Page 47 (2/2)

Layla Shit I’d forgotten all about her in the wake of things I pull ood and well that I fucked up tonight I just hope it’s not too late to fix things

Me: Hey Mom and I are headed back to the house Are you still home?

I set the phone on the dash and leave the hospital It’s a forty o the speed limit Mom and I made it here in twenty, but she’s shotthis ti only ten-MPH over the lih the ride hoht, but Layla hasn’t responded So I text her again

Me: I’ain

Layla: You said plenty the first tie loud and clear

“Honey, the light is green”

Shit I toss my phone back on the dash and continue down the road I wait for it to ding again, but the sound never comes As I pull into the driveway to drop Mom off, it’s clear that Layla isn’t at h it’s too dark to see the driveway, I can tell her car’s not there

“This ht be a stupid question, but are you okay?” Moer seat until I answer She’s a patient woman, but when she asks a question, she expects an answer

“I fucked up with Layla tonight” I dropin ain Today has been too much First the baby, and now Layla I need life to cut me a break

“Sweetie” Mom touches my arm I force a s inside “Layla will understand Today ell, it was unexpected”

“Yeah I hope so”

Mom smiles then heads into her house I follow the drive to mine, unsurprised when it’s es until going to voice one ring before being ignored That pit inme in “Layla, it’s Josh I fucked up earlier and I’etting a handle on it Call me back”

I hang up and call Hattie I’ she’s there and didn’t drive all the way back to Orlando It rings twice before she answers “Hello, handsome What’s up?”

“Is Layla with you?” My pulse ravages my chest I need her to be there I know I said I wanted to be alone earlier, but I’ve changedfor her, and fill her in on everything Hopefully she’ll understand and stick around If not, I don't knohat I’ll do

“No Is everything okay?”