The next day we were in Kansas City, and after the show, we drove through the night to Chicago where the guys went straight into a full day of press. We were at the last interview of the day for a nationally syndicated talk show. Cash, Antoni, and I waited in a separate greenroom where we could watch the interview on a big, flat-screen television.
“So Liv, have you and Jax thought about when you may want to get in the studio to record some tracks? I could even set up a few showcase gigs for you guys.” Cash said, pouring himself a cup of coffee from the expansive refreshment table. “Before long, you guys will be doing shows like these together.”
“Trash tv.” Antoni pursed his lips disapprovingly. “The American dream, honey.”
“Yeah, it pretty much sucks.” Cash chuckled. “Unfortunately, it’s a necessary part of the machine.”
“I don’t know.” I laughed awkwardly. “It’s been years since I’ve been on an actual stage.”
“Well, you’re a natural. That much is for sure.” Cash sat beside me on the plush sofa. “The songs you and Jax have been working on are some of the best he’s ever brought to me. You’ve got a real gift.”
“If Cash Montgomery says you have a gift, girl, you’ve gotit,” Antoni informed me. “That means you are the whole enchilada and nacho bar, baby.”
I shook my head and laughed, shifting my focus to the television as the interview continued. The pretty blonde host set her sights on Jax. “Let’s start with you, Jaxon. There’s been some reports floating around from the show you did a few nights ago at Microsoft Theater about a new song you sang for a special lady in your life. Can you tell us more about this mystery woman?”
Jax blushed, a smile sweeping across his face. The live studio audience cheered their approval. “She’s… well, she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“By the looks of this photo floating around the internet today, you’ve even had your first public appearance with her,” she said as a grainy photo of the two of us appeared on the screen. It was the photo that had been taken while we were dancing at the Halloween party. I noticed Jax’s jaw clench as he saw the photo in question, but thanks to the mask Antoni selected, my identity remained concealed.
The host continued to press for more information. “Can you tell us who she is? Is she a singer too?”
“She’s a talented woman, but you wouldn’t know who she is just yet.” He grinned, and I found myself smiling too. “I’m going to protect her privacy until she’s ready to have her name out in the world. Right now, I’m pretty happy keeping her all to myself.”
“That’s so exciting! It sounds like things are getting pretty serious,” the blonde continued. “Do you see yourself settling down and starting a family?”
“I’d love that.” A look of surprise flashed across his face as though he’d been caught off guard by the question. “Honestly, I’d love to get married and have a house full of kids. That would make me pretty damn happy.”
I felt my heart sink right into the floor.
Before the host could probe him any further, Luca spoke up and redirected her attention. “In case you’re interested, I’m still single.” The crowd cheered as the host shifted her focus to Luca.
I felt my stomach churn and the color drain from my face. Of course, he wanted kids. Why wouldn’t he? Why hadn’t I thought of this before? I knew how important family was to him.
“Liv?” Cash’s brows knitted together, and he placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Are you alright?”
“You need me to get you something to drink?” Antoni asked. “You look like you’re about to toss your cookies, girl.”
I mumbled something about not feeling well and stumbled out into the hallway in search of the bathroom.
I pushed through the door to the ladies’ room and into a vacant stall, shutting the door behind me. Tears threatened to form in my eyes. I didn’t know if I could ever give him the family he wanted, and above everything else, didn’t Jax deserve that? I’d been unable to give Ben the family he wanted, and look how that turned out. What would happen if I couldn’t give Jax his dream either?
I heard the bathroom door open and close, followed by Antoni’s voice. “Liv? You okay in there?”
“Yeah. One second.” I took a deep breath, bracing myself before I exited the stall.
“You sure? Honey, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He patted my back as I moved to the sink, splashing some cold water on my face. He grabbed some paper towels out of the dispenser and handed them to me.
“I’m okay. I think I’m just tired,” I lied.
Antoni eyed me suspiciously, and I got the feeling he didn’t believe me one bit. “Sweetheart, if you need somebody to talk to, you’ve got a friend in me, okay? I know you got kinda dropped into this life, and it’s a whole lot to process. I’ve been working for these guys for three years now, and it’sstilla lot. Don’t feel like you’re swimming out there all alone.”
“Thanks.” I gave him a small smile. “I appreciate it, but I’m alright. Really.”
Antoni studied me a moment as though he could sniff the truth right out of me. “Okay.” He nodded, gesturing toward the door. “After you.”
I pushed through the door, and when I turned the corner, I walked smack into Jax, who gripped me by the shoulders. “Baby, are you okay? Cash said you were sick.”
“I’m fine.” I forced a smile. “I think I’m just exhausted. Really, I’ll be fine.”
