HOLLYWOOD'S MOST COMPLICATED FAMILY?Studio exec Grant Hall spotted at school event with ex-partner Geneva AND rumored girlfriend Sophia Ford. Sources say the trio has been spending increasing time together, raising questions about the nature of their relationship. Swipe for exclusive photos…
The headline glares up at me, accompanied by slightly blurry photos from outside the school. In one, Grant's hand is on my back. In another, he has an arm around Geneva. The story practically writes itself.
"Well," Geneva says dryly, "it seems I've jinxed us."
I look through the doorway to where Grant and Hazel are sharing a dessert, their heads conspiratorially bent together. A few months ago, I was so sure I knew what I wanted—success, independence, and control over my own narrative. Now, watching them, I realize that what I want has changed entirely.
My phone lights up with a text from Jess.
"So much for staying under the radar. You ready for this?"
I take a deep breath. The question isn't whether I'm ready for the press attention, the speculation, or the inevitable drama. The question is whether Grant, Hazel, and this complicated, beautiful life we're building are worth it.
Looking at them, I already know the answer.
forty
. . .
Grant
I've spent morethan a decade in Hollywood, learning to ignore the press. I've weathered flops, public criticism, and endless speculation about my relationships with the calculated indifference that's become second nature. But nothing in all those years prepared me for the sight of three photographers tracking Hazel's walk from the car to her elementary school entrance.
They are camped out to see who is dropping off and picking up in an attempt to pit Geneva and Sophia against one another—or rather, to urge the public to choose sides when there is no side to pick. Can't they see what this is doing to my little girl?
"Daddy, they're back again," Hazel says quietly, clutching her backpack strap. She's started wearing hoodies to school and keeping her head down. My confident, bright-eyed girl, trying to make herself smaller—the sight makes my chest ache.
"I'll handle it," I tell her, keeping my voice steady.
Back at the studio, I barely make it through two meetings before my phone buzzes. The school principal's voice is apologetic but firm. "Mr. Hall, we've received complaints from several parents about the increased media presence. While we understand this is beyond your control?—"
"I'll take care of it," I say, cutting her off.
All of this chaos is turning into another full-time job. I'm pacing my office, halfway through arranging security details for the school, when Geneva calls. Her timing has always been impeccable.
"Before you go nuclear," she says in that knowing way of hers, "maybe we should talk strategy."
"They're following our daughter to school, Gen."
"I know." Her voice softens. "And it's infuriating. Maybe we should stick to only you or Sarah for drop-off and pick-up. I can plan to pick up Hazel at your house this week. It's only one more week, and then school is out for the summer."
I recognize her tone—it's the same one she used when I wanted to pull Hazel from her first sleepover after having a panic attack about being too far away if something happened. "You think I'm overreacting."
"I think you're scared," she says gently. "And I think, before you react, remember that Hazel has two parents who love her, an amazing support system, plus a bonus adult in Sophia, who would move heaven and earth to protect her. That's three more people than you had at her age."
Her words sting, mostly because they're true. But before I can respond, my assistant buzzes through to let me know Hazel's teacher is on the other line.
"You're right. I'll have Sarah pick her up today, and youcan meet them at the house. The school is on the other line, probably wanting to know my solution to keep the paparazzi away. I'll catch up with you later. And thanks, Geneva."
I switch from my cell phone to my desk phone, hoping for some good news.
"Mr. Hall," her teacher says, her voice careful like she's trying not to overstep. "I wanted to let you know Hazel was a little off today. Some of the kids…well, they weren't being so kind. I thought you should be aware."
The words hang heavy in the air long after the call ends. I cancel my afternoon meetings and head home early, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
When I finally make it to the house, I find Hazel in her room with her face buried in her pillow, still wearing her school clothes. My heart cracks at the sight.
"Hey, nugget." I sit on the edge of her bed and reach out to stroke her hair like I used to when she was little. "Want to talk about it?"
