Faded (Rock Star Trilogy)

record this for the documentary. It's important to your story…”
    I want to protest, but I decide hear him out.
    “Think about it. Bridgett came out of nowhere . Don't you think the audience wants to see you confront your mom? She lied to you for nineteen years. This is GOLD , and you have the opportunity to make millions.”
    “I don't care about money. I have more than I know what to do with as it is. I could retire and live comfortably for the rest of my life.” He knows this.
    “You do know you're not going to be the only one paid, right? Bridgett, Stephan, me, and everybody who agrees to be in the documentary. Depending on the person, they get paid X amount of royalty per episode they appear in.”
    If this were anybody other than Alec, I would worry that he only wanted me to do this to benefit himself, but I know he's not like that. He also knows I'm going to truly consider this, because it doesn't just benefit me. It benefits everybody I love.
    “Plus, this is your story . Don’t you want to tell it before your parents do?”
    Damn. This either benefits me, and everybody I love, or it benefits my parents. The story is going to get out one way or the other. I’d rather my version get out first.
    “Let's make a deal.” I fold my hands on the table, and consider what I'm about to say. It's life changing. “I will let you record me, but I get to choose what goes in and what doesn't. Some things are just personal and should stay between me and my family.”
    Alec grins. He's obviously satisfied with my conditions. “Deal.”
    Everything is feeling a bit overwhelming. Then, Stephan leans over and whispers in my ear, “Can we take this whipped topping back to your room?”
    I bust out laughing and just shake my head at him.
    I so needed that.
    After breakfast, Stephan and I go outside and lie on the hammock in the backyard. His arm is around me, and I am laying my head in the crook of his arm. I love how our bodies fit perfectly together. It's then that I realize this is our first time “lying down” together, and I like it.
    Our relationship is so easy and familiar. I don’t have to try to be with him, I just am. And I love that Stephan has never pressured me to do anything more than kiss. Sure, he jokes with me about it, but he's never pushed. It's like he's waiting for the perfect moment. I know that it wouldn't take much “pressure” to get me to cave. I want Stephan more than I've ever wanted any guy before. I swear, all he has to do it smile at me and I get turned on.
    “Our life is about to get crazy,” Stephan comments, breaking the peaceful silence. “Well, I guess your life is already crazy.”
    I know what Stephan's concerns are. He's never been in the spotlight before. If he does this, he will no longer have a normal life.
    “I don't have to do this, if you’re not comfortable with it,” I tell him. “Just say the word, and I'll back out.”
    “Scarlett, do not back out of this, especially not because of me,” he says quickly. “If I thought I couldn't handle it, I wouldn't be with you. But I would never ask you to give up your career.”
    But I would give it up for him. He means more than anything. But I’m glad I don’t have to, because I love what I do. I sigh happily into his chest.
    I want to tell him that I love him, but I am too scared. I don't want anything to ruin this magical moment that I'm having with him. If I had the ability to freeze time, I would.
    Stephan gently caresses my hair. “The week that you were in LA was so hard. I don't know what I would do without you.”
    “I'm sorry that I left.” And I am. Even though I know Stephan has completely forgiven me, things aren't the same as they were. Our relationship feels different, and I know that I’m to blame.
    “It's okay to be broken, Scar. I'm broken too. You just got to learn that sometimes it’s okay to depend on other people.”
    I can feel the tears build up, but I blink them away. I don't want to cry.
    “You have to do this to move forward. At least you're trying to move. I'm not. I've been stuck in the same rut for three years now. Ever since my dad died…” His voice breaks, and I can tell this is a hard conversation for him to have. “I know what I have to do, but I'm not strong enough. I wish that I was half as brave as you.”
    “I'm only brave because of you. I could not do this without your support, Stephan. I'm chicken. Even now, I am scared to death . My chest feels like a ton of