Page 51 of The Layover

“We made a building just like you do at work, and then I taught Carly how to make a sandwich, and then we went to the store, and we looked at all the pretty clothes, and Carly bought me a bracelet, because I’m a secret assassin and I need this to keep me hidden and hunt my targets.”

That explained why Carly was wearing something different than when we left this morning. Eloise’s bracelet was a simple silver chain that looked like a decorative rope, and sparkled in the light as if it were lined with gems, despite it only being metal.

“We don’t assassinate people. It’s not considered polite.” Raul kissed Eloise on the top of her head.

“No, it’s okay. I’m a good assassin. I hunt them and save them.”

Six-year-old logic for the win. “That’s okay then.” I put her down again. “Do you want to show us your building?”

“No. It fell down. Carly said it was too loud.” A frown passed over Eloise’s face, and then she was smiling again. “But I can show you the rabbit we made.”

“Okay. Go get it.” I pointed her toward her playroom.

As Eloise ran off, I turned to Carly.

“The building was too loud?” Raul said.

Carly shrugged. “I told her it wasn’t structurally sound. Did everything go well?” Her tone was cool, and she seemed determined to keep at least a meter between us.

“Everything went fine.” I didn’t know what to make of her behavior.

“And you posted the clarification about the wedding and the fact that it was fake?” Carly asked

Fuck. “Of course I did.” It wasn’t that I’d ignored the task on purpose so much as it wasn’t a priority, so it slipped my mind. But I’d do it tonight. “How did things go here? Was Eloise too much?”

“She was an absolute angel. Except for the sandwich trauma. I’m not just saying that. She was very well behaved, even in the store,” Carly said.

Which was another thing that had me curious—what about today compelled Carly to go shopping for a new outfit. Before I could ask about the excursion, Eloise was back with a pink assortment of building blocks, attached to a smaller cube, with two ear-ish things sticking out of what was probably the head.

She handed the creation to Raul. “This is my bunny. Her name is Carly, too. She comes from a magical land of salty water, and she likes shopping and ice cream and ordering take-out.” She looked back at Carly, who’s blank expression shifted to a warm smile in an instant. “Did I get it right?” Eloise asked.

Carly nodded. “You most certainly did.”

“Daddy, doesn’t Carly look pretty? Both Carlys?”

I took a moment to examine the bunny, and at least as long to drag my gaze over Carly before looking her in the eye. “She looks beautiful.”

“She really does,” Raul said.

Pink crept into Carly’s cheeks, despite her neutral expression. “I should get going.”

“No. Stay. Play. Daddies can tell you about their boring day.” Eloise grabbed Carly’s hand.

Carly pulled away gently and ruffled her hair.

“Go put bunny Carly away.” Raul handed the plastic rabbit back to Eloise.

She ran off again.

“Do you need anything else from me?” Carly asked the instant our girl was out of earshot. Her voice was strained.

Your company. I didn’t suspect that would go over well, given Carly’s demeanor.

“No. Thank you for today.” Raul matched her tone with a frustrating precession.

This time her smile was tight. “You’re welcome. I’ll see you at the worksite tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Raul nodded, and showed her to the door.

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