreed to try and keep the conversation off of her and my personal life.
Jay’s talking to a guy I recognize from the show. He was talking to Raven during our performance and he hugged her when she left. It’s time I find out who the hell he is.
“Yo, Jay! What the hell was that?”
Jay gives me a ‘shut the hell up’ look and doesn’t answer me. He continues talking to this guy, ignoring me.
“Excuse me for interrupting, but did you see which way Raven ran after your little insult earlier?”
The conversation stops and Jay’s face starts to turn red.
“Raven Hayes?”
“Yeah, you know her?”
The guy smirks at me with a shit eating grin. “Yeah, I know her, known her for a long time.”
“Who the hell are you?” I practically growl at him because the look on his face tells me that he’s thinking dirty thoughts about her.
“Declan, maybe you should lower your voice,” Jay snaps at me.
The other guy laughs. “I’m Mike Jacobs.”
“Great, Mike, how do you know Raven?” I’m starting to get impatient. Jay is trying to intervene by talking about the show, but I don’t look away from Mike.
“Robbie and I went to school together. I’ve known the Hayes family since I was in Junior High. How do you know Raven?”
“She’s my fiancé.”
“Well, congratulations, she’s quite a catch. She’s always been a beautiful girl, but she’s grown into a stunning young woman.”
“I assure you, if you like what you see and we work together, Declan’s situation won’t become public. We understand how important image is.” Jay says to Mike.
“What the fuck, Jay? Why would he care?”
Jay looks at me with anger in his eyes. “Declan, Mike owns MJ Label. They’re the group we’ve been worki
ng through to try and get a record deal.”
“No shit, what a small world. What’d you think of the show?”
Mike looks back and forth between Jay and me with obvious skepticism. “The show was great! You’ve got a good sound and solid chemistry among the band members. But I’m going to be completely honest here, MJ isn’t looking for the next big letdown. I need to know what kind of situation you’re referring to when you said ‘Declan’s situation won’t become public’.’’
Jay glares at me, waiting for me to answer. “Jay told me about hiding the engagement from the public while we tour this summer. I’m not on board with lying, but I’ll avoid any questions about my love life.”
Mike looks at me like I’m crazy. “Why the fuck would you want to hide your engagement?”
I’m not sure I want to answer this question since Jay’s the one who works with the Marketing team who made the suggestion. I nod my head for Jay to answer.
“Jessica told us how important it is to be desirable and edgy. She explained the image Sayge needs to get the following you wanted for your label.”