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“Hey, guys.” Her eyes flick between Archer and me.
My brother gives her a subtle nod and just keeps on pushing that lawnmower in nice, neat rows.Like it’s his job. A job the bum sprawled out on the living room floor isn’t man enough to do.
She brushes her flyaways from her face. “I appreciate your brother helping,” Layla tells me, her eyes veiled with embarrassment. “Razor’s had this sore knee, and it swells when he walks too much. So he couldn’t really get to the yard work. And then he’s just been really busy with work and stuff.” As usual, she makes endless excuses, but I know she’s only doing it because she knows her man is a loser.
And busy with cheating on you, I can’t help but think.
“It’s okay. Archer will take care of it,” I assure her.
She brushes her hair back again. “I appreciate it. I really do.” She gives me an awkward smile.
I shove my hands into my pockets so I don’t grab her by the shoulders and shake her. “Mm-hmm.”
When I turn for my car, she jogs after me. “Karls, I know this looks bad but…”
I finish for her. “He’s Sky’s father. And you love him.”
“I…I…” She drops her eyes and nods subtly. “I do.”
“No judgment, girlie.” I haven’t walked in her shoes so what right do I have, dictating what she should do with her baby’s daddy? I reach into the bag and hand her the chocolate cake. “You be careful. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Her eyes fill with tears when she glances down at the dessert treat. She flings herself at me, pulling me into a tight hug. “I love you.”
“Love you, too, babe.” I wave goodbye and get in my car.
I do love Layla. So damn much. But I’m powerless to help her until she learns to love herself a little bit, too.
16
KARLI
Instead of going home, I find myself heading back into town. It’s lunchtime now, and everyone is roaming around in the heart of Starlight Falls.
As I’m driving past Dad’s medical clinic, I get an idea. Glancing at the heavy lunch bag sitting on my passenger seat, I decide to bring Felix something to eat. At least that way, the risotto won’t go to waste. Plus, it’s always good to get into Felix’s good graces. Never know when I’ll need something to hold over his head.
I find a parking spot at the curb and grab my thermal bag. But just as I’m pulling open the front door of the clinic, I run into Felix who’s on his way out of the building.
“Whoa, big brother. Where are you rushing off to?”
He loops around me, barely avoiding a collision.“Hey, sis. Gotta run! I’ve got a lunch date.” Walking backward in the direction of the clinic’s parking lot, he waggles his stupid eyebrows and waves his phone in my face. The CheekyChat dating app lights up his screen. “You need me for anything?”
“If I did, would you ditch your date for me?” I bat my eyelashes.
“Meh, it’s doubtful,” he yells back.
What a turd! “See you later,” I call after him. “Don’t get food poisoning. Or herpes.”
He frowns at me, his face going white. “There goes my appetite.” He shakes his head. “Geez, you’re cryptic.” With a wave, he jogs off.
Lugging my heavy lunch bag, I wander into the medical clinic anyway. Surely, I’ll findsomebodywho wants to break bread with me.
When I plop my bag down on the reception desk, theverypregnant Yvonne grins up at me. “Hey Karli. You just missed Felix.”
I nod. “I ran into him. I was trying to bring him lunch but he ditched me for some girl. Can you believe it?”
She laughs, snacking on her homemade meal. “Of course I can. This is Felix we’re talking about.”
“You’re right,” I concede. That guy has always been a ladies’ man. I peel back the plastic lid on my container. “Can I interest you in some shrimp and spinach risotto?”
