By the time we walk out of the church, I have no idea what the sermon was about. I went through the motions without being fully aware.
“Hey,” Knox says.
“Hey.”
“How are you doing?” He looks at me directly in the eye, knowing what it feels like to have your life spread out in the open.
“Good.” I nod toward Penny next to me, and Knox picks up on my signal.
He nods in understanding and claps my shoulder. “If you need anything, give me a call.”
“Thanks.” I nod once and look around before heading home.
Since I have no idea how far these people will go to get a story, I decide to ride with Penny closer to the barn in the ranch since this is private property.
While I walk Penny around on Dusty Buckaroo, we spend the morning talking about the summer camp she’ll be attending once school ends next month. It will be her third summer going, and she loves it.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I stop the horse to look at it.
Sutton: Hey, how’s Penny? Was she upset?
Gavin: Hi, she understood. She said when you’re better you can sit with her
Sutton: I’d love that. How are you?
Gavin: I’m…
I pause typing and take a deep breath. How am I?
Gavin: I’m okay. A little on edge and looking over my shoulder. I’d love nothing more than to keep Penny out of this
Sutton: Me too. I’m meeting with Ainsley in a bit to see what we can do and if anything else has come out. I’m sorry, Gavin. I feel terrible
I sigh. It isn’t Sutton’s fault, and I hate that she’s taking on the blame. I knew what her career was when we got involved, but I didn’t think this would happen. Not so quickly. I especially didn’t expect Penny to be involved. I want nothing more than to keep her safe and away from this attention. I can’t even imagine how much worse it would be if Sutton already had the status some of these other celebrities have.
“Who is it?” Penny’s curious eyes pop open.
“It’s Sutton. She was asking about you.”
“I want to see her. Maybe we can take her a cupcake to make her feel better.” I smile at her innocence and kiss her cheek.
“Maybe tomorrow. We’re going to eat lunch soon and then have to get ready for the week.”
“Fine.” An exaggerated pout turns her lips down.
I chuckle and continue our ride, giving her pointers as we go. Thankfully, Penny keeps my mind distracted. However, I’m still worried about how far this media attention will go and how much more involved Penny will be in all of it.
Sutton
I rub my temples and close my eyes, focusing on my breathing. When I met with Ainsley yesterday, there wasn’t a new article posted about Gavin and me. Ainsley and I were sure that the first few articles were simply curiosity about my love life, and that was it. Now, I stare at a cluster of words that I know will change everything.
I look up at Knox with pained eyes. His glum expression confirms my assumption. Gavin isn’t going to like this one bit.
“I should call him.” Knox nods and leaves the studio, leaving me alone to make a dreadful phone call.
“Hey,” Gavin answers after a couple of rings. “How are you?”
“Hey, we need to talk. Is there a chance you can meet somewhere? I know you’re working.”
“What’s going on?” Worry laces his voice.
I cover my eyes with my hands and take a deep breath. “I rather talk in person.”
“Sutton, tell me.” His demand comes out forceful, and I wish I were in person to look into his eyes.
“A new article came out. There aren’t any new photos, just the same recycled ones, but they published your name, Penny’s, and…” I pause to take a deep breath before I say the one word that will take away the possibility of a deeper relationship with Gavin. “Hadley’s,” I finish.
I’m met with silence, and I’m desperate to beg him to speak, but I don’t want to push.
“How did they find out?” Gavin grits out.
“Apparently, they spoke to someone in town who told them you were married to Hadley, and it was such a devastating time in your life when she left you and Penny.” I might as well tell him the entire truth.
“Fuck,” he growls.
“I’m so sorry, Gavin. I didn’t think… I never thought someone from Everton would actually talk to them about you.” My eyes well with tears. With a racing heart, I say aloud what I’ve been avoiding.
“I would understand if you want to break things off.”
“I don’t need Hadley seeing this and thinking she can come back and take Penny. I can’t lose her.”
“I know,” I whisper. Stubborn tears roll down my cheeks. Instinctively, I wipe them away, although it’s no use because more fall.
“I like you a lot, Sutton. I wish…” his words trail off.
“Yeah,” I interrupt him and hold in my emotions.
“I need to protect Penny.” The pain in his voice matches the one stabbing my heart. I was so close to having it all.
“Gavin, I understand. I’m giving you an out. This career isn’t for everyone, especially for those people close to the artists that didn’t sign up to be in the spotlight.” My voice breaks, and I take a deep breath.
“I… I don’t know what to do. I’m torn in two.”
“Your life and protecting Penny are the most important things. Do that. Continue to be a great dad for her and such an amazing man to everyone around you. We’ll always have sunset picnics and cupcakes.”
“Sutton—”
“I gotta go,” I don’t let him finish. “Bye, Gavin.” I hang up the phone and drop it on the couch, covering my face with my hands and sobbing into my palms.
I knew
