Page 51 of For the Love of Layla

“Mr. Curran.” I correct, clenching my jaw.

I make your salary every twenty minutes, you fuck.

“Mr. Curran, I looked into her history, asked around. She’s lived here a long time. It must’ve been hard losing her grandpa after everything she went through with that dad of hers…” He leans in like he’s telling me something I don’t know.

I know everything about my little star, all the main bits anyway, but I don’t stress myself on it. We’ve got nothing but time her and I.

“She found him, you know. Less than a year later, she had a nervous breakdown, been under the care of a therapist since…”

“Your point, Officer?” I interrupt. It’s late and I’m tired of hearing his voice. He glances down at my battered knuckles, taking note.

Don’t become a problem I have to solve, Officer.

“It’s easy for women, especially ones that have been traumatized by their fathers to excite themselves. Perhaps for attention. Don’t worry too much about her, don’t get yourself in trouble on her account, like hitting a cop. There’s no evidence anything is actually happening to her.” He adjusts his utility belt, leaning back against my car. I bite down on my inner cheek, hard enough to draw blood before responding carefully. Making sure everything is wiped clean from my face, I sigh nodding back towards the house, “If you really think that’s the case.”

He gives me a small smile before telling me to give her space and sends me home.

The evidence was right in front of you. You were just too stupid to see it.

I smile too as soon as I’m inside my car, a burst of laughter escaping my throat. I’ll be seeing you soon, baby. Don’t you worry. As I pull out, I look up, noticing Officer Daniels hadn’t pulled onto the main road yet. His eyes trained on me.

Well, fuck.

Chapter thirteen

Paranoid

Layla

“Layla, did you get that first draft worked out? He’s ready for it.” I jump slightly as Oliva pops her perfectly groomed head into my cubicle. She raises her eyebrows, no doubt drumming up an interesting story to explain away the ever darkening circles under my eyes. I release my own hand. I hadn’t even realized I was gripping. The sting of my fingernails leaving the flesh catches me by surprise as I stare at the crescent moon shaped indents left behind.

God, I didn’t even feel it.

“Earth to Layla.”

“Right, yeah sorry.” I scramble through the chaos that is my desk until I find the sheet of paper I need handing it off to her. I frown when she lingers for a minute, “Yes, I look like shit, Oliva. Is there something else you need?” I snap.

I know I shouldn’t, it’s not her fault my life is an absolute shit show, but holy fuck I just want to be left alone. If things shocked me anymore, I would’ve been wide eyed and mouth gaping when I’m not met with a bitchy remark. Only her glancing down at the sheet of paper as she adjusts the back of her impractically high pink heel. “I was just going to remind you, you have two weeks paid time off. Maybe you should take it. Go to the spa, leave town for a bit or something. The cops came by and spoke to me, asking what I’ve seen. Some space could help.”

I give her a weak smile my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I pick at the taupe-colored polish on my nails, “Yeah, that might not be a bad idea.”

She scoffs, suddenly straightening her perfect posture, “Of course it’s not.”

There she is.

I don’t bother hiding it when I roll my eyes, earning myself a smirk from her. I was supposed to be saving those days for a trip with Ava this summer. It’s weird, picturing the future when you know at any minute you can die. Be snuffed out in an instant just because you displeased a mad man.

“I’ll get the paperwork started.” She mutters, looking all too pleased with herself as she struts away. The one person who might’ve been able to help me, protect me, I pushed away. Banished him from my sight, to keep him from enduring an equally as hellish fate. Last night proved that he was not the root of my problems. I’ll break the news to Ava tonight at dinner, I’ve put off visiting her long enough. I can’t cancel again. Maintaining relationships has always been exhausting for me. Even with Ava, and I adore her. She’s been my best friend for years. She was the only family I had when grandpa died. The only glue that kept me together as I spiraled. She held me accountable, didn’t let me dissolve into myself. My obligation to her safety, to keeping her far away fromhimonly barely outweighs my need for my friend.

I’m running a full half hour late as I shuffle down the sidewalk, nearly slamming into a man exiting the bar and grill Ava insisted we meet at. Apparently, she’s got her eye on the woman that owns the place. Thankfully for me, it’s only about a block from Blinked.

“I’m sorry!” I mumble, trying to step around him.

“Layla?”

I frown, unease flooding me as I realize who I barreled into. “Oh hey, Brandon, how have you been?” His warm smile pulls a similar one from my face.

“I’m good, been busy trying to keep up with you know who.”

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