Wes

I pace back and forth on the tiled floor. Finn sits on the couch watching me. I feel like I’m going to combust if I can’t get my feelings out somehow. I want to punch something. This has to stop. We have to end this somehow.

“Can’t we force them to do a paternity test?” I stop pacing and face Finn.

“We’ve filed a civil suit, but they’re stalling. Of course they’ll be made to comply, but we know Trent’s game is to ruin us as much as possible before that happens.”

“What if we just pay her to go away,” I groan and run my hands through my hair. I don’t really want to do that but I know this is taking a toll on Jemma and things with her family.

“You know we can’t do that. Trent would ‘accidentally’ let slip that we’d paid her off so it must be true.”

“Well, we can’t sit here and do nothing. We’ve tried that, and it’s hurting Jemma. I can’t sit by and watch as the media drags her through the mud.”

Finn leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “Well you know what we can do to help combat that. Have you even asked her yet?”

I collapse back on the couch beside Finn. “No. How can I ask her to go on TV in-front of the world and be grilled on what happened to her.”

“You know we can get them to avoid those questions?”

“But not if we want Cleo to do the interview. You know she’s our best chance at having people believe us.”

“Just ask Jemma. You need to make decisions together now. Trust me on this one. Don’t leave her out of the loop.”

“How’s Autumn doing?”

Finn smiles a sappy dopey lovesick grin. “Good. She’s so amazing. We just found out we’re having a little boy.”

I do a double take. “You what! That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you. Who’d ever have thought you’d be a dad.” I reach out and slap Finn’s back.

“Yeah, I know. I’m scared witless. What if I stuff up? I’m glad I have all that practice not swearing around Soph. Autumn would kill me if I swore in front of our kid.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, she would. Jemma wants kids one day. The thought terrifies me. I’m just glad you’re going first bro.”

Finn just smiles. “Enough. Just go and ask her. Let me know if she says yes, and I’ll call Rebecca to set it up.”

Jemma reaches out and grabs my hand. I hold hers just as tightly as we walk into the room. There’s no audience for this one. Just a few tech guys and of course Cleo. She smiles as we walk over. Her dark hair shines under the lights.

“Wes, always a pleasure.” Cleo takes my hand briefly before turning to Jemma. “Hi, Jemma. I’m Cleo. I know you’re not used to all this, but trust me, and I’ll make it as painless as possible.”

Jemma smiles, but it’s not her normal sweet smile. She’s nervous. “Hi Cleo, it’s an honor to meet you. I really loved that piece you did on Afghan child refugees.”

“Thank you. I like to do my part in educating the masses. Please have a seat, and we’ll get started.”

I take a seat beside Jemma, lean over, and whisper, “I love you.” I’m rewarded with a more genuine smile.

Cleo looks toward the camera. “Today, I have the rare privilege of talking to a man who likes his privacy. The members of Infusion Deep have always been shrouded in a certain amount of mystery. Although, it’s no secret Finn and Wes had a tough upbringing in one of the poorer areas of Portland, they have never openly disclosed the details of their early lives. So tonight, it is my great privilege to bring you an interview with one of the band’s founding members, Wes Bowman. Joining him will be the lady who recently stole his heart, Jemma Jones.”

Cleo turns toward us. “So, Wes, will you tell us how you met your beautiful fiancée?”

I smile, even though I really don’t want to be here discussing my private life. “We actually met through Finn’s wife Autumn. Autumn and Jemma are good friends, and so when I needed a live in care giver for Sophie, it was only natural that Autumn would recommend Jemma.”

Cleo smiles and looks at Jemma. I instinctively tighten my grip on Jemma’s hand. “So, Jemma, were you a big fan of the band when Wes offered you the job?”

Jemma gives a nervous laugh. “Actually, Cleo, I’d heard of them of course, who hasn’t? But I was more into country music before I met Wes.”

I grin. “Yeah, she loves Keith Urban. It’s tough to compete sometimes.” I wink at Jemma.

She flushes. You can hardly tell under the stage makeup, but I can still tell. I know her beautiful face so well. “Well, Keith is pretty amazing. But of course he’s happily married and Wes has written some pretty amazing songs as well.”

She smiles at me, and I can’t help thinking how freaking lucky I am to have her in my life.

Cleo leans forward eagerly. “Wes, is it true you’ve written a whole album for Jemma?”

How the hell did she hear that? The instrumental album I’ve been working on to give Jemma as a wedding present is a secret. I shake my head. “I’ve written several songs about her, how could I not?”

“But you wrote Trapped Within for her. You wrote ‘can you find me, can you see beneath the guilt? Free me from within, let me love again.’ Can you share with us, Wes, what the guilt you refer to in the song is about?”

My hand clenches into a fist beside my leg. This is the reason I usually avoid in-depth type interviews. Bloody personal inappropriate questions. I force myself to relax my clenched jaw. “Well, Cleo, who hasn’t done things in their life they’re not proud of? That line is more of a general statement about the baggage we all have. Sometimes our past can get in the way of us having successful relationships. But as you can see, Jemma and I have dealt with our pasts. And we are very much in love.” There, that ought to keep her happy without really saying anything about anything she has no right knowing.

Cleo claps her hands together. “That’s a beautiful sentiment, Wes. So, Jemma, was it hard to tell Wes about your past relationship?”

Jemma looks composed. She knew this would come up. “When you love someone Cleo, it’s not hard to share your heart and soul with them. I know Wes would never hurt me, so no, it wasn’t hard to tell him about my past.”

“But, it must have been difficult trusting another man after someone hurt you physically like that. I understand your burns were extensive?”

My jaw clenches again. Cleo has been told she can’t mention Jemma’s ex by name and that the topic is pretty much off limits apart for the bare basics. She’s really pushing me to my limit right now. If I think this is hurting Jemma, I’ll stop this interview, no matter the consequences.

“Yes, it was. But I’ve had extensive counseling Cleo, something I recommend for all victims of domestic abuse.” Jemma smiles sweetly but she clutches my hand tighter.

This is one of the reasons I know she was hesitant about having a relationship with me in the first place, and it tears me up inside that she has to go through this for my sake. I glare at Cleo to let her know she’s pushing it right now.

“I totally agree, Jemma. We’ll have a list of support services up on our website for anyone affected by domestic violence or abuse.” Cleo turns toward the camera again. “I also urge anyone who is in a dangerous situation to seek outside help.” Cleo looks somber as she faces us again. “Now, Wes, the reason we’re here today, is some recent damaging allegations against you. A young woman has come forward claiming that you are the father of her baby. Is it true? Are you a father?”

“Apart from being the legal guardian for my sister, I am not the father of anyone’s child, and most certainly not this woman’s baby.”

“Well, that’s a very clear answer, Wes. Are you willing to take a DNA test to prove your claims?”

“Yes, we already have court proceedings underway to have a DNA test carried out, and I am not concerned at all about the results.”

“Indeed,” Cleo smiles delightedly. “I believe you explained your certainty in a recent concert. If you don’t mind we’ll play the footage now that’s been circulating online.”

I reach over to the table and take a drink of water. At least I don’t have to sit through the footage. They’ll add it in later for the broadcast.

Cleo runs her manicured fingers over her grey skirt. “That was a touching scene indeed Wes. While I’m sure our viewers can appreciate the fact that you’ve changed from the partying ways Infusion Deep was renowned for in the early days of the band’s success, can you really expect them to believe you haven’t had sex in nearly two years?”

Jemma squeezes my hand reassuringly. Reminding me of why I’m here. “Well, Cleo, that’s a pretty personal question and not something I’m willing to discuss on national television. What I can say, is that I can guarantee I would remember if I had slept with Vicky or anyone else for that matter. And I can assure you that the DNA test will prove my innocence in this unfortunate matter.”

Cleo leans forward again. “Well, Wes, there is one thing I think your fans want to know, why would the manager who has been with you for over five years, suddenly be willing to take the side of this woman if there is no truth to her claims? Trent Murphy goes on tour with you guys. He’s been a part of your inner sanctum. Surely he knows if this accusation is true or false?”

I lean forward to match Cleo’s pose. “Well, Cleo, I’m sure you’ve had staff members who have proven themselves to be…incompatible with your ethical standards? Isn’t it logical to assume that when you’ve had to part ways with them, there were some negative feelings involved? While I’m unwilling to go into any details of what led to our parting ways, I can tell you that if Mr. Murphy insists on his current course of slander and intimidation, he might not like it when the other shoe drops, so to speak.”

Cleo looks surprised. “Why would you protect him…?” A look of understanding crosses her face. “Unless you were trying to protect someone? And, I’m guessing that someone would have to be very close to you…”

It’s almost as if Cleo is talking to herself. As if she’s forgotten that the cameras are even there.

“There are really only three people it could be. Jemma, Sophie, or Autumn?” Her eyes brighten. “I’m right aren’t I? Trent did something to someone close to the band didn’t he?”

I stand and pull Jemma up with me. Her face is tense, the memories Cleo is dragging up with her thoughtless comments are written across her face. Cleo stands too and I get up right in her face so she is focused only on me.

“This interview is over, Cleo. You’ve refused to keep within the boundaries we set up for you. I’m not sure how you have the reputation you have but I highly doubt you’ll be interviewing any members of the band again.”

I walk swiftly from the room, Jemma tucked tightly against my body. There’s no way Cleo can use that last part of the interview. I can only hope she doesn’t decide to dig any further. I need to call Rebecca and get her to advise our legal team of the situation.