“Oh, glad you two finally figured your shit out,” Beau says. “Now let’s do some damage control.”
I bury my face against Zander’s shoulder. “This is the shit side of the business, huh?”
We turn our bodies to face Beau.
“Hey,” Beau says.
Zander stiffens for a moment, but he squeezes my hand. For the first time in weeks, I believe we’re going to survive this—together.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Zander
The lights are bright. I’ve done a shit-ton of interviews, but I’ve never been this nervous. Mostly because we’re going to be candid today. I won’t be a country superstar promoting a new album. I’m just going to be me. A guy in love with his girl.
I settle next to Romy on the couch and put my arm around her shoulders. “You okay?”
“I’m okay.” She squeezes my thigh.
And I believe her because if she wasn’t, I’d shut this whole thing down and carry her out of here.
The Getaway Lodge’s conference room has been made into a pop-up studio, with the lake in view through the window like a reminder that we’re real, and we’re not in some manufactured studio.
Beau talks with the producer and the interviewer, Kira.
Kira comes over with a kind smile. “Okay, so are you guys ready?”
We nod, and Romy glances at me for a second. Her smile assures me that we got this.
Kira sits, and the light on the camera flicks to red and someone says, “Rolling.”
“All right,” Kira says. She starts by introducing me and lists all my accolades, then turns from looking at the camera to look at Romy and me. “So, this is quite the change of pace for country’s biggest superstar. You’ve never been reported to have been in a serious relationship before, Zander. Tell us—how did you guys meet?”
I glance at Romy, and she raises her hand.
“Well, I was a groupie.”
“You weren’t a groupie.” I laugh.
“Yes, I was. Very much a groupie.” Her grin is contagious.
“I saw her from the stage, on the Jumbotron when the camera scanned the crowd.” I take Romy’s hand.
For her part, Kira puts her hand over her heart and sinks back in her chair.
“I guess it is kind of romantic when you say it.” Romy leans her head on my shoulder for a second before popping back up.
“During one of the songs when I was changing out my guitar, I told my security detail to give her a backstage pass and bring her back.”
“And you went?” Kira asks Romy.
“Of course I went! He was like my dream come true. Is my dream come true. Although I didn’t know what I was in for, going back there. As soon as I was past the security line, I had an NDA shoved in my face.” Her eyes find Beau behind the camera, and he shrugs.
“So then, okay. You signed the NDA. And then what? After the concert?” Kira leans in a bit, seeming interested in the next part.
“I was just brought to his dressing room.” Romy squeezes my hand.
Kira turns to me.
