Page 79 of Mister Mom

I shoot him a ‘what the fuck’ look. I thought the guy was on my side?

“He’s putting the entire film on the stove with the gas on. One tiny spark and the whole thing combusts.”

I stand up, forcefully shoving my chair back from the table and stalking away. I’ve never seen Jagger be this big a dick before. Correction: I’ve never seen Jagger be this big a dick to me before.

Fifteen minutes later, Jagger sits next to me at the gate. Our plane is here, but we’re not allowed to board yet.

“I’m sorry,” he says, tapping his legs.

“Just forget it. My business is my business from this point on.”

I spy Leo in the gift shop across the way, probably trying to give Jagger and I time to figure this shit out.

“I don’t want that. I like picking on you.” He nudges me with his shoulder.

“I’m over it, Jag. I’m with Layla and I know you don’t agree, but speaking your displeasure at every turn is getting pretty fuckin’ old.”

He nods slowly a few times. “Yeah, okay. I’ll keep my mouth shut. I just want you to seize this opportunity, you know? The script is great. Not to mention, when it comes to you and Leo, I’ve always considered myself the big brother of the group, watching out for you guys in the cesspool that can be L.A. life.” His lips turn down at the corners and I can see that he’s sincere.

Jagger was a lifesaver to Leo and me when we first arrived. Everyone knows everyone in this town and things don’t work like they do everywhere else in the world. Maybe he’s failed to see we’ve grown up. We’re not those wide-eyed guys looking at the hookers and dealers on Sunset anymore. He needs to trust us that we each know what’s good for us.

“I like her… a lot.” I face him head on so he can see how important this is to me.

It’s been a short time, but there’s something with Layla that just fits. I can’t lie, the fact her son told me he loved me on the phone did knock me off balance a little, but he’s four and it’s pretty cool to think he likes me enough to say that.

“Okay then. My lips are sealed.” He stands up, walking backwards away from me. “I won’t even razz you when and if it blows up.” He winks with his classic grin and then he joins Leo in the gift shop.

Leo looks back at me, eyebrows raised, silently asking if all is well again. I nod.

All this talk about Layla makes me miss her.

I pull out my phone as the flight attendant tells us that the plane will begin boarding in a few minutes. Since we’re first class I know we’ll be called soon.

Me: Were you able to get a babysitter for tonight?

Layla: Looks like it.

Me: Great, I’ll pick you up at seven.

Layla: Why don’t I meet you at your place for a change?

Me: This is a date. I’ll pick you up. ;)

Layla: Can you talk?

The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

Me: I’m about to board. Something up?

Layla: No. I just have to tell you something. It can wait until tonight.

Me: Great. Me, too. See you at seven.

Layla: I’ll wear a dress. ;)

Me: Easy access. I like how you’re thinking. I’ll go commando. ;)

Layla: Be careful with those zippers.

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