Page 52 of Mister Mom

“You have so many sitter problems.” I walk away from Kali toward the edge of the ocean and look around. A few of Leo’s friends have kids and although that will mean an early night for Layla, a few hours with her is better than nothing. “Bring them.”

“I think we’ll take a rain check.” Disappointment is clear in her voice so I push a little more.

“Have I never told you? I don’t have a rain check policy. It’s now or never.” I curl my toes in the sand beneath my feet, waiting for her response.

“Well, that’s sad because it’s a never right now.”

“Until Monday, you mean?” I laugh since after Nanny Theta, I told Layla I’d do another week or two until she can find someone suitable. Really, she just needs someone for when we start filming my script, which won’t be for a while.

She giggles and the sound makes me wish I could see the look on her face while she’s doing that, witness the delight that must be present in her eyes. “Yeah, I guess so. But have fun tonight. We’ll plan something another time.”

“No. Come on. I’ll help you with the kids.”

“I’m not sure… I thought your house was all breakable?” She throws the words from when she first asked me to be her nanny back at me.

“Now that I love them so much, I’m okay with it. Get in the car and get over here. Besides, we’ll pretty much be on the beach anyway.”

She releases a breath. “Okay. Let me get them ready.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

“If you’re smart you’ll be Payne-proofing your house.” She hangs up and I tuck my phone back in my pocket.

One of the other kids throws a ball and I manage to see it coming in my peripheral vision and catch it before it hits me in the head.

He comes over and I hand it over to him.

“Thanks, Vance.”

“You’re welcome.” It’s then I realize I have no idea what that kid’s name is and he’s always at Leo’s parties.

He smiles and runs away, kicking the football back to his brother.

I stand there wondering why it bothers me now, the realization that I was too self-absorbed before to care about learning his name. What’s changed?

It’s a stupid question because it’s already becoming clear to me that Layla’s presence in my life is starting to change everything—whether I want it to or not.

* * *

An hour later, I’m waiting outside for Layla and the kids, drinking my beer and sitting on the stairs to our condo building. I’ve lived here since I moved to Los Angeles. I can certainly afford better at this stage of my life, but for some reason I’ve never had the urge to move. It’s a great complex right on the beach, the rent isn’t astronomical, and the tenants are all pretty cool.

But I know that’s not the reason I stay. It’s because it’s familiar and holds a lot of good memories. It’s where Leo, Jagger and myself first met—sharing one of the units together while Jagger’s family was in a short period of cutting him off the purse strings. We’ve been friends for over a decade and in a lot of ways we all grew into men together. In the years since we first shared a place both Leo and myself have moved into our own units as apartments came up in the complex, and Jagger has moved on to his high-rise condo and Malibu pad, but we’re all still tight.

As I sit there reminiscing to myself, I try to ignore how antsy I feel to see her. I don’t understand what’s happened. How can a woman pique my interest in such a short time? I haven’t even slept with her, and not because she didn’t want to. I’m hesitant to cross that line because I actually like this woman. A lot.

A black SUV rolls slowly down the street and stops in front of me. The driver exits the vehicle and opens up the back door. I should have realized she’d call for a car.

Layla steps out wearing a pair of tight jeans, a blouse, and jean jacket. She unstraps Via and holds her, while Payne climbs out on his own.

“Thanks, Miles. I’ll call you in a few hours.” She shuts the door and the three of them walk toward me.

“Hey, guys.” I high-five Payne and Via, who just keeps slapping my hand.

“Are you sure about this?” Layla looks apprehensive.

“Of course. The party is low-key, no press or anything.”

She nods, but I figure it’s better to get her into the back—someone could have followed her.

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