AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He shrugs.
I smile, nodding at him.
Turning to Ty, I say, “If all I am to the record label is a drunken fool that fucks around so they can throw pennies at me, they can keep their job. I’m sure we can find another label that will see us for what we really are. Fucking talented.”
With both middle fingers fully extended, I turn on my heel and leave Ty speechless with his mouth gaping.
Fuck the label and their pussy execs!
12
Lucy
“Now, this is what I wish the media would take pictures of,” I say, smiling as I watch Apollo fingerpainting with our daughter in a class at the Y. “Look at that beautiful scene up there, Ares. All young moms with their kids and then there’s one dad with his little girl. He’s the real deal — a real father.”
“He sticks out like a sore thumb, I’ll give you that.” Ares watches his brother.
Both Apollo and Ares wear all black, looking like the rock gods they are. “You guys could have worn normal clothes today. I did tell you both that the class was at the Y.”
“We have an interview later and don’t have time to change between this and that.” He turns to face me as we sit at a little table at the back of the large room. “My brother has really changed, Lucy.”
“I know, it’s amazing,” I gush. “I didn’t think he could do it, but he really has. I’m so proud of him.” Proud isn’t even a strong enough word for the way I feel about all of Apollo’s accomplishments as a father.
“I can see that.” His chest heaves, and he looks down, chewing on his lower lip. “He’s done everything you asked him to. There has been no drinking. Not even a beer. He’s that devoted.”
Hugging myself, I can’t believe he’s been that devoted to staying sober. “I had no idea if he was telling me the truth or not. It’s good to hear that he really hasn’t had any alcohol.”
Ares nods. “He hasn’t done any partying at all either. None. Even when our record label has demanded it at the risk of his own job, he’s kept true to what he’s promised you.”
“Wow. I had no idea his bosses have been demanding it of him. Don’t they know the doctor told him to stop drinking? Why would they put him in a position that would tempt him?” I can’t imagine having to party as part of any job.
Brushing his dark hair back with one hand, he nods. “Yeah, they know. But isn’t the rock and roll industry all about drinking and partying?”
“I’m just glad that Apollo is sticking to what he’s said he would do. I worry about him.” I can’t believe he’s done it, but I’m glad he has. “Having him be a real father to our little girl is like a dream I never even dared to have before. And to hear that he’s bucking the system so he can be the best dad he can be only makes me happier. Maybe he can make some real changes in the industry. I know Apollo can do anything he puts his mind to.”
Ares’s lips pull up to one side as his expression turns to one of concern. “I’m not sure about that.”
“He’s a leader. I’m sure he’ll make great changes in the music industry. He’s driven in ways I never even began to understand. He was driven to become a rockstar, and he did it. In spectacular fashion, I might add.”
“He did do that. And he brought me along with him,” Ares agrees.“ When that man puts his mind to something, he will succeed. No matter what it costs.”
Looking at the back of Apollo’s head, lowered so he and Aurora are on the same level, warmth fills my heart. “He’s become the center of our world, Ares. I didn’t think Aurora or I needed him. But I can admit when I’m wrong. We did need him. He’s the part of us that was missing, but we didn’t realize it until he was here.”
“Sounds like you really need him.” He leans back, stretching his legs.
“I think I do.” I don’t want to think of him not being around.
Leaning forward, I place my elbows on the table to support them as I hold my face in my hands so I can stare at the two people who mean the most to me in the entire world.
Ares raises from his seat and says, “I’ll be right back, I just need to step outside for a couple of minutes.”
“You’re still smoking, aren’t you?”
He smiles. “Guilty. Be right back.”
I smile and turn back to look at Apollo and Aurora.
“Well, looks like you finally got what you wanted.”
