Laura
I wake up with a pounding headache, my body sinking into the plush hotel bed. My limbs feel heavy, and my mouth is unbearably dry.
God, how much did I drink last night?
Squinting against the harsh morning light seeping through the curtains, I try to piece together the night before. My speech. The applause. The overwhelming number of people who approached me afterward, eager to discuss potential collaborations. The endless clinking of wine glasses, toasts being made in my honor. And somewhere in the haze of it all…
David.
I vaguely remember his voice—low, hoarse with emotion. I’m proud of you, Laura.
I exhale sharply, rubbing my temples. No time to dwell on that.
The sharp ring of my phone startles me. I groan, rolling over to grab it from the nightstand, already expecting to h
