Vivian’s eyes glitter with unspoken questions, her earlier teasing taking on new meaning. “So, about appreciating his form ...?”
I let out a nervous chuckle, trying to find a way to reel things in. “Okay, let’s not get carried away. It was just a regular session, you know, very ...professional.”
Not that my session with the shower afterwards reflected that …
Lily leans forward, her eyebrows raised. “Carlie, honey, I hate to break it to you, but there’s nothing‘just regular’about partner yoga with a hot, bendy Instagram star.”
I groan, burying my face in my hands. “It wasn’t like that. It was all about ... alignment and posture,” I mumble, between my palms.
”Seems like your alignment was just fine,” Anna says, dryly.
“What doesthatmean?” I ask, dropping my hands.
Anna gives me a sly look and turns her phone back to me. I take it from her, confused.
There, staring back at me, is a picture of the two of us in a pose that looks more like a game of sexy Twister than professional partner yoga.
I hand Anna’s phone back to her as horror and disbelief washes over me.
“Seems like this pic is getting a lot of attention,” Anna drawls, apparently flipping through the comments.
“Well, go me. I’ve managed my viral internet debut,” I mutter under my breath, “and not even for a cat video or a steamy book scene. No, I had to go straight to yoga scandal. Just my luck.”
“Wait, Adam didn’t post that photo,” Vivian says, giving the image a thorough once-over from her own phone. “It was posted by a gym-goer. But Adam was tagged in it. Carlie, you’re right. It’s already going viral.”
The laughter and teasing at the table fade into the background as my jaw drops.
Adam had called earlier and even text a couple times asking that I call him—which I had ignored, thinking he was just following up on my second missed session in a row.
I’d promised him I’d be back today, but when I couldn’t even wash my hair without wincing, I figured one more day to let my muscles chill wouldn’t hurt.
“I …” Guilt rolls through me. “Shit, Adam wanted me to get in touch with him today. I thought he was just calling about me skipping our session today. Do you think he was trying to warn me about this?”
Lily’s smile goes crooked, and her concern is evident. “Carlie, you should talk to him. Just in case.”
Tasia nods in agreement. “Yeah, especially if that photo was posted without your consent. That’s not okay.”
I bite my lip, scrolling through my phone to find Adam’s missed call and unread messages. There’s a text from him, sent just an hour ago.
Carlie, we need to talk. It’s about our session. Call me.
My heart pounds in my chest. The playful atmosphere of the book club now feels a world away. “Yeah, I think you’re right. I need to sort this out. I had no idea this photo was taken, let alone shared through the interwebs.”
Tasia reaches over, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “We’re here for you, Carlie. If you need anything, just say the word.”
Standing up, I nod, grateful for their support. However, the image from Anna’s phone haunts me as I gather my things to leave. The once carefree evening has turned into a storm of anxiety and uncertainty.
We never even got to talk about dirty books.
Everyone says their goodbyes as I leave the group and head home earlier than anticipated.
As I step out into the cool night air, my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts. The picture, the exposure, the implications—it’s all too much.
I need to talk to Adam and find out how this happened. Glancing at my watch, I realize it’s too late to reach out now. I’ll have to talk to him before my session. It’ll give me some time to think of the right words to say.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself. This wasn’t just a simple case of a leaked gym photo. It was about privacy, trust, and if I’m honest, the unexpected direction my relationship with Adam was taking.
What if something like this could get him fired?