JOSH
Layla gives him a soft look, tugging on his bun. “I’m enjoying that aspect, too.”
I watch them, my lungs aching. She thinks the podcast is all that matters to me, doesn’t she? Everyone does. They think all I care about is engagement and numbers.
Of course, I care about the podcast. I created it. I’ve worked for years to make it what it is. I’ll always want more listeners. But if I’m honest, that’s not why I suggested the segment.
What matters to me is helping her. The image of her, teary-eyed and red-
faced in our lounge, flashes into my head again. It makes my chest hurt.
“Why don’t you want to be seen with us both in public?” I blurt out.
She looks taken aback. “What?”
Zack frowns. “Leave her alone, man. If she doesn’t want to, she doesn’t want to.”
I close my eyes. I’ve be
