Page 70 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“You know, with my mom sick, I hate my dad so much more. I can’t help but wonder if maybe he stayed if this would be happening.”
“Oh, Layla,” she murmurs my name, full of empathy.
“Irrational, right? Or if he was here, maybe he could take some of the weight off Gabe and me and help care for her, but then I’m mad at myself for even thinking that. I wouldn’t wish him on my worst enemy.”
“It’s okay to feel that way. We all agree she’s way too young for this to be happening to any of you.”
“Thanks,” I say giving her a sad smile.
“I’m not placating you, Layla, you know I mean it.”
So, after some Christmas shopping, we’ll grab dinner and wine closer to home so we don’t have to drive later. Plus, Scotty asked if we wanted to meet up after dinner if that’s okay with you?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Have you talked to Levi about the possibility of moving yet?”
“Not you too,” I whine.
She arches her eyebrow in question. “Me too?”
“Gabe. He keeps insisting but every time I open my mouth to say something, I clam up. I’m afraid of pushing him away for something that might never happen, especially with how we got started.”
“So that’s a no. Wouldn’t how you got started be a reason alone to tell him? You don’t want to spring it on him, Layla.”
“No, but what if I never have to tell him?” My face scrunches up knowing how childish I sound.
“I’m pretty sure we both know that won’t be the case. Maybe you need a little of me in you so you can just blurt everything out there at once like verbal diarrhea.” I snort. “You laugh, but seriously it could do you some good.”
“You’re probably right, but what am I supposed to say?”
“The truth.”
Heaving a sigh, we step into a Christmas store filled with ornaments, considering each one. “Look at this,” I say, picking up a lion dressed as a baseball player. “This is adorable. I have to get it for Levi.”
“See, you can’t stop thinking about him or wanting to do things for him. You’ve got it bad for him. Yes, I’m probably the worst one to give any advice regarding men, but–”
“Why?” I interrupt. “You have Beck.”
She rolls her eyes. “You know me better than anyone, Layla. Do you really need to ask that question?”
We giggle and I insist, “He’s damn lucky to have you.”
“Anyway…”
“What advice were you going to give me?” I prompt.
“Oh, yeah. You were the one who told me you couldn’t date someone who wasn’t honest. Is that fair when you can’t be honest with him?”
I groan, suddenly dragging my feet. “I’m not lying to him.”
“No, but you’re holding too much back to claim you’re being open and honest with him too.”
My eyes narrow at her, but it’s not her I’m mad at. “Why do you always have to be right?”
“That’s not the first time I’ve heard those words, and I know it won’t be the last,” she pauses, smirking, “but I do enjoy hearing them every single time.”
I huff a laugh. “You’re lucky I love you.” Holding up the ornament, I tell her, “I’m getting this for Levi. I’ll be right back.”
