Page 27 of Power Play

“Hey, Layla.” Her eyes travel around my face, a gentle smile blossoming on her lips. “You’re gorgeous.”

I grin at her. “Thanks, you too.” And I mean it. With her long brown hair collected into a high ponytail, her emerald-green eyes with thick, dark eyelashes, and her puffy lips, Ava is irresistibly beautiful. She always has been. Not to mention her flawless body that often makes me think she sold her soul to the devil because there’s no way anyone could be that thin eight months after giving birth.

“Hey hey, my favorite customers.” Turning my head, I watch Angie saunter to our table. I take back my words. My future sister-in-law is totally going to be like Ava once her children are born. I swear they make me even more self-conscious than I already am, even though it’s not their fault.

I am beautiful. I look good. I am happy with my body.

Three little affirmations I tell myself anytime I start falling down my usual trap. There are so many stunning girls in this world, with thin waists or thick thighs, some with belly fat or toned legs. Every body is beautiful. The problem is…I easily forget that when it comes to my own looks.

“Layla, what can I get for you?” Angie asks, gently patting me on my shoulder. “Maya already asked for her favorite. I need your order.”

“A latte and a slice of cheesecake,” I tell her, then add hastily, “No, just coffee. I already had my granola bar this morning.”

There’s this quick glance in Ava’s direction that doesn’t go unnoticed by me. I wait, not expecting Angie to say anything, and she doesn’t, just turns to leave us.

“Can I go?” Maya slides down from Ava’s lap and steps to Angie, then wraps her palm around hers. Angie smiles, nodding. “You’re the best!” Maya exclaims as they head to the kitchen.

“How are you?” Ava asks, lowering her head onto her fist as she sets her elbow on the table. “How are things with the business?”

“I’m fine. Busier than I expected, but it’s a good thing. It means the word is getting out. Hopefully, soon I’ll be looking for a place to rent.” I’m so close to opening my own flower shop.

“Didn’t Drake say he’d rent one for you?”

I roll my eyes. “He’s already done way too much for me. I live in a house he paid for, he doesn’t let me pay the utility bills, and every few weeks, he brings new clothes and toys for Maya. I’m beyond grateful to Drake, but I’m honestly starting to feel like an even bigger burden than I did when I was in Michigan.”

“Your brother wants what’s best for you and Maya, especially since your dou”—Ava glances at Meghan, catching herself before cursing in front of her daughter, and then continues—“since your terrible ex doesn’t want any part in her life. I understand where Drake is coming from.”

“May I remind you that I have sole custody? I have no intention of ever contacting Eli again. He made his choice, and I made mine.”

Meghan is trying to pick up another cookie from her little plate, so I take it and give it to her.

“It’s the same with Drake. I won’t take his money or his help with my business.” I sigh, averting my gaze. “I want to achieve something on my own.”

“I get it. Sometimes I’m too pushy. I have no idea where I get it from.”

Snorting, I lift my gaze and stare at Ava. “You’ve been like that your whole life, Mason. Becoming a Thompson didn’t change you at all. Stop deluding yourself, please.”

“I would give you the middle finger, but it’s immature and childish—at least, that’s what Michael’s teammate’s mom said when she saw him doing it. So I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you judging me.” She quickly sticks out her tongue at me, putting her piercing on full display. I chuckle and allow myself to relax in my chair—not for long. “Since I’m trying to ask everything I want to know while Maya is busy with Angie…” Ava sets both of her elbows on the table, leans forward, and rests her chin on her joined hands. “Did you hear anything from a certain someone?”

Biting the inside of my cheek, I thread my fingers through my hair, brushing it with my fingertips. I don’t want to lie to Ava, but admitting the truth I’ve been trying to ignore this past week isn’t easy. I wanted him to call me, or maybe just text me after the birthday party.

I would’ve done it myself but after how I handled things between us, I wasn’t sure he’d appreciate it. A call or a text from him would’ve been a green light for me, a permission to reach out and try to make things right. At least apologize for what happened because I know I don’t deserve him.

Instead, there was nothing. The most disappointing silence I’ve ever encountered.

As if I don’t exist to him anymore.

“No.”

“Did you try texting him? I think you have a lot of things you want to talk about.”

“Clearly, he’s not interested.” I shrug dismissively.

“And you know that…how?”

“Let me think.” I pause, looking around purposefully. “At your birthday party, Clay and I said a total of twenty words toeach other.Hi, Layla. Hey, Clay. Maya asked for a banana. Is it okay if I give her one? Yes, you can, and, Bye, goodbye.”

“We were all watching you. Maybe he didn’t?—”

---