Page 85 of Rebound

He eats two in the time it takes me to eat half of mine. Once he’s done, he swipes my other half and eats it in two bites.

We share the fruit and cheese until there’s nothing left, and once we’re done, he pulls me into his arms, and we lie naked in the bed in silence. He kisses my temple a few times. Instead of making love, he turns on the television and falls into a deep sleep moments later.

Chapter 53

Layla

I bounce the bundle in my arms and sniff her forehead. She has her eyes closed and her pink little lips pursed shut. I reluctantly hand her back to Jeannie, who hands her to the nanny. After kissing her infant daughter and son, she takes my hand and we walk out of the nursery.

“You look great,” I say to my friend, who is only one month postpartum after giving birth to twins.

“So do you.” She pulls me into the master bedroom of her gigantic Tribeca townhouse. She fluffs my hair and looks down at my dress. It’s a simple burgundy sheath dress.

“I can’t believe you’re throwing us this party one month after you gave birth to twins. You know you don’t have to—”

“The party’s already started,” she says. “How are things? We haven’t talked much. I’ve missed my favorite little sister. Do I need to beat Seth’s ass?”

“No. Things are pretty good. We’ll see how things go when he starts training camp and traveling to games.”

“And how’s your grandma?”

“No change. She’s still confused often, but her PT is going well. I’ve been to see her every day this week. Seth comes with me at least twice a week. Gaga seems to do better when Jasmine is with us.” I swallow the lump in my throat at the thought of thesweet strong woman who raised me. The woman who is now a shell of her former self.

There’s a soft tap on the door and seconds later Vickie steps in. She doesn’t close the door but waves her hand and someone holding a white garment bag follows her. My mom follows behind her with Jasmine.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“Layla Wakowski, welcome to your wedding,” Jeannie announces. Vickie cheers and another group of people walk into the bedroom. One is pushing a trolley with champagne bottles, but I don’t get to see anything as I’m rushed into the master bathroom.

Chapter 54

Seth

“Why is there a minister here?” I ask Aiden. “He keeps looking at me.” I pull on my tie. “And why did you tell me to wear a tie?” I pull on it again. “It feels like a noose around my neck.”

Aiden puts one of his huge hands on my shoulder. “Stop your bitching,” he says.

“Oh Lord. That minister is looking at me again. Go over there and tell him I’m reformed.” I look away from him, but I can still feel his eyes on me. “Having him here is worse than having a clown. At least I can punch the clown in the face,” I mutter.

The front door opens and Donna comes rushing in. She takes a deep breath when she sees me, but I don’t understand why she’s so frazzled.

“Let’s go in my office and have a drink until the ladies come down,” Aiden says. “Chastain, Leon, come on. You too, Julian.”

“You’re inviting Leon to have a drink with you?” Donna lets out a loud cackle, followed by a snort. “Don’t bother. It will be like having a drink with a wet dishrag. That’s the best way to describe his personality.”

Layla’s father purses his lips and bristles at his ex-wife.

“Jealous you weren’t invited? You’re certainly looking like a man these days,” he says with a guffaw. “You should have usedthe electric shaver I got you last Christmas.” He runs his hand over his chin and makes a buzzing sound.

“Maybe you should sit this one out, Leon. You certainly don’t fit in with the real men, Mr. Baby Dick.”

Chastain’s eyes nearly bug out of his head, but Aiden talks first. “Um, the ladies are upstairs. Please, go on up.” Aiden gestures to the staircase. Donna thanks him and sticks her middle finger in Leon’s face as she walks away.

Happy to leave the minister’s prying eyes and Donna’s toxic energy, I follow Coach to his office.

“Are they like that all the time?” Chastain asks.

“Worse. They’re behaving today,” I say. “Donna threw a plate at his head at last week’s family dinner. There was food on the plate by the way. He dodged at the last second. She was mad because she didn’t want to let him inside, but dinner was at my place, and Layla had invited him.”

---