Page 85 of Beautiful Disaster

“Mason, he’s saying you’re grooming boys. He’s been posting shit online, showing pictures of you and a young man—who just happens to be here tonight. The pictures look innocuous enough, but he’s been harassing the staff and me. He’s been talking to anyone who will listen.”

I lean my head back on my leather chair and close my eyes. “Fuck…”

“I’ve known you for years. I hate to ask you this, but—”

“It’s not true, Max. What the fuck is wrong with him?”

My manager visibly relaxes. “I didn’t think it was true, but clearly you have something going on with that young man. Even if the picture looks innocent, it’s clear on your face what he means to you.”

Well, I may as well tell him the truth. “I’m in a relationship with him, but I didn’t fucking groom him for fuck’s sake. It was a surprise to me, too, trust me. He’s a lot younger, but he’s a grown adult. He’s not a child. I only met him two months ago. He and his family own the Sugar-Sweet Ranch. And I definitely worried his age would play a factor in how people see me.”

“Who you date isn’t my business, but as a business owner, you know how much perception matters. It can make or break a business.”

I rest my elbows on my desk and comb my fingers through my hair. “I know. Jinx needs me, though. He’s not going to do well if I sever things.” I look up at Max and his concerned eyes. He has every right to be worried. “You already know the basics about the other man I dated back in New York and how he died, but what you don’t know is that I was forced to make a choice. A tragic choice. I swore to myself that if I dated again, I would never end things with someone I love because someone is fucking forcing my hand. I won’t do it again, Max.”

He leans forward and looks down at his hands. “Look, you and I are friends, too. I respect you, and I love working here. It’s a wonderful restaurant you’ve created. But this guy… Mr. Bush? He’s making traction. Even if it’s not true, people are starting to believe him.” He waves a hand at my door. “What you see out there is a busy restaurant. What I see is that, compared to last Christmas Eve, we’ve lost over fifty reservations.”

Max pulls out his phone, swipes it open, and shows me a post from the Durango community page on Facebook. “They’re talking about you. Some don’t believe it. Some are smart and need proof before they react. But you know how most people are on social media… quick to judge and cancel. Everyone needs a reason to rage these days. Mr. Bush has the potential to ruin us if he keeps gaining momentum.”

I swallow deeply, but I don’t have any saliva. Once again, I’m facing a crossroads that could end up hurting someone else. I can’t fucking do that to Jinx. No way will I leave him over this just to save my own fucking skin. At the same time, I have employees to think about. It’s not only about Jinx and me. People could lose their jobs if I start hurting financially.

“I’ll post a message there to address the issue and hopefully calm people down.”

“That might help. I’ve done all I can on my end, but to them, I’m just a middleman set out to protect you, which is true.”

There’s another knock on my door.

“Christ, what now?” I grit.

Max stands and answers the door. Jinx is standing there with a smile, which instantly drops when he sees me.

“Max, this is Jinx, my partner. Jinx, this is Max, my manager.

“Pleasure, Mr. Jinx,” he says, reaching for his hand.

“Hey.”

Max gives me a nod and leaves my office, and Jinx takes his place in the chair. “Did I interrupt something? I stopped by because I haven’t seen you on the floor yet.”

I hold out my arms, reaching for him. He smiles, stands, and sits on my lap. Jinx should know the truth. No hiding anything from him if I want to maintain a healthy relationship.

“Yes, it’s only a rumor, but it’s concerning.”

“What rumor?”

“Do you remember Mr. Bush from the dinner at the lodge?”

Jinx stiffens and scowls. “Did that bastard stir shit up? Why now?”

“He’s trying to, saying shit on the Facebook community group. Don’t worry. I’ve got some things in mind to calm it down, but I just wanted you to be aware of it; that’s all. If anyone comes to you and says something, you and I are together. I’m not hiding you. But they may grill you about me. I want you to be prepared.”

“What a fucking dick. What’s his obsession with us being together? Lots of people have age-gap relationships.”

I sigh and nod. “I know. Still, I understand their concern. They’re just worried about you. The last thing this little town needs is some predator.”

He growls at me and stands. “What the fuck? If anyone understands predators, it’s me! I do! Not them, living in their little precious bubbles surrounded by happiness, who’ve probably never suffered a day in their fucking lives. I know what it’s like!” he growls again, pacing. “That’s it! I’m gonna say something, because this is bullshit!” I reach for him, but he steps back. “No!”

“Jinx, take it easy. I know it’s upsetting, but don’t do anything rash. Let me handle this. Your new ranch is just starting to get off the ground. And I have my restaurant to deal with. We need to think with clear heads. Be professional. Please.”