Page 74 of Twist of Date

Hm. I suppose in a way, I am, except I’m supposed to be an adult.

“I really don’t understand what’s happening. Are you and Layla together? I thought you were dating Mina and participating in Ruth’s matchmaking service,” Grandma asks. Ruth stays quiet, waiting for me to answer.

I push my hand through my hair. “It’s complicated,” I offer.

“Uncomplicate it for me, Cole.” She huffs. I risk a glance at Ruth and she sighs, placing a hand on my grandma’s shoulder.

“Dorthy, it’s almost time for dinner to be served. I believe I know what may be going on here and I would like to be part of this explanation.” My grandma opens her mouth to argue but this time, Ruth addresses me. “Cole, we will be attending the eight o’clock service tomorrow morning. Please meet us here promptly at ten for brunch. We can discuss matters then.”

Okay, thank fuck.

“I’ll be here,” I tell her then promptly turn on my heel to leave. Opening the door, I’m nearly free when Ruth’s voice rings out.

“Oh, and do bring Layla with you if you can.”

Looking over my shoulder, I tell her the truth, “I’ll do what I can, but it may just be me.”

“Very well,” Ruth says, her words clipped.

Closing the door behind me, I hustle to get the hell out of there.

While I wait for my car to be brought around, I call Layla, but it goes to voice mail.

Damn it.

Thirty minutes later, I’m home and after I face-plant into my couch, take a few deep breaths, I shoot Layla another text.

Me

We need to talk.

Layla

I need space right now.

Space is usually code for a breakup. Which isn’t happening. I’ll give you space, but we need to talk.

Every part of me is screaming to go to her and not give her space, but I know my girl. She needs to work things out in her head before I'll be able to reason with her. So I'll give her time. Just not a lot of it. I need her to know how I feel sooner rather than later.

Cole…

I’ll give you the night. But we have been requested to attend brunch at Ruth’s tomorrow. 10 sharp. To clear the air.

I’m busy.

I made no promises for you. But I’ll be there.

Thank you

I’m not letting you handle this on your own, Lays. We are in this together.

I type out an “I love you” but delete the words before hitting send. Telling her the first time won’t be done in a text. I also need her to hear the finality in my voice when I say it so she knows it’s not a ploy to keep our sexual relationship going.

Flopping face first into my couch, I lie there for minutes, maybe longer when my phone rings. Turning my head slightly, I hold my phone up to see who’s calling.

Travis. I hit speaker and accept the call.

“Yeah?” I groan.

---