Chapter 35
Layla faced Austin with a sharp look. “Austin,
ustin, did Stephen fail to deal with you, so now you’re trying to get to met
instead?”
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She looked at her friends, who were lively and having fun. Layla wasn’t really angry. Instead, she smiled and wamed, “You’d better be careful. I might dig up some dirt on you if you push me.”
One of her friends asked with a cheeky smile, “Layla, how’s Mr. Yates” kissing technique?”
Layla shrugged and said, “It’s actually pretty bad.
Austin stepped away from the crowd and called Stephen at the Murray Group office. “Mr. Yates, Layla says your kissing technique is awful.”
Stephen went silent.
Austin went back to enjoying his drink
Layla reminded everyone, “Remember, if you’re driving, drink tea. If you’re just a passenger, drink alcohol.
“Okay then,” someone said, “We’ll all stick to tea”
After hanging out and having fun until 4:00 pm, Layla checked her phone and stood up. “I need to leave now. Whoever’s paying for today, don’t call me. I’m broke
“Layla, why are you leaving so early? We’re about to go go–karting. Come with us!” one friend said.
Layla shook her head. “I can’t. I need to go to the hospital to pick up a little kid. His mom just had surgery, and I’m sort of taking care of him.”
“Whose ldd?” someone asked.
“Stephen’s son,” Layla replied.
-walt,
what?”
everyone exclaimed.
“It’s not by blood. The kid doesn’t have a dad, so he calls Stephen ‘Uncle Stephen‘ and me ‘Aunt Layla‘. It’s a bit odd. Anyway, I’m out of time. I have to go. Call me if you need anything.”
With that, Layla ignored the surprised looks from her friends and headed to the indoor area, taking the escalator down to leave.
As Layla walked away, people started talking behind her, “What has Layla been through? She went from being single to married, and now she’s a mom?
A group of people looked at Austin. “Mr. Gallagher, do you know what’s happening?
Austin shrugged. “I have no idea. I just found out too.”
At the hospital, Layla saw that Dylan was awake. The little boy had helped his mom get dinner, and they were having a nice meal together.
“Mommy, please get better soon. I don’t want to bother Aunt Layla and Uncle Stephen. I can take care of myself and help take care of you too.”
Lucy patted Dylan’s head and as
asked, “Aren’t you fond of Layla?”
“I like her, but 1 get scared when Aunt Layla gets angry. Daddy says he’s scared of her temper, and I’m even more scared because I’m just a kid. ”
“Hey, what are you saying about me behind my back?” Layla asked as she walked into the hospital room. “I only get mad at your dad. Have I ever lost my temper with you?”
Dylan looked down. He didn’t say anything, but his round face showed that he was unsun
Lairy smiled when she saw Layla “Oh, Layla! You’re here. Have you eaten yet?”
“I’ll eat later, at home,” Layla said. “But you, Dylan!” She pointed at him with a smile. “Stop eating your mom’s food. Come with me, and we’ll have some of Grandma’s conking ”
“Okay,” Dylan said and stood up. He carefully gave his mom the porridge, then hurried to Layla and held onto her pinky with a shy smile.
Dylan’s eyes showed he didn’t really want to leave his mom, even though Layla’s cooking was delicious. Being with his mom, even if they were only having simple. porridge, was important to him
Layla, who was trying to art tough, said, “Duce your mom is out of the hospital, you might not get to come to my home. I might not let you.”
