Chapter Forty-Two

One of the many advantages of being a global superstar was that Dax didn’t have to speak to a single person with whom he didn’t feel the need. And while Grant was yelling his name and screaming so loudly Dax was sure he could actually hear it in the dressing room, there was no way that the detested manager would ever have to be in his presence again.

His lawyer, Susan, had carefully ensured the best way to end the contract. Dax had already been told what it would cost to get rid of Grant, and he’d paid it without a second thought. No more being beholden to the man who’d made his life a misery. Because now, the secret was out.

Kelly was stunned. Dax couldn’t blame her. In the dressing room, where he was now back in jeans and a t-shirt, he too was sitting in frozen disbelief at what he’d just done. He wasn’t sure whether it was really real. He sipped his water and wondered whether he might be better with something a little stronger.

“I can’t believe it,” his assistant gasped. “You knew you were going to do that all this time and you never said a word!”

“I didn’t really know myself until the time came whether I’d have the guts,” Dax said. “But seeing Cameron tonight, I just knew. I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do. I knew that if I didn’t say the words, then I’d never get another chance.”

“Grant nearly had a heart attack.”

“He’ll get over it. He’ll find another innocent young kid to destroy. People like that always do.”

“I saw Terry Cross back stage, earlier.”

“Yeah, I know. He was here with Renee but yeah, we’re in talks. I don’t know, though. I think I want a break from the whole thing.”

“What about your mom? Do you think she’ll have a problem?”

“She’s always known. I don’t worry about her at all. Diane’s one of the good ones.”

They were interrupted by a call on Kelly’s cell. She swiped her thumb across the screen and answered. “Yeah?”

She looked at Dax and grinned. “Right,” she said, into the phone. “Send him over.”

Hanging up the call, she stood up. “Cameron wants to come and see you.”

Dax nodded. “Good.”

He wasn’t nervous any more. This time, when Kelly left to fetch the man he loved and bring him back, he didn’t pace the room or feel his heart racing so fast that he might pass out. Instead he sat, pensive and thoughtful, until the soft tap at the door came and he stood up and slowly walked across the dressing room floor.

Opening the door, this time when he saw Cameron’s hair flopping in front of his eyes, he did reach up to brush it away. And Cameron held his wrist, walked inside, and put his hands either side of Dax’s face.

They didn’t need to speak. Their kiss was soft and gentle, speaking a thousand words, and it was a long time before Cameron pulled away and sighed. “Nothing will ever, ever be as cool as what you did tonight,” he said.

Dax kissed him again, this time a light kiss, and he looked into Cameron’s green eyes. “I meant it,” he said. “Every single word. I’ve been a dick. I couldn’t see past the cult. But I’m awake. And I love you.”

“I love you too,” Cameron said. “Jesus, I’m in love with the world’s biggest superstar.”

“Maybe not anymore,” Dax said, slipping his arms around Cameron’s waist. “It’s going to be a giant shit-show for a good few weeks. Are you sure that you want to stick around for that? I understand if this life’s too crazy for you.”

“Are you kidding?” Cameron murmured. “I’m here to catch you, remember?”