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I’d also group texted the guys about what was going on. I didn’t want to burden Faise, given the situation with his brother, but he had to know.
My issue wasn’t the publicity around my relationship with Van or even the fact that Greg had purposely sic’d that reporter on us.
It was Van.
It wasn’t right to pressure or force anyone to come out. Ever.
And Holls, Faise, and Ronin understood that.
We’d all come out at different times, but always by our choice and on our terms.
So, I wasn’t surprised when they texted back in agreement and were willing to stand beside me on this issue. Even if it meant putting our recording contract renewal in jeopardy.
We had enough popularity and power in our brand, and that gave us leverage. If this business had taught me anything over the years, it was to stand up for myself.
Or risk getting run over.
I was curious to see how Greg would spin his reasoning for such a shitty decision. Thank fuck we weren’t in Nashville, or there would be a brawl in his office for sure. And I would have no hesitation in throwing the first punch.
“You ready?” Van asked as he tapped on his tablet.
I nodded and offered my hand, linking it with his, holding on tightly.
Zoe and Greg popped up on screen, and then my lawyer, Lila Stevenson. I saw Greg’s frown deepen when he recognized her name.
Van squeezed my hand.
“This isn’t the way Brodie and I wanted to announce our relationship, but given recent events, here we are. And for the record, we’re in a committed, exclusive relationship. That’s all I’m going to say about it.”
I leaned forward and willed myself to speak slowly and not yell as loud as I wanted to. “And before you speak, Greg, I want to say that forcing Van to come out by having a tabloid reporter tail us in our private moments is the shittiest thing I’ve ever been witness to in the four years I’ve been with this label. Lila?”
I glanced at the screen. She adjusted her glasses. “While it’s clear that Van’s personal relationship with Brodie violates the terms of his contract, it’s also unethical for an employer to force any employee to disclose their sexuality.”
“I didn’t force anyone to do anything. I assumed Van was already out,” Greg replied. “And you can’t prove otherwise.”
“Bullshit!” I snapped.
“I’ve never talked to you about my sexuality, so I’m also calling bullshit on this one,” Van bit out.
“Your word against mine,” Greg challenged. “Suffice to say, I have nothing more to add to that. Except to say that the story of your relationship is now breaking news.”
I glanced at my phone and perused the notifications I’d silenced.
Zoe had sent a link with the article and the pictures of me and Van. They were all taken when we were down on the beach—holding hands, kissing, hugging. Despite my anger, I couldn’t help but notice that Van and I looked damn good together.
“Zoe, set up interviews for Brodie and Van with national and international entertainment news sites. I want full press coverage,” Greg continued. “Let’s spin the work relationship angle.”
I shook my head. “I’m not saying shit to anyone unless you formally apologize for what you’ve done. And since our contract is up for renewal next year, I think it’s safe to say that Wayward Lane will be looking to make a new start elsewhere.”
Greg was silent for a moment, and then he began to laugh.
“Yeah, right. I’m the biggest label there is, so good luck with that. Still, you do what you feel is best for your business, and I’ll do what’s best for mine. Anything else?”
“Yeah,” Van interrupted. “I quit.”
“What?” Greg snapped, his surprise showing.
I took great satisfaction in watching Greg’s shock.
