Sins of the Father
Page 25
“Now that would be a challenge,” Sarah said, looking at his outfit with critical eyes. “Go on, the pair of you, I’ll be fine. I just had last minute nerves. I have to go if I’m going to catch my flight.”
They were doing an interview on the Joe C. Ross Show, the last on the tour to promote the film. “Then go. Jack and I have this covered. We could answer the questions in our sleep now.”
Sarah glared at Alicia. “Don’t get complacent. You have to treat every interview as though it’s your first. Have I taught you nothing?”
“You taught me everything, dear friend. Now go, before I spend the whole interview worrying about you.”
“Nicely done,” Sarah said, kissing her cheek. “Make it a good one. I’ll get to see it eventually.” She gave Jack a quick hug and walked away before she could change her mind.
“Are you ready, sis?” Jack asked, turning to her as their names were announced.
She nodded once. “Let’s do it.”
They walked onset hand in hand, to the sound of applause from a live studio audience. Alicia stood for a few moments, allowing the welcome to flood over her. Then she was being swept up into a bear hug by their host, Joe Ross.
“Great to see you,” he said, giving Jack’s hand a quick shake. “Come and sit down.” He led them to a leather sofa, part of the new design for his show.
“It’s great to be here, Joe,” Jack said, relaxing against a surprisingly soft backrest.
“We’ve just seen a clip of the film and the audience loved it.” He paused to wait out the applause. “I saw it yesterday, and have to agree. It’s brilliant.”
“That means a lot. We don’t have to tell you how many challenges we faced with this project.” Alicia gave Jack a wry smile. “But the end result is worth it, especially for us.”
“Will there be other projects together?” Joe asked.
“Eventually, yes. I don’t think many people expected us to finish this one after everything that happened. But we actually had a lot of fun.” Alicia paused, thinking about the months they’d spent completing the film. “I would love the opportunity to work with Jack again.”
“Yes, you’ve certainly had an interesting few months. I’m sure you’re tired of talking about it by now, but it must be a relief to work without all the controversy surrounding your relationship.”
Jack grinned at their host, not blaming him for steering them towards the hottest topic of the moment. “There’s always a little controversy when you do the kind of work we do. It was just a matter of getting to know each other again without being under a microscope. I agree that there’s a certain joy in sharing with the world how much I adore my sister.”
The audience burst to life again, the applause so loud it made Alicia’s head ring. “I think we always intended to explain our relationship before we finished the project. The hardest part was timing. It’s inevitable that we were accused of using the announcement for free publicity.” She shrugged, demonstrating her acceptance. “And, sure, the publicity doesn’t hurt, but I hope the film can be enjoyed on its own merits.”
Joe nodded enthusiastically. “It felt right that I knew before seeing it. The characters you created have a few things in common with you. Did you purposely write them as brother and sister?”
“Yes, I wrote the part for Jack, and it seemed fitting that the people we portrayed experienced heartbreak of their own – kind of like getting therapy at work.”
“It’s the first film you’re credited for writing. Is that something else you thought it was time to share?”
Alicia thought about that for a moment. “I’ve been writing for years, but I always wanted to keep the two roles separate. This time it felt like a gift – I wanted people to know I wrote it for Jack.”
“That’s understandable. It’s clear that the project meant a great deal to you both.” Joe turned to Jack. “And I understand, now that it’s over, you’re going to be taking a little time off.”
Jack beamed, feeling the wonder as he always did. “Yes, my wife and I are expecting our first child.”
The audience lapped it up, extending their approval with rambunctious applause.
“How does it feel? You’re going to be an aunt,” Joe asked Alicia when the noise began to fade.
“It feels wonderful - the perfect ending to a difficult year.”
“I’m sure.” He smiled before facing the audience and looking into camera. “We’ll talk more about that and the film after our commercial break.”
The rest of the interview flew by. They’d been given a fifteen minute slot, and as usual on Joe’s show they ran out of time.
Jack was buzzing with enthusiasm as they walked back to the dressing rooms. They’d been on the road almost three weeks, so he was happy it was almost time to go home.
Alicia was thinking of Brad as she pushed through to her own room, so thought he was an apparition when she saw him leaning casually against the mirror. She let out a cry of pure joy when she realised he was actually there and flung herself into his arms.
He laughed as he caught her, even harder when she began to shower kisses on his face.
“I’ve missed you so much. I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I had to see you. The wait was driving me crazy.” He captured her busy mouth with his for a lingering kiss. “I missed you too.”
“Not that I’m complaining, but if you’d waited until I got back to the hotel I could have shown you exactly how much.”
“You can still show me. But I need to talk to you about something first.”
“Oh?” She dismissed the nerves gathering in her stomach.
“I wanted to wait until we were completely alone. I had it all planned out, but I got nervous so I had to find you.”
“You’re scaring me a little,” she said, standing back so she could look into his face.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to. It’s just that I’ve been trying to find a way to tell you that I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. I love you, Alicia, marry me.”
She threw herself at him again, overcome with emotion. “Oh, Brad, I love you too. So much,” she said against his chest.
He pulled her away, needing to look in her eyes. What he saw there had him puffing out a relieved breath. “Is that a yes?”
“It’s a yes,” she said, tears spilling over into laughter. “It’s a definite yes.”
Their lips met instinctively, eager to seal the deal. Brad cursed silently for their lack of privacy. He wanted to demonstrate just how happy she made him.
“How quickly can you get me back to the hotel?” she whispered in his ear.
“Ten minutes, if I break every speed limit.”
She smiled, feeling giddy with excitement. “Then let’s break a few more rules.”
She walked over to the small table to retrieve her handbag. He was at the door when she turned, holding out a hand. She took it, pulling the door closed behind them and walking towards her future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Barker-Simpson is a multigenre romance author. Her stories are about connection, friendship, and love in all its forms. So whether in a magical setting, an alternative universe, or a world where anything can happen – and often does – there is always an
element of romance.
Melissa is currently residing in the North of England with her two daughters, and when not writing, is fulfilling her other role as a British Sign Language Interpreter.
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Other Books By MELISSA BARKER-SIMPSON<
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Fractured Series
The Contract (Prequel) – Part of the double book anthology: Changing Worlds
The Fallen (Book 1)
Worlds Apart Series
The Fifth Watcher (Book 1)
Morgan and Fairchild Series
Sins of the Father (Book 1)
Hands of Evil (Book 2)
Brothers in Arms (Book 3)
Gifted Series
The Conduit (Book 1)
The Missing Link (Book 2)
Writing under Nat Hobson
Winchester Brothers Series
Addy’s Choice (Book 1)
Heart of Fire (Book 2)