“Good. It’s great to be able to walk on it finally. It’s a little weak, which makes me feel unbalanced, so I’m going to be slow, but it’s getting there.”
Rob clears his throat to gain our attention. “Okay, I want to thank Dee for calling us all here today. It’s been a while since we’ve been together, and we have a lot of catching up to do.Colt, if you’re willing, we have some interviews lined up for you regarding Dee’s recovery and what’s coming up next for the band. They’re all here in London, so no traveling, but it would be great to let the world know what’s going on,” Rob states.
Colt looks across at me. I’m guessing it’s for guidance.
“You should do it. The world needs to know I’m okay and then tell them the band is back together and working on some new material, starting today.”
The guys’ faces light up, including Colt’s, who walks over and embraces me tightly. “Are you sure? I can spend more time with you if you need it. I don’t want you to feel like I’m neglecting you.”
“It’s time, Colt. Your fans need you. So go into the music room and tell the guys all about the new songs you’ve been singing to me at night.” He stares at me, and it’s obvious he’s hesitant. “Go, baby. The girls and I will bring in some lunch and drinks a bit later. Go be the rock god I know you are.”
He smiles, and then his lips crash to mine, making me chuckle. His kiss is quick, but he puts a lot of emphasis into it. “I fucking love you,” he says as the guys all walk toward the music room.
“I fucking love you, too,” I reply, staring into his eyes.
He smirks, raises an eyebrow, then leans in for another quick kiss before heading off.
“Okay, ladies, it’s gossip time,” I say as Anna and I head toward the kitchen table.
They laugh, and just as we sit down, Rob walks into the kitchen, gaining our attention.
“Dee, Colt says you want to talk to Sia and me about PR?”
I was going to leave it for later, but if I’m serious about learning, there’s no time like the present. “Oh, yeah. I was talking to Colt about getting a job, and he thought I might begood at handling PR for the band. The only thing is… I’d need you guys to teach me, well, everything. Would you be willing?”
Sia smiles warmly, and Anna nods encouragingly.
I guess they didn’t expect me actually to want a job, so this is news.
“Sure, Dee,” Rob says, grinning. “The band could definitely use someone new handling PR. I’m doing it right now, but honestly, I’m stretched thin. I can train you. In fact, why don’t Sia and I run through the basics with you now?”
I nod eagerly, just as the sound of the band playing filters down the hall.
God, I’ve missed that sound.
We spend the next couple of hours diving into everything PR, and to my surprise, it all clicks. It’s like this was what I was meant to do.
After a while, Rob heads off to check on the guys’ progress, and Anna, Sia, and I shift the conversation to wedding plans while I cradle Aston, soaking in every cuddle I can.
The band plays through until evening, when Anna and I put together a meal for everyone.
The laughter, the food, the music—it all feels like a piece of our lives is slowly falling back into place.
But I can feel Hux’s eyes on me.
And I know I need to clear the air.
When he gets up to take his plate to the kitchen, I follow, my heart hammering in my chest.
He’s at the sink, washing his plate, and barely glances at me.
“Hux, can we talk?” I ask softly.
“Is there reallyanythingleft to say?” he mutters without looking at me.
I step closer, swallowing my nerves. “I think there is. Look, I know you’re angry about what happened a few weeks ago. And you have every right to be. I just… I need you to know that I amtruly sorry for the way I spoke to Colt. I never meant to hurt him. And believe me, I’ve been kicking myself every day since.”
He still doesn’t look up, so I press on, “I love your brother, Hux. We’re getting married. And I know how much it would mean to him to have you standing beside him as his best man. So, for Colt’s sake, can we please find a way to move forward?”
