My life just turned upside down. Gabriel is like the truth I’ve been hiding from, suddenly embodied before me.
The reality of the photos being published avalanches through me all over again. My cheeks burn as I imagine myself next to Gabriel in one of his famous tabloid pics, the whole world knowing my secrets.
I can’t even look him in the eye.
This marriage is a total nightmare, and the sooner it ends, the better.
* * *
GABRIEL
“If there aren’t financial penalties stipulated in the contract,” one of my lawyers insists, “what’s the point of even signing it?”
I’m following the argument, but Spencer is distracting.
The lawyers are all seated with papers and laptops strewn about, and he stands right there with them, directly beside his own lawyer. He’s dressed in jogging pants and a long-sleeved tee, and he’s left his black winter beanie on even though it’s warm inside. His strong arms are crossed over his chest, and he’s keeping perfect composure and focus, but I can see in his eyes how troubled he is.
Of course he is. He was just outed against his will. My heart goes out to him, although he won’t even hold my gaze long enough for me to offer a consoling nod. He’s fixated on getting the papers signed and frankly acting like a confused straight jock, unable to even look at his gay mistake.
It’s not endearing.
And the lawyers are just talking themselves in circles.
One of my lawyers clears his throat, puling me from my thoughts. “We have several contingencies that would work in the event of my client’s death.”
My impatience boils over. I cut him off. “For fuck’s sake. This isn’t necessary.” I wave my hand. “I need the room cleared.”
Spencer and his lawyer look surprised, but my team knows me well enough that they simply grab their coffees.
“I need to talk to my husband alone,” I say dryly, and when Spencer nods, his lawyer exits as well.
The door closes, and the room instantly feels tense, alive in a different way.
Spencer raises a skeptical eyebrow. “Is there a reason you banished the lawyers?”
“You and me alone in a hotel room,” I say, trying a joke to break the ice. “At least it’s familiar now.”
He huffs, annoyed with me. Before he turns heel and walks away, I try again.
“The lawyers are not getting anywhere,” I point out. “And you looked… unhappy,” I say.
“Of course I’m unhappy,” Spencer answers. He uncrosses his arms but stays bristly. “There are photos, Gabriel.”
“At least we look decent in them,” I say.
He scoffs. “Like I’m worried about that right now. What I am worried about is getting the damn papers signed, which certainly isn’t happening with our teams waiting in the hallways.”
I grit my teeth, annoyed that he’s annoyed. “Okay. Well, I’m working on my first solo album. Marrying a straight man and immediately divorcing him isn’t the headline I’m trying to earn. So you’re not the only one in need of an out.”
“But here we are,” he says tensely.
“Here we are,” I agree.
I’m frustrated with this entire mess and having a bit of trouble deciding how much of that is frustration with Spencer. I get that he’s going through it, but this would be a lot easier to navigate if he could chill.
“Okay, fine,” he says as he pulls his beanie off, revealing his sandy hair. “Let’s try it without the lawyer talk. We both agree to sign the annulment, right? And from there, it’s probably better that our PR teams take over and discuss details.”
“Agreed. They’ll likely have us release a joint statement, say it was all a mistake.”
