Page 93 of The First Time

Dan chuckles. “It’s good you’re willing to admit that now, it’ll come in handy. Don’t feel bad though. It took me years to begin to understand.”

Stella rolls her eyes at Dan. “I know about everything. What happened years ago, the barbeque, William. Firstly, I would like to apologize for our behavior on Saturday. It was never right for us to put that pressure on Layla, and had I known that you two were together…”

I rest my elbows on my knees as I try to comprehend all of this.

Stella continues. “I’m sure it’s left you feeling confused and nervous about everything. I certainly hope you aren’t second guessing whether you want to be with Layla. I can tell from our conversation this morning that she is crazy about you.”

“I want to be with Layla more than anything in the world. I’m not second guessing anything.”

She turns her head to the side. “Then why have you been distant from her?”

My head falls forward. I’m screwing this entire thing up. I can’t believe that’s what she’s been feeling from me. Here I am trying to make everything right, and she’s been worried that I don’t want to be with her.

“I’ve been scratching my head trying to figure out how to make it all up to her. That night was a mess, and I know it meant a lot to her. I wanted to make it right.”

“Well, you can start with treating my daughter a little better and never leave her behind like that,” Dan says sternly. “I like you son. You’re a good one. William has always bothered me. I’ve just gone along with it when his parents say shit like that. I never wanted to ruffle any feathers, but from now on, you have my word, I will never allow those remarks again. My daughter’s happiness is more important than my business with them.”

The relief that washes over me to hear him say that. The weight that’s been sitting on my chest for a decade has suddenly been lifted.

Dan continues. “That’s my promise to you. Now you have to promise me from here on out, Layla gets treated the way she deserves.”

I nod my head. “Absolutely, sir. That will never happen again.”

“Good. Now, tell me how you plan on making it up to her.”

I go through my plans, hoping they don’t think I’m jumping the gun on this. It’s not a marriage proposal, but it might as well be.

To my shock, Stella seems to be fighting tears.

“Wow,” she says as her voice betrays her emotions. “That’s so romantic.”

I smile shyly. “Thanks.”

“But can I give you one piece of advice?” she offers.

“Of course.”

“You need to do this now. She’s devastated and really needs to know why you’ve been so distant.”

“Now? I don’t think I can pull that off. I don’t have everything worked out.”

Dan smiles. “We know people. What needs to be done?”

After an hour, I’m driving to a farmhouse to pick up something I need for the surprise. Dan and Stella have a good friend who was able to help. According to Dan, one of the things thatwould’ve taken weeks to obtain can wait. I’m just going to move forward without all my ducks lined up.

The last thing that I need is for Asher and Charlotte to get Layla to the location. I pick up the phone and dial Asher.

“Hello?” his deep voice sounds in my ear.

“Hey, man. Is Charlotte there with you?” I ask.

“Uh, yeah. She’s right here.”

I take the last left onto the street that I think is my destination. There’s a large white farmhouse that looks tiny compared to the land that it sits on.

“Can you put me on speaker? I need to talk to both of you.”

I hear him whispering to Charlotte before the background sounds of the house let me know he switched to speakerphone.

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