I smiled. “I told you he knows what he’s doing.”
She smiled a brilliant smile. “Yeah, you did. And yes, he does.”
“You’re welcome, kid. So…” Shane started. “Now that you know I’ve saved the day, it’s time to address the paps and scheduled interviews.”
I groaned and pulled away from Zaira before going back to the stove. “Can’t you work your magic on both of those as well?” I pouted a little and wiggled my fingers at him, which made Zaira laugh.
Shane rolled his eyes. “Can’t. The paps want to know more about you and Zaira, and all the big talk shows have lined up for interviews.”
“When?” I asked, and then threw the cold pancakes in the trash before grabbing the pancake mix from the back counter.
“Today. Ross cancelled shoot for the day. He wants you to “figure your shit out” before the media comes knocking on his door. Zaira works for him, and ifyoudon’t deal with the press,hewill have to, and we both know how impulsive and weird he is in that department.”
“This is ridiculous,” I mumbled, and looked at Zaira, who was watching Shane and I with a neutral expression on her face.
“Itisridiculous, but the media wants a story, G,” Shane said, and I turned my attention to him. “They need an official statement; an assurance of sorts.”
A statement? I’ll show themstatement.
I placed the pancake mix box on the counter, opened my cutlery drawer, pulled out my phone, opened the IG app, and then clicked on the camera icon on the top left.
I walked over to Zaira, placed the phone at an appropriate angle, and pressed and held onto the record button.
She made a sound, but quickly relaxed when I wrapped an arm around her just as the IG story video started recording.
“Hey, guys,” I began with a smile. “Thank you so much for all your love and support in last night’s post. Zaira and I are ecstatic to see your enthusiasm. I hope you keep the positivity flowing, and also respect our wishes by giving us some privacy. It’s very new for the both of us, and we’d like to cherish and develop what we share. I love you all from the bottom of my heart, and I appreciate you being here, rooting for us. Stay safe and healthy. Ciao.”I signed off with a wink, and then threw my phone back inside the drawer before raising a brow at my manager. “Well, was thatstatementenough for you?” I asked.
He shook his head and walked over to the balcony before peering down. He quickly turned, and then smirked as he came to stand in front of me. “Well, it certainly worked because the paps are leaving, so I’ll say yes. Yes, it was statement enough.”
I grinned. “Wanna stay over for breakfast?”
He waved a hand before him. “Nah. You kids have fun. I’m gonna spend time with my wife today.” He gave me a wink, and I faked a gag just to tease him.
“What about the interviews?” Zaira asked me. “Don’t you wanna do those?”
I shrugged. “I do them plenty. I’d rather spend time with you,” I said.
She blushed, and this time,Shanefaked a gag to teaseme.
Asshole.
“I’m gonna cancel the interviews,” he said, “but just this once. I can’t keep denying the big names all the time.”
I gave him a three-finger salute. “Aye-aye, Captain.”
He rolled his eyes again as he headed for the front door. “Have fun, and don’t care about the media,” he told me, his expression kind. He was a great guy, my manager, and I was a lucky fucker to have him, that was for sure.
I smiled at him. “Thanks, Shane. You’re the best.”
He winked. “That, I am.” He then patted my shoulder once. “Have a good day, son.”
“You too, Shane.”
With a smile and a nod, he walked over to the elevator.
I shut the door and headed to the kitchen, where Zaira was waiting for me, still munching on the blueberries I’d given her.
“Hey, gorgeous,” I said as I came to a stop in front of her.
