Page 52 of Power Play

A fake laugh rumbles from the back of my throat. “She sure can.”

“Finally, someone who understands me.” Dylan grins, rounding her car, and opens the driver’s side door. “It was nice to meet you, Layla. And thank you so, so much for the flowers. I’m sure Sam is going to love them.”

“I hope so. Bye.”

She waves at me before climbing into her car and closing the door. She drives away, and I continue standing still, my hands dangling at my sides. Instead of heading to Drake’s place, I go back inside, stroll into my living room, and plop myself down on the couch. The scent of apple and cinnamon is still strong even after an hour since I put out a scented candle that is perched on a small wooden table in front of the couch. It helps me to relax my taut muscles. A few minutes to myself should calm me down completely.

Closing my eyes, I rest my head on the back of the couch. I know she said he’s not interested, but what if that’s for now? She’s like a fucking model—stunning and flawless. And I’m me, with my thick thighs, my flabby belly with stretch marks all over it. Add in the fact that I broke his heart. His trust. I didn’t keep any of the promises I made him.

I’m not a match for him.

If he starts going out with Dylan or someone who looks like her, things will be exactly how they’re supposed to be. Handsome men with personalities of gold don’t date their toxic exes. I need to remember that.

As I slowly get out my phone, the heavy weight on my soul pounds me hard into the ground. My fingers tremble as I open his text and finally reply, slipping a few times while typing my answer.

Clay:

I figured where we can go. How about Friday?

Me:

Sorry, Clay, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Maya’s well-being is my priority.

I need to protect my poor tarnished heart and my precious little girl from heartbreak and disappointment. So continuing to hang out with Clay is not going to happen. It’s a no for me.

Chapter 18

Broken Hearts and Graduation Caps

LAYLA

6 years 3 months ago, June

I stand outside the house;my back is glued to the wall. The alcohol in my system gets the best of me, especially considering I pregamed before we even got to this lake house.

I’m dragging my feet, and I fucking hate it. I should’ve ended it last night, after his graduation.

“Layla?” Ava calls out to me, but I stay silent. Maybe if I don’t answer, she’ll wander back into the house and leave me alone? She doesn’t know what I’m about to do, and I want it to stay like that. The last thing I need is her trying to change my mind when I’m already on the fence about my decision.

I love him but I can’t be with him.

“I’m fucking stupid,” I scold myself in a whisper. “I should’ve?—”

“Here you are!” Ava announces as she rounds the building and her eyes land on me. Her brow furrows, a deep wrinkle crossing her forehead. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing.”

She rolls her eyes, coming closer, and leans her back on the wall too. My gaze falls on her growing baby bump. I still have no idea how I feel about her getting pregnant at eighteen. It all feels surreal. She and Thompson agreed to be enemies with benefits—and now they’re going to be parents. Moving to fucking California together.

I never even thought she wanted a family.

“Are you really going to put your education on hold and go live in California with him?” I ask out of nowhere.

Ava tsks, folding her arms over her chest. “How much did you drink?”

“A bottle of vodka.” And it’s not fucking enough. It does nothing to give me the damned courage to do what I planned to do.

“Layla, what’s wrong?” Ava shifts, blocking the view of the pool I’ve been staring at for the past God only knows how many minutes. “You’ve been acting weird since the guys’ graduation yesterday. Are you okay?”

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