Layla (3 page)

4

“Only shit like that happens to you,” Janet said as she shook her head. She touched the golden bracelet on her arm, fidgeting with it. Her dark skin contrasted
beautifully against the jewelry. I was always jealous of her complexion. Janet tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear.

“I know,” I said with a sigh
. “I know.”

Cassie smiled, a laugh escaping her lips.
“At least he wasn’t a jerk about it. Any other guy would have given you hell.” She was a direct contrast to Janet, with her blonde hair, green eyes, and red lips. Her strands were curled in large ringlets and her hair flowed around her shoulders. Her perfect body, gorgeous hair, and beautiful personality always made me a little envious. She was just perfect, flawless. The fact she was humble about it made me like her even more. She and I just clicked the day we met.

“Or forced you to sleep with him,” Janet said, looking around the small restaurant. It was a bar and grill. It was always packed with people, even if it was just a weekday. They had the best burgers and fries. I ate like a hound and I didn’t care what people thought. I went to the gym ever
y morning to avoid the inevitable weight gain, but I couldn’t give up all the junk food I ate.

I shook my head. “If he threatened me like that, I would have kicked him in the balls on my way out.”

Cassie laughed. “Only you would do that.”

“Working in a bar for years will do that to you,” I said.

“You really aren’t going back?” Janet asked, pushing her salad away.

“No. I’m done with being a bartender,” I answered.

Cassie eyed me. “Don’t you have pay rent?”

“I have money saved,” I said while I wiped my fingers with a napkin. “And I need that fear.”

“Fear?” Janet asked, her hand returning to her bracelet.

I nodded. “That fear that drives you to find what you really want. Since I have to worry about food and water, I know I’ll bust my ass for money.
”

Cassie chuckled. “That makes sense. So do you think you’ll get the job?”

“No,” I said with a laugh. “In fact, I know I won’t get it.”

“What a wonderful attitude,” Janet said with a smile.

“I tazed the guy in the stomach,” I said as I looked at them. “He would be out of his mind to hire me.”

“Even if you didn’t, he would still be out of his mind to hire you,” Janet teased.

I shook my head, a smile on my face. “You’re lucky you’re my best friend.”

“At least I know you’ll beat up anyone who touches me,” Janet said.

“Good thing you don’t have a gun,” Cassie said.

I laughed. “Maybe I should be a cop.”

“Your father would shit a brick,” Janet said.

“I would get a good kick out of it,” I said. “So, what’s new with you? I feel l like I’m always talking about myself.”

“Because you are,” Cassie said with a smile. She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I found a new apartment. I’ll be moving soon.”

“You don’t expect us to help you, right?” Janet teased.

“You better,” Cassie said. “I helped you move twice.”

Janet laughed. “We got you.”

“Try to make it on the weekend,” I said. “I’m trying to find a Monday through Friday job.”

“Okay,” Cassie said.

I looked at Janet. “How’s Charles?”

“I ended it,” she said simply.

“Why?” Cassie asked, twirling her hair in her fingers.

“I just wasn’t into him,” Janet said. “There’s no point in dragging it out. I could tell he was eager to have sex so I didn’t want
to yank his chain.”

“How’d he take it?” I asked. “He was really into you.”

Janet shrugged. “He was quiet. I couldn’t really tell how he felt about it. He accepted it then left.”

I chuckled, thinking of Kyle. “At least he accepts rejection.”

“He sounded too…pretentious,” Cassie said.

“Why?” I asked. “Charles was a really nice guy.”

“I just don’t like the name,” Cassie said. “It sounds too British.”

“You’re way too picky with guys,” I said.

“And when’s the last time you had a boyfriend?” Cassie said, giving me a stern look.

I smiled. “You caught me.”

“That’s what I thought,” she said.

Janet glanced at her phone and read a text mes
sage. “You guys want to do the Color Run next weekend?”

“How far is it?” I asked.

“It’s a half marathon,” Janet asked.

“I can do that,” I said. “I’ll need to start running more if I want to have a good endurance.”
\

“You
wanna do it?” Janet asked Cassie.

“I’m in,” she said. “I got these really cute Nike running shoes. I’m eager to use them.”

“You know they’ll get covered in paint,” I reminded her.

“Oh…you’re right,” Cassie said, sighing.

“Wear something you don’t mind throwing away,” Janet said.

“I’ll find something,” Cassie said.

I finished my wine then drank from my ice tea. I liked having a single glass of alcohol, but never anything more than that. After being a bartender, I was a little sick of it. Janet looked at her phone then typed a message. Cassie cupped her chin then looked across the room. We were quiet for a while but it didn’t feel awkward. Since we spent so much time together, words weren’t always necessary.

Janet put her phone down and looked at me. “So was this guy hideous?”

“What guy?” I asked.

“The one who interviewed you.”

“No,” I said quickly.

“Then why didn’t you go out with him?” Cassie asked.

I shrugged. “He’s not my type.”

“Not every guy in a bar is a dirty pig,” Janet said. “You work as a bartender and you’re nothing like that. That isn’t a fair stereotype.”

“I know,” I said with a sigh. “I’m just not interested in dating right now. I need to focus on my career and my responsibilities.”

“Or it’s because of Jared…” Cassie said.

“I’m over it,” I said quickly.

“There will be other good guys out there,” Janet reminded me. “And you are beautiful and smart, Layla. Don’t worry about it. The right guy will come along.”

“And it doesn’t matter if he does or doesn’t. I don’t need a man to take care of me. I’m happy with the way my life is.”

Janet shrugged. “I’m independent too, but I would like find someone and settle down eventually.”

“When the right guy comes along, I’ll know,” I said.

Cassie stared past my shoulder, looking at the bar near the back wall. She
squinted her eyes while she gazed across the room. I turned and looked at the television, seeing the game on the screen. “Who scored?”

“No,” Cassie said as she shook her head. “Is that…John?”

“John who?” I asked.

“Your ex,” she whispered.

My heart skipped a beat. “No, he lives in San Francisco. It can’t be him.”

Janet started to stare. “It looks just like him.”

My heart convulsed painfully in my chest. There was no way it was him, but just the idea gave me a panic attack. My hands started to sweat, my legs shook. I felt myself fall apart. He was the last person in the world I wanted to see. I took a deep breath and looked over my shoulder. When I felt my eyes lock to his green ones, I felt my heart shatter. His face was exactly how I remembered it, fair and beautiful. His thin lips were pink and wide. His chin was stern and prominent. I turned back quickly, feeling sick to my stomach.

“What do we do?” Janet asked.

“Let’s haul ass,” I said as I threw my cash on the table. They dropped their money and left the chairs. We walked outside without looking back. I had to get out of there before he approached me. When it came to fight or flight, I always squared my shoulders and prepared for the battle. But with John, it was flight—every single time.

When we came to the street, I waved dow
n a cab but they kept passing by.

“Layla.”
The familiar sound of his voice made my heart slow down, almost stopping. I didn’t turn around. “You aren’t going to even say hello to me?”

I took a deep breath then turned around. “Hello.
Now goodbye.”

“Is that
how you treat someone you love?”

“Loved—past tense,” I said.

His eyes narrowed as he looked at me. His hands were in his pockets but his wide shoulders and large chest were threatening. Without trying, he was intimidating, frightening.

“Get away from her, you creep,” Janet said.

He glared at her, not speaking. Then he turned back to me, ignoring my friends. “I heard you lived in the city.”

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I live here.”

“Since when?”
I asked with a weak voice.

“A few months.
I got a job working at a firm. I admit I was hoping I would run into you.”

“Well, you did. Now let’s go our separate ways.” I turned toward the sidewalk but he grabbed my arm, holding me tightly. I felt my knees go weak and my breathing hitch. His hand gripped me like he would never let me go. I hate feeling him touch me. It was frightening, scary. I wanted to push him away but I couldn’t.

“You aren’t going anywhere,” he said into my face. “We need to talk.”

Cassie glared at him. “Let her go.” She pushed his shoulder.

He took the hit but didn’t look at her, his eyes only for me. His green eyes seemed more vibrant. I felt the angry side of him emerge, frustrated with Cassie. John glared at me, only holding me tighter. “Would you excuse us, ladies?” he said politely.

“Fuck no,” Janet said, giving him a look of loathing. “Let her go, or we’ll scream for help.”

I held my breath, waiting for him to release me.

John continued to stare into my face, silently threating me.

When he didn’t let go, Janet grabbed her phone and dialed 9-1-1.

John saw her then released me.

I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the blood return to my veins. Immediately, I stepped away from him.

John continued to stand in front of me. “I guess we’ll talk later.”

“Go fuck yourself!” Cassie said, pushing him.

He stepped back but his heavy weight wasn’t affected by the miniscule force of her shove. John walked back into the restaurant and disappeared.

I started to breathe heavily, feeling my heart work in overdrive. I had never been so scared in my life. The blood pounded in my ears, blocking out the sound of the passing cars and pedestrians.

“Are you okay?” Janet immediately
asked, her hand on my waist.

I nodded. “Thank you so much.”

“We always have your back,” Cassie said, rubbing my arm.

I placed my hand over my chest and felt my sporadic heart. “I—I’ll see you guys later.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Janet asked.

I turned down the street and walked away. “I’ll be fine.”

“Call me!” Cassie shouted.

“Okay,” I said back.

I hurried back to my apartment then locked the deadbolt on the doorframe. After I was in my safe haven, I marched to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. When I looked at my face the mirror, I started to cry. I was weak, pathetic. I told myself I would never let someone treat me like that. Now I was in control, not needing anyone or anything. If someone disrespected me, I would put them in their place. I never backed down from a fight, taking care of myself. But that all went to shit when I saw John again. With him, I couldn’t be strong. With him, I was weak, controllable, and pathetic. I hated myself more than ever. I should have decked him in the face, kicked him in the balls, slapped him hard across the face, but no, I didn’t do any of that. I ran all the way to the other side of the country to get away from him, start over, but my past just followed me, never letting me go. Now I was scared all over again. I was the woman I didn’t want to be. If I saw him again, I didn’t know what I would do. I prayed it wouldn’t happen. Because if it did, I knew I would repeat the same mistakes—over and over.

5

The next afternoon, my phone rang.

“Hello?” I asked, lying in bed.

“It looks like I got your number after all.”

I rolled my eyes. “Hello, Kyle.”

He chuckled. “How are you?”

Horrible, but I didn’t tell him that. “Good. You?”

“Wonderful. Are you interested in a second interview?”

“Is this a joke?” I asked.

“No. Why?”

“I don’t see why you would seriously consider me.”

“Are you saying I’m making a mistake?”

“No. I’m just surprised you would be interested in working with a woman who doesn’t have a problem tazing people.”

He laughed. “So, you want that interview or what?”

“Duh.”

“Can you meet me at Le Rochelle’s at noon?”

“We’re going to a restaurant?” I asked.

“Yes. Interviews don’t always have to be in the office.”

“Okay. I’ll be there.”

“Good. I look forward to seeing you, Ms. Gallagher.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

I walked into my room and searched for a nice outfit. I had one of Janet’s dresses so I decided to wear that. It was black and a respectable length. I combined it with a cardigan so it wouldn’t look too fancy.

When I reached the restaurant, Kyle was already sitting by the window. He nodded to me when I walked inside, and I approached his table.

Kyle stood up, wearing a suit that looked just as expensive as the one he wore the other day. His tie was yellow, lightning up his outfit. His eyes had the brightest color I’d ever seen. He had a small smile on his face. The light hair on his chin was hard to see, but nonetheless present. I had to admit he was a very gorgeous man. I couldn’t see his body under his clothes, but I could tell it was nothing less than perfect. His back was strong and straight. His hips were narrow and his legs were lean and long. I imagined what his naked chest looked like but I forced it to the back of my mind. When I came closer, he extended his hand and I shook it. I immediately noticed the scent of his cologne, manly and sweet.

“It’s nice to see you again,” he said as he pulled out my chair.

I looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to do that. “It’s nice to see you as well.” After I sat down, he helped me push the chair in before he sat across from me. The table was small and intimate. I was very close to him, almost too close. I felt his foot touch mine under the table briefly before he moved away. Kyle leaned back in the chair, his shoulders wider than the chair he sat in.

“You look lovely,” he said.

“Thank you. Your tie is nice.” I wasn’t sure why I said that. He gave me a compliment so I felt like I should reciprocate.

He smiled. “Thank you. It’s my favorite color.”

“Yellow is your favorite color?” I asked, surprised.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing,” I said. “It’s just a feminine color.”

“So? I like the color. It looks good with my suits, stands out.”

“Are you a fashion expert?”

“I do work for a magazine,” he said as he stared at me. “I need to look presentable.”

I looked down at the menu, feeling his gaze on my face. It was an Italian bistro with a wide variety of selections. I decided to get a salad because I wasn’t hungry at all. I was too nervous to feel an appetite. Normally, I would eat like a pig but I didn’t think that would be wise on an interview.

“What are you ordering?” he asked.

“A Greek salad.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I thought you said you weren’t like the girls in the office.”

“I’m not,” I said quickly. “I’m just not hungry.”

“Then you shouldn’t have eaten before you came.”

I glared at him. “You called me half an hour ago.”

“What time did you have breakfast? At ten?” he asked.

I shook my head and ignored the question.

“So, what’d you do last night?” He placed his elbows on the table and leaned toward
me, his smell wafting into my nostrils. Kyle adjusted his tie then looked out the window. I took the opportunity to stare at him, seeing the sunlight highlight his features through the window. His eyes shined under the illumination. They were blue, but unique in a special way. They were darker, more vibrant than they should be. It was like he was wearing contacts. I’d never seen such beautiful irises in my life.

I dropped my gaze, realizing I was gawking. “I went out to dinner with my friends.”

“That sounds like fun. Are you close?”

“They are my two best friends.”

He nodded. “Friends are the family we choose to have.”

I smiled, remembering the way they protected me from John. He was a scary man, someone that didn’t have a problem hitting women, and they stood beside me and
refused to abandon me. They were the greatest girls I knew. “That’s very true.”

“Tell me about them,” he said, turning his gaze back to me.

“Well, Janet works as a human resources director for a law firm. She loves it even though it can be dull sometimes. She and I are running buddies. If we don’t go together, we don’t go at all. She makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches. Cassie is a natural beauty. She’s vibrant and lively, easy to talk to. She always knows everything about politics, even though she never talks about it because she gets too aggressive, and she doesn’t take shit from anyone. I love them both.”

He nodded. “They sound pretty great.”

“I like them—most of the time.”

Kyle chuckled. “What about your family?”

“What about them?”

“Tell me whatever comes to mind
.”

I sighed. “I never knew my mother. She left a long time ago. My dad and I aren’t close. He lives in California. We talk on the holidays and my birthday. There’s not much of a story there.”

“Are you an only child?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you a spoiled brat?” he said with a smile.

“Do I act like a spoiled brat?”

“You’re pretty stubborn and heard-headed, but not spoiled.”

“Damn right. My dad has never been rich. He taught me the value of a dollar.”

Kyle leaned back in the chair and stared at me, his fingers drumming the table. His head was titled to the side slightly, like he was thinking. When he was in thought, he pressed his lips together slightly. They looked soft and wet. “What do you for fun?”

“I read and write when I’m alone. I like to run in marathons, hang out with my friends, sing karaoke when I’m drunk, that’s about it.”

“You like to run marathons?”

“Half marathons,” I said quickly. “I would probably faint if I had to do the whole thing.”

He nodded. “And what do you like to sing for karaoke?”

“The last song I sand was “Baby Got Back”.

Kyle laughed loudly, a smile on his face. “That’s awesome.”

“My friends were thoroughly embarrassed.
”

“Because you stole the show, that’s why.”

“No, I was pretty embarrassing. I don’t drink very often, but when I do, I get a little crazy.”

“So you’re a fun drunk?”

“I’m more…spontaneous.”

“Spontaneity is always good.”

The waitress came to our table and we ordered our lunch. Kyle ordered a sandwich and a salad and a glass of water. He was polite and smiled at the waitress warmly, making her blush. When she walked away, she giggled quietly, but I heard it. When I glanced around the restaurant, I saw a few women gawk at him. I knew he was attractive but now I realized he was a magnet for attention.

Kyle
drank from his water, staring at me the whole time, and then returned it to the table. “So were you born in California?”

“Yes, I was.”

“In San Francisco?”

“No. I lived in a small town but I moved for college. I loved living there. The people were always interesting, the food was amazing, and the nightlife was awesome. I definitely had my greatest memories living in San Francisco. I even won season tickets to the Giants and went
to every game. The box seats were awesome.”

“You like baseball?” he asked with a smile.

“Who doesn’t?”

“A lot of girl
s,” he said. “Who’s your favorite team?”

“The Giants.”

He cringed. “It’s all about the Yankees.”

I glared at him. “I can already tell we aren’t going to get along.”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “But it’ll be something we don’t talk about, like politics or religion.”

“I’m a democrat,” I said.
“You?”

“The same.”

I nodded. “Okay. Maybe we won’t kill each other.”

Kyle chuckled. “We’ll make it work. So, what’s your favorite color?”

“My favorite color?”

“Yeah.
Or is that too personal of a question? I told you mine.”

I smiled. “You did bare your soul to me. It’s green.”

“I like it. Our colors are complementary. What kind of green? Like the color of your eyes?”

“Yeah, I would say so.”

He nodded. “Excellent choice. “What movies do you like?”

I shrugged. “I’ll watch anything. I’m not picky.”

“Okay,” he said. “Pick your favorite movie of all time.”

I picked
up my fork and felt it in my fingers. “Heat.”

“With Al Pacino and Robert
Deniro?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yep.
Why is that surprising?”

“I just wasn’t expecting that answer. Most people have never heard of that movie, let alone women.”

I shrugged. “Well, I like it.”

“May I ask why?”

I thought for a moment. “I feel like everything combined together. The screenplay was good, the acting was amazing, the plot was phenomenal, the special effects, everything. It really made the movie soar.”

He stared at me, nodding slightly. “That’s very cool.”

“What?”

“That you like a cat and mouse story, and not only about romance.”

“You like what you like,” I said vaguely.

The waitress brought our dishes. Kyle folded hi
s napkin across his lap then ate his food with perfect manners. His elbows weren’t on the table and he didn’t drop a single crumb. His sandwich was thick with meat and dressing, but he didn’t get a stain on his mouth. I was glad I ordered a salad because I wasn’t nearly as elegant as he was.

Before I finished half my salad, he already devoured his sandwich and moved onto his salad. He glanced out the window every few minutes, watching the people walk by. For some reason, I didn’t feel uncomfortable around him like I thought I would. Then a revelation hit me.

“Aren’t we here for an interview?” I asked.

“We are?”

I raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you said on the phone. You haven’t asked me anything that even relates to that.”

He shrugged.

I glared at him. “So you tricked me?”

“You’re having a good time
and you know it. I told you I was pleasant.”

I shook my head. “You told me you wouldn’t ask me out again.”

“I didn’t. I just invited you to lunch. I never said it was a date.”

“What a loophole
…”

He smiled. “Actually, I wanted to see you so I could inform you that you got the job. I didn’t think that should be said over the phone.”

“I got it?” I asked, my eyes wide.

“Of course.”

“Wait. Which one?”

“The copy editing position.”

“Are you serious?” I covered my mouth so I wouldn’t scream.

His grin widened. “
I like your enthusiasm.”

“Thank you so much. I could
n’t make another drink if a gun was pointed at my head.”

“And it looks like I can still stalk you at work.”

“That’s not funny,” I said with a smile.

“Then why are you grinning?”

I ignored the question. “When do I start?”

“Tomorrow, or whenever you can put your two weeks in.”

“
Two weeks notice
?” I said with a laugh. “I’m quitting immediately. I hate working there.”

“I think the customers will be happy about that,” Kyle said. “They don’t have to worry about getting punched in the face anymore.”

“I hope my replacement is just as feisty.”

He drank from his water then leaned toward me. “Do you have any questions?”

“A lot.”

“Go for it.”

“Well, I guess I should wait until my first day. That way I’ll have the job in front of me.”

He nodded. “Just to let you know, you’ll be working with me very closely. As your superior, I’ll be checking your work, asking for your input, traveling with you—”