Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Layla POV

We park a little down the road from the froyo shop and saunter over as a group, laughing and joking, the guys ribbing each other.

Inside, Hunter tells me to go and sit down at one of the last available booths by the window, and they will order for me. Before I can ask them for the flavor I want, I’m shooed over to the booth by all of them. Hopefully, they don’t bring me something disgusting like Rum ‘n Raisin. Blech!

Because I’m sitting there and peering out the window, daydreaming, I don’t immediately notice when they join me. When I swivel my head in their direction, I’m taken aback by the sheer amount of small froyo cups they’ve placed on the table. A quick count brings me to at least 12 different flavors.

“We made an executive decision. There will be no boring go–to flavors for us today. We’re tasting all their new options so we can expand our palate.” Cade says, adopting a British accent at the end, feigning aristocracy.

I try to hide a snort behind my hand but fail miserably. Hunter, who is sitting next to me, leans in and whispers, “Adorable.” into my ear.

We dig in, each with our very own baby spoons, taking a small bite from the different cups, before passing it on so we can try the next one. Toasted coconut and cranberry orange tart are my favorites. Hunter’s is the apple pie and cookie dough ones. AJ’s, ever the weirdo, favorites are birthday cake and amaretto. Cade also chooses the toasted coconut, and the mango as his new favorites.

We’re almost done, jacked up on all the sugar when Xavier strolls into the shop. I internally groan, expecting a showdown. I’d rather cut my left thumb off than deal with his shit right now.

As he strolls over, I automatically tense, getting ready for the verbal assault to begin.

“Hey,” he says as he stops next to the table. I frown at him. He almost sounds sheepish and remorseful. But that can’t be, Xavier doesn’t experience those feelings. He’s probably still hungover from last night. Or he’s constipated. Yeah, that’s got to be it.

“Hey buddy, how are you feeling? Only joining the land of the living now?” Hunter asks playfully and I catch Cade’s eye across the table. He must see the apprehension on my face because he bumps and keeps his knee against mine underneath the table in a show of reassurance. The small gesture goes a long way to calm my fraying nerves.

Xavier’s eyes lock onto my face and I brace myself. Here it comes….

“Something like that. I was walking by and saw you guys through the window, and thought I’d come say

hi.”

Well, fuck me sideways in the ear canal with a cucumber.

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8:06 pm 00

Chapter 26: Layla POV

Who is this guy standing here and what has he done with Xavier Reed? Should I go read up on alien body

snatchers?

AJ and Cade scoot closer to the window as Cade asks, “Want to join us? Most of the flavors have been eaten, but there should be enough left to give you somewhat of a sugar boost.”

Everyone looks at him with bated breath. Is this the moment he refuses to sit down while I’m here?

“Would that be OK with you Layla?” Xavier asks me, and I think I’m having a seizure because I cannot formulate an answer right now, even if my life depended on it.

All three of my guys (when did I start thinking of them as my guys? I’ll have to revisit that revelation. when I’m alone later) look at me and I’m confident in the looks they give me that should I decide to say no, they will support my decision.

But I’m not a vindictive bitch who holds grudges. The only person who will suffer from that mentality is

1. me.

“Of course.”

The look of pride my guys give me makes me blush and I dip my head to hide my reaction from Xavier. I don’t trust the temporary truce enough to think he won’t give me shit about it.

Xavier slips into the booth next to Cade and they all start chatting about their upcoming schedule this week, especially with football practices being in full swing again. Deciding to keep quiet so they can have their bro–moment, my gaze drifts out the shop window and I start to people–watch.

On the sidewalk families rush by while the parents are trying to keep their small kids under control, couples stroll hand–in–hand while gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes, and there’s even a group of teenage girls that come tittering past while throwing surreptitious glances over their shoulder at a couple of cute bikers that are parked across the road.

I startle when I feel Hunter’s hand slip into mine where it lays in my lap. He doesn’t look my way, so I don’t make a big deal of it, continuing to stare out the window, content to hold his hand and just be.

“Layla?” Cade asks as he nudges my leg under the table to get my attention.

“Sorry, I got a bit lost there in my ruminations. What’s up?” I ask as I look around the table.

“Our first game of the season is next week, and we wanted to know if you’d be there to support us?” AJ asks, hope shimmering in his eyes.

I don’t know what to say. On the one hand, I would love to be there to support my guys. But then, Xavier is also on their team and I’m 120% sure he’d rather move to another country before he’d want me on the sidelines.

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Chapter 26: Layla POV

“Uhm, can I get back to you?” I hedge. I don’t want to lie to them, but answering right now, in front of Xavier, can easily shatter the peace that has settled around us.

“Of course,” Cade says, understanding flashing in his eyes.

We gather the empty cups and throw them in the bin on our way out. We stop on the sidewalk, and there is suddenly an awkward silence. Deciding to be the bigger person, I turn to Xavier.

“We’re heading to your dad’s house for popcorn and movies, you’re welcome to join us.” While we were still at the bowling alley, the guys asked if they could come over afterward. We never discussed details, but I’m silently hoping my impromptu suggestion won’t bother them too much.

My proposal has thrown all of them for a loop, Xavier more so than the others. They are best friends,

roommates, and teammates. I never wanted there to be a divide between them. Xavier was the one who

caused the crack in their relationship, but that doesn’t mean I have to allow it to grow, fester, and cause lasting damage.

I never had an issue with Xavier; he was the one who came at me, guns blazing.

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