“So hard,” she whispered.
Steven’s eyes filled with tears, and he blew out a shaky breath. “I still can’t believe he’s…”
Claudia fanned her eyes with one hand, hoping her own tears wouldn’t ruin her makeup. “I know,” she whispered.
Fighting his tears, Steven ran his index finger down Elliott’s cheek. “He’s perfect. Who knew Mike could make such a perfect child?”
Rusty sniffled. “He would’ve...”
Sniffing, Claudia said, “If only, right?”
The three of them grew quiet, each trying to get themselves together again.
Zane, who was busy being interviewed by theETcrew already, gave Claudia a quick wink, then finished what he was saying. “We’re all here to support her. She’s an incredibly talented woman. And she’s lost a lot. We all have. Our lives will never be the same, so we’ll have to find things tocelebrate. Ways to keep Mike alive. And there’s no better way than by taking care of his son.”
The reporter nodded eagerly. “That’s beautiful.”
“Thanks. We’re going to do our best to honor his memory, starting with the big concert. And we’re going to make sure Claudia and little Elliott will always have a family looking out for them.” He smiled at Elliott as if he were merely the child of a friend. There was no hint of this causing him any pain whatsoever. Maybe he could’ve made it as an actor. Or maybe seeing his son for the first time really meant so little.
The photography team got to work, positioning them all in front of a white backdrop. Claudia sat in a classic mission-style armchair with Elliott on her lap, and the guys were positioned around her, standing up—Zane directly behind, Rusty to her left, and Steve to her right. The photographer gave directions. “Everyone look at the baby. Steven, tilt your head to the left a little. Your other left. Good. Zane, put your hand on Claudia’s shoulder. Perfect. Yes.”
Claudia’s body warmed at the feeling of his hand on her. Her soul ached and she fought the urge to look up at him. Her nose tingled, and her eyes grew blurry.
“Keep smiling, Claudia. Yes, that’s better. You okay?”
She nodded. “Just a little hot. Why don’t babies come with fans?”
Everyone chuckled.
“Okay, let’s get a few with the guys holding him. Bring in the two stools. Zane on the chair, holding Elliott, and Steven and Rusty on either side. Claudia standing in the back.”
Claudia stood and looked up at Zane. Their eyes locked, and it was the only moment of truth that entire afternoon. “Here you go,” she said to the baby.
“Come see Uncle Zane,” he said, lifting their child fromher hands. His eyes filled with tears. “Just look at him,” Zane whispered, kissing Elliott on the forehead.
The cameraman from VH1 rushed in to get the shot, bringing Claudia back to reality. The women on set made ‘aww’ sounds. And Zane smiled over at them, back to being the showman. Gently bouncing up and down, he said, “Isn’t he something? I only wish Mike could be here.” His voice cracked, and the women clutched their hands to their chests, and everyone forgot they were there to do a job.
And in a flash, Claudia was relegated to the background with the three men and her son in front, and she knew this would be the cover shot.
The team worked quickly and soon, the photoshoot was over. The reporters hurried over to Claudia. “This must be quite emotional for you, Claudia. Can you tell us what this feels like?”
“It’s um … hard. I miss him every day. The real version of Mike, not the rocker people think he was. What happened was a tragedy, and I … wish he could be here.”
“Has it been helpful having so much support from the band? I’ve been told that Rusty’s wife, Kitty Dwyer, and Sienna have both been very involved.”
She flinched, then instantly recovered. “Everyone’s been incredible. I’m so lucky.”
The reporter fromPeopletook Elliott’s hand. “God, he’s a cute little thing. He looks exactly like his dad.”
“Doesn’t he?” Claudia asked, forcing a grin. “Just the spitting image of him.”
She glanced over at Zane in time to see him shoot her a warning look. Turning her gaze back to the reporter, she added, “Let’s hope he’s got his dad’s musical talent too.”
“Or yours. You’re no slouch, Claudia.”
“Thank you, but his father’s a legend.”
“That’s only because you’re just getting started,” the reporter said. “Word has it you’ve got a new song coming out. Tell us about that.”
