Fantasy League Rank.
1(=) Stefan/Crystal Army - 8115.6
2(=) Kitty/Julie - 7586.9
3(=) Bree/Santana - 5207
4(=) Marley/Travis - 4931.6
5(=) Harmony/Amity - 3935.8
6(=) Kara/Rhythmix - 3392.8
7(=) Luke/Mercedes - 2355.4
8(+1) Charlie/Lyric - 1825.5
9(-1) Artie/Sarah - 1714
10(=) Peyton/Dean - 1362
11(=) Rory/Xavier - 1116
12(=) Jeremy/Tracy - 1075
13(=) Ryder/Riley - 60
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"You've got an album coming soon, isn't that right?" asked Ellen as she sat in front of her studio audience with Tracy.
"That's correct," Tracy responded. "March 14. It's my favorite album to date. I think it's the most honest, raw thing I've done."
"Speaking of honesty," said Ellen. "So sorry but I have to ask because the album's two singles have been about lying, cheating men and... As we've seen in the news your ex-boyfriend Alex Zimmerman is under a lot of hot water for allegedly cheating on his wife. Can you deny or confirm that your songs have been about him?"
"I can," Tracy nodded.
***
"I can deny it completely," Tracy said, making Amity smile as she stood by the TV in Harmony's living room. "My songs are based on a lot of personal experience, yes. But they aren't always about any one person. So if you're asking then... I think it's time I put an end to all the speculation. Alex is not a cheater. At least not the one I sing about."
"Yes Tracy!" exclaimed Amity, clapping her hands in celebration.
"So what do you make of the allegations?" asked Ellen. "Do you think they could be true?"
"It's not in my right to tell anyone what to think," Tracy answered. "But if you're asking for my opinion and my opinion only... No, I don't think the allegations are true. Alex and I dated for a while and I've known him for many years. If there's one thing I can say it's that... He's a good guy. I think–and of course there's no way for me to tell you what did or didn't happen for sure–but if you ask me, I think that someone saw an opportunity to make money off of a good man. I just don't think that he, specifically, is capable of something like what this woman is describing. And that's my thoughts on the matter."
"Her publicist must be pissed," said Harmony, standing at the doorway as Tracy moved on to discuss her album again.
Amity turned to her and gasped. "Oh my gosh. You look amazing Harmony."
"It's a one of a kind," said Unique as she stepped up from behind, putting her hands on her shoulder. "The dress and the girl."
Harmony grinned from ear to ear. "I can't believe this moment is finally here. My wedding."
"All eyes are gonna be on you," said Amity.
"Until Alex gets there," Unique muttered.
Amity shot her a look but Harmony just sighed, "Is it bad I thought about uninviting them?"
"Yes," said Amity. Then she added, "Sorry."
"It's not that I don't want to support them," Harmony said. "But I have to admit that... If they weren't technically family, I might prefer for them to skip out on the event."
Unique and Amity made faces.
"Oh you can't blame me," said Harmony. "This is my big day and... All this drama with them... It's only been a week. People are bound to be hung up on it still."
"I get it," said Unique, shrugging.
Amity bit the inside of her lip, unsure what to say. She still hadn't seen or heard from Alex since the Grammys and she wasn't even sure if he was going to show up to the wedding at all.
***
"She defended him?" asked Julie, standing in her bridesmaid dress while adjusting her heels. They were just a bit too big for her and she was afraid that the already-hard-to-walk-on grass in Dan's backyard would lead her to tripping.
Standing in one of her fancier but still professional pantsuits, Addison nodded, her tablet in hand. "She said she thought he was incapable and it has led some of her more conservative following to give him a break but... There's still a lot of people against him. Your fans, especially. Even after his statement denying the allegations on social media... they don't believe him."
"This is a nightmare," she sighed, watching as more and more guests arrived for the ceremony. There wasn't a single person who hadn't taken their time to stare at her with pity or fear the moment they realized she was there.
"It would be a lot easier to navigate if Alex didn't disappear after ten seconds here," said Addison. "Seriously, where is he? I haven't seen him in, like, five days or something.
"I'd love to know too," Julie said, looking around. "He said he'd be here but the wedding is gonna start soon and–"
"Julie," said Cory, approaching with hands in his pockets.
"I'll be over there," Addison pointed vaguely before walking away.
Once the siblings were alone, Cory asked, "How you holding out?"
"I'm here, aren't I?" she shrugged. "Avoiding Dad."
He followed her gaze to the front row of the chairs arranged in the yard. Tony and Veronica were sitting there with the twins.
"I'm sure he's got a lot to say about Alex right now," she sighed.
"He doesn't believe he cheated," Cory responded. "Nobody does. Anyone with doubts was convinced of his innocence by that statement he put out about how much he loves you."
She looked around at the guests, some of them staring and whispering to each other. "I wouldn't be so sure."
***
"Five minutes til the ceremony starts," Sam heard the moment he stepped in Dan and Harmony's backyard. It wasn't even directed at him but he felt the pressure of the day.
"You ever think about our big day?" said Mandy as she arrived behind him. "How tragic it was?
"I'm gonna go sit down," said Xavier, giving Sam a quick, indifferent nod before taking off towards the chairs, which were mostly taken by now.
Sam turned to Mandy and said, "Surprised you're here. Or that you brought him."
"I was invited," she shrugged. "We both were, for the record."
"Cool," said Sam, not adding anything else.
She rolled her eyes and said, "He's cool with you now. Or well, not cool, but... He's not out to get you or anything like that. You can relax."
"It's not that," he looked out at the party. "It's all this. You could say I get a little..."
"Triggered by weddings?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Well..." he shrugged sheepishly. "Yeah. That. I just know I'm gonna sit there thinking, 'Why isn't Harmony out here yet?' and panicking for Dan's sake."
"Sorry about that," she said, laughing a little.
"It's not funny," he laughed too.
Mandy smiled until she saw Kayli walking towards them. "And I guess I should go sit down with Xavier. Make sure he doesn't say anything rude."
"Sure," Sam nodded. "We'll talk later."
Mandy nodded and left just as Kayli was stopping in front of Sam. "Hi," she said, rubbing her hands behind her back nervously. "Um, I just wanted to thank you... For hanging out last week at that party. I was, uh, not doing too well. I had, like, a bunch of drinks and... I was a little sad so sorry if I unloaded on you or something."
"You didn't," Sam shrugged. "It's fine. I am happy to talk anytime you need it."
"Ok, well..." she awkwardly put her arms out. "Just wanted to thank you."
Sam extended his arms and let her in for the hug, confused but not at all complaining. As she pulled away and walked back to the ceremony, which looked like it was getting started, he remembered how young she was, how much easier it was to bounce back from setbacks, romantic or otherwise, at that age.
He hurried to one of the rows near the front, behind Dan's family, where his daughters were and he was supposed to be as well. The music started playing right at that time and Harmony was preparing to walk out.
When everyone turned around for the bride's arrival, he caught a glimpse of Quinn, who he hadn't seen since they returned to Lima the morning after the Grammys. Quickly, he looked away.
***
Sebastian lifted his fist up to the front door of the apartment listed on the note card in his hands. It took several knocks but someone came to the door, a woman with dark hair and smokey eye shadow from the night before. She looked wrecked and nothing like the woman Sebastian had seen in photographs.
"Casey Hargrove?" he asked.
She looked down at his outfit. A suit, expensive shoes. Her eyes stayed longest on the watch wrapped around his wrist.
"No," she shook her head.
"Is she here?" he asked, checking the address one more time.
"Who's asking?" asked the woman.
"Roxie, it's ok," said a much softer voice from behind her. A puffy-faced, much taller, blonde woman appeared behind her, in a bathrobe. Roxie moved aside and the blonde crossed her arms, taking her place. "I was just about to shower."
"I'm sure," Sebastian smiled. "But we need to have a conversation. A very long one."
***
"The newlyweds may now celebrate their union with a kiss," said the man officiating the wedding. Everything he'd said so far had been offbeat from tradition, edited in one way or another by Harmony and Dan until everything seemed correct and inoffensive.
While the bride and groom kissed and their friends clapped, Dean sat in the back with Charlie, Jeremy, Kara, Peyton and Carrie. He was dividing the other guys from the girls as he said, "Who is that guy? He looks so familiar."
Peyton glanced up at the man officiating and then turned to him in surprise. "You've never heard of Sid Nelson? He's, like, an a-list actor."
"B-list," Carrie disagreed.
"He has won several Oscars," Peyton noted. To Dean she added, "He's in the new Spider-Man that comes out this summer. The one Dan's been working on."
"Oh," Dean mumbled, looking at the guys and shrugging.
But Jeremy seemed just as into those facts as Peyton because when they were standing for Dan and Harmony to make their exits from the ceremony, he said, "You should find a way to introduce me later. Any of you who may have sway. I can't do it on my own. I think I'd sweat puddles from my pits."
"Ew," Carrie and Charlie said in unison.
"Sorry for the image but it's the truth," Jeremy sighed, watching Sid as he joined a few other of Dan's cast mates. "I might pass out."
"Keep it cool," Dean patted his arm.
***
Doing his best to maintain his cool, Sebastian sat at the dining table in Casey Hargrove's apartment. The roommate, Roxie, had left them alone. This was his only chance.
"So how much money do you want?" asked Sebastian.
"Excuse me?" she asked, sitting across the table with a mug in between her hands. She was shaking nervously.
"You and I both know what you're looking for from Alex is money," he shrugged. "So I'll write you a check, right here and now. How much do you want to retract your story about him?"
"It's not a story," Casey responded. "It's the truth."
"I don't care how much of it is true," Sebastian smiled. "He already said he doesn't even know you and I doubt he's going to change that statement so... The only way to make all of this go away is through you. How much money is it going to take?"
"I don't want money," Casey shook her head. "I want him to take responsibility and to tell the truth about us."
"The truth," Sebastian repeated, shaking his head. His smile was scaring her.
"I have proof," she said defensively. "I have proof..."
"Maybe," said Sebastian. "And maybe you're bluffing to make us desperate and we'll pay more but... From where I'm sitting, proof will come more naturally if we wait it out a little." He took a look at the kitchen items in boxes behind them. "But something tells me you don't have that kind of time."
***
As everyone set up for the start of the reception, Julie sat in Harmony's living room, alone. That momentary peace didn't last, of course, because she was joined by Veronica.
"Hey sweetheart," she said, taking a seat beside her. "Didn't get much of a chance to talk out there."
"Your son is getting married," Julie shrugged. "I'm sure there's a lot more important things for you to be doing than talking to me."
Veronica looked sternly at her and sighed, "Julie, I know it must be tough right now... It's been tough for all of us so I can only imagine... But we're here for you. You know that, right? Your father and I, we'll do whatever it is we can to help. If you need us to take the girls for a few days or a few weeks even or... Whatever it is. We'll do it."
"For starters," Julie answered, looking up at the clock on the wall. "I'd like to know where the hell my husband is."
***
When Sebastian left Casey's apartment, he adjusted the cuffs of his jacket and dumped the note card with the address on the trash bin out by his parked car.
Just before getting inside, however, he noticed that down the street was a black 1967 Pontiac Firebird. And he only knew one person in town with a car like that.
He began to walk towards it but stopped himself. He'd done his part already. Taking a deep breath, he got in his car and drove away.
***
"We are so excited," said Shana as she stood with the other Rhythmix girls on stage, "to be the very first to introduce Dan and Harmony as newlyweds. And we're honored that they asked us four to sing the song that they will make their entrance and give their first dance to. So without further ado... I give to you, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts."
The song began to play and the guests cheered and clapped. Hand in hand, Harmony and Dan walked into the hall together.
["It's Only You" from STAR.]
Zoe: It's only you. It's only you... No one could ever make me change my mind. About us together...
The reception hall was a lot bigger than the backyard and even more people were attending this.
Zoe: No matter where I am. Or how far I'm from where you go. Just know that.
Once Harmony and Dan had made it to the center of the dance floor, most of them sat down again and watched.
Zoe: You are mine. And I am yours forever...
As soon as Kayli opened her mouth to sing, Harmony regretted choosing them for the entrance. Her voice demanded the attention of the listeners.
Kayli: If you ever get lost. Don't worry at all. I'll come for you. Because you're all that matters. And we're all that matters.
But luckily, her dress and the moment pulled them back to her before Kayli's part was even done.
Kayli: When words get in the way. Know that I care. More than a song could ever say.
As Leila sang her bit, Julie waited outside of the hall, in a space that was full of security. She was sure that in no time, word would get out about the location of the wedding.
Leila with Rhythmix: I want the best for you. I dream of a life where we both end up more than alright, yeah.
The paparazzi and fans would arrive. Police wouldn't be able to keep them all away. If Alex didn't get there now, he'd have a hard time getting in.
Leila: And if it takes a lifetime then that time is spent by your side.
Just as she was getting tired of tapping her foot and pacing the same three feet, the doors opened and, surrounded by even more security, Alex entered.
Leila: I don't regret it. And I don't apologize. I'm doing my part and keeping us together. As long as you remember that.
Relief escaping her mouth in the form of air, Julie rushed to him and greeted him with a hug. He was cold.
Leila: I am yours. And you are mine forever.
"Come on," she said, taking his hand. "You've missed a lot already." He didn't say a word, just looked around at every member of security there and let her pull him into the reception hall.
Shana: It's only you. It's only you. No one could ever make me change my mind. About us together.
When they walked through those doors, however, Julie instantly regretted it. The timing was horrible. Even Harmony and Dan, who had been so distracted looking at each other, turned their way.
Shana: No matter where I am. Or how far I'm from where you go. I want you to always know...
It didn't help that there was a bit of a pause after Shana's line. But then, with her eyes on them, she belted out her note with harmonies from her girls and the beat set in again.
Shana: You are my heart...
Julie took this opportunity to lead Alex towards a table, not theirs, that was too close to the front, too close to the spotlight.
Zoe: Even when it hurts.
Leila: Take my love.
Zoe: When you can't give in return.
Leila: We'll risk it all.
She hurried him to the nearest empty table. Where the kids aged 3 to 10 were. At this moment they seemed to be the only ones not staring or judging.
Shana: We will not fail.
Kayli: And so what if we do?
Then the girls came together for their next big note and people clapped. Dan and Harmony stopped dancing for a second to cheer them on. The eyes finally fell off of Julie and Alex.
Rhythmix: 'Cause I'll still have you...
She was sure there were still some people sneaking looks at them, but at least now they couldn't do it without being too obvious about it. So she grabbed Alex's hand once again and led him to their actual table.
Kayli: If you ever get lost, lost, lost. Don't worry at all. I'll come for you. Because you're all that matters. And we're all that matters.
Everyone there—Rory, Amity, Joe, John and Marley—just smiled or looked away from them. Zoe: When words get in the way. Know that I care. More than a song could ever say...
There were two empty seats, one to Amity's right and two to her left. The two to her left had their names on them.
Kayli: It's only you. It's only you.
Julie took her seat next to John and Alex hesitantly sat down between her and Amity.
Leila: It's only you...
***
After initial attempts at making conversation at their table, led primarily by Rory and Joe, had failed, John decided to take matters into his own hands.
"Bar?" he said to Alex, getting out of his seat.
Alex looked at Julie, who simply nodded and forced a smile as they walked away. When they were gone, Marley took John's chair next to Julie and asked, "How are you? I wanted to visit but... You weren't home much."
"Dealing with things," she answered.
Amity glanced up at them. "Well, what's going on exactly?" asked Marley. "Or, you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want. I bet it's difficult to talk about all of this."
"I don't even know what to say," shrugged Julie. "Alex hasn't said much about it either. He just said that he didn't know the woman and he has no idea what this is all about. So... That's all we know."
"Has she tried contacting you directly?" asked Marley.
Julie nodded. "Not directly but... Alex's lawyers got in contact with her. We're not supposed to talk to her. Legal reasons."
"Oh," said Marley.
"But she's lying," said Julie quickly. "She's making all of this up and she's probably gonna ask for money in no time."
"Julie, you don't have to defend Alex to any of us," said Marley. "We know he would never..."
Julie nodded slowly and then noticed Amity. "Thanks by the way," she told her. "I, uh, heard you called."
"I just wanted to offer help," Amity shrugged. "Tracy was on Ellen today. She gave her support and everything so... You don't have to worry about us."
"I heard," nodded Julie. "And I do appreciate that. Thank you. To both of you."
"I'll tell her you said that," Amity said.
Then Damian sat down behind her, tossing the name card that was in that empty seat aside and placing his instead. "Um, hi," said Amity. "What are you doing here?"
"Tracy's not coming and I was seated with her," he explained. "Harmony told me there was an empty seat here..."
"For my sister," said Amity.
"Who apparently isn't going to be here," Damian said, a smile spreading across his face. He looked over at the dance floor and said, "You're the bridesmaid, right? So it's your job to make this a great wedding?"
"I guess," said Amity, confused.
"Then come on," he got up and put a hand out. "Let's get out there."
Amity turned to the other women. Marley offered up a smile and Julie said, "Please. Go ahead." So she took Damian's hand and went to dance with him.
***
"And how's Julie handling all of it?" asked John.
Alex reached for his glass and answered, "I don't even know to be honest."
John was responding when Dean joined them at the bar, asking for a glass of water and then saying, "You two should probably chill with the alcohol. We're not even an hour into this party."
"Quinn told me what you said," Alex told her. "When she told you I wanted you to remove my writing credits from the song you released yesterday..."
"You've been helpful," Dean shrugged. "You worked day and night on this album with me and sacrificed a lot of time to finish it so... There was no way I was gonna turn my back on you. No matter what the press is like right now."
"And I appreciate that," nodded Alex.
Dean grabbed his drink and said, "If you need anything... I got your back, man."
"I'll keep that in mind," said Alex as Dean walked back to his table, which was the closest to the bar and consisted of him, Peyton, Carrie, Kara, an empty seat, Albany, Luke, and Travis.
Alex locked eyes with Kara, who he expected to come talk to him. But instead she raised her glass at him, a gesture which he returned before turning back to conversation with John, trying his best to ignore all of the people on that side that were staring at them.
***
Shana sat with Santana for about five minutes before hitting the dance floor with her friends. Despite that, Santana was in a pretty good mood. She and Shana had been on better terms since the Grammys, since Santana ditched Tabitha and started to spend real time with her and Valentina.
But now Valentina was at the kids' table, Shana was dancing, and she was stuck sitting with the rest of her friends, where everyone else was silent except for, to her annoyance, Kurt.
Shana's seat, to her right, was empty, and beside that was Finn, who sat next to Rachel. She hadn't even expected Rachel to show up, given everything that was happening between them, but she was there.
And every attempt at talking to her husband was blocked by him. She'd open her mouth and Finn would pretend he cared about other people's lives, asking questions to keep her from being able to have a conversation with him.
Beside Rachel was Kurt, who currently was talking about the new line for men, which was going to be ready by mid-May. Or maybe he'd said March. Santana wasn't sure, as she was doing her best to ignore him.
Next to Kurt, Blaine was listening attentively, though he kept turning sideways to the table where the kids were. Then there was Quinn. She was sitting silently, arms crossed, just staring at her empty plate.
And that was likely because Sam was sitting next to her, between her and Santana.
"Q," said Santana, standing up. "Wanna come with me to the bar?"
Quinn immediately stood. She'd been waiting for an out since the moment she'd sat down. Seeing them walking away, Rachel also stood and said, "Oh, I'll come with you. Girl time."
Kurt thought about joining them for a moment, but distracted himself with his own words.
Once at the bar, the girls got John and Alex to move over to make room for them and immediately Rachel began to unload. "Did you see him over there? I am trying my hardest here and he's just shutting me down. What else does he want from me? I've apologized and it's not like he's innocent here and... I just want him to try. Is that so wrong?"
Santana ignored her, ordering drinks for them, so Quinn realized she was going to have to handle this. "Maybe he still needs time," said Quinn. "But you being here at all goes a long way."
This seemed to put Rachel's mind at ease a little because she calmed down and when their drinks were served turned her attention to that. "So," she said, "what's going on with you two? I heard something about you and Shana fighting."
Santana tried to ignore the joy in Rachel's voice when she said, knowing she probably just wanted some solidarity in the broken marriage crew, but still she said, "We're actually fine now. We're spending more time together and reconnecting."
"And what about everyone else?" asked Rachel. She looked past the girls at John and Alex, who were having a more private, serious talk. Quietly she said, "I mean I've obviously heard about... that..." She subtly nodded towards Alex. "But what about everyone else? Mercedes and Chad? Baby Sasha looks so cute in the pictures. And I thought Tina and her family were coming. What happened with them? And Brittany? Sam was quiet..."
Quinn coughed on her drink and set it down, prompting Santana to grin from ear to ear.
"What?" asked Rachel. "What am I missing here?"
Santana nudged Quinn, who refused to say anything, so she took it upon herself to say, "Quinn may be getting remarried after all."
"Santana," Quinn rolled her eyes.
"Wait, I'm so confused," said Rachel.
"She was all up on Trouty Mouth's trouty mouth," Santana said, laughing at her own words.
Rachel gasped so Quinn immediately said, "No, it's not... No. We may have kissed a little a week ago but... He hasn't exactly tried to talk about it so I guess he's not interested in more than that."
"That's crazy," said Rachel immediately. "I'm sure he is. You're Quinn."
"That's what I keep telling her," said Santana. To Quinn she added, "What guy wouldn't kill to be with you?"
"You should talk to him," Rachel nudged her. "We're all here and I'm sure he's got plenty of time to talk."
"I'll talk to him if you talk to Finn," Quinn crossed her arms.
But Quinn smiled and said, "Ok. Deal."
"Damn it, I didn't think you'd accept that easily," Quinn groaned.
Rachel grabbed her drink and pushed away from the bar. "A deal's a deal," she said, walking away.
Santana turned to Quinn and smiled. "She's right. You can't back down now."
***
["Wildfire" by Demi Lovato.]
The girls had a mission. Santana volunteered to perform a song, no charge to the bride and groom, and during that time Quinn and Rachel had to talk to Sam and Finn. It seemed easy enough but Santana started singing and she still hadn't seen either woman start up a conversation with them. They were continuing to let Blaine and Kurt monopolize the table's discussion.
Santana: We were going way too fast. Chasing down the hourglass. Running from the past. Heading out with no direction.
When Will and Emma Schuester arrived, however, Rachel knew she was going to stand no chance against them. She'd lose Finn's attention entirely. Before he could see that they were there, she turned to Finn and very loudly asked if he wanted to dance. Mercedes, Chad, Puck, his date, and more people from the surrounding tables had heard. He had no choice.
Santana: A kerosene beauty queen. Looking for her matchstick king. To burn in to my heart. Hand in to the flame. We could set the world ablaze cause.
Watching them go, Quinn turned to Sam and finally broke the silence between them. "Um?" she pointed at the dance floor. She somewhat broke the silence. But it was enough for Sam to understand and, not sure he wanted to know what might happen if he refused, he stood up and led the way.
Santana: Baby, you're all I need. Come now, set me free. Like a wildfire, like a wildfire. Breathless, I can't resist. Melt with your scarlet kiss. Like a wildfire, like a wildfire.
Santana smiled, watching them proudly as she continued to sing. The guests on the left side of the room, where the bar was, were primarily family members and a few celebrities from out of town. Dan and Harmony's respective aunts, uncles, cousins and co-workers.
Santana: I look into your sunset eyes. Waiting for the moon to rise. So I can feel your heat. This love is so completely crazy.
Many of them watched in awe as she performed, forgetting that Santana, like Harmony and Dan, had also come from this small town none of them had ever stepped foot in before.
Santana: You've been fucking with my dreams. Ripped me like your torn up jeans. I don't even care. You can take me there. You can set my world ablaze 'cause.
Swaying with her arms on Finn's shoulders, Rachel looked up at him as he looked at everything but her. She cleared her throat and said, "I'm really glad that we got to see each other, Finn. I hate being away now more than ever."
Santana: Baby, you're all I need. Come now, set me free. Like a wildfire, like a wildfire. Breathless, I can't resist. Melt with your scarlet kiss. Like a wildfire, like a wildfire.
Finn didn't look at her as he said, "Oh, I'm sure it's great over there. You have the stage, fans, and Brody to keep you satisfied." Rachel made a face and looked away. He wasn't going to let that go.
Santana: Baby tell me where you wanna run, run. Cause I've been burning like the morning sun. Take my hand, you can burn this city with me. Oh oh.
"You kissed Marley," she reminded him. "I didn't torture you for it."
"Because you did way worse than me," he responded, finally looking at her. "Maybe what I did counts as cheating. But it wasn't an affair."
"Neither was my thing," she said.
"That's not true and you know it," he sighed, letting go of her and taking a step back. "I can't do this Rachel. I just can't."
Santana: Play me like your first guitar. Where every single note's too hard. I don't even care. You can take me there, We can set the world on fire.
He walked away and spotted Will and Emma, talking to Mercedes and Puck, so he headed in that direction. Rachel looked up at the stage, where Santana was watching with pity. She took a deep breath and left the dance floor alone.
Santana: Baby, you're all I need. Come now, set me free. Like a wildfire, like a wildfire. Breathless, I can't resist. Melt with your scarlet kiss. Like a wildfire, like a wildfire.
And throughout that entire song, Quinn hadn't managed to say a single word to Sam, nervously clutching onto her own hand behind his neck and distracting herself with Finn and Rachel. When they'd left and the song ended, however, she had to force herself to turn back to Sam.
"So, uh," he broke the silence once she did. The next song that started from the DJ was a much faster song. She pulled away from him but he continued dancing, saying, "How have you been?"
"Fine," Quinn nodded. "Dealing with some PR stuff, as you could probably imagine."
"Sure," said Sam. "Yeah, our management team has been dodging people trying to get in touch with me and the other guys and... As I'm sure you know Alex is at Columbia now so Blackbird isn't really supposed to even get involved."
"We don't have that luxury because of Julie so..." Quinn nodded. She glanced around. There were just too many people surrounding them for comfort. "Can we go somewhere quiet?"
"Uh..." he hesitated.
"I just want to talk, Sam," she forced a smile.
"Right," he let out a breath. "Ok, yeah. Let's step out for a bit." He took her hand and guided her through the crowd.
***
"All I'm saying," said Stefan quietly, "is that I've been accused of getting women pregnant before. It happens a lot to athletes. And the truth always comes out pretty quickly. These days you can prove anything like that with science."
Bree rolled her eyes at him. He was sitting too close to Julie, their tables next to each other, for her to be comfortable having any conversations about this. Behind them was Marley, who she was sure could hear him.
From the other end of their table, Leila said, "It just sucks regardless. What kind of woman makes up something like that."
"What if it isn't made up?" asked Brooke. They all turned to her so she said, "I'm not saying I don't believe him. You all say he's incapable and I believe that but... What if? What would happen?"
"Julie divorces his ass and takes custody of the fetus inside her," Kitty said, plain and simply. "Then he'll have to pay child support for both kids."
"But it isn't true," Bree hissed at them. "And we can't talk hypothetically about anything, ok? It's not fair to Julie. I'm sure she's freaking out."
Jake glanced over at her. She was having a typical conversation with Alex, John, Marley, and even Amity and that rapper, Damie B. "She seems to be handling it pretty well," he pointed out.
"It's Julie," Bree said. "She's good at pretending but if she hears any of you acting like there's any doubt of Alex's innocence in this, she'll freak out." She stood up and took Stefan's hand. "Come on. We're gonna go dance and keep you from saying any more stupid things."
"Works for me," said Stefan, smiling at his friends as his wife pulled him away. Bree didn't smile, glaringly warning all of them to drop the subject. She could only imagine what would happen if Julie overheard any of them.
***
"This isn't exactly what I was expecting," said Quinn as she and Sam sat down in one of the offices in the building. It was cramped and besides a desk was mostly boxes with plastic wrap in them. She said, "It's weird being here."
"Well, it's the only quiet, private place," said Sam. "We're at a ballroom after all..." Quinn nodded and he added, "How are you doing with all of this, actually? This is where you and Jesse had your reception, too. Is this ok for you or..?"
"It feels kind of nice to be back here, actually," she admitted. "I have a lot of nice memories from that day. Other than Frannie being a bitch the entire day... It was perfect."
"That day I found out I was gonna be a dad," Sam smiled. "It was a pretty great day... So was that what you wanted to talk about then? This place?"
"No," Quinn shook her head. "I just... We hadn't talked about last weekend."
"Oh," he said, though he had expected it to be this. "Yeah. We should do that."
"I just want to know..." she hesitated. "...where we stand..?"
"Quinn," Sam took a deep breath. "I really like you."
"You do?" she responded.
"But," he began.
"Oh."
"But... I don't know. Back at the Grammys, that after party... That was really nice. But I just... I've been thinking about it a lot and... Is there really anywhere to go from here? We're parents and..."
"I get it," Quinn said, pushing away from the wall she'd been leaning on. "You can just say it's not what you want and we can move on. You don't have to use the kids as an excuse, Sam. We're beyond that."
As she started to leave, he blocked her way to stop her and said, "No, it's not an excuse. I just think that it'd be complicated. If we... took this somewhere. Nate and the twins consider each other, like, cousins. And you're their Aunt Quinn."
"Alex was their Uncle Alex," Quinn shrugged. "So what?"
"So they still have me," Sam responded quickly. "I'm around and they know that. But Jesse's gone and Nate might not..."
He slowed down and didn't bother finishing that sentence. Quinn moved across the room in what little space she could. She sat against the desk and said, "Sam, Nate is three-years-old. He loves you and... If this is about having to explain it to him then..."
"It's just complicated," Sam shrugged. "And I don't know if..."
"If you want it that badly," Quinn nodded.
"If you want it that badly," he shook his head.
"What?"
"Quinn, it's only been a year. Maybe you're not ready. I'd be the first and I... I don't want to be a rebound for you. Or, like, a rebound dad for Nate or anything like that."
"Rebound dad?" Quinn repeated, confused. She couldn't tell if she was sad or angry because without meaning to she just started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" asked Sam, scratching the back of his head.
She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I don't even know. I just... Why would you kiss me back if you weren't into it?"
"Quinn, I didn't say I—"
"I..." she stopped him, heading towards the door once again. "I can't... We'll... talk later. Or maybe not. I'm gonna go check on Nate."
"Quinn," he called out calmly, but she ignored him and returned to the party.
***
["Dibs" by Kelsea Ballerini.]
Sarah: I know everybody wants you. That ain't no secret. Hey baby what's your status? And tell me are you tryna keep it?
Tabitha heard her mother groan at the start of the next song and couldn't help laughing. She looked to her other side. Cory and Denise were getting up to dance. It seemed Sarah was invited to perform to bring some country in the mix and all of Harmony's relatives were the first to run to the floor.
Sarah: Well, they can all back off. 'Cause I know what I want. And while I've got your attention. Did I mention..?
She spotted Amity also on the floor, dancing with Damian. Rolling her eyes, she excused herself from the table and walked to the bar, where Shana and Zoe were having drinks. Upon seeing her, however, they made a face and walked away.
Sarah: If you got a kiss on your lips that you're looking for somebody to take. If you got a heart that ain't afraid of love ain't afraid to break.
Left there was Christopher, so she slid in beside him and said, "I can't believe there's someone here who looks more miserable than my parents or my brother. And given what he's going through right now, I figured it was pretty much impossible to beat him."
Sarah: If you've got a Friday night free and a shotgun seat. Well I'm just saying, I ain't got nowhere to be. So baby I'll take whatever it is you've got to give. Yeah.
He smiled and said, "I'm not that grouchy, am I?"
"You are," laughed Tabitha. "You look like you just drank bad milk or got kicked on the balls or something."
Christopher shook his head and held onto his glass tighter, but didn't take a drink. "No, it's nothing like that."
Sarah: I'm calling dibs. On your lips. On your kiss. On your time. Boy, I'm calling dibs. On your hand. On your heart. All mine.
"Then it must be watching your ex parade her new fling around, huh?" said Tabitha.
Christopher turned around and immediately caught a glimpse of Amity showing Damian a line dance, leading the rest of the party in it. He shook his head.
"Oh come on," Tabitha rolled her eyes. "It's not so hard to spot the jealousy. Let's not forget we went through this already before. You obviously still like her."
"And she never really liked me," Christopher shrugged. "She liked you. And now she likes him. I'm over it."
Tabitha laughed. "Yeah, sure you are."
Sarah: If you've got a kiss on your lips that you're looking for somebody to take. Hey, if you've got a heart that ain't afraid to love ain't afraid to break. Heyyy, if you've got a Friday night free and a shotgun seat. Well I'm just saying I ain't got nowhere to be. So baby I'll take whatever it is you've got to give. Yeah.
They sat in silence for most of what was left of the song. But as Tabitha finished up her drink and prepared to leave the bar, she leaned in closer to Christopher and said, "If you want her, you have to go for it fast. Because otherwise she'll find someone else and move on. Trust me. Act fast."
Sarah: I'm calling dibs. On your lips. On your kiss. On your time. Boy, I'm calling dibs. On your hand. On your heart. All mine. All mine, yeah.
She began to leave but Christopher asked, "What if she already moved on?"
With a smile on her face she answered, "Then you should do the same thing."
Sarah: I'm calling dibs on your lips, on your kiss on your time, boy. I'm just tryna make you mine, boy.
He could've sworn she winked before walking away but he did not want to find out.
Sarah: Ooooh. Dibs.
***
"Hey," Julie sat down next to Alex after a bit of socializing. It'd taken some time but finally people were talking to her like they normally would, instead of like she was the wife of a cheater.
It seemed like Alex wasn't having such luck. "Hey," he responded. He was fumbling with some of the confetti in the centerpiece.
Pulling her chair closer to his, she leaned closer and calmly said, "It's not gonna be like today every day, you know. We won't see all of these people this often. But it also can't be like it was the last couple of days. I know you're scared and angry but you can't keep leaving home, Alex. I hate when you leave and I call and I don't know where you are and you don't answer and—"
"I need this to go away," he said. "I hate this. I'm sorry that I was gone but... I had to... Deal with this problem. Do a lot of thinking and just... I'm sorry. I'm overwhelmed."
"She won't get away with this," Julie said, squeezing his knee. "We just have to do a paternity test to prove she's lying."
"And there will still be people who think I'm guilty. At the very least of the affair."
"Maybe," Julie shrugged. "But it could be worse."
"Yeah?" Alex asked. "How? How could this possibly get any worse?"
"Mommy," Izzy cut in between them, attempting to climb on Julie's lap. Due to her stomach, that was going to be impossible, so Alex picked up the kid and placed her on his leg. Once comfortable she said, "I wanted a little cake."
"A little cake?" Julie repeated.
"It's up there," she pointed over to the cake table, which was behind the head table where Harmony, Dan and their parents were.
"Ok, but you have to wait for—"
"I want cake!" Izzy exclaimed, kicking her feet against her chair.
"Ok, calm down," Julie told her. "You have to wait."
"No!" Izzy exclaimed.
Alex got up with Izzy in his arms and said, "Alright, just calm down like Mommy asks. Let's go ask when the cake cutting will happen, ok?"
Julie frowned, but still looked gratefully at Alex as he gave her a smile and walked off with Izzy, who was pleased that one adult was willing to listen to her request for cake.
"Hey," Alex bent down between Harmony and Dan. "When is the cake cutting happening?"
"Pretty soon actually," said Harmony, smiling at Izzy. "I take it my little niece wants something sweet?"
Alex forced a smile for Izzy's sake. "We'll make sure to have it happen right away," Dan said.
"Yes we will," Harmony nodded, getting out of her chair.
"Yay!" Izzy clapped her hands.
"Yay," repeated Alex, smiling at her.
As Harmony walked towards Amity to get the cake cutting in order, Alex continued to bounce Izzy, making her giggle, but all time seemed to stand still when the people in the dance floor parted like the red sea.
Alex's smile faded when he saw that the reason was the arrival of LPD officers. Harmony and Amity looked at each other and then turned their attention back to the police.
"Is there a problem, Officer?" Harmony was heard asking.
Everyone was still, whispering or just watching silently. Then Harmony turned her head towards Alex and Amity began to follow the police.
Alex set Izzy down and Dan pulled her towards him. She called out to Alex, wanting to be picked up again, but the cops approached and Dan held her back.
"Alex Zimmerman," said the leading officer.
"Yeah?" he responded, looking down at Izzy briefly and then back at the cop.
"We have a warrant for your arrest," said the officer.
"What?!" Alex said.
Before he knew it he was being cuffed and the officer was saying, "For the murder of Casey Hargrove."
He didn't hear him listing his rights, too busy distracted by the fact that there were people all over rushing towards him. Too busy watching Julie freak out.
"No, stop," she cried out, coming after them as Alex was pulled away. "Stop, what's going on? You can't take him!"
Alex came closer to Julie, his hands tied behind his back. Everyone was getting louder and louder with questions and shouts towards the police so he got as close as they'd let him and told her, "I'm gonna be ok. It's gonna be ok."
"What?" said Julie, tears forming in her eyes. "What's going on? Why—"
"I swear—" he started, but he was pulled away by the officers, who refused to give him even one more second to talk to her.
Julie started tugging at the officers holding him until John came by to pull her back. "Stop it, Jules, stop," he said.
"Alex, you can't—" she continued calling out. She then turned back to John and said, "You have to stop them. They can't take him."
Alex couldn't hear her anymore, now hearing Kara. And Amity. And Santana. And everyone else who was protesting his arrest. He could hear the girls screaming, panicking upon seeing him being taken by the police. So he did his best to block them all out until this was over.
***
"That was not how I expected my wedding to end," said Harmony as she sat in her dress, watching family members and friends who had stayed back help clean up.
Amity leaned against the table, face red, and shook her head. "I just don't understand," she said, her eyes wet. "How? Why? I don't understand any of this."
"None of us do," Dan joined them. He pulled up a chair besides Harmony and said, "There's no way he did this. Any of it."
"It doesn't make any sense," Harmony shook her head. She put her head on Dan's shoulder and said, "But it's not all bad. We did get married today. There's a lot of cake left since everyone had to leave before it was cut. And overall... We had a memorable wedding."
Amity sighed and got up, walking away.
Harmony lifted her head. "Oops?"
"Yeah," said Dan, pulling her closer and kissing the top of her head. "Oops."
***
"Let's go. Get up."
Alex rolled his eyes as he was pushed through double doors. He wasn't sure what time it was. There weren't many windows in Lima's one and only jail.
When he looked to the entrance, however, Julie was there, along with John, and both immediately hurried to his side.
"Oh my gosh," Julie wrapped her arms around him. "You're ok. You're free to go."
"Yeah, they told me you posted bail," he said, pulling her closer. He started walking towards the door but John stopped him.
"Back exit, dude," John explained. "Reporters are out front waiting to talk to us."
"Right..." said Alex. "None of this has really sunk in yet. What time is it?"
"Almost six," Julie answered while they walked together towards the back exit. She saw the surprise in his eyes and said, "But you get to come home."
"Until I have to appear in court on Friday," said Alex. He noticed her full security team waiting to escort them out and could only imagine what it was like out front.
"A million dollar bail," John patted him. "They've charged you for a pretty expensive crime. If you weren't you... You probably would've been denied bail."
Alex turned to him and gave him a look. "Just get me home... I need to sleep."
***
"Murder," said Quinn, sitting on Santana's couch with Nate fast asleep on top of her. She stroked his hair and said, "It's not possible."
"Maybe he got desperate," shrugged Santana. "Maybe he was tired of all the rumors that woman spread so he killed her. Or maybe he actually did cheat. And that's why he killed her. To shut her up."
From the kitchen, Shana said, "Stop. Don't say stuff like that. Alex is innocent."
"Until proven guilty," said Santana.
Shana stormed up the stairs and Quinn gave Santana a very serious look. "This isn't funny."
"I'm not trying to be," said Santana. "I want to be realistic. I don't want it to be true. But if it is... We have to prepare ourselves for the truth."
***
"Home sweet home," said Julie. Behind her, Alex made his entrance, exhausted, followed by John, who closed the door behind them.
"Where are the girls?" asked Alex.
"We thought..." said Julie, looking briefly at John for support. "Given everything... They're going to be with Sam for a while."
"Why?" laughed Alex. "Because everyone thinks I murdered someone?"
Once again Julie and John exchanged looks.
"Wait, are you serious?" the smiled faded from Alex's face. "Does Sam think I might've actually done this?" Julie looked down to the ground. "Do you think I might've done this?"
"No," she shook her head. "None of us do... It's just for their protection. Not from you. From... other people. The press and the stalker paparazzi and... The people of this town who will have heard about this by now."
"And want my head on a stick," said Alex, sitting at the bottom steps of the staircase. "Great... She's probably not even actually dead. This is all a part of her continued scheme."
"Alex..." John said. Julie shook her head and headed into the living room, surely to cry by herself. John sat down next to Alex and said, "You can't take this lightly, Alex. You're being accused of murder. They found her body in her apartment. This isn't fake. It's not some conspiracy against you. She accused you and then somebody killed her."
"Somebody who isn't me," he said. "And the accusations were false."
"You know that and I know that and Julie knows that," John agreed. "But everyone else...? You're gonna have to fight this."
"I know," Alex buried his face in his hands. "I just... I'm sleepless and was in jail a whole night and I need to meet with my lawyers again to figure this out and... Then there's her."
He nodded towards the living room. "She's gonna be ok," said John.
"I know she's strong," said Alex. "But this. The cheating accusations were one thing. This is a whole other thing. It feels like I'm in a dream right now and... Look, we hadn't been great lately and... I just want her and the baby to be safe while I find my way out of this. Here's how this is gonna go. I'll make my appearance at court on Friday. I'll plead 'not guilty' and they'll hopefully let me come back home. And if I'm lucky, the charges will be dropped before whatever trial date I get."
"And if you're not lucky?" asked John.
Alex didn't answer. Instead he said, "I just need to know someone will be looking out for my family."
"Alex, of course," nodded John. "You don't even have to ask. But I just have one question... Did you really not know this woman? At all?"
"No," Alex insisted, getting up. "I've said it a million times. I've never met her. I've never talked to her. And I never slept with her. I definitely didn't kill her, for crying out loud. I didn't do this."
"No, I know you didn't," said John. Julie walked back out slowly. "We really need to do whatever we can to get you out of this. It's really looking rough."
"I know," said Alex, looking up at Julie. "I know."
***
Fantasy League Rank.
1(=) Stefan/Crystal Army - 8410.9
2(=) Kitty/Julie - 7829.4
3(=) Bree/Santana - 5264.8
4(=) Marley/Travis - 5142.6
5(=) Harmony/Amity - 3970.3
6(=) Kara/Rhythmix - 3434.6
7(=) Luke/Mercedes - 2383.4
8(=) Charlie/Lyric - 1953
9(=) Artie/Sarah - 1729.8
10(=) Peyton/Dean - 1362
11(+1) Jeremy/Tracy - 1237
12(-1) Rory/Xavier - 1201
13(=) Ryder/Riley - 79
***
"What do you need?" asked Amity as she walked into Sebastian's office on Tuesday morning. She had yet to see Alex and that was all she could think about. But nobody was really allowed to talk to him, so it was back to work for her.
"We need to push you back out to radio," said Sebastian. "Clearly Burn didn't work out but... We got you one number one. We can get you a second. So... your video is in editing and I was told it'd be done by tomorrow."
"Ok..." said Julie.
"I want to fast track its release," he said. "To this Friday."
"What?" Amity took a seat in front of his desk. "No. Sebastian, we can't do that. The song, it's..."
"Going to be controversial?" asked Sebastian, a smile on his face. "I'm counting on that. All the metaphors for kindness are dark and violent... They'll help us build buzz for the single given Alex's situation."
"What the hell is wrong with you," said Amity, standing back up immediately. "Alex is your artist. He matters."
"He's not," Sebastian shrugged. "Three weeks ago, he signed all paperwork to dissolve his record deal with us. He left Crystal Army behind. Signed solo with Columbia... And they've got full control of him now. They decide what to do with him. The way I see it, his loss is our gain."
***
"Travis is flying out to England for Brit Awards rehearsals," said Luke as he stood outside of Julie's house. "And Albany has a legitimate job so I figured... I could come here and see how everything's going?"
"Actually, Luke," Julie glanced back inside, "right now's not a great time."
"Is everything ok?" Luke asked. "I mean... all things considered?"
"We have the lawyers here," she asked.
"No," Alex exclaimed from inside. "No way. There's no way I'm saying any of that."
"It's just an option, Alex," Addison responded.
Julie groaned and walked back to the living room, so Luke took the opportunity to walk right in and insert himself into the action. He was sure to be kicked out if he entered the living room, so he just watched quietly from the entrance.
"What's going on?" Julie asked them.
"We just got a call from the DA's office," said Eugene Epstein, the lead lawyer on the case.
The three other lawyers, as well as Addison, were gathered in the living room. After the affair had turned into a murder case, Columbia put processing Alex's new record deal with them on hold and thus had also pulled back on his newly assigned management team, which including publicists, lawyers, and more. They were on their own.
Julie took a seat on the couch next to Alex, who was impatiently tapping his foot as he chewed on his nails. "They're saying," Eugene continued, "that if Alex turns himself in and keeps this from going to trial, they'll be lenient on him."
"What, like a plea deal or something?" asked Julie.
Alex shook his head but Addison nodded. "He's facing 30 years to life," she said. "They're saying that if he pleads guilty, they'll give him just ten. With a chance for parole. Maybe even some years of house arrest."
"It's a good deal," said Eugene.
"If I was guilty," Alex rose to his feet. "But I'm not. I don't belong in prison. Not for thirty years, not for ten... Not for a second. And if they're going light on the sentence that means they don't think they have a strong case against me, right?"
"Actually, there is some evidence working against you," said Eugene, reaching for the file Alex had been shown after his arrest. He looked away but Julie had yet to see it all, so she leaned in closer to get a look. "It says here that she was found dead in her bathtub."
"And they're sure it wasn't a suicide?" asked Julie.
"This was definitely not a suicide," said Eugene, showing her a set of pictures on his phone which she immediately looked away from.
Wincing, she asked, "Where did you get those?"
"I have a few contacts at the DA's office," Eugene explained, putting his phone away. "They sent it over today and a few other pieces of evidence to help us decide if we want to take the deal. I can't say for sure it's all they have against you, Alex. From what I've seen everything's pretty easy to fight off but... There is one thing. It's not the murder itself that concerns me. Anybody could've killed her. It's this."
Eugene took a photograph from a folder and passed it over to Julie and Alex. Alex held it in his hands for a second and then nearly dropped it, but Julie recovered it and saw that it was security camera footage. Of Alex's car.
"What's this?" she asked.
"That's Casey Hargrove's apartment parking lot," said Eugene. "And the time stamp is..."
Julie looked at the date and time. "The wedding..."
"Just a few hours later, her roommate came home and found her bloodied body in the bath tub," said Eugene.
"I didn't do it," was all Alex said, sitting back down. "I was just... I didn't do it."
"But if you can't prove your innocence—" Addison began.
"I want to fight this," he stopped her. "I want to fight this and I'm not going to plead guilty to a crime I didn't commit."
"Alright then," said Eugene, exchanging looks with the other members of his legal team. "We can meet at the courthouse on Friday then. You'll plead guilty and... Unless something chances, you're going to be looking at a trial."
"I'll be ready," said Alex, nodding though he and everyone else in that room knew it was a lie.
***
"You should've seen his face when they showed us that picture," Julie said, pacing Bree's living room the next day. "It was like... like he didn't even remember going there. And I know it's crazy but... A part of me was just, like, trying to explain it to myself. That maybe he did go and he did... something. And he doesn't remember it."
"Julie, you have no reason to doubt him," said Bree. "He loves you. He'd kill for you."
"Wrong choice of words," Julie said, turning her face away.
"Right," sighed Bree. "I'm sorry. I'm an idiot. What I meant to say was that Alex is incapable of doing anything to hurt you. He didn't kill anyone."
"I know, I know," Julie responded. "There's no way. I guess I just want answers so desperately I'm willing to consider the worst possible explanation."
"I think he's being framed," said Stefan, standing against the door frame with a bowl of cereal in his hands. "Someone's making it look like he did this."
"Babe, shouldn't you be at work?" asked Bree, raising an eyebrow.
"I was just sayin'," shrugged Stefan. "The guy's surely made a lot of enemies in his day."
"Not any who would be willing to do all of this," said Julie. "Frame him for murder? It's too crazy."
"Maybe it's not about Alex," Stefan said as he walked away. "Maybe it's about you."
Julie turned to Bree and said, "What the hell's that supposed to mean?"
Bree sighed, "I don't know. But maybe Stefan makes a good point. This could be someone targeting you, through him. It could be so many things. And if Alex is going to get out of this, we need to figure it out."
Julie nodded and took a seat, leaning back on her seat. There was so many different reasons why this could be happening and every one that she thought of was worse than the last.
***
"What the hell is this," Amity stormed into Sebastian's office as early as possible on Friday morning, slamming her phone down on his desk.
"Watch it," he responded. "It is too early for this Amity." Out the door, he called out, "Where's my coffee?"
And in rushed Adrianna Ashbury, her hands carrying several cups of coffee including one which she placed perfectly in front of Sebastian. "Anything else, sir?" she asked.
"Shut the door on your way out," he responded.
She followed orders and Amity stayed behind, directing Sebastian's attention back to what was on her phone's screen.
"Already reaching five hundred thousand views," Sebastian smiled. "That was fast."
"That was not what I said I wanted," Amity shook her head. "I specifically told you I wanted to push the release of this video because of what happened with Alex and instead you release it this week? What is your problem? Do you want people to think Alex killed that girl?"
Sebastian rolled his eyes. "This is for your benefit. One of your exes is a killer. You Kill Em With Kindness. It's funny."
"It's not funny," Amity shook her head. "And the comments are already full of hate from his and Julie's fans. Even my fans are saying this was in bad taste."
"But the views are coming in, aren't they?" Sebastian leaned back, satisfied. "Love you or hate you, they're giving you their attention, Amity. That's how Julie has navigated her whole career. You should start learning."
Amity reached for her phone and said, "I want the video taken down, Sebastian. I mean it."
She walked to the door and he asked, "What good would that do?" but she was already gone.
***
"Mr. Zimmerman, if you would," said the judge. "Raise your right hand."
Luke slowly came in the back of the courtroom and took a seat with Bree, Stefan and Kitty, who were there for moral support despite this not being a trial day. Julie sat up front, with John, Marley, Addison, Kara and Peyton. And standing up front were Alex, Eugene, and the District Attorney, Sabrina Golding.
"Swear to give the truth and nothing but the truth."
Alex did as instructed and Luke leaned into Kitty to ask, "What's happening?"
"Shh," Kitty responded.
"He's going to plead guilty or not guilty," said Stefan.
"Shh," Bree and Kitty said in unison.
The judge had just stated the date and time and was now saying, "You are here in Lima court after being charged with first degree murder, on account of evidence that puts you at the scene at the time of Casey Hargrove's death. The district attorney has filed a motion to add another count for the death of the fetus inside Ms. Hargrove's body but until the autopsy report confirms the presence of a fetus, as well as intent to harm the baby in the cause of death, we do not have any reason for that... So the motion has been denied."
Alex couldn't believe there was a sigh of relief escaping him at the moment. He was being accused of an affair, of a lovechild, of murdering a pregnant woman... But at least he wasn't being accused of the direct murder of the lovechild. Like that made a difference.
There were members of the press there. This was not a closed event. Cameras, recorders, people furiously writing and typing. This was going to be all over the news.
By the time he started paying attention again, he was saying, "Not guilty."
"In that case, we have sufficient evidence to continue the investigation and take this case to trial. We will begin trying Alex Zimmerman for the murder of Casey Hargrove on Friday, February 28."
"That's in one week," Julie whispered to Addison. "How the hell are we going to be ready in—"
"That's a generous amount of time," Addison responded. "We'll just have to work hard on this."
"In addition," said the judge. "After examining the existing evidence against Mr. Zimmerman and the photographs from the crime scene, we have decided to reevaluate bail set on his release Sunday morning."
Alex turned to his lawyer in confusion. Eugene said, "All due respect, your honor, my client does not present a flight risk."
"This is due to the severity of the crime, Mr. Epstein," said the judge. "We believe that he presents a danger to society and have decided to repeal bail. Instead Mr. Zimmerman will be held under custody of the state for the duration of the trial."
"What?!" Julie exclaimed, getting out of her seat.
"Julie," John whispered, pulling her back down as gently as possible. She just shook her head and stayed back in her seat, waiting for someone to tell her this was a big, elaborate prank. But it didn't happen. And when the hearing was over, Alex was cuffed and taken from the room, without even a chance to say goodbye.