Listen to Your Heart

Chapter Twenty

"What an amazing night," Bobby commented, tucking into his Eggs Benedict. "We were all screaming over here." He gestured around him to the rest of The Haus. "Of course, we knew you were a shoo-in."

"What would happen if I hadn't won anything?" Stefani teased from her seat at the table. "A consolation party?" She giggled as he shook his head at her.

The entire team, along with her family, was gathered in Bobby's lavish dining room, enjoying a brunch in celebration of the Oscar victory. Mark had stopped by as well and the entire affair was elegant, yet laid back, and despite having the most minute of hangovers, she was in amazing spirits. There was nothing better than reveling in the magic that had been the previous evening with the people she loved most.

As everyone was engaged in eating and drinking and general conversation around them, Bobby leaned in to speak quietly. "We've gotta talk about the press you're gonna do, Stef. Everyone is going to ask the same thing about you and Bradley."

The only dark gray cloud that loomed above the horizon was the possibility that the relationship she'd kept guarded and protected was about to become unveiled if they chose to do so. The fact everyone was talking about their performance, coupled with Irina moving out that afternoon (which was sure to be leaked to the press sooner or later), would force them to come to an impasse.

"We have to discuss it," she sighed, pushing a half-eaten strawberry around on her plate. "He's coming by my place later. Irina's moving out...discreetly, but---" she trailed off.

"You don't have to decide anything today," he reassured her with a gentle touch to her elbow. "I just wanted to give you the heads up. You have Jimmy Kimmel in a few days and he's going to mention your performance, you know that, right?"

"I hate being forced into doing anything, Bob, you know that." Her voice held an edge to it and immediately, she placed her hand on his, regretfully. "Sorry," she said, softening her tone. "It's not your fault. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place, though."

"Hey, I get it. I'm your friend first, sweetie. Whatever you want to say publicly...or don't want to say, you let us know and we're one hundred percent behind you. The both of you."

"You're a good one, Campbell," she smiled, "have I ever told you that?"

"Ah, a few times," he touched her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "That's what I'm here for."

He didn't bring it up again but somewhere between her second and third mimosa, Sarah saddled up to her, bright-eyed, putting a hand on her shoulder. "So...I know you said there was nothing going on between the two of you and I know people are talking a lot of shit right now...and trust me, you don't have to say anything, either way---"

Sarah was one the most collected people she knew so to see her flustered was quite a sight to behold and she bit down on her lip to keep from laughing.

"Tanno, it's fine. Look, you guys kind of need to know what's going on...in the grand scheme of things."

Stefani tipped back the remainder of her mimosa and cleared her throat, gesturing for Sarah to help her stand on one of Bobby's velvet high-backed chairs. "Can I have everyone's attention?" She waited until the chatter dulled and all eyes were on her. "First and foremost, I want to thank Bobby for hosting this amazing brunch and I want to thank you all for coming today." She focused her attention on her gathered friends and her family. "It means the world to be that you could be here to celebrate with me. Last night was a dream come true and having my family and you guys, my chosen family, in my life makes it even sweeter. So, thank you."