Page 64 of The Layover

Adam did a poor job of hiding a snicker, and Brooke hid behind her hand. I assumed also hiding laughter.

I looked at Raul. This felt like the kind of question he should handle.

“I’m sorry.” Daria sounded mortified. “Harmony, you know we don’t talk like that.” She looked at us. “Her sister and her uncle—”

Alana huffed. “Don’t put this on me.”

“I get it.” Raul raised a hand. “My cousin has taught Eloise far worse, just in a different language.” He crouched in front of Eloise. “You know those words we don’t say in front of other people?”

Eloise nodded.

“That’s what a dickhead is,” Raul said.

“Okay.” Eloise looked satisfied with the answer. She turned back to Harmony. “I didn’t have a mommy, but Carly’s going to be my mommy now.”

The adults’ amusement shifted to various levels of shock in a snap. This was where I should correct Eloise, but I didn’t want to.

“Carly’s not anyone’s mommy.” Apparently Harmony had this covered. “She says kids are best when you can feed them sugar and send them home with someone else at the end of the day.

I’d never seen Carly so bright red.

While I didn’t doubt that she’d said something like that, I wanted to hear her at least try to deny it, or correct the statement, or do something that would reassure Eloise. Not a fair expectation from me, but I wanted it anyway.

“We should get going.” Daria’s voice was a little too loud. “Let you all get back to work.” She took Harmony’s hand.

Harmony grabbed Eloise’s hand in her free one. “My new best friend is coming with us.”

I was certain Daria and her friends were capable people, but I wasn’t letting Eloise out of my site the rest of the day. “Eloise needs to stay here today,” I said firmly.

“Daddy, no.” Eloise’s bottom lip quivered.

So much for being excited to join us at work.

As if on cue, she and Harmony both started to cry.

Fuck. I picked up Eloise again, and tried to smooth her tears.

“Harmony.” Daria’s tone was sympathetic and sharp.

“We just met. You can’t tear us apart.” Harmony’s voice was surprisingly clear for a child who was bawling.

Ariana stepped up closer to Raul and me. “I can watch them both,” she said in soft Italian, only meant for our ears.

Like that, Eloise stopped crying. Apparently she heard anyway. “Can Harmony stay here with me and Ariana? Please.”

“Mommy, can I do that?” Harmony didn’t hesitate to join in. “Please?”

It was amazing what a beautiful chorus of begging two little girls could create.

“You’ll miss seeing Milan, Harmony.” Daria’s voice was firm.

Harmony shrugged. “I’ve seen pictures.”

I looked at Raul, and an entire conversation flowed between us without words. “We’re okay with it if you are.”

“She’ll appreciate the trip more when she’s older.” Carly gave Daria an apologetic look. “And I’ll be here.”

Daria sighed. “If you’re sure.” She focused on Ariana.

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