Fresh Start, New Beginnings

Chapter 30

Abigail's POV

AJ and Rochelle were the perfect couple to introduce Ryan to, they were the perfect combination of crazy and grounded. I have always had a great brother/sister relationship with AJ. I've known him for just over 20 years and he helped me through my drug problem, not to mention always looked out for me as I grew up on the road and away from my family. To say he was my guardian angel was an understatement.

"So Abi are you working on anything new?" AJ asked me as he took a slice of pizza from the plate, none of us were overly hungry so we got 3 pizzas to share.

"Yeah, I've got a couple of things coming up soon actually" I looked at AJ and then glanced at Ryan who was also tucking in to a slice of pizza "A new TV series and a Movie"

"Ooh what kind of movie?" Rochelle joined in the conversation.

"It's a drama based on a true story, I will be playing a crack addict" my reply caused AJ's head to flick up.

"Be careful baby girl, that's a slippery slope to failure, right there" AJ always did the protective thing really well. I noticed Ryan flick his head up too.

"It's fine I know what I'm doing" I reassure them, I find myself playing with the cross on my chain. Ryan is still watching me he frowns slightly before turning his attention back to AJ and Rochelle.

"So where are you kicking off your tour?" Ryan asked AJ as he took a drink of beer from the bottle.

"Paris" AJ replied "We are flying straight over from here and meeting the boys there"

"Cool" Ryan looked over at me when my phone started riging. I took it out of my pocket and checked the screen it was Harriet.

"I'm sorry I need to get this" I answer it quickly "Hello Harry" It's easy to forget the she is 8 hours behind us, I looked at my watch a saw it was 12.03am. Which meant it would be 4pm in LA.

"Hey honey, I'm so glad I caught you before you went to bed" Harriet's voice seemed shakey "How are you? What are you up too?"

I sensed immediately something was wrong but I humoured her "I'm fine, I am just having pizza with Ryan, AJ and Rochelle...Harry is everything ok?" As I look up I notice Ryan, AJ and Rochelle are all watching me curiously.

"Not really no, but I need you to promise me you will stay calm" Ok now I was worried, Harry usually followed this comment with bad news.

"I can't promise that you know I can't" I reply honestly, I can feel Ryan's arm on the back of my chair and his fingers playing with my hair.

"Yeah well it was worth a try" Harriet's tone was nervous and shakey "Olivia has...well she's...oh god"

"Just spit it out already" my blood was beginning to boil as soon as i heard Olivia's name mentioned 'what has she done this time?' I thought to myself. I felt Ryan move his hand to my back he looked straight into my eyes and mouthed 'You ok?' I just nod my reply and wait for Harriet to speak.

"She's done a full 5 page spread in Woman magazine" Harriet stuttered, I knew there was more to it than that.

"Ok so why did you ring me?" I asked hoping nothing worse was coming.

"It's being featured as a 'At Home With The Carters' article...Abi she has pictures of Freya all through the spread" BOOM and here comes the explosion.

"You're fucking kidding me right?" I yell furiously. Everyone at the table looks confused Ryan's hand is still on my back and he is looking at me with concern spreading across his face "Does Nick know about this?"

"He didn't know until she showed him the sample feature" Harriet exhaled, the worst bit for her was over. I am guessing she was glad to be thousands of miles away for my reaction.

"So that's it then it's not being published" I hope for a good answer.

"She has already signed all the legal documents for the story" Harriet's confirmation left me shaking with anger "Abi she has doubted your ability as a mother in the feature and made it sound like her and Nick have sole custody of Freya"

"I'll fucking kill her" I felt my whole body explode, which caused me to stand. Ryan stood quickly too and so did AJ "Email me the feature" I wasn't sure how I felt about reading it for myself but I needed to know how much damage she was about to unleash on MY family..."ok speak soon bye" I hang up the phone, sit back down and look straight to AJ, Ryan and Rochelle.

"What's going on?" AJ finally breaks the silence "What's she done now?"

"She has a full 5 page feature being published in Woman magazine tomorrow" I can feel my hands shaking with fury as I explain "Titled At Home With The Carters, there are pictures of Freya all the way through the article, not to mention the fact she has claimed that her and Nick have sole custody over Freya as my ability to be a mother is doubtable"

Ryan's eyes widen, he looks completely stunned by what I was saying "Can she do that?" Ryan asked as he put his hand on my hands to stop them from shaking.

"Legally no, me and Nick both signed an agreement that said neither of us could use photos of Freya in any kind of publicity features without permission from the other parent" I have no idea why Nick would let her do this. I had to speak to him at some point.

"Then surely Woman magazine can't publish the photos without your say so?" Rochelle interupted.

"They can if it's not Nick doing it" AJ sighed "Did the contract say just you and Nick were bound to the contract...or did it cover third parties aswell?"

"I can't remember, I'd have to call Simon" I replied, Simon was my lawyer who covered all contracts and any legal disputes I might have "But it'll be too late by then, the story will have already been published by then"

"Not necessarily" Ryan spoke again, my glance was now fixed on him as he looked straight into my eyes "They can't publish a story if it is involved in a legal dispute, so if you ask your lawyer to call them he can put any printing rights on hold. At least until you find out your legal position for definate"

I can't help but kiss Ryan, he truly is amazing. I quickly remember myself when I hear AJ fake cough in the background "I don't understand where Nick's head is right now" he exhaled "I think I need to have have a chat with him" Rochelle put her hand on AJ's arm, I couldn't help thinking there was more to his concern than he was letting on. I didn't push it though, I didn't want to ruin the rest of our evening (well what was left of it)