“I think it’s time for you to leave,” Sean says.
“Yeah.” I nod and hang my head. Walking away this time feels just as bad, but at least I got to tell the truth. Whether they believe me, or do anything, it’s out of my hands.
* * *
If I hada dollar for the number of inquiries I’ve received to give a tell-all exposé since leaving the band, I wouldn’t have to wait tables. At first, I was against it. After all, these same people go out of their way to exploit the lives of my friends. Their integrity when it comes to investigative journalism leaves much to be desired.
But after seeing the guys a few nights ago, the need to speak with Opal becomes all consuming. Only, she still won’t return my calls. And I don’t blame her. I don’t.
I tried to leave her alone. To move on without her. But the possibility doesn’t exist. I will love that woman for the rest of my life. Even if she never speaks to me again, or moves on with someone else, I will never stop loving her. So, I have to take this chance and pray to God she’ll at least listen.
Oh, and I’m pretty sure this interview will give my uncle ulcers. It’s one hell of an added bonus.
“Hey, you must be Leighton Wellington?” The reporter for TMZ greets me with a handshake and smile. “Steven Howard. So great to meet you.”
“Thanks for doing this.”
“Are you shitting me? Thank you!” His eyes widen, and he smiles as though he’s won the lotto. “We’re thrilled for the exclusive. Come on over, let’s sit down and chat. Marsha, get him mic’ed so we can get this started. You need anything? Water? Coffee?”
I wave him off. “I’m good.” I just want to get this over with.
The crew works efficiently and within a few minutes we’re ready to roll. In this simulated living room surrounded by bright lights and cameras I confess my greatest sins.
“So, Leighton, let’s dive right into the nitty gritty. You left Three Ugly Guys suddenly after playing under the guise of a stage name. This happened on the same exact day it was leaked that Richie Sands had another daughter, Opal Evans, in addition to Lexi Marx. All this just weeks after you were photographed with Miss Evans while on tour. Anything you want to set straight?”
“First, I didn’t leave the band. I was fired.” I force a laugh but it still hurts. “I never received monetary payment in exchange for personal information about the band. I didn’t tell anyone about Opal and Lexi. I respected their need for privacy. Still do.”
“But days after the story broke, your own uncle claims you did just that.”
“Yeah, why don’t you ask him about that?” Thinking about my uncle sours my mood. The desire to completely expose him for his lies and selfishness is real, but he’s not why I’m here. Getting back at him won’t heal the pain in my heart.
Steven leans forward in his chair. “What do you think he’d say?”
“I’ve given up deciphering the truth when it comes to the almighty Bedo Slade. What I do know is I never sold information about the band, or Opal. I swear on my life. And my bank account.”
“You were pretty close with Opal, then?” He digs in another direction, and for that I bite.
“Opal is one of those people who radiates goodness wherever she goes. She’s sweet and kind and beautiful.” I don’t even have to try, my face splits wide with a smile whenever I think about her. “I love her.”
“Wow. But you aren’t together?”
“I screwed up. I lied about who I was when I shouldn’t have. I made a mistake. One that cost me the love of my life. I will regret that choice for the rest of my life. She deserves better. She deserves everything.”
He settles back in his chair and shakes his head. “Come on, man, that’s kind of harsh. We all screw up, and you’re what, only eighteen?”
“Age isn’t an excuse for what I did.” I release a breath as the pain hits me square in the chest.
“If she’s so nice, why don’t you ask for her forgiveness.”
“She is the nicest person I’ve ever known, but she doesn’t owe me anything, least of all forgiveness.” I lift my gaze to the rolling camera. “But what the hell, Opal Evans, if you’re watching this now, I want you to know I haven’t stopped loving you. Not one single second. If there’s any way for me to earn your trust again, I’ll drop everything. I mean that. Just to be with you again.” I want to fall on my knees, beg for her to return my messages, and beg to see her once more if only for her to tell me to fuck off. But I don’t. No one loves a showoff. It doesn’t matter how much I love her. It’s up to her now.
Steven’s eyebrows rise and he lets loose a long whistle. “Damn, you really love her.”
“I really do.”
The ball is in her court. I don’t expect anything. I don’t. But fuck if I don’t hope for the world. And Opal, she’s my everything.
37
