Page 60 of The Playboy's Playbook

Luke’s sigh tells me that neither of his sons care about his job, which is on par for Jen who just wanted to play with his trucks. I’d expect Clay would want to be like his dad.

“Clay is hellbent on being a seashell. I thought he would’ve grown out of that by now, but he’s got a vivid imagination. Jen’s latest obsession is biscuits, so he wants to own a biscuit shop.”

I laugh and then cover my mouth quickly to suppress the sound. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh.”

For the first time since he walked in, Luke relaxes a little bit. “It’s completely okay, Laila.”

“Just biscuits? Nothing else?”

Luke nods and presses his lips into a thin line, as if he’s trying to keep himself from laughing.

I motion for him to continue, bringing us back on track for the reason he’s here today. “Please, continue. What is it that the union wants the senator to do to support trade students?”

“Right. We’re lobbying for the trade students to be integrated into the Senator’s education bill to continue the progression of training more students.” Luke flips through a couple of documents and explains a few things more in depth if I have a question.

Once I’ve written down enough notes to write a book on construction, I look up at Luke proudly. “I think this would be great for the Senator to consider. I’ll make sure she knows it, too.”

Luke smiles softly and relaxes a bit into the chair. “Thank you, Laila. That means a lot to me.”

“Of course.” We sit in silence, both of us wanting to ask the question we’re thinking of, both scared to make the first move.

“How is he?” I break the silence, my heart beating rapidly.

Luke nods and smiles sadly. “He’s been better, but then I guess I could possibly say the same about you.”

I swallow the lump in my throat and fight back tears.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that,” Luke rushes out when he takes in my face.

I quickly shake my head. “No need to apologize. I’ll make sure the Senator gets these notes and someone on the team will contact you or the Union.” I quickly rise to my feet and walk to the door, holding it open for Luke.

“Laila,” Luke sighs, shutting his eyes. He reopens his eyes and I can see the sadness flowing through them.

“Tell the boys I said hello. Have a safe flight home, Luke.”

Luke nods his head and exits my office, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I text Senator Mitchell to let her know that I’m heading out early and that I won’t be in tomorrow. She responds with a thumbs up and says to email her anything she needs to look over and that she’ll see me when I get back.

The entire drive to Nola’s day camp was silent, but my mind was moving a million miles a minute. Seeing Luke made me realize even though I forgave Matthew a while ago, it still hurts.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

MATT

Luke may be my best friend, but he is the most infuriating human being to walk this Earth. He asked me to keep watch on things because he had some meetings and I didn’t question it until it was going on two days of him not being at work. I asked one of the guys and that’s when they told me that he was in D.C. with the union workers to meet with Senator Mitchell.

As soon as they told me, I blew his phone up and of course the asshole ignored my calls. When his flight landed and he was back home, that’s when he told me that he didn’t want to upset me.

I knew there was a high chance that he’d see Laila and I had to practically force him to tell me if he did. I won’t lie, I was slightly jealous over the fact that he got to see her in person, even if it was for official business.

I had so many questions for him that went unanswered because he’s a dick. How did she look? Did she mention Nola? Did she ask about the boys? Did she have pictures of a boyfriend on her desk?

Did she ask about me?

I know it’s none of my business to know what’s going on in her life. I lost that right to have access to her, but I can’t help it. It’s selfish of me to think that I can walk back into her life, but I still love her.

I’ll always love Laila Wright.

The closest I am to seeing her is through the pictures she posts, which are few and far between. In pictures she would post during our very short-lived relationship, she would always smile directly at the camera. Her smile used to belong to me and it was my favorite part of her, next to her eyes.

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