43. Epilogue
Epilogue
One Year Later
Lila
A fter the tour wrapped, Malia set up interviews. We’d been too busy for them while going around the world, but we all knew people wanted to know more about us.
There had been a lot of speculation, most of which Malia kept us updated on since I’d turned over all of my social media to my team. Most people had correctly assumed we were dating. Some still believed this was PR, and almost all enjoyed the new music. I found that I cared less and less about what others thought. I wanted to do what felt right , and touring was exactly that.
I was a bit nervous about this interview, especially considering the host was a journalist who had a love-hate relationship with me. He used to love the gossip of my life, and I knew many Lila fans would recognize the name, but I was worried he would ask something I didn’t want to answer.
Barry, sensing my nerves as usual, grabbed my hand. He was in his whole Nyx getup, which had only evolved over the last year. His wig was now perfect and he sometimes temporarily darkened his beard to match his hair, especially on a day like today when we’d be on camera.
He was still ridiculously attractive in this form, but in a messy, rock star sort of way.
“Perez agreed to all the topics to avoid that Malia sent him.”
“I know.”
“And his articles have been respectful in the last year.”
“I know that too.” I took a breath. “It’s so hard doing interviews.”
“I could do the talking for you.”
“And somehow, you’d charm everyone,” I said with a smile. “How do you manage to do that again?”
“The same way you do. By being myself.”
I shook my head. My charisma onstage and in person would never feel as natural as Barry’s, but even I had to admit that it had bled over to me too. Outings were easier, and I even looked forward to them.
“Are you guys ready?” a producer asked.
“Yes,” we both said.
The interview was in a small room and would air on a major news network in a few days. Perez was in the running to get his own late-night show, which was why he had practically begged Malia to let him do this.
I could only hope he wouldn’t resort to awful ways to get it.
Nyx’s hand squeezed mine, reminding me once again that everything was okay.
Perez entered the room, his face glistening with sweat as if he were as nervous as I was. “H-hi,” he said. “Nice to meet you both.”
“Nice to meet you too. In person, I mean.”
“Have you read my articles?”
“I used to torture myself in the comments of them, actually. I stopped, though.”
“Probably for the best. I’m . . . sorry about the older ones.”
“It’s fine. It’s all fair in celebrity news.”
“Yeah, but it still couldn’t have been fun. I was always a fan, but I guess I lost track of it when the repetitive albums came out.”
“I’ll admit that I did too.” I turned to Barry. “I just needed someone to remind me that I could do what I want. Don’t worry, Perez. The past is in the past. We’re turning a new page.”
“You’re as kind as they all say,” he said with a smile. “Thank you.” He sat across from us, shuffling his note cards in his hands. Once the cameras were rolling, he put on a dazzling smile, all signs of his nervousness gone.
“Welcome, welcome,” Perez said for the cameras. “You two have caused quite the stir.”
“Why?” Nyx asked, putting an arm along the back of the couch. “Did we do anything?”
I rolled my eyes at his fake innocence.
“Oh, only traveled across the globe on your new tour, which was incredible , by the way. I was at the LA show and the feeling in that arena was electric.”
“Thank you,” I said. “It was different than my last one.”
“That’s right. It’s the first time you’ve performed with your significant other. Can I call him that?”
It was a test, one I had practiced for.
“You can because that’s what he is.”
“Congratulations,” our host said. “I know your fan base had some . . . hard times accepting the change.”
“It was a lot of it all at once, and I know for a long time I shared everything about my last relationship. And while Nyx is the inspiration for so much . . . some things are just for us.”
“Also,” Nyx added, “I don’t need to stroke my ego and make her fame about me. She’s the talent here.”
My cheeks heated as they always did when he talked about me.
But I was going to drag him in.
“You’re just as talented. You helped me write most of the album.”
“Will he continue helping you?” Perez asked.
“Of course. We work best when it’s the two of us.”
“So, you share touring and music? When’s the wedding?” Perez laughed.
I wasn’t going to answer, mostly because we hadn’t discussed a wedding. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him; the tour had only proven that. But I was okay with waiting for life to slow down.
“Probably sooner than later,” Nyx answered. “I’ll ask when she least expects it.”
My jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
“What? Can’t I drop hints?”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Always.”
Perez laughed again. “The people are going to love that. Now . . . I have to ask. I’m sure you’ve seen what Blaze has been saying . . .?”
I rolled my eyes. What a mood killer.
Blaze still tried to make my fame about him. I knew both he and Mia had to be getting desperate. After the tour started, however, I heard many of her clients didn’t renew their contracts and that she and Blaze were running out of money.
It’s what they deserved.
“For those who don’t know,” Perez continued, “Blaze has gone on social media and said that Nyx is only a replacement for him, the original man who made Lila Wilde.” He turned to Nyx. “I get the feeling he’s the kind of man who has a response.”
Nyx leaned forward. “You think right.”
The entire studio waited with bated breath, but Nyx glanced at me, raising one eyebrow to ask permission.
“Say whatever,” I said.
“All right. He can call me a replacement all he wants. But one thing is for damn sure. I keep my woman happy and satisfied. And I know for a fact that he never did. So, I wouldn’t call myself a replacement. I’d call me an upgrade.”
If there were an audience, they would have gasped. I’m pretty sure I did.
“Maybe I gave you too much leeway,” I said, running a hand over my hot cheeks.
“It had to be said,” he replied.
“Wow.” Perez’s eyebrows were at his hairline. “You should put that in a song.”
“Don’t worry,” Nyx said, a devious smile on his face. “I’m working on it.”
Barry
“People are gonna be talking about Nyx’s little line for weeks,” Juno said. We were climbing into the jet, heading for Nashville, all evidence of Lila and Nyx gone from our faces.
“Yeah,” Rose replied. “He just had to call Blaze out.”
“It’s what he deserves.” I grinned. “If only I could see his face when it airs.”
“We’re gonna be busy,” Rose said. “And perfect timing because everyone will be looking for our alter egos.”
“Do you guys have everything?” Juno asked. “You’ll be in Nashville for a bit.”
“Yep. And a lot of my stuff is at Barry’s place already.” Rose sat in one of the seats of the jet, letting out a long breath. It had been a long year touring, and while I enjoyed it, I was happy to be heading home for a while.
Neither Rose nor I would be relaxing for another week, however, because I would be helping Rose’s mom move into a house in the city. After two therapists didn’t work out, Rose mentioned that she might have more options in a bigger place. And Linda didn’t want to move to a big city without someone she knew.
Nashville was the best option, considering all of our support systems were there. She’d reintroduced herself to Ruth and Tom and had also gotten to know Lynn and Carmen. Linda needed to be around more people who cared about her, and she’d found it.
Even Archie was going to stay in Nashville part-time, especially when Rose was around. All of these plans were waiting for us to return and we were more than ready to set them in motion.
“I’m going to the back. If you’re going to do anything”—a shadow crossed Juno’s face—“please block the door.”
She’d walked in on us once, which was more than enough for everyone involved. Rose’s and my tendency to have sex not in a bed had caught up to us.
“I’m too tired,” Rose said. “You have nothing to worry about.”
We’d stayed up nearly all night working on a new song. I was used to it from running the bar, but it always hit her harder.
While her eyes closed, I took my phone and texted Liam, telling him I was on my way.
Movers and Shakers had flourished despite my absence. My two best employees told me most of what was going on, but only when I had the time. Audrey had told me to enjoy touring, and I did, but I wanted to be back in action at the bar.
After the move, I was going to take on some shifts to give the two of them a break so they could go on a long vacation. Even Rose was willing to help out if she had the time.
However, with how busy she’d been performing practically every night on the tour, I refused to put more on her than I had to.
“Come here, sunshine,” I said. “Don’t fall asleep alone.”
She huffed out a laugh and moved to my seat, putting her head on my shoulder. “I love you,” she said.
“I love you too.” I kissed her forehead.
“So,” she started, her eyes still closed. “Do you have a ring yet?”
My heart skipped a beat. “No.”
“Then let’s go find one together while we’re home. The perfect one. Then you can shock me with the proposal of a lifetime.”
“Do you want two rings or one?”
“No idea.” She snuggled in closer. “But let’s figure it out together.”