Page 55 of Mister Mom

“I’d like to know for sure. Coop will keep your little one busy.”

Layla looks back and smiles. “You guys are so sweet. The three of you are good friends?”

“Yeah, but I’m the sweetest,” Leo says, raising his shoulders and scrunching his nose in a what-are-you-going-to-do kinda way.

When we reach my condo, I place Payne on the kitchen counter.

“Let me grab the first-aid kit.” I go head toward my bathroom.

“Have you had other scripts sell?” Layla asks loud enough for me to hear her. Her question is immediately followed by a laugh from Leo.

I tense as I’m rifling through the cabinet. How is it that I keep forgetting about the secret I’m keeping from her?

“I figured you lived in more of a studio,” she says when I return to the kitchen.

I shrug. “It’s only a two-bedroom condo.”

“On the beach.” She looks thoroughly confused, but turns to Leo. “What do you do?”

“He dresses up dogs in tutus and dresses,” I say, as I wipe down Payne’s shin.

“If children weren’t present, I’d have some choice words for you,” Leo chimes in. “I own Canine Couture.”

Layla’s entire face lights up. “No way. Really?” She beelines it to the couch where Via is hugging Cooper so close to her I wonder if the dog can breathe. “My one make-up artist for the movie I’m filming has two toy poodles and she was raving about your stuff just last week. Says she’s been following you for years.”

I place the Band-Aid on Payne. “Better?”

Payne nods and I help him down from the counter. “Mom, can I go back outside? Can I, Mom? Please?”

Layla raises her finger.

“Mom!” Payne screams.

“Payne, wait for her to finish, buddy,” I say and place my hand on his shoulder.

He stays quiet, but his feet start tapping and his arms start flailing as if he can barely contain the energy inside him wanting to burst out.

“That’s nice to hear,” Leo says. “How about I take Payne back downstairs while you clean this up, Vance?”

Leo moves toward the door, causing Cooper to follow, and Via whines as soon as he’s out of her grasp.

“I can take the little one, too,” Leo offers.

Layla glances back at me. “I have to go to the bathroom really quick. How about I clean up and then you can go with to watch the kids?”

“I like to think kids are like dogs. I can watch more than one at once. I’ll take them to the beach and keep a close eye.”

Layla bites her lip and her cheeks tinge pink. “Um…”

“Leo’s a good one,” I say. “Plus, we’ll be five minutes tops.”

Layla nods, though a little unsure.

Leo takes the dog and two kids out of the condo, while I move to the sink to clean up and explain where the bathroom is to Layla.

Minutes later, the bathroom door opens. I’m leaning against my counter with my arms folded over my chest.

“Thanks for taking care of Payne,” she says. “You ready?”

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