Page 75 of So This Is Love

“Sonny, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Seeing the photos won’t change anything and we need to focus on establishing a game plan right now.”

I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve gone against Morgan’s advice during the time that we’ve worked together. It’s her job to manage me and she does it well. But this, this I can’t agree to.

“I respect your opinion a lot, you know that, but this is about Laila. I can’t be in the dark on this.”

Morgan lets out a deep sigh. “You really aren’t going to let this go are you?”

“No. I’m not.”

There’s a long pause of silence before she speaks again. “Fine. I just sent it to you.”

I pull the phone away from my ear and open the message Morgan just sent me.

The photos are grainy, clearly taken from a good distance away but zoomed in. The first is just me standing outside with my eyes closed and the rest are from after Laila came outside with me.

For the most part, in the photos Laila is covered. My body shields hers from the camera so only a small fraction of her side profile is visible. Until the last one.

It was taken right after we broke apart from our kiss, my hand still on her ass. Even through the pixelation, Laila’s entire face is on display.

“I gotta go.”

“Sonny I know this isn’t what either of you wanted-, but we need to talk with the rest of the team and-”

“And I will, but I need to talk to Laila first. I told her this wouldn’t happen and here it is. I have to talk to her.”

Before Morgan can even respond I end the call, navigating to Laila’s contact and pressing the button to initiate a FaceTime. The call rings and rings but she never answers.

26

Sonny

me

Laila please answer the phone

me

I didn’t know she took those pictures. Morgan is working now to get them taken down

me

Please talk to me. I’m so sorry this happened

me

I have the event in Detroit tonight but I’ll be back tomorrow.I’ll have my phone so if you want to talk I’m here.

27

Laila

Zara and I clinkour glasses together before we tap them on the bar and then down our shots. I grimace at the burn of the liquor and then take a sip of my mixed drink to chase it.

“Another round?” I ask.

“Listen, I’m all for you having a good time,” Zara says. “But drowning yourself in liquor isn’t going to make you feel better about Sonny, babe.”

I frown. “It’s not about him.”