Chapter Seventeen – Autumn
There were moments when all I wanted was for time to speed up. Moments like high school because I yearned to go to college and spread my wings. Moments like losing my job because I was determined to get out of Ashfield again. Moments like standing in Chuck’s Grocery looking at the magazine rack and finding my face staring back at me.
Colton had left earlier that morning, the sheets beside me cold to the touch when the sound of the construction equipment woke me up. I should have known my Friday was going to fall into a black hole when my phone started buzzing with notifications from my sisters. I hadn’t believed them at first when they claimed my name was being tossed around the internet. It took me grabbing a few items for Mom and seeing myself on a tabloid for it to really hit home.
The news had moved on from Colton’s ex, but not in the way he had hoped. They focused on me instead. Not exactly something I’d had in mind.
“Mr. Granger, do you think we can take these off the shelf?” I asked my old employer. My nails dug into the plump skin, leaving crescent marks and my teeth hurt from my clenched jaw.
“I’m sorry, Autumn.”
“Yeah, me too.” My chest ached from holding my breath while I skimmed the glossy pages. The pictures were from the Italian restaurant where Colton and I had dined earlier in the week. Most were taken through the glass, so it meant the person hadn’t been inside. I was certain no one in the town had been the one to leak the images, but it was confirmed when my phone buzzed and there was a message from Max.
Max: Photography has become a hobby of mine.
He didn’t deserve the dignity of a response. Blocking his number, I put my phone in my purse and grabbed the stacks of magazines that had my face plastered on the front. I knew there would be more, but this was the least I could do for my sanity.
Mr. Granger’s eyebrows furrowed as he scanned each magazine. I’d think he was angry at me if I didn’t know any better. He was angryforme. The man was just as protective of me now as he was when I worked for him.
“Your day will get better, Autumn. I know it.”
“Well, there is only one way it can go.”
I waved goodbye as I headed toward my car. Colton and I had finally exchanged numbers, and I considered messaging him about the tabloids, but he beat me to it.
Colton: Are you okay?
Me: Yes. Just angry.
Colton: I’m sorry. I never wanted this to happen. It’s part of why I picked Ashfield.
Me: To lie low. I get it. Neither of us planned for Max to do this.
Colton: It was your ex?
Me: Yes. He messaged and said he had picked up photography as a hobby.
Colton: Fucking asshole. I’m going to destroy him.
Me: He’s not worth it. What are you going to do?
Colton: What do you mean?
Me: I understand if you have to deny everything.
Colton: I would never deny being with you, Autumn.
I knew he couldn’t see me, but my body flushed and my toes curled against the soft insert of my shoes at his compliment.
Me: What do you have going on today?
Colton: I’m co-hosting tonight on the Hockey Network and I have a test hosting gig for a cooking show.
Me: How is someone that can’t cook hosting a cooking show?
Colton: Your guess is as good as mine. They just want my pretty face.
Me: You’re probably right.
