Page 71 of Power Play
Ollie raises an eyebrow, a little confused. “She thinks it’s fake?”
I nod. “Yeah. She’s been pushing me to keep up this image for sponsorships and everything. All for the better brand deals. She thought it was the best move. I didn’t exactly argue with her at first. But now? Sophie and I are together. And I need to tell her that.”
Ollie’s expression softens a little. “Well, that’s a bloody relief. You’re not some idiot, mate. You wouldn’t pretend just for a deal, right?”
I shake my head. “Not anymore. I can’t. Sophie’s important to me. And if Layla can’t see that, then I’m done with playing the game.”
“Well, you’ve got to tell her,” Ollie says with a bit of a grin, though there’s some seriousness in his tone. “Just be straight with her. Layla’s not stupid, mate. She’s gonna get it. And if she doesn’t? Then screw it. You’ve got Sophie, and that’s what matters.”
I take a deep breath, nodding. “Right. I’ll do it. It’s just Layla’s been good to me. She’s the reason I’ve had some of these opportunities. But at the end of the day, I’m not a fucking puppet for some brand image.”
Ollie pats me on the back. “Attaboy. You’ve got this, mate. Now, go get it done. And if you need me to intervene with her on any terms, I’ll be your backup.”
I chuckle, feeling a little more confident. “Thanks, but I’ve got this. Time to face the music.”
When Layla walks into my flat, I’m already pacing by the kitchen counter. She’s as put-together as usual, looking every bit the professional she is. But there’s something softer in her eyes today, maybe because she’s starting to see something different in me. She always did push me for that ‘perfect’ image, but she’s also been one of the few people who actually believed in me.
“You wanted to talk?” Layla asks, her tone calm but curious.
I nod, forcing a smile. “Yeah. We need to clear something up.”
She takes a seat across from me, her brow furrowing slightly. “I’m listening.”
I exhale slowly. There’s no easy way to say this. No way to skirt around it. “I know you’ve been pushing the whole ‘perfect couple’ thing for a while now. Sophie and I, the relationship, the whole thing. But I need you to understand something.”
Layla’s eyes narrow, but she’s not angry. She’s more intrigued. “Go on,” she says, her voice steady.
“Sophie and I are together. For real. Not just for the cameras. This isn’t some fake thing. I can’t keep playing along like it is.”
There’s a long pause, and for a second, I wonder if I’ve said the wrong thing. If I’m about to get a lecture about sponsors, image, and what this could mean for my career.
But Layla surprises me. She leans back in her chair, crossing her arms, and then her lips curve into a smile that’s more genuine than I’ve seen in a while. “Well, that’s a relief,” she says softly. “I was wondering when you were going to figure that out.”
I blink at her, confused. “Wait... what?”
She chuckles, shaking her head. “Murphy, I never thought it was fake. I just thought you needed to sell it better. You needed to look like you were serious. You know how this business works. The right image gets you the deals, and that’s always been my job; to make sure you get the best opportunities. But if you’re telling me you’re happy with Sophie and this is for real, I’m happy for you.”
I’m stunned. That’s not the response I was expecting, not by a long shot. “You’re... happy for me?”
She nods, her expression softening. “Of course I am. I don’t need to be the one to hold your life together, Murphy. I just want you to be successful, and that includes in your personal life. If Sophie’s the one, then I’ll support that.”
“Really?” I ask, still not quite believing it.
Layla smiles again, a warm, reassuring smile. “You think I don’t want you to be happy? I’ve been pushing for this image because I thought it was what you needed. But if you’ve found something real, then that’s the best thing for you. I’m not going to stand in the way of that.”
A weight lifts off my chest, and I finally feel like I can breathe again. Layla might be a tough nut to crack, but she’s not the enemy here. She’s just been doing her job, just like I’ve been doing mine. And now, maybe I’ve found the courage to do something else for once. To live for me.
“Thanks,” I say, a bit surprised by the relief in my voice.
She leans forward, giving me an almost conspiratorial look. “But just so you know, Murphy, don’t think you’re off the hook for those sponsorship deals. We’ll still need to talk about how to make this all work with your image.”
I laugh, more relaxed than I’ve been in weeks. “Yeah, I figured. But I’m not backing down on this. Sophie and I? We’re in this together. You’ll just have to deal with it.”
Layla chuckles, shaking her head. “Deal. But you’re still gonna be my star, Murphy. I’ve got your back, no matter what.”
I stand up, relieved and a little lighter. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
As Layla walks out, I can’t help but feel like I’ve finally taken control of my own life. Sophie’s in it, and no one’s going to mess with that. Not Layla, not the sponsors, no one. I’m done pretending.
