He looked up to see Nigel approaching with two people in tow.Damn. The bloody interview.
“Hello. I’m Len from World of Rock. I met most of you last year, all but you Harvey.”
Harvey stood and shook his hand. “That’s right. I didn’t make the trip last time.”
“Well, it’s great that you’re here this time round.” Len smiled and looked at them all, nodding his head in greeting and then introducing the photographer. “How about we take a seat? Does anyone need refreshments before we start? There’s water and sodas along with the usual coffee.”
They all settled down, Gibbo grabbing a few bottles of water and passing them around. Len took out a tape recorder and placed it on the coffee table and pulled out a notebook.
“So, Harvey, you mentioned you didn’t make the tour last time around. You had a horrific injury and nearly lost the ability to play. How does it feel to make a miraculous recovery and be able to play the guitar again?”
Despite the total exaggeration, Harvey subconsciously rubbed his forearm and flexed his fingers before realising he was doing it and picking up his water instead. “I had surgery on the bones and ligaments, but I had the best surgeon and then awesome physical therapists so there was never any doubt that I’d play again. But music is part of my DNA so I feel bloody lucky that I have full movement back and no lasting issues.”
“You’ve been playing since you were a kid? How does it feel to be a child prodigy?”
Harvey chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that far. I won a competition at a shopping centre when I was in primary school. The prize was a chance to play with one of the Aussie legends and that made the papers because I was only eleven.”
“How did it feel to have your brother take your place during the last tour?” Len asked.
“I was immensely proud. He’s bloody brilliant with the guitar.”
Len smiled. “It must run in the family. So no plans for Parker to join the band?”
“God no. Parker hates performing. He’s immensely skilled but doesn’t have the same passion for music, at least not for performing.”
“But he’s here now?”
Rafe leaned forward. “He’s here with me, Len, as I’m sure you’re well aware.”
“Why yes.” Len’s smile widened. “It certainly did create a lot of disappointed fans when they learned superstar Rafe Moreno was taken. I believe you’re also in a relationship, Harvey?”
Harvey took a calming breath and held Len’s gaze, trying not to show the question rattled him. “I’d prefer it if we stuck to questions about the music.”
“Yes,” Nigel piped up. “I thought this interview would be focused on Rocktoberfest.”
“Of course,” Len said. “But you know how much the fans love a little personal insight into the band, a bit of the behind-the-scenes so to speak.”
“Iamin a relationship,” Harvey said, resigned he have to face the question some time, and there was no way he was denying that. “But it’s private and not something I’m prepared to talk about. I’m sure you understand how difficult it can be for any person in a relationship with someone famous. I chose this life. It’s something that I’ve been living for ten years, but they haven’t. Being in the public eye isn’t something they chose. They chosemeand I’m eternally grateful and blessed, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect that relationship.Ifand when we’re ready, and only then, I might have something to share with the rest of the world.”
“Right. I do hope you’ll reach out when that time comes.” Len pursed his lips as he scrawled something in his notebook.
Harvey gave a non-committal grunt and reached for his water.
Len asked a few questions of the other guys then turned the focus to the upcoming performances, and after another half hour, they wrapped up. The man who’d tagged along with Len then took a few group photos before advising he’d be in Reno and asked to grab some behind-the-scene shots at the venue during and after the performance. Then, thankfully, it was over.
RG slung an arm over his shoulder as they got into the elevator. “Thanks for taking the hit for the team, mate. He was laser focused on giving you a grilling.”
Harvey rolled his eyes. “Next time can you please have one of your totally inappropriate hookups, so they have some other gossip to latch on to.”
RG laughed. “I’ll do my best.”
The front door of the suite beeped. Bo looked to the door relieved when Harvey slipped through. He headed straight towards the couch were Ravi lay with his head on Bo’s lap. They’d spent the past hour or so waiting for Harvey and worrying about what was happening during the interview before Ravi had finally drifted off to sleep. Bo continued to stroke Rav’s head while raising a finger to his lips. “Shhh.”
Harvey silently crossed the room and lifted Rav’s legs, sliding underneath them to sit on the couch. “How’s he been?” he whispered.
“He hadn’t said much. I can tell he’s worried though.”
“Thanks for looking after him.”
