Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Layla POV

The next morning, I come down to the kitchen to grab a travel mug of coffee before my shift starts, to find Moira gesturing towards an envelope on the kitchen island.

“Mr. Reed asked me to hand you that as soon as it arrives.”

“Any idea what it might be?” I ask her as I saunter over, slip my nail underneath the flap, and tear it open.

“I’m afraid not, my dear.” She leaves me to it as she slips from the kitchen to start her morning chores.

The first piece of paper I pull out is a handwritten note from Michael himself.

* Dear Layla,

I pulled some strings and was able to obtain a late admission into Saxonsea University for you.

Unfortunately, all the dorms were already filled so staying on with us might be for the best – at least for

now.

Classes start in two days, but you can pop into the administration’s office tomorrow to finalize your major and your minor and subsequently receive your class schedule. *

* Your freshman year’s tuition has been covered, and we can discuss sophomore year’s tuition if, and when

we get there.

Welcome to the family.

Micheal *

The next few pages are my admissions letter, a campus map, a list of all the subjects that I can choose from, and a statement of account reflecting that the first year’s tuition has been paid in full.

My first reaction is astonishment. How did Michael have the time and resources to pull this off? He’s supposed to be on honeymoon.

My second is fury. I am no one’s charity case! This will give Xavier even more ammunition against me in the gold–digging department.

I’m in the process of picking up my phone to call my mom and ask to speak to Michael – until now I have not been inclined to find out his number, least of all save it on my phone.

As I go to press dial on my mother’s number, I hesitate. Maybe I should not be hasty in this. Maybe I can ask Michael if we can come to some kind of repayment arrangement because I have the niggling feeling that this favor will have strings attached to it in the long run.

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Chapter 10: Layla POV

As I’m driving to work, I call Becca on Bluetooth.

“You cow, why haven’t I heard from you recently?” her voice comes over the speaker.

I immediately smile because I texted her yesterday, updating her about my run–in with Hunter.

“So my texts from yesterday do not count?”

“No, texting and physically calling me are two completely different things.” I can hear the fake pout in her voice, and I have no choice but to laugh at her.

“Well, in that case, will you accept my sincerest apologies for my lack of adhering to the terms of our friendship agreement?” I sarcastically answer.

“Only if we go out for drinks this weekend. It’s been way too long since we got shitfaced together.”

I roll my lips as I think this over. She is right, it has been a while, but with me trying to pick up as many shifts as possible to build up a nest egg for next year’s tuition, it has been difficult. But now, with Michael’s offer, I might just be able to take a small breather and spend some more time on the people who are important to me.

“Let me just see if I can swap shifts with one of the other baristas, but otherwise you have yourself a deal.”

Becca squeals over the line, forcing me to wince, but I smile as well – we both need a girl’s night out.

“Can I run something by you really quick?” I ask her as soon as her whooping and hollering have died down to a decibel that will not shatter glass.

“Always! What’s up?”

I give her a quick rundown of this morning’s envelope and its contents.

“In your honest opinion, should I swallow my pride and take him up on his offer – at least for the first year? Or should I rather stick to my guns and politely decline?”

Becca is silent for a bit, and I know she is preparing to give me an honest, straightforward, levelheaded

answer.

“I know you hate taking hand–outs, but this is an amazing opportunity, babe. Yes, your mom screwed you over, and you planned to delay your studies for a year, but with this, you can start working towards securing your future. And, as you said, offer to pay him back to give yourself some peace of mind so you don’t feel indebted to him. Screw Xavier and his snooty remarks, you know who you are and what you stand for.”

I take a deep breath and contemplate her answer. She’s right, Xavier’s opinions do not influence me and my values. And taking a helping hand every now and then does not make me a lesser person, as long as I

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do it on my terms.

“You’re right, thanks Becca.”

“You sound surprised that I’m always right!” she jibes at me.

“It seems I’ll never learn.” I mockingly reply before we end our call, promising to arrange our girl’s night before the weekend.

There is a convention in town and it’s all–hands–on–deck in the coffee shop.

Tessa, Cade and I barely have a moment to go to the bathroom, and certainly not a moment to chat and catch up.

As the day goes by, I gradually become more and more excited about the prospect of being an official college student in a few days. I want to share the news with Tessa and Cade, hoping they will join in my excitement. I’ll also have to speak to Tessa about adjusting my shifts after I receive my class schedule.

It’s only when we are locking up and preparing for the next day that I get my first real chance to tell them my good news.

Tessa runs over to me and gives me a bear hug, telling me how proud of me she is. She knows how down in the dumps I was when I found out my mom screwed me over. So, she is ecstatic on my behalf.

Cade gives me a huge smile and congratulates me. I do get the distinct impression he would also like to hug me, but he has never not been professional at work. His cheeky remarks and subtle PDAs are left for when he walks me to my car or in our late–night texts.

That night, as we are standing next to my car in the dimly lit parking lot, Cade leans into me and places his one hand next to my shoulder on the car’s roof.

“I am happy you get to go to college earlier than expected. I know how much it weighed on you to have postponed it.” His smile is tentative but sincere.

“Thank you, that means a lot to me. I am sad about one thing though.” I dip my head and peer up at him through my lashes.

“What’s that?” he tucks a strand of hair that escaped my messy bun, behind my ear, his fingertips lingering on my earlobe.

“I won’t be seeing you as much.” I can feel a slight blush creeping up my neck at the admission.

“We can’t have that, now can we! How about you tell me which university you’ll be attending so I can make sure I drive up every weekend so you can have your fill of me?” he gives me a cheeky wink and I’m

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on the verge of turning into a puddle of goo.

“Saxonsea University, it’s basically right around the corner with a 30–minute drive.”

Cade’s eyes visibly widen in shock and a slow but excited smile spreads across his face.

“You’re shitting me, right?”

“No, why? Do you know something about the place that I don’t know? Should I not attend there?” I am flustered and anxious, not knowing what to expect. Seeing my new future plans going up in flames before they even came into fruition.

“No, nothing like that. I also attend Saxonsea U!” Cade is bouncing on the balls of his feet, the excitement palpable around him.

I have the biggest shit–eating grin on my face, and I can’t help launching myself at him. My arms wrap around his neck and his arms pull me snugly to his body.

I pull back slightly to make eye contact. “That is amazing news! Maybe you could show me around campus if you’re not too busy?”

Cade’s gaze darts from my eyes to my mouth and back again. “I would be honored.” He whispers and I can feel his breath against my lips.

We have been skating around the concept of sharing a kiss for weeks now; either we get interrupted or one of us regretfully pulls away at the last second.

It is at that moment that everything aligns and we both lean in. The kiss is like no other I’ve had before. His lips are soft but assertive, just like him. His one hand drifts up to tangle in the hair at the nape of my neck, the other one slides a fraction lower – his pinkie finger just grazing the swell of my ass, making his intentions known but still staying respectful as always.

We both pull away slowly, not able to break eye contact, our breathing labored.

Cade grabs the handle of my door and opens it, all while still holding my gaze. “Goodnight Sunshine, please drive safe. Let me know when you are home?”

I give him a nod and slip into my seat, my door shutting behind me. Since when am I speechless?

As I drive off, I peer into the rearview mirror, Cade is still standing there, hands tucked into his pockets, a wistful look on his face.

My days at Saxonsea U just got considerably more appealing!

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