The next morning,I was on the porch with coffee and Georgia, playing with a song idea when I got a text from Ivy.
Ivy
Just saw this. Try not to freak out.
I pulled up the link she sent to a gossip site. A photo of Seraphina and me yesterday on the beach filled the screen. I don’t know where or how the photo had been taken but it was surprisingly clear considering we had no idea it was being taken. Seraphina, in her white sun dress, her hair loose where I'd pulledit from the ponytail. My head was bent toward Seraphina and she was looking at me with the expression that made it hard to breathe. Then another photo. This time we were kissing. If only we’d known about the photo session, we could have smiled for the camera.
Romance Author Seraphina Sinclair's Real-Life Love Story: Getting Cozy With Dana King's Ex
I read the article quickly, hoping speed would somehow reduce the impact. It didn't. Dana was mentioned in the first sentence. Her memoir in the second.Hunter Sloan, the Nashville songwriter whose estranged wife recently alleged emotional neglect and an inappropriate relationship with country star Ivy James…
They referenced Seraphina’s books, the Netflix movie and they named her publisher.
I cursed under my breath. I’d thought this was going to be a good day. I set my phone aside, sliding it away from me as if it had germs. I got up and walked over to Margaret’s herb garden, sparkling from morning dew. I drew in a deep breath, hoping for fortification from the scent of lavender and thyme, but the pit in my stomach remained.
A hummingbird appeared at the salvia along the cottage wall, hovered for a moment and then was gone.
I went back to my little porch, picked up my phone and called Seraphina. It went to voicemail. I texted her instead.
Hunter
Have you seen it?
Seraphina
Yes. I’m on the phone with my publisher. They’re not sure what to do.
She’d seen the photos and apparently so had her publisher.
Hunter
Okay if I come over?
Seraphina
Yes. We should talk.
I texted Ivy next.
Hunter
What should I do? Seraphina doesn’t need this kind of stuff in her life. I’m so angry I can’t see straight.
Ivy
I have some ideas about what to do. Tell Seraphina not to worry. This will all blow over. They always do. But we can control the narrative, too, so don’t fret.
Hunter
Okay. I’m headed to see Seraphina now. Please let me know when you know more.
Ivy
Will do.
Seraphina metme at her front door. She looked shaken and a little pale. We both glanced behind me before I slipped inside, already growing accustomed to the idea that a photographer could be lurking in a bush. Once inside, she wrapped her arms around me and I held her for a moment.
“I’m sorry this is happening,” I said. “I’m mortified. Dragging you into my messy life.”
