Page 64 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“No shit. How does that help me figure this out?”

“Can I say something?” Sutton asks carefully.

“Yeah,” I say, thankful for the breather.

“I don’t think any of you could achieve the levels of success you have if you weren’t overly confident,” Sutton says.

“Exactly my point.” I take a drink.

“That said,” she continues, “Victory is right. You’re a charming, gregarious guy, Clay, and that in and of itself can be intimidating to someone who’s not used to it. If Pepper was avoiding you before Paris, and then suddenly she was in your bed and being flown home on a private plane, that could make a woman’s head spin. When Flynn and I first got together, I was like, What the hell is happening here? Can I trust it? Do I want it?”

“You wanted it,” Flynn says confidently.

“Yes, I did, but it was confusing. You know that,” Sutton says. “And if Pepper connected as deeply as Clay says, I agree with Vic. She probably needs to process it.”

I grit my teeth, wishing that was the case. She’s not trying to process it. She’s trying to end it. I’m not about to admit that or let Pepper make that mistake. “Maybe all of you are right, but I didn’t come here to analyze my personal life, so can we give it a rest?”

“We’re on your side, Clay,” Seth says.

“Always,” Flynn says.

“I know. I appreciate that, but I’m still processing it, too, so let’s turn the page. What did I miss during playoffs? Flynn, I heard they delayed the debut of Heart Stories by a week. Are you and Sutton excited to see it?” Heart Stories is a monthly series of special-assignment documentaries they’re producing.

“Yes,” they exclaim.

“It’s too bad you guys can’t make it to Mom and Dad’s for the debut,” Flynn says.

“Yeah, it sucks. Tiffany’s got me doing a talk at a charity event that weekend, but I’m looking forward to seeing the show.” Seth and I exchange knowing glances with my little white lie. Flynn and Sutton have no idea we’re planning to surprise them at our parents’ house.

“So am I,” Victory says. “Seth and I are going to watch it together. We’re both going to be in LA that week.”

“I’m sorry I can’t be there to watch it with you guys, but I’m excited to see it,” Seth says.

“No worries. We know everyone is busy.” Flynn takes Sutton’s hand and says, “We’re just hoping the viewers will like it.”

“Well, he is,” Suttons says. “I’m hoping they love it.”

“Smartass.” Flynn pulls her into another kiss.

Seeing them so happy makes me miss Pepper even more. “Of course they’re going to love it. Just like they loved the rainforest episodes.” Last year, Flynn and Sutton were tasked with surviving three days in the Amazon rainforest for Discovery Hour, which is where they first got together, and the viewers still haven’t stopped raving about it.

“Fingers crossed,” Sutton says.

“How about a wedding date? Have you picked one yet?” I ask.

“We just settled on one last night,” Sutton says, exchanging a loving glance with Flynn. “We booked the last weekend in June at my family’s winery on Silver Island.”

“That’s great. I’ll get it on my calendar.” I may not know what my future looks like with my team yet, but they don’t need to worry about that.

“I already sent the info to Doogie,” Flynn says.

“Thanks, man.”

“Flynn, I’ll book you and Sutton the honeymoon suite at the Silver House if you haven’t done it yet,” Seth offers.

“Thanks, man. But the Silvers are comping it for us as a wedding gift,” Flynn says.

“That was nice of them. Then I’ll get my buddy T to get the rest of us rooms,” Seth offers.