Started With A Rumor

This Time It's Real

"I still can't believe Max started his own record label," Jeremy said with a small laugh. "The balls on that guy. That time we all went to dinner after we started dating for real you went to the bathroom and I thought he was going to stab me with his steak knife."

"Yeah," I laughed at the memory. "He just got tired of how Hanson was always treating everyone."

"Treating you," Jeremy corrected as he wrapped his arms around me tighter. "He hated how Hanson never let you write your own music. The topic of "Sarah original songs" is actually the conversation that made him like me."

"I knew he would warn up to you. Sooner or later." I joked making him start to tickle me.

"It's still kind of weird being know as Sarah and not Sunny anymore." I said after we had calmed down.

"I know. And I know you loved being Sunny, but by becoming Sarah it separated you from Hanson. It let you start over without completely starting over."

"Yeah, I guess." I sighed.

"What?" He asked when I didn't say anything else. "What's wrong?"

"It's just. . . A lot of people thought it was stupid for me to change. . .everything. It actually made a lot of people mad."

"Screw them." He said making me laugh. "I'm serious, Sarah. You are so much happy now, right?" I nodded. "So, who cares what other people think. You and Max have created an amazing image for yourself, your new self. I couldn't be prouder of you." I smiled as he kissed the top of my head.

After a few minutes of us just sitting, I sighed. "What time is your interview?"

"I don't know," he mumbled.

"Jeremy," I sighed with a slight laugh.

"John says I have to be there at 3." He sighed as his arms tightened around my waist. "I'd rather just stay here."

"I know," I smiled turning around so I was facing him. "But. . ."

"But I'm supposed to be making better impressions, not just to my fans and costars, but also to the people working. You and John have made me into a smaller version of you. . . Well of Sunny," he teased. I tried to hold in my laughter but failed.

"You don't have to sound like you're in pain when you say that," I said through my laughs. "In all seriousness, I am very proud of how much you've changed. . . Improved," I corrected.

"Yeah well. . . It's all thanks to you." I gasped when he pressed his lips to mine, pulling me into his chest. Our lips moved in sync as he laid us down, with him hovering over me.

"Jeremy," I said between kisses. "You really should get ready."

"Five more minutes."

I sat in the audience, nervously bouncing my knee. I jumped slightly when I felt my phone vibrate. I smiled as I read the text.

Jeremy 😎
I can practically feel your knee shaking from my dressing room.

I let out a laugh, but covering it up with a cough. My phone buzzed again.

Jeremy 😎
I swear, you get more nervous than I do.
And if you weren't already shaking your knee but you are now. . . I'm sorry.

Me
Don't worry, I was already on the verge of freaking out.
I'm just nervous about the questions he is going to ask.

Jeremy 😎
It's going to be great. Don't worry. You and John have trained me well.

Me
Let's hope so

After I sent the text, the lights dimmed. I hate interviews. I've always been terrible at them. I get nervous and jittery and half the things I say, don't even make any sense.

But Jeremy? That boy is a natural. He always knows what to say, how to say it, and how to look good saying it.

My legs continued to shake until Jeremy was introduced. I smiled as he walked up and reached his arm out to shake Kyle Yardley's hand. "Welcome, Jeremy!"

"Thanks for having me," Jeremy smiled as he sat down.

I tried not to bit my nails as Jeremy and Kyle talked about Jeremy's recent movie role and his possible return to Broadway. Suddenly, Kyle asked the one question we expected.

"So, Jeremy about a year ago you came on my show and revealed that for about six months you and the well-known singer, Sarah Walters, were fake dating. You also said that the feelings were actually real. So, I guess what we are all wondering is," he wiggled his eyebrows as he looked at the crowd, "were the feelings reciprocated?"

Jeremy laughed as his cheeks turned red and he nervously rubbed his hands on his pants. "Actually, she does. We've been dating for almost a year."

"What?" Kyle said in a singsongy way. "No way! You two are together?"

"More than just together," he said clearing his throat, looking for me in the crowd. When he found me, I sent him a reassuring smile. "We're engaged," he said still looking at me. My smile grew as I heard the crowd cheered loudly.

"Wow! You guys are engaged? For real this time?" Kyle asked, making Jeremy laugh.

"This time, it's real."

The rest of the interview went on with Jeremy and Kyle talking more about our relationship. I couldn't help but smile as I watched Jeremy answer each question without trouble or hesitation.

After the interview, I waited for Jeremy in the studio. "Sarah Walters, the woman of the hour." I turned around to see Kyle walking towards me.

"Mr. Yardley," I smiled politely. He reached out his hand for me to shake.

"It's nice to finally meet you," he said shaking my hand. "I have to say, it's really nice to see you two together. You make a great couple and it's nice to see Jeremy acting. . . Well, nicer."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah well. . ."

"Speak of the devil," Kyle smirked as we saw Jeremy walk over.

"Hey babe," he smiled as he kissed my cheek.

"Thanks again for coming on the show Jeremy. Always a pleasure." Kyle shook Jeremy's and then turned towards me. "You hang onto this girl, Jeremy. Don't let her get away."

As he walked away, Jeremy put his arm around my shoulder. "You want to know something?" I asked.

"Always," he said turning me towards him.

"He's always kind of creeped me out." My comment made Jeremy throw back his head and laughed.

Jeremy leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. As our lips moved in sync I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling us closer. We pulled apart and Jeremy pressed his forehead against mine.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too." I said as he pulled apart ad tucked a piece of hair behind my ear.

"I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," he said softly, looking deeply into my eyes. I put my hand on the back of his neck, pulling him down to me and pressing my lips to his.

"And to think," I sighed as we pulled apart. "It all started with a rumor."

The End.