Dean rolled his eyes with a lighthearted groan, admiring Colton’s blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, God, I’ve created a monster!”
Colton wrapped an arm around his waist and squeezed.
Dean tilted his chin ahead. “Okay, we’ve got one more interview with Entertainment Tonight, and then we’re home free.”
As they approached the interview area, Dean recognized Jenna Franklin Forbes, a ridiculously vapid wannabe starlet who was serving as the night’s red-carpet host for E.T.
Jenna had always been nice to Dean. He’d interviewed with her twice before. Still, there was something about Jenna that he didn’t trust. Maybe it was something in her aura, her soul…who fucking knew? But something always set Dean’s defenses sky high.
And Dean couldn’t help but shake his head at the spectacle in front of them…enormous fake boobs, overprocessed bleach-blonde hair, lips filled to the brim with silicone, and a skin-tight red dress, a la Jessica Rabbit. He wondered how anyone could keep a straight face during a serious interview, if she even did those.
Steeling himself, he squeezed Colton’s hand and stepped into her interview space.
“Oh, yes!” Jenna squealed. “We havetheit-couple of the moment, DJ DVLN and Colton Merrick.”
Colton squeezed the life out of Dean’s hand, probably to keep from laughing in her face. Dean squeezed back.
“It’s nice to see you again, Jenna.” Dean smiled and leaned in to give her a side hug and peck on the cheek.
“And I amlovingthis ensemble.” She leaned back to take in the entire suit. “A human disco ball. Yass queen!” She snapped her finger with a hair toss.
Colton sputtered his lips, failing miserably at keeping a straight face. Hopefully the camera didn’t catch that. Then Jenna turned her attention to him. “And Colton, dressed in black with the constellations in rhinestone…I love it!” She patted his shoulder before turning her attention back to Dean.
“Now, DJ DVLN, you’ve already made history as the first dance artist ever nominated for Song of the Year, but you can also make more history tonight. You’re nominated for four awards, the most by an EDM artist. How does that make you feel?”
Dean inwardly rolled his eyes at the ridiculous question.
How the fuck did she think he felt?
But, ever the professional, he gave her a wide smile. “Well, I’m obviously thankful to the Academy for the acknowledgement, and very grateful to my fans for embracing my music.”
Jenna hummed in approval. “And Colton, everyone knows the story of your MVP award. Are you happy you can attend tonight with your boyfriend?”
Colton smiled and leaned into the microphone. “Absolutely. I’m thrilled to be here tonight and can’t wait to see his performance. It’s gonna be epic!”
Jenna quickly checked her notecard and returned to Dean. “Yesterday, you appeared onThe Kelly Clarkson Showand sang a rendition of ‘Somebody to Love’ by Queen. It was an amazing performance, and anyone who’s listened to your music knows you have an incredible voice. So I’ve gotta ask, why not move into pop music or rock music, where there are surely more opportunities for success?”
Once again, Dean gave her a smile, but then looked directly into the camera.
“That’s a great question, Jenna. My first internship was in a music studio in Atlanta. And it was pure dumb luck that I was able to work with the legendary dance music producer Lyle Rodgers. He taught me a great deal, and I fell in love with dance music. The dance community embraced and accepted me when no one else would. Quite literally, dance music saved my life by giving me a voice and a purpose.” He turned his gaze back to Jenna. “I know I could probably make a lot more money moving into pop or rock, and maybe one day I’ll give it a try, but it’s not all about the money. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the dance community, and I will always be rooted there.”
Jenna took a breath, seeming to be genuinely moved by Dean’s answer. “Okay, I have one more question, one that I’m sure you’ve heard far too many times, but I must hear it directly from you. That kiss, onstage during your show in San Francisco…was it planned?”
Dean and Colton both looked at one another with big grins. Dean gave a little nod toward Colton. “Do you want to take this one?”
Colton chuckled and turned back to Jenna. “Actually no, it wasn’t planned. I was watching with my family across the field in a private box. We had planned to make an official announcement the next day, but I had a huge argument with my mother during the concert. I was really upset and had to see him.” He tilted his head toward Dean. “I ran all the way around the stadium and demanded to see Dean in the middle of his show. We decided then to make the announcement on stage. So, it was kind of a last-minute defiant act towards my mother.” Colton laughed.
“But everything is good now, with his mom. We’ve all talked it out and kissed and made up,” Dean clarified.
“That’s quite a story. And I’m glad everything worked out. Thank you for your time, and good luck tonight!”
They gave one last wave to the camera and stepped away from Jenna.
Colton bumped his shoulder as they walked away. “Well, that was interesting!”
Dean snickered. “Yeah, she’s a lot, bless her heart.”
Colton barked out a laugh. “Okay, I’ve been around you long enough to know that isnota compliment.”
