Page 80 of Ruthless Redemption

“I wish I could stay,” she whispers. “At least until you and Matthew make up. I really like him.”

You wouldn’t if you’d been snooping more in his direction.

“No more matchmaking, little fish.” I kiss the tip of her nose and step back. “Go say goodbye to Bishop. You heard Decker. It’s time to leave.”

15

LAYLA

I keepmy attention on Stella as I endure the long drive to the airport, the two of us squished into the very back seats while Hunter rides up the front with Matthew, and Sarah, Decker, and Keira take the middle row.

Stella’s hyped, the energy in her voice making me realize how incredibly tired I am as she conspiratorially whispers all the things that would make Matthew and I a great couple.

“You have the same lifestyles… He has an awesome beach house… He thinks you’re the goat… I bet he’d treat you like a queen, too. Just look at the way he’s staring at you in the rearview mirror.

I don’t look. I don’t dare.

But I’m sure everyone else does because even though she’s whispering, her voice is frustratingly loud through the silent car.

“Do you have any assignments due this week?” I ask.

“Mom, don’t try and change the subject.”

“I’m not.”

Sarah clears her throat as if punctuating my lie.

“How much longer until we get to the airport?” I direct the question toward the front of the Lincoln, still not daring to glance toward the rearview mirror.

“Five minutes,” Hunter mutters.

Damn it. Stella will have our wedding vows written and the rest of our married lives planned before her departure.

“Our time is almost up, little fish. I’m going to miss you so much. Don’t forget to start thinking about what you want for Christmas. I’ll need you to write me a list soon.”

“Christmas?” she drawls. “Really? Do you want me to change the topic that badly?”

Like you wouldn’t believe.

“It’s not that far away. You know how fast time flies.” I keep her busy with innocuous conversation while praying that I’m financially back on my feet by December. “We should plan a surprise escape. Maybe even take a trip to somewhere on the coast.”

She rolls her eyes but reluctantly plays along, naming potential holiday destinations until Matthew pulls into the small private airport and stops at the gate leading to the tarmac. A jet is already waiting, the whir of the engines humming through the vehicle.

The ignition is cut. Hunter and Matthew climb out to get the bags. Sarah, Keira, and Decker follow, and once the side middle seat is lowered, Stella and I do, too.

“Do you need anything at school?” I cling to her free hand as she closes the car door. “Socks? Underwear? New uniforms?”

“I’m all good, Mom.”

I’m not sure what I would’ve done if she’d said otherwise. I don’t have the funds to help her.

“Don’t get all emotional.” She turns to face me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “You know I hate when you do that.”

“I don’t getall emotional, thank you very much.” I squeeze her tight, breathing in the scent of her hair. It’s always jasmine. Sweet and pure.

“Yeah, you do. I can already sense the waterworks about to take hold.”

I mimic her laughter, doing my best to lighten a situation that tears me apart. The encroaching isolation. The torturous defeat. “I love you so much. You know that, right?”

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