I was always ready.
That was part of the job.
Ellie took three pictures.
Not one.
She knew people blinked.
Of course she did.
She handed the phone back.
Jen stared at the screen.
“Oh my God. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I won’t tag the location,” she said quickly. “I promise.”
Relief came too fast.
I should have hidden it better.
“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”
“I won’t post it until tonight.”
My stomach tightened.
“Actually, Jen—”
She stopped.
I had managed live broadcasts, international schedules, award shows, and one mechanical-bull video Sophie still insisted did not exist.
Asking one kind woman not to share a photograph should not have felt difficult.
“I’m taking a few private days,” I said. “Would you mind keeping the picture to yourself for now?”
Jen’s excitement dimmed.
Only slightly, but enough to make guilt move through me.
“Right. Of course.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be. I understand.”
She glanced at Ellie again.
This time, Ellie was staring toward the marina.
Jen lowered her voice.
“I didn’t mean to make anything weird.”
