“I’ve been seeing Otter Penhaligon and…”
“The actress?” Genevieve suddenly looked very interested. “As in that series?”
I nodded. “That’s the one. A hotel receptionist took photos of us – nothing untoward, we were just hugging – and they’ve been sold.”
“Any naked body parts involved?” She pressed down on one of her fingers as if she was checking something off.
“No. None. Both wearing jackets.” Because it had been freaking freezing.
“Either of you involved with anyone else?” Another finger was pressed down.
“No, just each other.”
She nodded. “Good, good. Any other issues I should be aware of in case some journalistic weasel goes digging down a rabbit hole?”
“Nothing I’m aware of. There’s my business.” Genny was aware of this.
She shook her head. “The worst that can happen with that is that comments are made about your wealth. You donate enough to charities to stop any far-left wing looney from making too much noise, so I’m not worried about the media finding out about that.”
I’d fully disclosed everything about the business when I’d joined the club. “What do I do about the photos?” I was in new territory here.
Genny pointed to the chair near her desk. “Take a seat.”
I did as I was told. Most people did with Genny.
“Congratulations on not being part of a scandal. You’re one of the few, and if you could possibly cast some pearls of your wisdom in front of the swine that is Jude Whittingham, I’d appreciate it.”
I decided not to ask what Jude had done.
“Is this an ongoing relationship?”
I had no idea. We were meeting up this weekend, and I figured we’d be seeing each other again after that, so it was past the hook-up phase. “I guess so. We haven’t discussed it.”
“How did you meet?”
“When we were both stuck at Houston Airport.” And I’d shared her room for two nights, where we’d found our own ways to keep warm and entertained, even when the power had been out.
“So you’ve been seeing each other a while. Five months.”
I nodded, because what else could I say? For a good three or four of those months we hadn’t actually known each other’s real name.
“First thing, I’ll speak with your agent and her publicist about a statement confirming you’re together and have been for some time. That will throw the press because they’re only just finding out about it now. They’re going to want a bit more because you’re so private and this is the first time you’ve been publicly linked with someone, so my advice is to be seen out together. This isn’t going to harm your reputation or image. Otter Penhaligon is pretty high end, although you know all of your teammates have seen her topless?”
I rubbed my face. “I’m aware.”
“My advice? Do what you normally do, Ryan, and stay away from the media. Trust me and Rhys to tell you what you need to know. I’ll get a statement prepped.” She took a cotton handkerchief from up her sleeve and proceeded to wipe her brow, which was slightly glowing after her boxing.
“Thank you. I’ll leave you to it.” I stood up.
“Not a problem, Ryan. It’s my job.”
I nodded, then caught sight of what was glued to her punching bag.
A printed photograph of our manager’s face.
I decided not to ask and left her to it. Some things were better not known.
Rowan was staring at his phone when I got home. The photos hadn’t hit the media yet, but I was well aware that by tomorrow morning, my teammates and ex-teammates would be enjoying taking the piss out of me at every level.
