Page 59 of Anything Goes

“See, that’s why I almost didn’t tell you. You just can’t resist saying I told you so.”

He shrugged. “Hey, what can I say? That’s what I’m here for.”

“No, it isn’t, but whatever. Anyway, yes, we’re official. But I feel like it’s too good to be true.” Walking over to the small table that sat in front of the sliding doors, I took a seat, and Denver sat down in front of me. “He’s loving, he’s kind, the sex is good…I just feel like a bomb is going to be dropped on me at any time.”

“Would you relax? You can’t be in a relationship with someone and constantly be worrying about something bad happening. That’s not how relationships work.”

“I know, I just don’t want to be caught off guard by anything.”

“That’s understandable, but you have to live for the moment. Enjoy what is. If something is going to happen, worrying about it isn’t going to change anything.”

Nodding, I said, “You’re right. I guess I need to just stop being so paranoid, huh?”

“Hell yeah. But since we’re on the subject of your new relationship, have you told Latrell? I know you don’t have to get his approval, but I’m sure you want to talk to him before bringing Law around Layne.”

“First off, you’re right, I don’t need his approval. Second, slow your roll, Law and I just started dating. We’re not at the point where he should meet Layne and even if we were, Latrell and I aren’t on speaking terms, remember?”

“Damn, his ass is still blocked?”

“Yep. I don’t have anything to say to him.”

“I get that, but how long do you really think that’s going to last?”

“As far as I’m concerned, it can last forever. He can stay away from me and I’ll damn sure stay away from him.”

“But do you think that’s a good thing?” Sitting up straight, Denver lifted his hands. “Don’t get me wrong, the shit you’re having to deal with from him is foul and I completely understand why you don’t want to interact with him, but you still have to think about what’s good for Layne.”

“What do you mean? I’m always thinking about what’s good for Layne. Shit, he’s lucky I haven’t hopped on a plane to beat him and his little chick’s ass. I’ve been pretty nice about the situation. A lot nicer than he deserves.”

“True. Because the Alauni that I know would act a damn fool and not think twice about it.”

“Right, but what’s the point? First of all, I don’t want his ass. Second, they’re miles away. Why should I get all upset over two people that I can’t physically deal with? It’s a waste of time. I’m not taking myself through that.”

“And you shouldn’t have to. My only concern is Layne. The two of you not being together is one thing, but the two of you not being on good terms is another. From what I can tell, she’s not taking it well.”

“No, she isn’t, but in time—”

“Don’t do that,” he quickly intervened.

“Don’t do what?”

“Don’t downplay the situation. This is a big deal to her. She’s hurting.”

I frowned, a little confused about just how much he knew about Layne’s feelings on the matter. Sure, I knew that she was bothered by the back and forth she’d witnessed. But other than the things she expressed while we were at Pizza Playland, I didn’t know anything else. She hadn’t brought it up to me anymore.

“Denver, what’s going on? Did she tell you something?”

“Layne and I had a long talk on the phone. Baby girl isn’t happy.”

I eased my head back, disturbed that he seemed to know more about her feelings on the subject than me. Granted, I shouldn’t have really been surprised. Layne and Denver had a great relationship and they talked often. He was like an uncle to her, and he was able to get things out of her that I often couldn’t. Clearly, this situation wasn’t any different.

“What did she say?”

“She feels like you’re being mean to her daddy and she wishes that it all would stop. She thinks Latrell is going to take her away from you, and she actually thinks that the two of you not being together is her fault.”

My eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. The shit broke my heart.”