“Yes, you did. You’re here. You didn’t run away. That means the world to me.”
“Oh, I forgot to mention, the reporters have no choice but to leave by tomorrow because all the accommodations in town, including the resort, have agreed they’re fully booked from now until Christmas. Such a shame,” she says.
A slow grin creeps on my face. “Friends in high places?”
“You could say that. Alpine Falls has officially adopted you as one of their own, so you’ve been unofficially initiated.”
I press another kiss to her lips. “Those are the sweetest words I’ve ever heard.”
“Hurry so we can run away and have somequality timeafter lunch.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I rarely get nervous at these things, but my palms sweat a little. Dale sits beside me on the left, and Brianna on the right. I’m going to give a brief statement, then I’ll take a couple of questions, and we’ll be done.
“Thank you to everyone for coming,” I say, even though they came without invitation and invaded my privacy. “As many of you know, a lot has happened this past year, and I’ve taken some time to reflect. The false allegations against me were not only harmful and hurtful to me and my reputation, but they have created doubt in some people, and I’d like to set the record straight. The people who matter to me—my friends, my family, and my fans—have always had my back. I’d also like to maintain that I have never lied, nor have I ever touched a woman without consent. My accuser committed perjury and admitted on record to lying about me. I’ve taken a short break from my beloved Nashville to find myself again, and I’ve indeed gained solace and grounding in this little town called Alpine Falls. Although I didn’t arrive in town with a big announcement, the kind people who welcomed me warmly didn’t mind.” I take a breath. “I’ve also recently met someone, and she’s very special to me. Lately, some people have written things about her that I do not condone or appreciate. Bailey Owens is a wonderful, beautiful, smart, amazing woman, and I’m looking forward to getting to know her during my extended stay here. Yes, we are a couple, and no, I will add nothing further except to say please respect our privacy. Bailey and the townsfolk of Alpine Falls didn’t ask for all the media attention, and I’d certainly like for them to not kick me out of town because of all the media speculation and negative attention.” A few laughs titter around the room. “I will be returning to the studio soon, but in a much smallercapacity. Working on a new studio album will be my focus, as well as selected tour dates across the country. I have no plans to return to touring full time. I will also live in Alpine Falls for the foreseeable future, commuting between here and my property in Nashville. Okay, I’ll take a couple of questions before we all go about our business.”
Immediately everyone calls out but I focus on one person in the front.
“Mr. Altman, do you have anything more to say to your accuser?” he asks, holding a microphone towards me.
“No, I already said what I had to say.” I give a chin lift to the person next to him.
The female reporter asks, “When will you release your new album?”
I chuckle. “It’s early days yet, but I am hoping to get back into the studio very soon. My fans mean the world to me, and I’ve got new inspiration.” My eyes meet Bailey’s across the room and she smiles. “Somehow, I seem to have found my mojo again.”
A few mutters and ‘oh’s’ ring through the room.
Then, to the far right, a woman asks, “There were some photographs released recently of you and Ms. Owens, would you care to comment on the speculation?”
“No, I wouldn’t.” I say, “The photographer took those photos on private property, invading my girlfriend’s home, and I will press charges.That goes for anyone else who thinks it’s okay to barge onto someone else’s property without permission.”
“What about the pitter patter of tiny feet?” she goes on before I can get to the next person. “We saw a baby bum?—”
A few gasps sound out, and I can’t believe she went there.For fuck’s sake.
I fix her with a stare, my teeth gritting as Dale whispers, “Easy, tiger.” At the same time, my sister mutters, “Rip the bitch’s head off.”
“Given that I had only been in town for a week when that photograph was taken, that speculation is not only ludicrous,” I say, “but it’s also disgusting to comment on any woman’s weight, and then to have it splashed around in the tabloids as if it’s entertaining fodder? It is far from okay. Like I said, that photographer has already been contacted by my lawyers. I will not be talkin’ about anything to do with speculation and rumors, because that’s all they are—as well as an invasion of privacy. Alright, one more question…”Then I’m out of here.
A woman in the front shoots her hand up and I give her a chin lift. “Rock, what do you think about your ex commenting on the recent situation?”
I had no clue my ex was chiming in, but it doesn’t surprise me. Maybe she needs a cease and desist, too. That’s all I need: an ex chiming in with an unwanted opinion.
“I don’t know, because I don’t read tabloids,” I say, feeling bored. “But I will say that any time there is an opportunity for a cash grab, some people are like moths to a flame.” I hear Dale chuckle beside me. “Well, that concludes the press conference. Thank you again to all the people who have supported me during this difficult time, and to those who didn’t, I guess it’s your loss. Have a wonderful evening in Alpine Falls, everyone.”You won’t be welcome in the morning.
I stand and leave the podium, ignoring all the questions and flashes going off as I retreat.
I need my Bailey. Getting out of this room, away from all of this, and seeing my girl is all I can think about. I remember now another reason I wanted out of Nashville, and it’s because of this: I want more freedom. Privacy. Time to explore this new relationship.
That’s all that matters.
Protecting my and Bailey’s peace is my number one priority.
That’s my job now.
CHAPTER 25
