Page 92 of Mister Mom

“Don’t drive fast. Don’t hire a nanny. No extra guests.” I eye Carver hard on the last one. “Make sure you always have your eye on Via.”

“I’m their father, not a stranger.” He looks between the kids. “Say goodbye to Mommy.”

“Bye, Mommy,” Payne says.

Via waves.

I can’t believe this is really happening. He’s taking them for an entire weekend, leaving me all by myself. What will I do with myself? It feels like a blessing and a curse.

“Watch for the paps,” I call out as they head down the walkway. “They’ve been stuck to me like glue lately.”

He waves his hand in the air with Payne’s pillow. “I am an actor, too, you know.”

I nod, waiting for him to get them strapped in his SUV.

“Don’t worry. They’ll be back alive on Sunday.” Carver drives off and the pit of my stomach hollows.

It’s times like this that I miss Vance the most. In the short time we were together he became such a solid foundation to lean on.

What the hell am I thinking?

No. You hate Vance.

But even I can’t make myself believe it anymore.

* * *

I’m three episodes in on the first season of Outlander when my phone rings.

So annoying. I’m pretty sure Jamie is going to take his shirt off soon.

I slide over the bar without averting my eyes from the TV screen. “You have a question already?” I ask, assuming it’s Carver.

“Is this Layla Andrews?” a woman asks.

I pull the phone away from my ear. Hmm. A number I don’t recognize. “This is she.” My tone is bitter, because after all the precautions I take a damn pap got my number.

“Oh, good. This is Hannah Crowley. I’m not sure you know who I am.”

“You’re the woman investing in Vance’s script.”

Why is this woman calling me?

“Yes. So, he has talked to you about me?”

“Not really. Just the fact that you wanted me to be the lead. I’m sure you already know by now that it’s not going to happen.” I lean forward and grab the wine bottle off the coffee table and pour myself another glass of wine.

“I have been made aware of that.”

“So, may I ask why you’re calling?” I sip my wine, placing the blanket across my legs.

“I wanted you to know that I’ve given him the investment without you as the actress.”

Does she think I’m going to be upset?

“Congratulations.” I can’t keep the sarcasm from my voice.

“There’s a problem. I’ve just been notified that he won’t do it without you.”

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