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Who was she talking about? An ex-boyfriend maybe? Though she said she didn’t do relationships. Who could cause Layla to react like this?

“You going there won’t solve my problems. You know him. You read what he keeps sending me! He won’t stop till he sees me!”

My expression hardened when I heard that. I didn’t understand.

“You can say that over and over. But it isn’t true and you know that.” Layla started to nervously move her weight from foot to foot. “He doesn’t follow the rules!” For the first time ever, I heard fear in Layla’s voice. “I think it’s best if I leave. Like we planned if this day came. We can talk about it when I get home.”

I turned her around, needing to see her expression, because she sounded like she was a second from crying.

It shocked me to see the fear in her eyes and the tears building up. She was so scared of whatever Cyrus had told her it was bringing tears to her eyes.

“I’m heading home. We can talk about where I’m going or what we do soon.” She pulled the phone from her ear and hung up. She didn’t even say goodbye. I watched her pick up her heels.

“What was that about?” I asked her, knowing very well that she had just had a serious conversation with her dad and it was serious enough to bring out the emotions that she normally kept hidden.

I’d never seen her scared. I’d never seen her upset. I know I hadn’t known her for long but the impression she gave the world was she didn’t let others see her emotions. Well, she didn’t let anyone see her fear or tears. She did show happiness—it was the only emotion I had seen her express.

“Nothing.” She gave me a one-word answer. “I have to go, Tyson. Can you show me the way out?”

“You’re panicked, you’re scared, you’re close to tears and you expect me to let you go?” I said. She didn’t actually think I’d let that happen, did she? That I would let her leave when her emotions were out of control?

“I just need to get home and talk to Dad.” She put her heels on. “There is nothing you can do for me right now.”

I arched my eyebrows at her. “We could talk about it. Whatever has you this upset.”

She shook her head and a tear fell from the corner of her eye. “Nope. Like I said, nothing you can do. But you can show me the way out.”

I didn’t want her leaving like this, but it looked like I wasn’t going to be able to stop her.

“Well, can I have your number before you disappear andthat way I can check on you tonight?” I asked, trying to sound casualand not let desperation seep into my voice.

Her head snapped up. “You actually want to check on me? To see if I’m alright?” She sounded stunned and the fear that had covered her face a minute ago was replaced with shock.

“Yeah.” I put my hands in pockets. “If that is okay?”

She looked at me like I was puzzle she couldn’t put together. I watched her have a debate over it as she summed up the pro and cons.

I reached around her and picked up my phone and handed it to her, hoping she would take it.

I smiled when she sighed and did take it.

“This does not mean I’m expecting you to check up on me.” She finished putting her number in my phone and handed it back to me. Layla was the type of girl that didn’t count on anyone, so I knew she meant it when she wasn’t expecting me to check up on her.

“I’ll show you the way out.” As much as I didn’t want to, I could see the panic on her face telling me she had to get home and sort out whatever was happening. I opened my bedroom door and she followed. I glanced over my shoulder. “You can still come back for tea if you want.”

I hoping there was a chance she would come back.

We came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs and she hadn’t given me an indication if she was going to come back for tea or not. I knew my chances were low, but there was still a chance, wasn’t there?

She turned around, her back to the front door, and gave me a smile, even though you could tell with one look at her it looked like her world was falling to pieces.

“You’re actually an alright type of guy, Tyson. You have a great family.” She was saying that like she was saying a final goodbye to me or something.

I frowned at her words, and took a step closer to her even though I knew she wanted distance. “Is everything alright, Layla?” I saw a sad smile appear on her face.

“Yeah…” she forced out, lying to me. “I’ll be okay.” Her hand landed on the doorknob. “Can I give you some advice?”

I arched my eyebrows at that. “You actually want to share something with me?” She hadn’t exactly shared much with me, she was too guarded. “Well, go on then.” I nodded for her to continue.

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