Three months later.
Today I planned a dinner with my parents and Joaquin’s, along with his sister and Gael. The cat was out of the bag with them dating and her father stopped trying to keep them apart after Alessandra threatened to run away. Their mother was adamant about him letting it go and allowing the couple to be happy. I was just glad to have the heat off me and Joaquin.
After the listening party I felt so inspired that I called Chauncey the next day to add a few more songs and today was the big release. We’d been on a media blitz and I was ready to fall asleep, but needed to get this done so I could take a vacation and finish getting the house together. Joaquin left for work at his office and said he would be here later for dinner. I already had a chef coming over tonight two hours early to prep, as well as a cleaning crew to make sure everything was just right. Cassidy followed along with me to New York for an interview with a local entertainment talk show about my music and new movie. Cassidy typed away on her phone as the makeup artist continued putting mascara on the fake eyelashes.
“Everything’s all over social media about today’s interview,” Cassidy mentioned.
“I didn’t expect anything less.”
“Some are wondering if this album is about Joaquin,” Cassidy spoke.
I shrugged, not giving an answer to the question. I had some songs about Joaquin, but not everything.
“Sofia we’re ready for you,” the talk show assistant said.
“Coming.”
I passed my phone to Cassidy and headed to do my second interview for the day.
“You’re looking lovely, Sofia,” Brandy from Entertainment Live said.
I sat down across from her with my hands clasped together.
“Thank you.”
“You have a glow about you,” Brandy said.
“Probably my new album being out,” I teased as I held it up for the camera.
“So, tell us what this album is about?” Brandy questioned.
“It’s about my journey over the past few months and years.”
“Would you say highs and lows?” Brandy inquired.
“Yes, the music video I did for “His Peace” is probably the rawest I’ve ever been.”
“Your fans are wanting to know, are you in love?” Brandy asked.
“You know I like to keep my personal life private, but I will say I’m happy.”
“The new movie looks great, are you planning more acting in the future?” Brandy asked.
“Hopefully, but I’m taking some time off after this press tour to spend time with my family.”
“Thank you again for hanging with us, Sofia, I speak for all of your fans when I say we're glad you’re back,” Brandy spoke.
“Dad, I wanted to tell you something,” Alessandra started to say.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Ummm…” Alessandra hesitated.
“Just spit it out,” I said.
“Gael and I are dating!” Alessandra shouted.
He started to turn red and then glared at Gael.
“You knew about this?” he asked Joaquin.
“I learned about it recently and I’m happy she chose someone that I know could protect her the way she deserves to be protected,” Joaquin mentioned.
“Mr. Fuertes, I love your daughter,” Gael said.
“Alba, do you hear this?” Mr. Fuertes asked.
“I do and I’m happy to have both my children be in loving relationships,” his mother stated.
“Father, I promise I’ll finish school,” Alessandra said.
“What about this Edward situation?” he asked and changed the subject.
“It’s no longer an issue,” Joaquin told her.
The detectives’ bodies were found in a lake in the back of a trunk chopped up. It was all over the news that it was a mob hit; the timeline was poured over of when Jones and Adams were seen last. I remembered Joaquin saying he had to take care of some business one night, but I learned to stop asking questions. If Jones and Adams were smart they wouldn’t have continued pressing me about Edward’s disappearance. Alba asked for more wine and I smiled then poured more into her glass.