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Kevin processed that information. “Sammy said Nash is super famous. Like, Uncle Smith famous.” Even though Smith was more like a cousin once removed, Kevin referred to everyone in the extended Sullivan family as an uncle or aunt, because they were all so close.
“It’s true,” she replied. “Nash is really famous like Smith. Only, he’s a musician instead of an actor.”
“Is he as nice as Smith? ’Cause Sammy said he’s been to jail.”
“First of all, just because someone has made mistakes in their past doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. People can act badly for lots of reasons. And then they hopefully learn from their mistakes.” She should have guessed that Kevin would learn about Nash’s past. She just hadn’t figured one kiss at the café would be all it took to send gossip spiraling around her son. “So yes, Nash is a really nice person. I wouldn’t spend time with him if he wasn’t, I promise.”
Kevin thought about it for a minute. “Okay, that’s cool. I wouldn’t want you hanging out with some guy who’s mean.”
It was so sweet that she had to lean over at a stop sign and give her son a one-armed hug. “Thank you for looking out for me, honey.”
With that, Kevin seemed content to finish his granola bar and turn on the radio, scanning through stations to find a good song.
First thing tomorrow, as soon as Kevin was off to school, Ashley needed to meet with Nash to tell him that they absolutely had to end things once and for all. This was too much upheaval, too fast. Wham bam, best sex ever…and now her kid and everyone else in town was asking questions. If only she could call Nash tonight to get it over with, but her cottage was too small to find a private place where Kevin wouldn’t overhear her conversation. Which meant she somehow needed to keep it together until tomorrow.
Trying to act as normal as possible around her son, she asked, “Are you going to need help with your homework tonight?”
“I only have math. Should be easy.”
“Okay, great. I’m going to make spaghetti for dinner. Sound good?”
“Yup.”
For Kevin, everything was back to normal. He’d quizzed her about the stranger, then he’d immediately gone back into his regular world. But throughout the rest of the evening, as she coaxed him into the shower, then started a load of laundry, then browned ground meat and boiled spaghetti noodles, then sat down at the dinner table to eat dinner, Ashley felt wired. On edge.
She couldn’t settle. Not until she put an end to things with Nash. Yes, she had wanted to make some changes in her life, to live more boldly and adventurously, but this was too fast. Way too much change all at once.
First of all, she was a responsible mother who needed to guard her son’s heart. She couldn’t let Kevin think she let men come in and out of her life willy-nilly.
Okay, so it wasn’t like she was lining up random guys to have affairs with. Only Nash had ever made it past her bedroom door. But still, she didn’t dare embark on a relationship with a road-warrior rock star when it was bound to fail from the start—not if there was any chance that it might have a bad impact on Kevin.
With Nash, there was every chance that things would end badly. He was a superstar who lived a superstar’s life. He’d never given her any indication that he was ready to settle down. In fact, hadn’t he said that part of the allure of building out the VW van was so he could head off at a moment’s notice?
And then, on top of everything else, she’d already had to defend Nash’s past twice. Though she’d meant what she’d said to Kevin about how everyone should be given the chance to change for the better, that didn’t mean she was willing to let the repercussions of Nash’s past cast a shadow over Kevin’s life here in Bar Harbor.
It didn’t help her peace of mind that by that evening, word had spread to her family like an out-of-control wildfire. The texts from her brothers came in fast and furious.
Turner: When did you meet Nash Hardwin? I heard you were kissing him in the café, but that can’t be true, is it?
Hudson: Been hearing some crazy things about you and Nash Hardwin! Have you been keeping secrets from all of us?
Rory: I’ve been deflecting rumors about you and Nash Hardwin (!) all afternoon. It would help to know what the truth is.
Brandon: I know you want me to stay out of your life, but what the hell is going on in Bar Harbor? I just got a text from an acquaintance in town telling me that you and Nash Hardwin were seen kissing today! I thought you said things were over between you. Text me back as soon as you get this, even if it’s the middle of the night in Europe. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.
