Let's Do This 1: Stormi and Sebastian

Chapter 7

Stormi POV

Within the two weeks since Alex and Sebastian came over to talk strategy, we've started our countermeasures against my family. It started with posting an apology to my fans in my profile on Amazon. Then another on my socials, letting them know that I would be doing an interview, and posting a link for them to watch and share. That interview was yesterday, with a local news station, and Sebastian has another one scheduled for me over zoom with a morning show in New York since my book is in the top 10 self-help books for sale currently.

I can't wait for people to watch these and hopefully it'll put the stories to rest about all of this being 'fake', that I'm 'looking for clout'. I didn't sleep much last night, and Sebastian offered to stay with me as I was having some serious anxiety about this interview. I knew the questions would be more personal and would be harder to answer. The alarm went off early, pulling me from replaying possible questions and answers from my mind. I hopped in the shower quickly, just to help myself feel fresh. As I stood under the shower, hoping the water would was my nerves away, I heard a knock at my door and Sebastian called out, "I left an outfit for you on your bed. After the interview, can I take you out for a breakfast date?"

I stood there, water rushing over me. Cracking the shower door, I shouted back, "Sure. I could eat, but I'm not sure about after the interview."

"No Problem. I have coffee ready, and everything set up in the living room."

Hurrying up, I got out of the shower, and rushed through my morning routine, throwing on the 'no make-up, make-up' to give me that 'fresh and natural' look. I saw a really pretty white off the shoulder top with the eyelet material over top. It was beautiful. I put that on, with my black, ripped jeggings. I went into the kitchen, checking the clock, seeing I only had about fifteen minutes before we had to be on live for the interview. Rushing back to my bathroom, I grabbed some mouse, hair spray and a hand towel. I rushed back to the kitchen, taking a sip of coffee before styling my hair in the scrunched style. I grabbed my cup and headed to the couch where Sebastian was sitting, talking with producers before the interview. As I set my cup down, and smoothed my shirt down, I caught the tail end of what the producer was saying.

"They insisted. They claim to have proof."

Sebastian had the bridge of his nose pinched between his fingers, "So you're telling me ten minutes before we go live that her family is on with you? And it's going to be a 'confrontation'? All because they claim to have proof?" He glared at the screen, while I froze at his words.

My family was going to be on this one? Was this a set up from the beginning?

Sebastian, noticing me frozen, stood up, grabbing my hand, "I'll be right back. I'm calling Alex. Have a seat. We'll take care of this." He stood up and walked to the corner of the room, talking quietly into his phone, while the producer introduced himself to me, explaining my family heard about the interview and insisted I knew about the alleged affair and that I was being dramatic. Sebastian came back to where I was sitting on the couch after getting a refill of his coffee cup.

Before I could ask what was going on, the host of the show popped up on our screen with all of the people I'd hoped to never see in my life again.

"And over zoom, we have Stormi, famous 'self-help' author, also known as Artemis Jones. Welcome!" She smiled, looking like a viper, like she was planning on burying me alive, "Tell us, Stormi, why did you use a penname? Why not come right out and use your name?"

I took a deep breath, letting all the rage I'd had for years, channel into the politest 'fuck you' conversation I could have, "I used a penname because, as a child, I was always told not to ruin the family name, to not embarrass or out shine Story in any way." I smiled at the end of my answer.