He’s silent, and then he lets out a self-deprecating laugh. “After watching Julian struggle with drugs, I was so worried that it could happen to me. I never even realized that I was struggling just with alcohol.”
I press my hand to his cheek. “It’s going to be okay, Gabe.”
His eyes tell me he’s not so sure.
“Whatever happens, I’ll be with you, every step of the way. I’ve got your back.”
He leans his forehead against mine and breathes deeply. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so fucking glad you’re mine.”
“Right back at ya, babe.”
He kisses me again. Then, he takes my hand and leads me over to a lounger. He sits first and then pulls me to sit between his legs. I rest my back against his chest and lay my head on his shoulder. He wraps his arms around me. I can feel his heart beating strong against me.
I glance over at the glasses of alcohol that Charly left for us. Thinking about what he just said, I ask, “Do you want me to get rid of the drinks?”
He’s silent a moment. “No. Leave them there. I’m not saying I’m going to drink it right now, but I know that I won’t be able to not drink it either—without some help.”
“Then, we’ll get you help real soon.”
He presses a kiss to the top of my head.
We sit in silence, just being together.
I think about everything. About Digby and Sandy. The bugs in the apartment. Gabe’s past out there for public fodder.
“What’s going to happen with Digby and Sandy?” I ask him.
He sighs. “I don’t know. I guess we wait and see what Martin can find out about those bugs, if they’re traceable back to either of them. But I know one thing for sure. I’m not letting those fuckers get away with this. Bugging my apartment and setting you up to take the fall. I nearly lost you because of those bastards.”
I slide my hands over his and link our fingers together. “We’d have found our way back to each other; I’m sure of it.”
“Once I stopped being an asshole and started listening to you, you mean?”
“Yeah, something like that.” I laugh softly. “You’re going to need to call Gil and let him know what’s going on—about Sandy and the bugs in your apartment.”
“I had Vaughn call him to fill him in while I came to see you. But I do need to talk to Gil about all that shit and about the press release. I know he’s probably getting twitchy, waiting for my answer on it.”
“Press release?” I ask.
“About my past. Gil had my publicist draft a statement. I have to sign off on it.”
“You don’t sound convinced.”
“I’m not.”
I sit around and look at him. “Don’t you want to tell your side of the story? Get the actual truth out there to your fans?”
“Yeah, I do. But the statement just doesn’t feel right. It says nothing about the truth in it. It’s just basically an apology for my past.”
“So, change it. Rewrite it yourself.”
“I’m not exactly a great writer, Speedy. I’m more of a verbal guy, if you haven’t noticed.”
“So, if talking is your strength, tell them face-to-face from your own mouth.”
“I don’t want to go on a fucking talk show and spill my guts.”
“So, don’t. Record a video. Say everything you want to and then put it out there on your social media. That way, you’re directing it to the people who matter—your fans.”
He stares at me for a long moment. “You ever thought of being a publicist? Because you’d be fucking awesome at it.”
“I’m awesome at most things.” I give a shrug and a teasing smile.
“You’re awesome at everything, Speedy. Except for driving. That, you suck at.”
“Hey! It was my shitty driving that brought us together.”
Gabe laughs, and the sound is beautiful. “Yeah, and I’m thankful every fucking day for that.”
Gabe
I’ve decided to do a live video on Facebook. No fucking around. Just go live on social media and get it over with.
Julian, Vaughn, and Charly left to give us some privacy while I do this video. Martin left straight after checking Ava’s car and mine. Thankfully, they were clear. He said he’d be in touch as soon as he had something on the bugging devices.
I also spoke to Gil. Told him to scrap the press release. I told him that I was going to do this myself, my way. He’s not too happy with me doing a live video. But it’s not like I’m doing a Q&A session. I’m just going on there, telling my side of the story, and then I’m done.