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My brows pinch together. “I don’t really know,” I admit.
It’s weird. I know I’ve been dealt a tough hand these past couple weeks with the med school rejection thing, but I’ve been doing better. Or at least I thought I was. I haven’t been thinking about it as much as before. But right now, I just feel so inexplicably dark and gloomy, and I’d really like to figure out why my vibe is all out of whack today.
I look around the backyard, watching my brothers and their friends all goofing off as they play outdoor games and poke fun at each other.
“I bet you five bucks I’ll make it into the target!” Ronan dares the guys.
“Make it twenty, and you’re on,” Felix says with a smirk.
“You better make it double, bro. Remember you still owe me for the steaks I brought today!” Darius taunts.
“If I win, I don’t owe you shit, you cheap bastard!” Ronan yells.
Nolan enters the backyard through the side gate, carrying a bag of ice and yet another case of beer. He elbows his loudmouth twin brother in the ribs then motions to Stella who’s hot on his heels. “Language, yougoddamned dipshit!”
I roll my eyes at the hypocrisy.
I never understood why all the girls around this town make such a big deal about them. They’re freaking uncivilized.
Normally, I’d be right in the middle of their antics, in my never ending quest to prove that girls can kick ass at whatever boys can do. And Idokick ass at corn hole. But I’m just not feeling it today.
“Hey cutie!” I wave Stella over and she comes scampering into my arms in her adorable pink and white striped dress.
A while later, I’m busy adjusting my niece’s lopsided pigtails when the short cry of a baby catches my attention. I look up and see Layla walking through the gate into Felix’s backyard with her little boy strapped to her chest. Stella darts over that way, eager to play with Sky and then Daphne and I hop up, rushing over to meet our girl.
“I’m so happy you came,” I gush. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to make it.”
Honestly, when I invited Layla to the cookout, I really didn’t expect her to show up. Whenever things are going ‘well’ with Razor, I don’t usually see much of her.
Layla shakes her head. “Of course I came. I just wanna hang out with my girls and have a good time.” But despite her happy-go-lucky grin, my friend looks like she’s going to burst into tears any moment now.
Daphne’s eyes meet mine. We share a frown.
“Let’s go get you a plate,” I say, as Daphne and I guide Layla into Felix’s kitchen. We set her up with some food.
“You clearly need a glass of wine,” Daphne says, already pouring a precariously full glass of red.
Layla shakes her head. “I shouldn’t.”
I take Sky from Layla's arms, giving her an encouraging smile. “Girl, you deserve it, especially with everything you’ve been going through.”
“Okay. Fine,” Layla concedes, taking the glass.
“Let’s sit in here,” Daphne suggests. “The heat is already getting to me.”This is Daphne’s way of shielding Layla from the prying eyes of our nosy neighbors partying in the yard.
Sky reaches for his mama, and I hand him back as we sit around Felix’s small kitchen table. “So, what’s going on?” I ask Layla.
“Nothing. Baby daddy’s just being a jerk. As usual,” Layla answers wryly, her eyes transfixed to the huge glass door where my brothers are teaching Stella how to play corn hole outside.
I fight an eye roll. Figures. “Did he disappear with his ex again?”
Layla shakes her head and lets out a heavy sigh. “No, I left him sprawled out on the couch playing video games. He claims he had a long week at work. Well guess what? I had a long week, too! Taking care of a house and a baby is work, too. And on top of Sky not sleeping well, I’m interviewing for jobs now too, and…” She blows out a heavy breath. “I’m just overwhelmed. Razor’s not understanding or helpful in the slightest, and it makes me feel—”Layla cuts off mid-ramble and her jaw snaps shut.
I’m about to ask what’s going on, but then I turn around and see Archer walking into the kitchen.
The air shifts immediately.
His gaze bounces around the room.“Hey, girls.”
