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I hold onto to Derek’s hand tightly at first, but as we make our way down the carpet, I get used to it and let up on my grip. They ask him questions about the new tour dates and cities. He says that all the dates should be finalized soon and that he can’t wait to see everyone on the road. There are more questions about Serena and if she’s coming this evening.
“Sadly, she could not be here tonight. She has a concert elsewhere, so we wish her well,” Derek replies. A well-practiced answer that Dale helped with.
I see him in the crowd. He smiles at me when our eyes meet. I smile back and continue to stay with Derek and head down the carpet.
We’re almost at the end. We’ve almost made it when a question is directed at me. “Audrey, how are you doing after everything with your dad?”
I stop and freeze for a moment. I hadn’t expected this question. I can see that she thinks she’s just being nice, but I would have preferred it if she hadn’t said a word.
“I’m doing the best I can,” I reply and silently pray that Derek moves on. Thankfully, he does. We make it into the ballroom, and I let out a sigh of relief.
“You were wonderful,” he says, turning and giving me a kiss on the lips.
“Anna is going to hate that you messed with her lipstick,” I say when we break apart.
“I can take Anna,” he teases. “I’m so proud of you.” He kisses me again.
“And I am so proud of you. This is your night. Now let’s go celebrate you and all the wonderful things you have accomplished. This album is amazing, and I love the surprise track you wrote about my dad. It’s going to be really beautiful.”
“I love you,” he says before getting lost in the crowd. I follow him for some of it. Other times, I stay off to the side and let him talk to the executives of the label. They’re here to celebrate his album, after all, not mine. I take pictures of the band in front of the artwork, and one of the snaps gets posted to my Instagram story. I’ve gone back to posting, back to living my life. The hate and name calling has slowed a bit, and I’m thankful for that.
The lights flicker, announcing that it’s time for the speeches to begin. The label executive and Dale are heading toward the podium. Dale motions for the band to follow. I get a quick kiss from Derek, and he’s off to stand onstage. I watch lovingly as the executive says nice things about Crave and the newest album they put together. Then Dale takes the stage.
“These extremely talented men before me have had a lot of things to overcome in the past few weeks. But I think they’ve handled it all with dignity and grace. I’m so proud to represent them and the type of music they put out on the scene. Without further ado, I give you Crave.”
They take center stage. Aiden and Brent flank Derek. He clears his throat and beings to speak. “I want to thank you all for coming together to celebrate us and this album. Lust For is an album we’re all very proud of. It came at a time when we all needed a little strength and push to persevere through some tough spots. But the way it all came together and the emotions that are expressed in it are completely genuine. We are so honored to be touring and providing you all with live versions of these songs. Thank you all for coming out and supporting Crave and thank you all for your continued support. Please enjoy the night. Now, let’s hear some music!”
Applause, whoops, and cheering break out. The band standing behind them begins to play music. There’s dancing, drinking, and eating. Derek comes over and pulls me into his arms.
“You were wonderful up there,” I compliment him, then kiss his neck a bit.
“Thank you, gorgeous. We need to talk about those tour dates,” he says lowly, while we sway back and forth to a slow song.
“What about them?” I ask. I have an idea where this is going, and I’m not sure how I’m going to be able to say no to him.
“Come with me,” he says. “You don’t have to come with me for the whole thing, but for part of it. I want you with me. I want to be able to tour the world with you by my side. I know you have your clients and your commitments, but can you do any of that by Zoom? Can you please come with me?”
I look into his eyes, and I’m not sure how I can say no to him—on his night, celebrating his album. “I need to see those dates,” I tell him. The smile I’m rewarded with is worth everything and every moment we’ve taken to get to this point.
“Are you saying yes?” he asks me.
I nod, and he picks me up and twirls me around.
When he puts me down, I’m laughing. “I just have to let my clients and the team know. But I think they’ll be okay with it. I haven’t been doing too much this season. It’s a winning season, and with my dad, I’ve severely backed off on those commitments. I think Beachbody is having my program come out after the first of the year, so you may lose me for a bit because of promotional things, but I’ll do my best to get back to you.”
“You are nothing short of amazing. Who knew if I wanted to find the love of my life, I would just need to look at my best friend’s bratty little sister?” he teases, squeezing my ass.
I shake my head. “I was never bratty,” I say in my own defense. But we both know it’s not true. Sometimes I was a little brattier than I needed to be to get my own way. “Well, you took a punch to the face for me from your best friend, and you almost lost your job because you refused to give me up. How can I not do this for you?”
“I would have, you know. You’re worth it all. You are what I’ve lusted for all my life.”
“Where you go, I go,” I say lovingly to him.
He smiles widely at me again, and his eyes are shining of nothing but love. “About time you figure that out.”
He kisses me deeply, until Aiden comes over and taps him on the shoulder before handing us both champagne. “I’m going to need you both to keep it PG, please.”
“Yes, sir,” we say in unison.
