Page 85 of Pretty Relentless

“I don’t disagree, Gavin.”

For the first time, I regret not having that damn social media app on my phone so I can see what’s going on. “What does it say?”

“It says, ‘Guess who was caught together on Sunday? Gavin Pierson and Ava Rutledge were busted sneaking into Logan Johnson’s cabin. Clearly this teacher has problems and shouldn’t be around kids. First, promoting underaged drinking,and now sleeping with a student’s father? Our kids deserve better than this.’”

My heart is pounding so hard in my chest, I’m sure Max can hear it through the phone line. “Fuck.”

“Is it true? Are you seeing Ava?”

I swallow hard. My first thought is to deny, since that’s what I’ve been doing this whole time. Deny, deflect, and lie. Keep it under wraps.

But now, with these photos and the fact they’re calling for Ava’s job…again, I realize I can’t keep quiet. Not because I don’t want to, but simply because I won’t let her face the firing squad of Pine Village alone.

Fuck that.

“Yeah, I am.”

“Cool. She seems like a great woman. I remember you drooling over her last summer at the bar. Glad you finally made a move,” he teases lightly, but with the weight of everything else parading through my head, I don’t have the ability to joke back.

I rub my forehead. “I don’t know anything about that app, man. So, everyone in there can see it? Are they replying, or whatever?”

He pauses a few moments before replying. “Yeah, there are comments. Quite a few, considering it was just posted about an hour ago. Looks like there are a lot of people who think the post is tasteless and gross, but…yeah. There are a handful of people who aren’t saying very nice stuff about you two.”

I couldn’t give two shits about me. What I can’t stand is anyone saying crap about Ava. She’s an amazing human and an even better teacher, and I’m damn lucky to have her in my life. “This blows. I can’t believe it’s posted anonymously.”

“It’s bullshit, man. But you know how this town is. Eventually, it’ll come out. Everyone talks.”

I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. “She’s on her way over here. I’m gonna have to tell her.”

“Yeah, I would, because by the number of comments on the photos, everyone in the city limits will know by morning.”

“Can you screenshot it for me?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll send them right over.”

“Thanks, Max.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m happy for you. I’ve noticed something different with you these last few weeks, and I hope she’s that change. You’re calmer and smile a lot more.”

I don’t reply, not really knowing what to say. Sheisthe reason I’ve changed, and yes, all for the better. She makes me want to be a better man.

“I’ll let you go. See you tomorrow?” he asks.

“Yeah. See you in the morning.”

When I hang up, I stand here and just stare off into space. This is bad. Well, notbad, but definitely not ideal. Ava won’t like this at all, and I have to be careful how I tell her. The last thing I want is for her to run scared out of my life, because, frankly, that’s not an option.

A life without Ava isn’t one I want to consider living.

I’ve fallen head over heels in love with her. We have to figure out how to get through this.

Together.

By the time she’s pulling into my driveway, I still have no clue how to tell her what’s going on. I scanned the images and post Max sent me, clearly posted by some nosy asshole who needs to mind their own business. This is one of the worst parts about living in a small town. People can’t keep their noses out of everyone else’s stuff.

I slip on my shoes and head out the back door to meet her. She’s putting her car in the garage, and as I walk to the side door, I can’t help but look around. Are my neighbors watching rightnow? Are they taking photos, preparing to post them and show the world we are, in fact, sneaking around?

“Hi,” she greets with a big smile the moment she starts to climb out of her vehicle.

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