Rock Star's Ballad (White Mist Series Book 3) (27 page)

Bethany nodded and Demi dashed out to the SUV.

“How’s it look?” Johnny asked.

She trailed her fingers over his arm. “Let’s just say, I’m warning you now you aren’t ripping it off of me. It’s too pretty.”

“That good, huh?” He twined their hands together as he drove. “How do you feel?”

“I’m fine. Why?”

“Don’t want you to freak out about the show or the paparazzi.”

“I’m good, Johnny. You’re giving me a break from Kerry and Missy. They stopped by three times today because they knew I was going out of town,” she said, amused.
 

She had no doubt that Kerry and Missy would make everything perfect. Missy was part drill sergeant because she was Regan’s older sister and wife to the Chief of Police. Kerry and Missy threw themselves into wedding details with gusto. Demi suspected a lot of this was contributed to the fact that Johnny said money wasn’t an issue. Missy and Kerry conferred with a contact at Martin Hotel, ironed out the details and reported back to Demi. Regan and Bethany were stunned speechless when she asked them to be her bridesmaids. Regan cried the whole day, which Brooks didn’t appreciate. It felt like years that she’d been living in Montana instead of mere weeks.
 

“No nerves at all?” Johnny asked in surprise.

“Well, a little. I mean, you’re getting married to the woman you pulled out of the crowd… That’s kind of crazy.”

“Don’t sweat it, babe.”

“I’m glad Gwen’s gonna be there,” she said.

“Everyone’s gonna be interested in you, but you handle people well, so it’ll be fine. You won over Regan. Enough said.”

Demi smiled. “Watching her cry over everything is bizarre, but I love her.”

“I’m glad. She and Gwen mean a lot to me.”

“Where are we staying?”

“MGM Grand, where the show is being held.”

They parked at the airstrip and her heart began to beat double time when she saw the plane. Johnny noticed her hesitation and kissed her.
 

“We’re gonna be fine.”

“Yeah.”

She took a deep breath and walked up the steps with her garment bag. Johnny led her to one of the seats and talked to the flight attendants and pilot before he sat beside her. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. She examined him as the plane began to move.
 

“I remember the boy that used to sit on my bed with his guitar, asking me what I thought of his songs and now I look at you… You’re so much more than I ever dreamed.”

“It’s been a long road. I’m ready for the next journey,” he said.
 

“Are you nervous about anything?” she fished. “Show, wedding…?”

“No.”

“No?”

“Demi, I’m really fucking good for the first time in thirteen years. Having you walk by my side on the carpet, telling the world you’re mine and not being nervous about it… I’m damn proud.”

Her stomach dipped as the plane left the ground. “I can’t believe we’re here, together.”

“Believe it. I’m not going anywhere and neither are you. I’ll be stalking you until the wedding. Actually, until you’re pregnant with my child, I’m going to be
very
close.”

She laughed. “Johnny, I’m not going to change my mind.”

“I’m not taking any chances. Just bear with me, okay? It’s gonna get a little crazy once we land, but if you need anything, just tell me.”

“I can do that.”

***

“Babe, we’re here,” Johnny said.
 

She groaned, stretched and looked out of the foggy window at the neon lights of Las Vegas.
 

 
“Time is it?” she yawned.
 

“Around ten. We’re gonna go straight to the hotel, but you need your sunglasses.”

“Sunglasses?”
 

“We have a welcoming committee.” When she frowned, he added, “Not the good kind.”

And so it begins, she thought.
 

Johnny held her hand tight as they walked down the stairs. People were shouting Johnny’s name and to her surprise, hers as well. The flashes were nearly blinding and Johnny put an arm around her as they walked to a limo.
 

“Are you engaged?”
 

“How long have you known each other?”

“Is she pregnant?”

“Let’s see the ring!”

Demi ducked into the limo and stiffened when she saw slick haired Paul. He didn’t look happy. He wore a black shirt, tight pants and shiny boots. Johnny got in beside her and slammed the door. The limo immediately began to move and Johnny nodded to Paul.
 

“Alright, Paul?” Johnny asked.
 

“Uh, no,” Paul said and leaned forward. “Are. You.
Engaged
?”

“Yeah,” Johnny said, obviously not catching Paul’s vibe.
 

“Yeah?
” Paul echoed through clenched teeth. “When the
fuck
were you gonna tell me? I feel like an idiot. You’ve been avoiding my calls about the product endorsement deals and it seems like I’m the last to know my own client is getting married for the
fourth
time!”

Johnny raised a brow. “Paul, it’s in two months and you’re invited.”

“Well, of course I am!” Paul said indignantly.
 

Johnny stayed quiet long enough to make Paul draw back. “I’m taking a break.”

“Okay,” Paul said and glanced at Demi who was glad she hadn’t taken off her shades. “How long?”

“At least three years.”

“What?”
Paul shouted.
 

“I might do occasional appearances but that depends on Demi,” Johnny said and tucked her into his side. “How long I stay out of the music scene really depends on her.”

When Demi opened her mouth to protest, Johnny gave her a squeeze and she subsided. It was obvious that Johnny planned it this way, she just wasn’t sure why.
 

“We’re trying to get pregnant,” Johnny said bluntly. “So after this, I’m out.”

“You’re trying to have kids?” Paul asked in a small, disbelieving voice. He looked at Johnny as if he’d never seen him before.
 

“That’s what happens when you find the right girl,” Johnny said with a big grin.
 

“B-but—”

“We’re here,” Johnny said a moment before the limo stopped and the door opened.
 

Once more Johnny put his arm around her as they walked into the MGM Grand and were greeted with more paparazzi and shouting. A team of security escorted them to the elevator. Paul handed Johnny a key card. He looked harried, pale and out of his element. He stared at Demi as if she were the devil. She wasn’t sure whether that was a good or bad thing.
 

“Johnny, we have to talk,” Paul said with a pointed, angry look at Demi.
 

“I’m gonna get Demi settled and then we’ll talk,” Johnny said and did just that.
 

The suite was enormous, the view amazing and Demi was tired. She heard Paul whining in low undertones as she walked into the master bedroom and tested the bed, which felt heavenly. Their luggage arrived and she pulled out a nightgown and took a quick shower in the luxurious bathroom. She rolled her eyes when she heard Paul wheedling even after her bath. She winced when Johnny’s voice cut in, firm and decisive. It was worlds away from the laid-back rock star who never took a vacation and worked obsessively. Watching Johnny face off with Paul laid to rest any worries she had. In Johnny’s eyes, he wasn’t giving up anything, he was gaining and that’s all that mattered to her.
 

***

“Demi!”

Demi woke with a jolt as something bounced on the bed. Her eyes flew open and she stared at Gwen who was all smiles. Demi leapt up and hugged her hard. She didn’t ask how or why Gwen was in her room. She didn’t care. She was just glad to see her. It seemed like ages since Misty Lake.
 

“What are you doing here?” Demi asked.
 

“Johnny told me to give you time to sleep before I barged in. He’s rehearsing for tonight.”

“Oh.” Had he slept at all? “Its great to see you.”

“I know. It’s been hectic doing all the shows and promotions. It’s almost over, thank God. Let me see that ring!”
 

Gwen grasped her left hand and examined the black diamond in awe. “It’s stunning,” Gwen declared.
 

“I love it. What are we doing today?”

“We’re having lunch at a restaurant downstairs in about an hour. Casual/dressy and then we come up here, gossip and do hair and makeup. Get ready. I’ll be back in ten minutes.”

Gwen hopped off the bed and dashed from the room. Demi stared after her and then stumbled into the bathroom to make herself decent. She was finishing up her makeup when Gwen reappeared.
 

“God, I’m so happy you’re here,” Gwen said.

“Don’t you know everyone?” Demi asked as she shimmied into a comfortable jersey dress.
 

“Well, yes, but I’m still not one hundred percent comfortable. I like being behind the scenes. Being followed constantly is irritating. With you I’ll have a girlfriend by my side while I greet business acquaintances and that makes it so much better.” She hooked her arm through Demi’s and led her out of the hotel suite. “So, how’s everything?”

Demi jumped when five security guards congregated around them.
 

“This is what I mean,” Gwen said, rolling her eyes. “Necessary and irritating. The fans and paparazzi can get out of hand. Johnny and Trey will meet us at lunch. So, Bethany London made your dress for the show tonight? I know she can sew, but I didn’t know she designs.”

“Yes, she’s amazing, she just doesn’t know it yet.”

Gwen’s smile was a little forced and Demi squeezed her arm. “You worried about tonight?”

“Just my performance, but it’s a duet with Trey so I’ll be fine.”

Gwen led Demi into the loud, busy, crowded casino. The security guards hemmed them in and Gwen continued to talk, distracting Demi from feeling claustrophobic. Cigarette smoke was heavy in the air and the sound of the slot machines was deafening. Despite everything, Demi felt her heart lift in excitement when two women began to scream as a red light flashed over a machine. Everyone around her cheered.
 

“How are the wedding plans coming?” Gwen asked.
 

“Kerry and Missy are taking care of everything. It’s great. By the way, will you be one of my bridesmaids?”

Gwen came to an abrupt halt and stared at her. “Really?”

“Yes. You’re one of the reasons we’re together. I’d like to think we’re friends.” When Gwen said nothing, Demi began to backtrack. “If it’s too weird, that’s okay—”

“Are you kidding? I’d be honored.”

Gwen clasped Demi’s hand in hers and she had a little spring in her step as they began to walk again.
 

“You know Regan’s pregnant again?” Demi said.
 

“How long have I been gone? Good God.”

“Apparently, she turns into a water faucet when she’s pregnant. She cried for a whole day when I asked her to be my maid of honor.”

Gwen snickered. “I can’t wait to see it. I’ll be back in White Mist before the wedding. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Demi was feeling light and free until she saw a solid wall of paparazzi up ahead. She pulled back on Gwen’s hand. “What’s going on?”

“That’s the restaurant we’re meeting at.”

“
We
who?” Demi asked with a sinking feeling in her stomach.
 

“Well, everyone who’s nominated.”

“I’m not dressed for this!” Demi hissed.

“This is informal,” Gwen said and plunged forward.
 

The paparazzi whipped towards them and the flashes started in earnest.
 

“Are you engaged to Johnny Bentley? When’s the wedding?”

“How do you feel being Mrs. Johnny Bentley number four?”

“Are you sure Bentley can be faithful?”

Demi wished she had on sunglasses, but Gwen’s firm hold pulling her through the throng of nasty paparazzi kept her focused. It took her a few seconds to filter out all the ‘Bentley’ questions and realize Gwen was getting attacked too.
 

“Do you still have stage fright, Gwen?”

“Is your marriage stable?”
 

“Are you too old to have children? Is your husband still seeing Natasha Wilde?”

“Does Trey have a problem with your success?”

Demi knew the paparazzi were trying to get a rise out of them. A flinch or grimace magnified on a magazine cover with an eye catching headline would sell thousands of copies, but the
way
the paparazzi were doing it incensed her. Demi pulled Gwen to a stop and heard the security guards mutter under their breath, instinctively knowing this couldn’t be good. Demi pulled Gwen in beside her and faced the paparazzi defiantly. She held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring. The backlash of light was nearly blinding, but she didn’t care.
 

“Yes, I am getting married to Johnny Bentley and I’m not concerned that I’m wife number four. I know I’ll be the last and that’s all that matters. As for the date of my wedding, you don’t need to know because you’re not invited.” She gave the paparazzi a blinding smile. “As for Johnny being unfaithful, no, I’m not worried. Not one bit. He’s mine and always has been.”

At Demi’s side, Gwen giggled.

“As for Gwen and Trey, they’re happy and its none of your business why she hasn’t had children. Some people need to have children to give their life a purpose. Neither Trey nor Gwen suffers from that affliction. And as far as stage fright goes, the greatest artists of all time were always sick before a performance because it meant something to them.” Demi took a deep breath and inclined her head regally. “Now, if you don’t mind, we’re gonna party.”

Demi ignored the roar of the paparazzi as she turned away. Two men opened the doors that led into the restaurant, which had blacked out windows. There was a crowd of people inside, milling with fancy appetizers on white plates and glasses of champagne or other drinks. The room was filled with the greatest singers and performers from the past six decades.