Against The World // Brantley Gilbert

2.

Everleigh's POV

From the moment the first story was published, no one has asked me my side of the story. Instead, it was immediately pointing fingers in my direction and blaming me for something I didn't even do.

I've lost some close friends due to the fact that they believed exactly what the media said instead of asking me exactly what happened.

To have someone who doesn't know me, only knows what's been said about me online asking for my side, it's almost a sigh of relief. 

"It's a long story, one that I'm sure you don't really want to hear anyways. You probably have better things to do with your day than listen to my sob story" I respond.

Brantley shakes his head, "I have all the time in the world, and you have no one else to talk to right now. Tell me your side" he tells me.

I let out a sigh, motioning to the living room.

Sitting in the corner of the L-shaped sofa, I wrap my couch blanket around me, watching as Brantley gets comfortable on the other side of the sofa.

"So a little backstory. Bradley and I met in high school a few hours west of Nashville, got married after my 19th birthday. When I was ready to move to Nashville to pursue music, he went into the business side of it. After I got signed, he was able to land a job at another label, and it was all perfect. We had the penthouse, the cars, we had it all" I started.

Brantley nods.

"A little over a year ago, I was in the studio working on an album that was supposed to come out later that year, and I got stuck there later than I had anticipated. I came home about 10:30 to find him in bed with my publicist, who was also my best friend since we were kids. I was livid, of course, and kicked them out of the house. Before Braxton left, he threw in for me to think wisely because he wasn't afraid of ruining my name if I filed" I say.

"So he essentially threatened you?" Brantley asks.

"In a way, but at the time I didn't take it as that, just that he was pissed off that he got caught, so I went ahead and filed anyways. I hadn't heard anything in return until the first article was published a few weeks later saying that I had been the one to cheat. With their connections, they were able to get the story out as fast as possible. I left town at my family and teams request until everything calmed down. Everything about Nashville is toxic, so I don't even know if I want to go back at this point. I'd rather let my name die out and live a normal life. At the same time though, I love music, and I love my job. I can tell stories and help other women through things, and that's my favorite part of it" I tell him.

"I'm sorry that you've had to deal with that, no one should be forced into isolation because of what the media has said" Brantley responds.

"I've been wanting to isolate for a little while anyways, so this was the perfect excuse for it. I've felt so out of touch with myself and my music that I needed time to myself anyways. I'm just lucky that I have such a great group of people around me to help me not get buried in all of this" I tell him. 

 Brantley's POV

"Well, you can add me to that list too" I respond.

"I'm closer to you than anyone in Nashville is, and I don't have a lot going on until I start touring in a few months. So if you need me, I'm here" I add.

Everleigh nods, "you don't have to do that Brantley" she says.

I let out a chuckle, before standing up from my spot on the couch and heading towards the kitchen. Quickly jotting down my number, before heading back into the living room.

"My number is on the pad in the kitchen if you need anything, or don't, don't hesitate to call me. I need to head to my mom's before she loses her mind. Use the number Everleigh, you're not alone" I tell her, before heading towards the door.

As I drive down the road, my mind swirls replaying our conversation. The fact that she was screwed over by someone who meant so much to her pisses me off.

The fact that he used his name and his connections to ruin her, and her name infuriates me.

Throughout my entire time in the industry, I've always heard that the men hold the power. I never actually believed it, until I heard that story.

"Whatever she did, I'm sorry" I hear coming from the speakers of the truck as soon as the call connects.

"Is he still breathing?" I ask.

Chase lets out a laugh, "Oh trust me, I wanted to beat the shit out of him the minute she called me. However, he would be the kind to press charges out of spite, and she didn't want me or her dad to go to jail. I'm surprised she actually talked about it though" Chase responds. 

"Really didn't give her much of an option but to talk about it" I tell him.

"You got a forming crush on my best friend Gilbert?" Chase asks.

I let out a laugh, coming to stop at the red light near the cabin.

"I wouldn't go that far now; she's going through a lot and clearly needed a fresh face to talk to. Plus, there's a pretty big age gap between the two of us. It just pisses me off that she had to deal with that" I explain. 

"So, I'm guessing now isn't the best time to mention that he works for Big Machine huh?" Chase questions.

I slam on my brakes letting the words he spoke run over in my head.

"What the fuck did you just say" I say. 

"Yeah dude. He works in the offices up there. Odds are you've never had a run in with him, but he's there somewhere. I know he was dealing with some of the newer artists for a while, I'm not sure what level he's at now though. He even got his little girlfriend a job up there once the divorce was finalized" Chase explains.

"Fucking hell" I state.