Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 91840 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91840 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
“You don’t sound convinced.”
“I’m not.”
I sit around and look at him. “Don’t you want to tell your side of the story? Get the actual truth out there to your fans?”
“Yeah, I do. But the statement just doesn’t feel right. It says nothing about the truth in it. It’s just basically an apology for my past.”
“So, change it. Rewrite it yourself.”
“I’m not exactly a great writer, Speedy. I’m more of a verbal guy, if you haven’t noticed.”
“So, if talking is your strength, tell them face-to-face from your own mouth.”
“I don’t want to go on a fucking talk show and spill my guts.”
“So, don’t. Record a video. Say everything you want to and then put it out there on your social media. That way, you’re directing it to the people who matter—your fans.”
He stares at me for a long moment. “You ever thought of being a publicist? Because you’d be fucking awesome at it.”
“I’m awesome at most things.” I give a shrug and a teasing smile.
“You’re awesome at everything, Speedy. Except for driving. That, you suck at.”
“Hey! It was my shitty driving that brought us together.”
Gabe laughs, and the sound is beautiful. “Yeah, and I’m thankful every fucking day for that.”
Gabe
I’ve decided to do a live video on Facebook. No fucking around. Just go live on social media and get it over with.
Julian, Vaughn, and Charly left to give us some privacy while I do this video. Martin left straight after checking Ava’s car and mine. Thankfully, they were clear. He said he’d be in touch as soon as he had something on the bugging devices.
I also spoke to Gil. Told him to scrap the press release. I told him that I was going to do this myself, my way. He’s not too happy with me doing a live video. But it’s not like I’m doing a Q&A session. I’m just going on there, telling my side of the story, and then I’m done.
I also told Gil about the bugs in my apartment. He’s on with the lawyers right now. And I gave him Martin’s contact details, so the lawyers could talk to him directly if needed.
I’m just having a cigarette out on the terrace.
I glance over at the drinks on the table. They’re still there.
I’ve not had anything to drink. I want to do this video with a clear head. But I know I will drink something before the day is out. I can’t not. I just need to watch how much I drink.
And, first thing tomorrow, I’m getting in touch with whomever I need to, to help me kick this habit I have.
I want to be a better man for Ava. I want to be a better man for me. And cleaning my act up is the first step at that. But the cigarettes are definitely not going. For the time being anyway.
Ava suggested that maybe I could talk to someone about my past. About my parents and the way I used to earn money. She thinks it all contributes to my excessive drinking. A way to dull the memories.
I think she’s probably right.
“You ready, baby?” Ava steps out onto the terrace.
“Yeah.” I stub my cigarette out and get to my feet.
When I reach Ava, she takes hold of my hand and leads me inside.
“I’ve got your phone ready to go on Facebook live.”
“Okay.” I sit down on the sofa.
She sits on the coffee table, across from me. “I put Gucci in the kitchen. I didn’t want her jumping in the video or making noise while you did this.”
“She won’t be happy,” I tell Ava.
“I gave her some sliced apples and pears, so that should keep her happy for five minutes.”
God, I can’t believe I’m about to do this.
I swallow down and rub my hands on my thighs.
I’m shitting bricks. I’m man enough to admit that.
I’m about to go on camera and tell the world things I’ve been keeping secret for a very long time. But I don’t have that choice anymore, thanks to that bastard, Digby, and Sandy, his bitch of a sidekick.
“You okay?” Ava reaches over and squeezes my leg.
“Yeah, I’m good. Let’s do this.”
“Okay.” She smiles gently.
She lifts my phone up to video me. “Just tell me when.”
I run my hands through my hair and take a deep breath. “Okay…I’m ready.”
“It’s just counting down. Three…two…one…” She gives me a thumbs-up to tell me I’m live.
Here goes nothing.
“People of Facebook. Hey. I’m sure you know who I am because you’re on my social media page. But, for those of you who don’t, I’m Gabriel Evans. If you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t know who I am, well, I’m sure you will soon enough. A news story about me went out last night, and that’s why I am here. Because I want to address the things that have been said about me.