Page 77 of Unraveled

“What if I wanted to stop by and bring breakfast or lunch?”

I was surprised but made it very clear. “You’re always welcome. Anytime.”

“You do realize you’re encouraging the crazy in me, right?”

“It’s my way of saying I’m not hiding anything. I absolutely have no problem with everyone knowing you’re part of my life.”

“I prefer the title of girlfriend. You okay with that?”

“The real kind, right? Not the fake kind?”

She laughed as I hoped she would. “As real as it gets.”

The next morning, an unfamiliar car pulled up to the jobsite. Then I realized it wasn’t unfamiliar at all.

Layla stepped out of her white car like a supermodel, wearing a long red dress with a gold belt around the middle. Her hair was up in a high ponytail. The gold sandals and jewelry complemented her classy look. And in her hands as she walked up was a box. It appeared to be full of food bags. I was down the steps and outside to help her in a flash, but I couldn’t get there as quickly as Jack, who’d already been outside.

She beamed at the younger kid. “Hi, Jack. Nice to see you again.”

He blushed crimson. “Hi. Yeah, you, too, Layla.”

“Hi,” I greeted, all smiles.

“Hi yourself. Hope this isn’t an interruption, but I thought I’d bring all your guys breakfast.”

I had to hold my amusement inside, especially when the white Range Rover pulled in. “It’s never an interruption where you’re concerned. Especially if you’re bringing breakfast sandwiches.”

Jack passed them out to everyone.

“Would you buy that I’m here this morning because I was curious to see where you work? Not because I’m the least bit territorial over you?”

I pulled her to me, hardly believing this woman was in the middle of cancer treatments. Instead, she looked like she’d stepped off a runway. “Nope. But I’ll pretend I believe that if it makes you feel better, my non-fake girlfriend.” She giggled, and I kissed her then. Gently, since she was only one week post chemo. A familiar zing went sailing through me. As I pulled away, well aware we had an audience, I gave her a special smile. I was gone for this girl. Completely.

Carly wasted no time in interrupting. “What is she doing here when you’re on the clock?”

An answer was on the tip of my tongue, but Layla turned around, providing one first. “She has a name. I’m Layla. You must be Carly.”

Carly didn’t know what to make of the introduction. She was dressed casually in a summer dress and heels, but didn’t hold a candle to the woman in front of me. “I am. This is my house he’s renovating.”

“Huh, here I thought it was your mother and stepfather’s. It looks great. Love the view. Anyhow, I thought I’d come by to drop off breakfast and coffee.”

“You have coffee, too?” I asked.

“Yep, in the car. Want to help me with it?”

“Would love to.”

I walked away with Layla, not sparing a glance toward Carly.

Layla loaded me up with the two containers of coffee while she grabbed the cups.

“How did you find the address?” I asked.

“Looked it up. You did say you didn’t mind the crazy?”

There it was, the sliver of insecurity. I set the coffee jugs on top of her car and caged her against the doors. “And I meant it. You’re welcome here any time.”

“Oh, yeah?”