Chapter 19 – The Interview

We got back to the lounge to find that Whitney had already sent the tweet and Facebook post, and that everyone else had gone onto Mordecai’s pages to share the details. He was already trending everywhere, and the hype was definitely there.

“Where would you like to shoot the stream?” Whitney asked.

“Which place do you think?” Mordecai asked her.

“Do you have something like a ‘most personal space’?” she asked.

“The studio,” Mordecai and I said at the same time.

“That’s perfect! It will help with the ‘letting everyone in’ illusion,” she beamed.

“You have a bright future in PR management kid,” Zebedee chuckled.

“Same thing I was just thinking,” Nellie, Angel, Charlie and Jackson said as they laughed. Whitney flushed a beautiful scarlet.

“Thanks,” she smiled.

“So, we wait doing what for the next two hours exactly?” Shawna asked.

“Well, we could always collect all the different questions coming through,” Jacob suggested.

“And we could find out what Mordecai and Bev are willing to talk about, and what they aren’t,” Jackson added.

I was so glad that my brothers were here.

Things moved pretty quickly from then on. The two hours passed by and before I knew it, so had the hour that we’d set aside for picking out the questions. Whitney said we would just keep as many questions as possible since she was sure that most of them would be answered before we even got to the segment where Mordecai has to answer them.

The camera and everything were set up to Whitney’s laptop and soon enough we were online.

According to the information on her blog, there were over seven hundred thousand viewers tuned in, and the numbers were growing by the second. She started off by basically interviewing Mordecai about himself, before Zebedee and Nellie were also interviewed. They revealed everything about their family.

You could see the shock and different expressions on Whitney’s face as the siblings shared their story. They even shared how their surname has actually changed to Hart-Tedder, and that it should be noted for Mordecai.

My nerves kicked into high gear when Charlie and Geronimo were interviewed. It only meant that my time was coming, and I was truly freaking out. Mordecai sent me a reassuring smile, but it honestly did nothing to calm me down.

“Thank you so much guys! Those were Mordecai’s best friends Charlie Maxwell and Geronimo Solomon. Now, the time has come for the segment you’ve all been waiting for – the official introduction of Mordecai’s girlfriend. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you a very nervous Beverly Rhymes. Please be nice guys,” Whitney introduced as I took my seat next to Mordecai.

He held my hand.

“You’re going to do fine,” he said low enough for me to hear. I could only send him a timid smile.

“Hey Beverly,” Whitney greeted.

“Hi,” I just about managed to say.

“Don’t be nervous,” she encouraged.

“It’s kind of hard you know? Mordecai is this guy who is looked up to by a whole lot of people, and I’m just a normal girl from Wisconsin who would’ve never dreamed of being in this position,” I rambled.

“But from what I’ve gathered, it’s what people like about you – the fact that you’re a normal person like the rest of us you know? People always thought that Mordecai was stuck up, and his relationship with you just proved otherwise. What do you think about that?” she asked.

“To be honest with you, I’ve never seen Mordecai for the superstar that he is, but rather for who he is without the fame. When we first met, he was the biggest asshole to me, and I honestly despised his mere existence, until I got to learn more about him. I learned that him being an asshole was merely a defence mechanism for him. Ever since I’ve broken down that barrier, I’ve gotten to learn about the person behind the mask and it’s been amazing,” I smiled shyly.

“Speaking of which, Mordecai, please tell us how you guys met and what drew you to her,” she requested.

“Funny thing! So, I was at the hospital after my accident right? They’d told me that my nurse would come in and check up on me. Now, I’d just found out that I had been let go from March, and I won’t lie, I was seriously pissed off. So, Bev comes in and my first reaction was that she’s the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life, but as she mentioned, I had my guard up, so I was an asshole to her. It turns out that she was filling in for my nurse, and she disliked me from the get go. After she’d left, I couldn’t stop thinking about her, despite my behaviour towards her. I asked everyone in the hospital what her name was since she hadn’t given it to me, but she’d already told everyone not to give it to me. I even tried to pay one of the nurses to give me her name and number, but everyone stayed loyal to her. I left the hospital and thought I would just have to forget about her, but fate had different plans for me. My sister was nagging me endlessly about getting a live in nurse, and she told me that she knew someone. You can imagine how surprised I was to find out that the person she had in mind was not only her best friend, but the woman I couldn’t stop thinking about,” Mordecai smirked, making me blush.

“And you just forgave him?” Whitney asked me.

“Some would say I forgave him too easily, but it honestly wasn’t like that. The one thing he didn’t do, was hide the fact that he likes me, and a big part of me found that endearing. At first I refused to be his nurse, but my parents convinced me otherwise. They knew I’d feel guilty if his health deteriorated and I could’ve prevented that, so I came back. Luckily my coming back gave me the opportunity to get to know him better,” I explained.

“And can you say you’ve fallen for him?” Whitney smirked.

“Safely so,” I blushed.

I’ve fallen... Hard!

“Are you still nursing him?” she asked.

“Look, I was brought in to be his nurse, but as soon as we got into this relationship, I became the concerned girlfriend who just so happens to know a lot about his condition and the medical world,” I laughed, making everyone else laugh as well.

“That makes total sense. Mordecai, how did you ask her to be your girlfriend and how was your first date?” Whitney asked him.

“We haven’t gone on our first date yet,” Mordecai chuckled nervously.

“And you still said yes?” Whitney asked me wide-eyed.

“Let him explain,” I smiled. She looked to him expectantly.

“Ok, so I’ve been stuck in this house since I came back from the hospital, and there was not much I could do. I was blank on what to do for our first date, until I figured I could stall until I get my cast removed – but Bev kind of ruined that when she asked me what we were. We’d been getting closer, and I could understand her confusion. She cooked for me for the first time that day, and she can’t cook to save her soul, but watching her, I realized that I wanted that view for the rest of my life. I called up my lawyer and told him that I want her to co-own everything that I do, and that he must draw up the papers and bring them over. When he came over, I asked her to trust me and to just sign the papers. She went against her better judgement and decided to trust me and sign, before my lawyer revealed the news to her. That’s when I knew that I am a goner when it comes to her,” Mordecai explained.

I couldn’t even begin to describe the emotions that raked me at that moment. Everything fell into perspective for me. Mordecai had just put his heart on his sleeve by basically admitting to the world that I’m IT for him.

“Aaaaw,” the girls cooed.

“You gave her co-ownership of everything?” Charlie was the one to ask.

Mordecai nodded confidently. “Yep!”

“And how did that make you feel Beverly?” Whitney asked.

“Overwhelmed at first. I told him that I don’t like signing things I know nothing about, and again people will probably judge me for my decision, but I truly trust him with my life. I knew it was nothing bad, but what it ended up being was truly a shock. When I was over the shock though, I realized that this relationship is definitely one for the books for me,” I smiled.

“So you see a future for you guys?” she smirked.

I nodded. “Most definitely.”

“Well, I for one, love you for Mordecai. We haven’t seen him this happy and healthy in the longest time. Now, as I mentioned, he will be answering some of the fans’ questions. As I predicted, a lot of the questions were answered by the previous segments, but there are a couple that still need to be answered, and apparently there are some for Beverly too, so I’ll start with those. Beverly, what would your advice be on how to date a superstar?” she asked.

“Is there such a thing really? I mean, superstars are humans too. Don’t see them as a superstar, but rather get to know them for who they are, and definitely don’t change who you are for them or their world. If they like you for who you are, they will accommodate you in their world. Just stay true to you,” I replied.

“Great answer! Are you now spending his money?” she asked. I scowled at that.

“I wish,” Mordecai scoffed.

“What do you mean?” Whitney asked him.

“I mean that despite everything also being in her name, Bevis the most stubborn person I know. It’s going to take a miracle for her to willingly spend my money,” he explained.

“How come?” Whitney asked me.

“I’m not with him for his money. I was drowning in debt before I met him, but I’m most definitely not with him for his money. Yes, it’s clearly a bonus for me, but it’s honestly going to take some time for me to go from being a financially cautious person, to spending money without a care in the world. I just feel like money is just something that’s there, not something I’m there for,” I explained. Mordecai was looking at me like he’d finally figured a big puzzle out.

I guess I should’ve told him that.

“Interesting point of view! What are the five things that you would say you like most about Mordecai?” Whitney smiled.

“Oh, this is an easy one. He’s very goofy, he’s passionate about what he does, he’s very caring without even realizing it, he’s a fantastic listener, and he’s very affectionate,” I blushed at the last part.

Whitney smirked. “Speaking of which, is he a good kisser?”

“Yes,” I confessed. Mordecai grinned beside me, making me stick my tongue out at him, making him laugh in return.

“You guys are too adorable! Mordecai, we turn to you now. I highly doubt this, but I must ask the question anyway. Is dating Beverly a publicity stunt?” Whitney asked.

“In no way is it a publicity stunt. I want to marry this woman, and whoever doesn’t believe me can deal with that by themselves,” Mordecai responded.

“So, the rumours about you and Mendel are just that, rumours?” she asked.

“That was a publicity stunt. I met Mendel at Hunter’s party, and yeah, we hooked up, but that’s as far as it goes. I didn’t even know who she was then, and she was pretty pissed off about that. She rocked up here a couple of days ago and I was told that I should be with her as a publicity stunt. I refused, but I guess they still went with the story. The only woman in the picture for me is Beverly,” Mordecai replied.

“Well, I think by now everyone knows that much. What about the accident? Have you spoken to the families of the people who lost their lives? They’ve believed it was your fault this entire time,” she pointed out.

“I know, and I’m deeply regretful about the whole thing. I honestly spent the past two months also believing that I was responsible for the accident, and the weight of knowing that two deaths were on my hands, was pretty heavy. I’m not saying that with the new information that I’m not guilty, I suddenly feel exonerated and that those people’s lives don’t matter, because they do. I’d like to reach out to their families if they would let me. It may not have been my fault, but I am truly remorseful,” he replied sincerely.

“I’m pretty sure the families would appreciate that. What about your career? What’s on the cards for you now that you were let go from March?” she asked.

“I’ve got a few personal projects planned, and I’ve got some new offers coming in, so we’ll see what happens from today onwards,” he smiled.

“And in general?” she queried.

“In general, I just want to focus on my girlfriend, my family, my closest friends and my career. My relationship with Bevis still new, but I know what I want from it. I’ve already gotten used to my relationships with my sister and mother, and to know that they’re close to my girlfriend just makes things that much easier you know? It’s just going to be a positive future from here onwards,” he replied happily.

“Well, this was the longest stream I’ve ever done, but most definitely the most important. You guys heard it all here first. I hope that cleared everything about our favourite idol and what’s going on in his life. As always, this is the one place where you can get the most reliable information on Mordecai. This has been Whitney Smith. I’ll see you guys next time. Ciao!” Whitney said before ending the stream.

“Oh my God! That was amazing!” she squealed in her seat.

“Calm down Whit,” Mordecai chuckled.

“You could be a great television personality as well,” Zebedee commented.

“True!” we all agreed.

“Thanks guys,” she blushed.

“I’ll agree that it went well. We’re getting a lot of great reviews, and people are absolutely crazy about Bev. I believe your new ship name is Morderly. It’s definitely more popular than Bevecai,” Jackson chuckled.

“Yeah, Morderly is so it! I’m tweeting that!” Whitney said excitedly.

“Thank you so much for this Whitney. I don’t know how I could ever thank you,” Mordecai told her.

“Just keep being the awesome person I know you are, and actually keep your word by marrying Beverly, and we’ll be good to go,” she smiled.

She’s too sweet.

Mordecai grinned. “The first thing I can try my best to do, and the second I’ll definitely be doing. You’ll get a personal invite to the wedding.”

“We hope you aren’t forgetting about us as well,” Tasha added.

“Never,” Mordecai chuckled.

“Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m beat,” Angel sighed.

Nellie rolled her eyes. “You’re pregnant, so of course you’re tired.”

Angel glared at her. “Fuck you!”

“Whoa!” the twins said before they burst out laughing.

“I say we order in, have dinner and then everyone can head their separate ways,” I suggested.

“Sounds like a plan! We’re also ignoring Mordecai’s social platforms. Tomorrow is another day,” Zebedee added.

“Agreed,” we all said.

We headed out back to the lounge while Geronimo ordered for everyone. I was surprised that he didn’t want to cook for us (since he always wants to), but he pointed out that he was also tired, which we all understood.

“So, ladies, how’s the planning coming along for Kai’s party?” Charlie asked.

“We’ve got some ideas, but nothing concrete since we’ve been planning today’s events,” Nellie replied.

“And what about Kai’s physiotherapy?” Geronimo asked.

“The physiotherapist is coming tomorrow,” I replied. I’d already confirmed this.

“Are you ready for that?” Deloris asked Mordecai.

“Nope, but it has to be done. I’d prefer that my leg be fine by the time my birthday arrives,” he sighed.

“Baby, that’s less than two weeks from today. You’d have to have physio every day,” I pointed out.

He shrugged. “If that’s what it takes.”

“You’re going to be exhausted and in quite a lot of pain. It’s not as easy as it sounds,” I argued.

“As long as you’re there for me gorgeous, I can conquer everything,” he smirked.

“Flattery will get you nowhere in this situation Kai. You can’t have physio every day,” I scolded.

“Every second day?” he bargained.

“We’ll see what the physiotherapist says,” I sighed.

“Thank you gorgeous,” he said before kissing my cheek.

“You guys are too adorable for words,” Whitney said in awe.

“So Bev, what happened with Alex?” Shawna asked.

A big part of me was grateful she hadn’t called him ‘Dr Fine As Hell’.

“I just didn’t feel anything with him,” I replied.

“And with Mordecai?” Gina smirked.

“I feel everything,” I confessed.

Deloris wiggled her eyebrows. “So you guys have done it then?”

“I wish!” Mordecai scoffed, which I smacked him for.

“Not something a brother wants to know,” Jacob groaned.

“We haven’t done anything,” I defended.

“Then dang Mordecai, you’ve got this! If you’ve got her like this without any D, then you is the shit man!” Deloris cheered, going as far as even high giving him.

I could only sit there looking and wish that the couch would swallow me whole!

Our food arrived and we all spoke about random things. We learnt more about Shawna and her friends, as well as Whitney. I learnt that Shawna and her friends are actually on the Honour Roll, something that I won’t lie, surprised me. We weren’t all that shocked to learn that Whitney is an Honour Student, cheerleader and her school’s Student Body President.

She just fits the role you know?

“That was one hell of a day,” Mordecai commented as we changed into our pyjamas.

Everyone had left and it was just the two of us in the house since Nellie had gone to her apartment with Jackson, Geronimo needed to be somewhere, and Zebedee was finally on a date with Kim. I was crossing fingers for that one.

“Yeah! We achieved more today than I’ve achieved my entire life,” I laughed tiredly.

“That’s a tad bit dramatic gorgeous,” he smirked.

“I’m allowed,” I giggled as I got into the bed. He was still changing, and despite his time away from the gym, I was still allowed a very mouth watering view as he took off his shirt.

“Don’t look at me like that Bev. I don’t have the exact mobility to give you what your eyes clearly want,” he said so seriously, one would’ve sworn he was telling me about his heart condition.

My mouth dropped in disbelief, especially since not only was I speechless, but he dropped his pants as well. Granted he was in Calvin Klein briefs, it still left me a little breathless with the sexual tension that had suddenly impregnated in the room.

Damn, my boyfriend is hot!

“Do you have any idea when your parents might want to meet me?” he asked, diverting my dirty mind as he put on his pyjamas.

“Uhm, I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to them since Sunday,” I replied.

“That’s quite a long time for you,” he commented.

“How do you know?” I asked.

“I keep tabs on you gorgeous. You call your parents at least twice a day, and each of your brothers once a day. You call Nellie and Fernando once a day as well, and to now add to that list, you call Angel more than three times a day because she’s always panicking about one thing or the other,” he commented as he got into the bed.

“I didn’t realize,” I said in thought. I had no idea he was that observant of me.

“The look on your face says it all,” he chuckled as he pulled me into him so that we were cuddling.

“I didn’t know you paid that much attention to me,” I admitted.

“I know most of the little things that you do, and when you do them. I know most of your favourite things to do, to eat, to watch, to play and to listen to. I know most of the places you’d like to go. I know most of the things you don’t like. I know so much about you from just listening to you speak, and watching you around me,” he noted.

“I don’t know what to say,” I said.

“You don’t have to say anything gorgeous. I just wanted you to know that I mean it when I say that you mean everything to me,” he said softly.

“Now you’re just making me stay this red,” I mumbled into his shirt, making him laugh.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t my intention since you look even more beautiful with rosy cheeks, but I don’t say what I do for the point of flattery only. I see a future with you Beverly. I can just imagine our kids running through that door and jumping onto the bed to wake us up,” he chuckled.

Meanwhile, I froze.

“You want kids?” I asked.

“Not any time soon, but yeah, I’d like to have some kids,” he replied.

“How many?” I asked.

“Preferably like four or five,” he said.

“And I’m supposed to give birth to them?” I asked wide-eyed.

“We can always adopt, but I’d like to have at least three of our own,” he smiled.

“We’ll see,” I replied.

“Yeah! I still have to take you out on a date first,” he said excitedly.

“I hope you’re not planning something crazy,” I warned.

“Give me a little credit gorgeous. I know you don’t do big, especially where lots of money is involved,” he said confidently.

“It’s not that I don’t want you to spend money on me. It’s just something that’s going to take a while to get used to,” I explained.

“I completely understand. Just as long as you remember that it’s not just my money anymore,” he reminded.

“Yeah, I know,” I smiled.

“Good!” he said before kissing me sweetly.

“Oh! I wanted to ask you before I forget. How come you knew who Whitney was?” I asked.

“I keep tabs on my fans, but Satan didn’t want me interacting with them, hence why I told Whitney that I’ve wanted to meet her for a while. She’s been my fan since I started out acting. I just wish I could give back to my fans you know?” he stated.

“I think I have an idea, but I’m not telling you about it,” I smirked.

“Well, your ideas so far have proven to be successful, so I’m not bothered,” he chuckled.

“I’m glad you trust me that much,” I said.

He winked. “You’ve given me every reason to.”

“Speaking of which, has Satan said anything to you yet?” I asked.

He shrugged. “She sent me a couple of texts and called a couple of times, but Angel didn’t bother with them, so neither did I.”

I scowled. “Will we confront her tomorrow?”

“I’m not sure. If we see her before my physio appointment, I might be too pissed off for it. If we see her after, I might be too exhausted to face her,” he pointed out.

“I understand, but we have to face her sooner or later,” I argued.

“And we will,” he sighed.

But he wasn’t saying when.

And that honestly worried me.