Page 57 of And Then There Was Us
“That sounds about right. They didn’t have any hours for me Saturday. So unless Claude comes through with something, I’ll have that day off, too, which right now would be a blessing.” She leaned against the couch, watching worry lines travel across his forehead.
“When do you have time with Layla during the week?”
She lowered her eyes. “I never have enough time with her, but we fit it in. We have breakfast together, and I’ll spend time with her in the evenings, just not much time.” Familiar guilt knotted in her stomach. “What are your plans for the week?”
“I’ve got a few things to take care of before I leave Friday morning. I was hoping to see you at some point, but you have so little time with Layla that I don’t want to interfere.”
“I don’t go into work until ten on Monday and Wednesday. We could see each other before work if it fits with your schedule.”
“I’ll make it work Monday, but Wednesday I have a meeting with a sponsor. Are you talking to Layla about us tomorrow?”
“I think so, but I can’t do it before school in case it upsets her. She’ll be exhausted Monday night, but that’s probably the best time. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
“If things go well, and if you feel it’s appropriate, can I take you and Layla out on a double date Wednesday evening?”
“She’d really like that, but don’t feel pressure to do it.” The idea of it sent a thrill through her.
He inched closer. “I’ll tell you what. You talk with her and let me know what you think. In the meantime, where do you want to meet tomorrow morning? Do you want to have breakfast together? Do you have any errands you need to run during that time? I can tag along. I don’t care what we do as long as I’m with you.”
There was no way she’d waste the little time they had together running errands. “Nope. I’m good.”
“Okay, then why don’t you come over after you take Layla to school and I’ll make you breakfast?”
“Sounds perfect.” She mentally ticked off each of her sexy undergarments.
Pink. Definitely pink.
Or maybe…none at all.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
THE NEXT MORNING, Layla sat on her knees on the kitchen chair, stabbed a piece of her pancake with her fork, and shoved it in her mouth. “I had fun last night. Can I go to your work again tonight?”
“I’m sorry, sweetie, but children really aren’t supposed to be at Mommy’s work. Mack made an exception last night, but he can get in trouble if we do that too often. Besides, Grandma rentedTangledto watch with you tonight.” She took a bite of her pancakes and watched Layla crinkle her nose. “Is something wrong with your pancakes?”
Layla shook her head and stuck her lower lip out in an adorable pout. “I wanted to see Prince Hugh again.”
Brianna’s body tingled with the anticipation of seeing him.I don’t blame you.“Did you have fun with him, or was it just fun because you were at my work?”
“I had fun with him. He’s nice and he’s just like the prince in the play I saw with Grandma. He played with me and made up stories and some girl asked him on a date and he said no so he could play with me.” She flashed her tiny Chiclets teeth—and the gap where one was missing—as she put another piece of pancake in her mouth.
Since they were on the topic of Hugh and Layla appeared to hold him in a positive light, Brianna decided not to wait to discuss their relationship with her. “I wanted to talk to you about him.” She set down her fork and folded her hands under her chin, weighing Layla’s reaction. Of which she had none. Zero. Not even a modicum of interest that would dissuade her from the pancakes as she speared another piece with her fork. “Hugh is a friend of mine. A special friend.”
“I know.”
Brianna lowered her hands to her lap. “You know?”
Layla shook her head. “Uh-huh.”
“How do you know he’s my special friend?”I’m going to kill my mother.
She shrugged.
Brianna’s pulse sped up. She lifted her eyebrows. “What do you think a special friend is?”
Layla took a drink of her juice, then speared another piece of pancake. “Someone who you like a lot. Like Kat. Kat’s a special friend.”
Brianna smiled. “You’re right. Kat is a very special friend.”
