Part 21 (2/2)

He moved to me, kissing me lightly on the lips. When he pulled away, all that he said was, Me too, babe.

My man got it.

Chapter Twenty.

You should have a party. Zoe looked around the condo as though she was making plans in her head.

Yeah, a Laylas Free party, Tony chimed in as he took a drink from his beer.

Four days had pa.s.sed and things had been quiet.

I glanced at Forde to see what he was making of this after dinner talk.

He shrugged. I like it.

Just our close friends? I asked. I liked the idea of entertaining, but I didnt want to be the center of attention.

Forde answered immediately, like he knew what I was feeling. Just people from work, you two, he pointed at Zoe and Tony, plus Tye, and maybe a few from his office.

The food would have to be easy to serve. I started planning in my head.

I could help, Zoe said.

We all looked at her and her belly that I swear had grown since last week.

She wrinkled her nose. Well, I could offer moral support.

How about we bring the drinks? Tony offered smoothly. Zoe hated to cook, and Tony did most of the kitchen work.

That include the booze? Forde teased.

Sure. Tony told us.

If we have it Sat.u.r.day night that gives us four days to prepare. I wanted to jump up and grab a notepad to start jotting down ideas.

Ill send out a text. What time babe? Forde was holding his phone.

I dont know, uhm, seven? I offered.

Forde nodded and started typing.

Come on, Layla. Lets check out Food.com for some ideas. Tony stood.

Hey, I can help, Zoe whined.

Honey, I love you, but lets be honest”the kitchen is not your thing. Tony moved to Zoe and helped her out of her chair.

She stretched her back and gave him a sweet look. Well, I can help make the lists of supplies youll need, like plates and cups plus ice. People always run out of ice.

We moved to the living room and got down to business.

The next morning at work, Id just sent an email to Tony with some more ideas about the food, when the buzzer at the door sounded. I checked my computer screen. We didnt have any morning appointments. I saw a teenage boy at the door.

Id asked Building Services to make up a sign asking visitors to use the speaker. That way, we could keep the door locked at all times. I lifted the receiver and dialed the code to the speaker box. Forde Limited, can I help you?

I watched him shuffle his feet for a moment. Yes, please. He paused to clear his throat. Id like to speak with Mr. Forde. He looked at the camera directly, and my heart skipped a beat.

I hurried to the door and opened it. Please come in. I knew my voice shook a little.

Thank you, maam. He had a drawl, slow and sweet.

Im Layla, I told him as I led him to the chair across from my desk.

Oh, uhm, sorry. Im Ryan McReynolds, and I think that Lucas Forde works here. He looked around before taking a seat. Can I see him for a minute? His voice cracked on the last word, signifying how nervous he was.

He does, Mr. McReynolds. Since you dont have an appointment, could I tell him what this pertains to? I asked, as I stared into eyes so similar to those I saw every night before I fell asleep.

He looked down at his feet, and his cheeks grew pink. Well, its aa little personal. Then he looked back at me.

I read so much in that look. He was trying to be brave but was scared. I gave him a rea.s.suring smile. Ill go check to see if hes available.

Thank you, maam. He told my back as I punched in the code to the interior office suite.

After I heard the door close behind me, I paused for a second and leaned my back against the wall. When my heart calmed, I took a deep breath and headed to Fordes office.

After I knocked, Forde motioned for me to come in. He was on the phone. I closed the door behind me. Forde shot me a puzzled look. I rarely closed the door behind me unless we were going to fool around.

I tried not to bounce from foot to foot as I listened to Forde wind up his call.

Finally, he said his goodbye, and then looked at me with a questioning look. Lay?

How long ago were you married? I asked.

What? His eyes narrowed in confusion.

How long ago? I pressed.

Why do you want to know? He started to stand. Im sure he thought Id lost my mind.

Im asking because theres a boy who looks to be about sixteen in reception, and hes asking to talk to you about personal business.

He paused and stared at me. His mouth was hanging open just a little bit.

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