Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(104)
The fact that they’re taking turns rather than waiting and repeating the same questions is very exciting. It looks like I won’t need to be standing around as long as I thought.
“She didn’t get to see the one she wore until a few days before the premier,” Nathan chimes in.
“Why not, Nathan? Didn’t that pose a potential challenge for the dress to fit as flawlessly as it did?” say another female reporter.
“Well,” Nathan begins with a laugh. “I’m the only man who truly know’s Emma’s body.”
I purse my lips to prevent myself from smiling too much — I’m sure Joe knows more than Nathan.
“Emma’s body was the initial muse behind the desire to expand into a woman’s line, aside from Maggie, of course,” Nathan continues without hesitation. “When Emma tried the dress on for the first time, it fit perfectly. I didn’t need to do a single alteration. The same for this one she’s wearing now.”
I nod in agreement.
“Wow,” replies the reporter. “How does that make you feel, Emma?”
“How does what make me feel?”
“To have a gay man know your body so well,” she explains.
I laugh. “I don’t think any woman would be uncomfortable with that.”
“So, Nathan,” another report starts. “If you know Emma’s body so well, should any man who is interested in persuading Emma into dating talk to you first? You know, to get a leg up on the competition?”
Nathan roars with laughter. “I many know her size over every inch of her body, but I’m not an expert in the department of pleasing Emma.”
Joe is an expert on my body when it comes to pleasure my brain snickers — he is, indeed.
“Chris, can you tell us what project you’re working on next?” another of the reporters request.
“You know I can’t tell you that,” he teases. “But, I can tell you this . . . it’s going to be good.”
Everyone laughs, enjoying his friskiness. Maggie’s hand reaches in front of me from my right, offering me a drink. I nod and mouth thank you and then take a sip.
“How did everyone wearing your collection become friends?” one reporter poses.
Nathan looks to me to see if I want to explain. I lift my chin in the direction of Jared, wanting to give him a chance to speak, especially since he’s really good and personable without exposing too much.
Jared takes the hint and steps behind me, placing his arm over my shoulder and getting in direct sight of the cameras. “Emma and I became friends first and soon after that, we meet Maggie when we went to the Peking Wok for lunch one day after work.”
“How did you two meet?” someone pries.
Jared continues as if he didn’t hear them. “Maggie’s bubbly personality was infectious and the three of us became instant friends. Some time later, Nathan and I met in WeHo. We dated off and on, but always maintained a great friendship regardless if we were together or not. Not long ago, Henry showed up at the Peking Wok and he and Maggie hit it off instantly. They got married back in July.”
“And, where does the cute and hopefully available billionaire Joseph Covelli enter the picture?” a female report inquires.
I swear I hear all of the women in the room giggle at her forwardness.
“Easy,” Jared answers. “Joe’s great friends with Henry. Jimmy is Joe’s brother and when we met him and Allen, we all became friends instantly.”
“How are you handling all of the snide remarks that come into the business and that are on social media about you and Nathan dating?” asks a male reporter. “We’ve never seen you respond.”
“People are entitled to their opinions,” I interject, defensive of my family. “And, that’s all they are . . . opinions. We choose to focus on the positive side of life that is filled with love and laughter.”
“You’ve got to have some kind of a reaction,” the man presses.
“No, not really,” Jared objects.
“What about your grandfather?” the man asks.
“What about Pop-Pop?” Jared replies.
Pop-Pop comes closer, standing behind Jared and Nathan.
“What are your thoughts, Pop-Pop? Do you mind me calling you that?” the report questions.
“My thoughts about what?” Pop-Pop clarifies.
“About all of the hate mail and comments about your grandson? We . . .” the report expounds.
“God loves everyone,” Pop-Pop comments, not letting her finish.
“So, Joe . . . are you available?” another woman reporter questions, wanting to lighten up the mood.
With a mildly bashful expression, Joe replies, “I’m flattered. Thank you, but my personal life is just that. Personal.”
Several of the women groan, not liking Joe’s answer which causes half of the crowd to chuckle.
“Come on, Joe? Give us something,” the reporter coaxes.
“With that, ladies and gentlemen,” Nathan announces. “I say our interviewing portion has concluded and the party begins. The fashion show will commence shortly. Enjoy!”
The waitstaff begins to serve more finger foods and wine and the crowd begins to mingle as light music plays over the speakers. My friends successfully keep me surrounded the majority of the time, preventing the media from prying anymore, but their cameras follow us around as they continue to film well after the fashion show. Our own media staff from Naturally Me are present, capturing the night for our followers and Nathan’s.