Say Yes

STORM

After Rockfest, I spent the next few days doing my social worker duties. It kept my mind off the drama with Damien and the blogs.

Tara Satori's pregnancy has the internet going crazy. Pete had to turn the comments off on Konstrict's social media.

The band was on their mini tour with Rockfest. They have three more cities to do, then preparation for their tour begins.

I didn't want to bother Rowan while he was on the road, but I missed him so much. It's crazy how quickly I've grown attached to him.

He told me Tara is not carrying his child and not to worry. I wanted to trust his words, but I was a little scared of looking like a fool.

Friday was here, and I looked forward to a weekend of relaxation. I haven't got any calls from Damien since I technically quit.

"Harmony, can I see you in my office?"

"Yes, ma'am."

I got up and followed my supervisor, Natalie. Once we sat down, a sad look formed on her face.

"Have you been following the news?"

"Not really..."

She handed me her phone.

Downgrade? Rowan Vidal's new girlfriend has a scandalous history with Royal Records CEO Damien Stacks. Alleged sex tape of affair!

My heart dropped. There was no video attached, but they called me an industry sex worker and even talked about my deceased husband. They insinuated that his death was due to being involved in police corruption.

"This isn't true."

"I got a call from the higher-ups, and we've been bombarded with complaints from our sponsors. They financially support the majority of our programs."

I felt like my world was spinning...

"Many of them are threatening to pull out of funding, which would be a huge loss."

"I-I understand, but this stuff about me is false."

"Did you not have a relationship with Mr. Stacks? You both were engaged at some point, am I correct?"

"Yes, but..."

"And you're now dating Mr. Vidal, correct? Isn't that the reason for all the phone calls we've been getting..."

"Yes, but I am not a sex worker."

"Didn't he just abandon his pregnant girlfriend and was involved in some type of gang shooting?"

"He was about to be robbed, and she's not pregnant by him."

"Ms. Weathers, you have to understand how immoral that makes you look being associated with him. It will cause our sponsors and clients to question our integrity. You are drawing too much negative attention to this company."

This was a complete nightmare.

"I'm sorry, Harmony. I have to let you go."

My mind was everywhere as my hands began to shake. I didn't realize just how serious dating Rowan would become.

"You will be given a severance package that will include your 401k. Do you have any questions about your severance?"

I was speechless as I got out of the chair and hurried to the restroom to puke. I could feel my entire body shake while the room spun.

My tears blurred my vision while I gasped for air. I was having a full-blown panic attack. Soon, I passed out.

I woke up in the hospital feeling weaker than I've ever been. My parents were sitting next to me when I opened my eyes.

"You're awake, thank God."

"How are you feeling?"

My parents looked relieved, but their voices were filled with worry. Now I wondered if they saw the gossip about me.

"I'm okay..."

I thought about Rowan and if he knew what was going on. My life was spiraling.

"I want to go home."

"That's not a good idea. The press is camped out in front of your place."

"Harmony, you told me you weren't dealing with that rapper."

"He's not a rapper, mother."

"Whatever, but you're willing to risk your reputation being with him?"

A voice came into the room.

"Hello, Harmony."

My parents' eyes lit up.

"Damien, it's good to see you."

***

It was Konstrict's final song of the night. The crowd roared in applause as they bowed, then walked off the stage.

Rowan's first priority was checking on Harmony.

"Hey, there's a fan meet and greet in an hour."

"Why wasn't I told this?"

"I don't know. But is there going to be a problem?"

Rowan stared at the concert promoter. Pete came into the dressing room, breaking the tension.

"He wasn't told about the meet and greet?"

"Yeah, that's my fault. He'll be out there."

The promoter walked out, and Pete sat on the couch.

"Nick and Brock were just informed too...they're getting ready to go out there."

"Have fun."

"Come on, Row. You know it won't be the same."

"Not my problem."

"This is all because of that chick, isn't it?"

"Her name is Harmony."

"You're changing because of her, and it's not a good look."

"Says who?"

"Enough people...She's known as a pass-around in this industry. Do you really want to be connected to that?"

"You really are Damien's bitch..."

"What?"

"I didn't want to believe it but...you're on his payroll."

"No, I just want what's best for you."

"Like what? Being with Tara's lying ass..."

Pete grinded his teeth, and Rowan smirked.

"You know...she didn't lie about the kid being related to me."

"She didn't?"

"Yeah...she's been fucking my brother for a while now. Did you know?"

He shook his head. "No, of course not."

"Just like you didn't know Damien set me up to get robbed?"

Pete's eyes widened. "Rowan..."

"Yeah, great friend you got there."

Rowan put a fresh shirt on and a leather jacket. He made his way to the door.

"I know you're worried about Stacks harming me. But I promise you're worried about the wrong person."

Rowan's eyes glowed red before he turned to walk out of the door. Pete stood as fear took over his body.