Page 83 of And Then There Was Us
“Yes.” Layla and Jean were in the middle of a game of Drama Queen.
Brianna checked her bags one more time.Clothes, shoes, makeup, birth control pills.At exactly six o’clock, there was a knock at the door.
“Okay, princess. Let’s go. Mom, are you ready?” Brianna asked.
“Of course. This will be an adventure.” Jean reached for Layla’s hand.
Brianna opened the door and was greeted by one of the tallest men she’d ever seen up close. He wore what looked to be a very expensive dark suit and white button-down shirt. She noted the similarities between Treat and Hugh; they had the same dark hair, though Treat’s was cut a little shorter, the same olive skin, and the same warm, friendly eyes.
“Hi. Brianna?” His voice was as deep as Hugh’s.
“Yes, hi.” Brianna held out her hand, and when he shook it, his giant hand engulfed hers. “This is Jean, my mother, and my daughter, Layla.”
“Treat Braden. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve got a car waiting to take us to the airport.” He reached into his jacket and withdrew an activity book, which he handed to Layla. “I thought you might like this for the trip,” he said.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Brianna said. “Thank you.”
Treat gathered their bags, and Brianna carried Layla’s backpack. A black limousine waited for them out front.
Layla squealed, “Look! Look!”
Jean mouthed,Wow, to Brianna.
Brianna looked down at her jeans, boots, and sweater, then back at Treat’s suit and cringed. Was she going to need a whole new wardrobe?
Treat opened the door, and Layla climbed into the booster seat that was already in place.
“Hi!” Layla said.
Brianna peered into the car and smiled at Max, a pretty brunette she recognized from the photograph at Hugh’s house. She was relieved to see that she, too, was wearing jeans. She breathed a little easier as she climbed into the limo.
“Hi, I’m Bree, and this is Layla.” Her mother climbed in behind her. “And this is Jean, my mom.”
Max smiled warmly. “Hi. I’m excited to meet you. I’m Max.”
Treat climbed in next to Max and put his arm around her. “My very beautiful wife.” He kissed the side of her forehead.
“Oh, stop.” Max laughed. “This is going to be fun.”
They were on the road a few minutes later, and Max filled the quiet with easy conversation. Brianna loved her outgoing personality, and watching Treat with her reminded her of Hugh. He was just as attentive, and when Max teased him, he teased her right back. She wondered if the entire family was as openly affectionate as they were.
“Brianna, tell me how you met Hugh,” Treat asked.
“It’s sort of embarrassing. We met in the tavern where I work. He had a blind date, and I guess it didn’t go so well.” Brianna shrugged, dropping her gaze when she felt her cheeks heat up.
“That’s not embarrassing. Thank goodness for dates gone bad,” Max said.
“Have you ever been to the races, Layla?” Treat asked.
She shook her head.
“You’ll enjoy it, but it’s really loud, so we’ll give you really cool earplugs if you want them.” Max pulled a small box out of her leather bag. “See?” She handed them to Layla.
Layla looked at the box and crinkled her nose. “Do I have to wear them?”
Max laughed. “No, but if you want to, we’ll have them.”
“Thank you,” Brianna said.
