Page 70 of Once Upon a Beast

“It would put you on the map. You could do your own podcast about this, you would get a documentary, and probably write a book,” I said, understanding what he wanted.

“Exactly. I’m looking for the notoriety, the profit, and the career it could help launch. Your father’s story isn’t the first one I have investigated, it’s just the first one that panned out.”

“What do you want from my father? From me? From Layla?”

“Your father has already agreed to cooperate with me. I would like you and Layla to as well, but only if you are willing. I understand you’re a bit of a private person.”

“So is Layla. I don't think she’ll want to talk to you. I know she won’t want to go on the record. I’m not sure I want to either. I’m not sure how much of this I can or want to believe.”

“I understand. Can I show you what I have first, and then we can go from there? I’m not asking for any commitment one way or the other. Just look at the information, do your own research, ask me and your father as many questions as you want. Then make your decision.”

With a sigh, I eyed the folder and then Garrett. This was what I had come here for. Was my father innocent? Had Layla’s father framed him? I had to find out. Not only for my father and myself, but Layla and our future.

“Show me what you got,” I said.

Chapter 36

Layla

“You said you loved him? And he said it back?” Ella asked me.

It was the day after Nic and I had professed our love to each other. I had immediately called Ara and Ella to see if they could do lunch. Only Ella could join me. I felt guilty not telling Ara at the same time but I knew she would understand. This was information that just couldn’t wait.

“That is big. I mean huge,” Ella said and took a bite of her sandwich. “Though is it really? I mean you two have probably been in love with each other for years, decades even. It just took you a little longer to admit it,” Ella said.

“Add in the fact that there were a whole bunch of years we didn’t talk to each other. Before that we were teenagers and we only started dating less than three months ago, but yeah, it has been a really long time,” I added sarcastically.

“Okay, it is kind of quick considering you two just got together. But it isn’t quick in the grand scheme of things. You’ve been friends forever. You had a crush on him in high school. A crush that never went away. He did too.”

“Yeah. I can’t believe he said those words to me. If I hadn’t been in love with him, I would have fallen in love with him then. He can seem like a grump but he’s the sweetest and most romantic man I have ever met.” I smiled and could feel myself blushing.

“As he should be. He should want to be the sweetest and most romantic man you’ve ever met because you make him that way. I would say the same thing about Dax,” Ella said with a knowing look.

“Can you believe in a few short months you’re going to be a married woman?” I asked.

Ella shook her head and sighed. “If you had told me eighteen months ago that not only would I be living in New York City, but doing so with my fiancé who was Dax Moore of all people. I would have told you and anyone else they were crazy.”

“Crazier things have happened. The man wanted you from the moment he saw you. I think it’s wonderful how it all worked out. And that you finally got away from your evil stepmother.”

“Yeah. I don’t miss having her in my life,” Ella muttered and looked down.

“Do you hear from her at all? I’ve been meaning to ask but hadn’t wanted to pry.” Ella’s comment and look made me think her stepmother was causing problems for her again.

“No. Not a word. She’s leaving me alone and I’m sure it’s going to stay that way. I put the fear of God in here. She knows not to mess with me or what is mine anymore.”

“Good. I’m so glad that’s all behind you. You have everything that you want and you should have,” I said.

“I’d like to think so and so do you but why do you look so sad?” Ella asked.

“I’m not. I’m happy. I couldn’t be happier knowing that Nic loves me. I’m just worried it might all come crashing down around me.”

“Do you think Nic is regretting saying he loved you? Are you?” Ella asked.

“No. I meant it and glad I said it. I got the impression it was just something he said. It wasn’t planned. It was more like it just came out. Does that make sense?”

“Totally. It was different with me and Dax but it worked for us. Nic could have been worried about how you were going to handle him saying it. If you said he had felt that way for a long time he might have wanted to tell you for just as long. And now he could be worried about the ramifications of it.”

“I never thought of it that way. He was still off this morning. He was distant as if he had something on his mind. He was like that last night at Henry’s. I could tell and asked him about it. He said he couldn’t tell me. But he would when he could and I had to trust him. It’s probably the same thing.”

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