Page 28 of His & Hers

“But is she happy? I’ve seen happier prisoners.”

“Maybe she’s just quiet.” I debated while he chuckled.

“Maybe she needs some help to see what those damn butterflies feel like. I might get your mother to talk to her.”

I didn’t respond, but he knew I’d listened. You don’t have a successful marriage for many years without knowing a thing or two about those butterflies.

When I walked out, she was biting into a burger, mixing ketchup with mayonnaise as her mother groaned.

“I don’t know how you can eat that. Your dad is the same, obsessed with weird condiments.”

“It’s not weird. You like mustard on fries. That’s weird,” she shot back, sucking the ketchup from her finger.

Gah, don’t look, dammit.

“So, Zane. Come and sit with your Auntie Rosie and tell me all about what you’ve been up to.”

I obeyed, sliding into the seat beside Layla as she shifted up the bench, creating more distance between us, although there was already plenty to start with.

Interesting.

“Well, I’ve not been up to much. I went to New York to see Uncle Drake recently.”

“Oh, I’d love to go to New York.” Rosie sighed dreamily, her eyes shining as she sipped her wine.

Dad filled her glass up before offering the same to Layla. She smiled shyly, and I tried not to stare as she sipped it slowly.

“It’s crazy. Absolutely fucking mental.” Dad shuddered as he and Mom exchanged a look.

“I’dloveto go. Dad said it’s amazing at Christmas.” Layla swirled the ice around in her glass as I turned my attention to her.

“How is your dad?”

Layla nodded, sucking the wine from her finger while I noticed Rosie pay attention. I wasn’t entirely sure what had gone on between them, but I got the impression Layla’s dad had met someone else since the break-up, which couldn’t be easy on Rosie.

“Yeah, he’s good. Still playing sports.” Layla chuckled as Dad rolled his eyes.

He’d never liked Finn, Layla’s dad.

“So, what’s your plan now you’re finished with school, Zane?” Rosie smiled, clearly eager to take the conversation away from her ex.

“He has the best job in the world.” Dad crowed, pointing at me.

Rosie turned to me with fascination in her eyes as she drank her wine.

“Oh?”

“He earns more than any of us here, trust me.” Dad continued.

“What do you do?” Rosie pressed, and I was embarrassed for the first time. My mom must’ve sensed it because she glared at my dad.

“How long has your name been Zane?” Mom snapped.

“I’m jealous, come on...” Dad held his hands up defensively.

“I’m an escort,” I said bluntly as Layla’s glass stopped halfway to her mouth. I exhaled slowly, lifting my eyes to Rosie.

“What?” Rosie blinked, a nervous laugh escaping her lips.