Page 41 of Flawless Aria
“Gracie. Looking forward to the interview.” She tries hiding her smile but fails miserably. Should I be worried?
“Can I get you both something to drink while you look over the menu?” Gracie must have waited for me since she doesn’t have anything in front of her. “I’ll have a medium iced cappuccino with a blueberry scone.” Glancing my way, she waits for my order.
“I’ll have the same.” Short and sweet.
“Coming right up.” Grabbing our menus, she walks away.
“Let’s wait until she brings our order before we dive into the questions. Love the beanie, by the way.” Is she being serious or a smart ass? Hate it when I don’t know people.
“Couldn’t find my damn baseball cap so this was a last resort. I’m improvising.” I don’t add that its hot as fuck and itchy too.
“Nothing wrong with a little brainstorming. I know you’re busy, so I really appreciate all of you taking the time to meet with me. The new single rocks and I can’t wait to watch the video premier tonight.” I hold off on responding since the waitress is heading our way with our order.
“Here you go. Enjoy!” It’s not really what I wanted, but I plan on enjoying my coffee. Might bring the scone to Aria since she loves dessert. You did it again, didn’t you?
“Okay, I’m going to start the interview. Since we’re in a public place, I’m not going to give you a mic, I’m taking notes and using my phone to record. Do I have your permission?” Never thought of a mic, but makes sense.
“Sure. Do what needs to be done.” Anything to get it over with.
Things are going great. I’m relaxed and I’ve even ordered another coffee. Not cappuccino, I might add. The interview’s winding down and then she hits me right between the fucking eyes.
“Congrats on your engagement to Aria Mitchell by the way. Didn’t you date her sister, Stephanie, back in high school?” What the ever-living fuck.
Up until now, all the questions have been about the band, music, touring, and all things pertaining to music. Nothing personal.Metalizehas featured tons of heavy metal bands over the years, and it never pertained to anything personal. I know for a fact since I’ve read them cover to cover. Obviously, she’s barking up the wrong tree.
“Thanks for the interview, Gracie, but that’s my cue to get the hell out of here.” When I try sliding out of the booth, she grabs my arm. Fuck no.
“Touchy subject, or does the truth hurt?” Does she have a death wish?
Leaning in, I say, “I suggest you take your hands off of me and leave my family alone. With one phone call, I can have you fired, and the article retracted from the magazine. And I can guarantee that you’ll never work in the media industry ever again.”
ARIA
Jaxon’s been pacingback and forth ever since we arrived at Zander’s house tonight. He’s still fuming after telling me what happened with Gracie this afternoon. The guys tried everything to calm him down but nothing’s working.
“I had my interview at two and it went great. All the questions were band and music-related. She was very professional.” Micah might think he’s helping, but it’s making it worse.
“Exactly. That’s why I’m suspicious. What if Trent or Stephanie put her up to it? He’s been in the media industry for a long time, and he must have a ton of connections. What if he’s affiliated with the magazine somehow?”
“Jax,” I grab his hand, “Gracie’s question was out of line, and you told me she apologized. What could she possibly gain by throwing that in the article? Nothing, since you threatened to have her fired if she did. It’s old news, and as soon as we get married, no one will care.”
“She’s right, Jax. You need to let it go. Most likely she was just fishing for a scoop for herself and not the magazine. It’s unethical but I bet it won’t happen again.” Zander smacks his best friend on the back and walks into the kitchen. Melody kisses her brother’s cheek and goes to check on the baby.
I know he’s still letting it eat away at him, but I can’t offer him sex while we’re still here. That needs to wait until we’re back home. Otherwise, they’ll never invite me here again. Kidding. I’m just kidding. But it would def take his mind off of that damn interview.
“I can’t believe in twelve days we’ll be back on the road. I’m both dreading it and looking forward to it.” Ace hugs Harmony a little tighter after reminding everyone that it’s coming quickly.
“You guys are a bunch of party poopers. Tonight’s supposed to be a celebration. Rebel Riot has a number one single on the Billboard charts right now. And tonight’s video premier will have a million views by the end of the night. That’s noteworthy. Embrace it.” Stella, their PR agent, is also here and she’s a little spitfire. Damn good at what she does.
“I agree with Stella,” Lyric pipes in. “Do you have any idea how many one-hit wonders would kill to be in your shoes right now? Tons. Fame is fleeting, so revel in it while you can.” Micah gives his wife an adoring look before kissing her. Since Micah’s mom is watching their little boy, Gunnar, for the night, I’d say he’s getting lucky later.
Since Jax hasn’t had any luck with a wedding venue, we haven’t mentioned anything about our wedding plans. We were hoping we’d have something solid before they left so we could share with them.
As it stands right now, we might need to wait until the tour’s over. It breaks my heart when I think about waiting that long to be his wife. I’d even elope, but Jax refused. Knowing our families would be so hurt and angry and I can’t do that to my dad. He was so upset just thinking he couldn’t walk me down the aisle.
Since the day Stephanie and I were born, my mom said he’s saved for our weddings and looked forward to giving us away. He’s so old-fashioned. I love him so much.
“Okay, most likely this will be the last time we’re all together before leaving. So let’s have some fun, enjoy some good food, and whoever wakes up my daughter Hadley will be banned from my home. Forever.” Jax laughs when Zander glares at him. I’m thinking about a baseball bat and engagement ring.