Chapter 16
“I asked them what happened, and they said you were dating someone, and it hurt them. I asked them what would happen if they told you how they felt and that it pushed you away, and they lost you forever. I saw the fear in their eyes. I asked them what happens if you’re in love with only one of them. Would the other get jealous and hurt? They decided that night it was either they both have you, or neither of them could,” he said.
“When Matthew told me what was happening with the boys, I was shocked at first, but then I started thinking back to all the times you were together. I knew you were in love, but not with whom, because you hid it well. I told them to start dating, it’ll take their minds off what they were going through, but none of their relationships lasted. When you cut them off, it destroyed them. They drank for weeks and just stayed quiet. They couldn’t find you, and it almost killed them. I told them to stop, to become someone that you could be proud of, that they’d meet you one day, that if you were meant for them, somehow, some way, you’d find your way back to them. So they worked hard and became successful, Pamela said.
“They would always come home for the holidays and go by your house, but you never came back. They said they were successful, but it didn’t mean anything to them because they couldn’t share it with you. When your mom passed away, they were in the southeast working. I told them you were here; that’s why kept trying to make you stay longer. I was trying to buy time for them to return, but they came too late, and you had already left. For a while after that, they stopped mentioning you, and I thought maybe they’re over you.“She laughed and shook her head.
“I was more wrong. One weekend they were visiting, and we were having dinner, and I asked, and they just replied saying they found you, they knew where you were, and that you were happy and you were in a relationship. I asked them if they spoke to you; they said no, they won’t interfere in your life, that you seemed happy without them. I tall them it was time to move on. That was the night both Dean and Aleck seid if they couldn’t have you, then no one could have them. You’re not replaceable, ever,” she said, squeezing my hand.
I couldn’t help but cry; they loved me so much, while I was being tormented by my feelings for them.
“A few weeks ago, they called and said they were going to see you again at the get–together. They were determined. When a few weeks later they called back and said you and your boyfriend split up, they weren’t taking any more chances, that they were willing to risk everything. Matthew and I said okay, to let us know what happens. Late last night they called and said, ‘She loves us, both of us. They told us to come,” Matthew said.
The world may not accept your relationship, but it’s yours. We will accept whatever our sons want because they’ve never made a bad decision yet. You’re not n bad decision either. I’m happy It’s you, Layla. I’ve watched you grow up to be an incredibile person, and hopefully, you, Dean, and Aleck can be happy.”
“Thank you, I fell in love with them when I turned eighteen. I didn’t know they let that way. I was scared and ashamed. I thought everyone would hate me and think I was disgusting for it,” I said between tears,
She held me and hugged me. “Matthew and I don’t think so. I believe that certain people may not like and accept it, but we’re your family, and we accept it. It’s okay,” she said.
I was heading towards the room
“Thank you, both of you. Our friends know, and they approve.” 1 sat talking to them for a few hours, and then we went in. I was be when I saw Aleck “You okay, baby? I just held him and hugged him. He hugged me, holding me closer.
“I love you,
Aleck. Thank you for not giving up and for loving me for so long.”
I love you too, Laylo. You’re worth it, baby.” He took my mouth, hissing me hard and deep. I moaned and accepted him.
ale looked at me. “Time for you to sleep. It’s getting late. You haven’t slept properly in the last few days.”
“Where’s Dean?
“Hmm, bes in his room,” he said, caressing my face.
He smiled. “You don’t need my permission, baby. I’m yours, and so is Dean. You don’t need to ask to see him. If he’s in his room or office, wherever, you’re fer to po Go ahead, I have fume work to take care of,” he said, kissing me again.
“Okay”
I walked around the comer to Dean’s room and knocked. The dont was thrown open, and he was standing there. He grabbed me, pulling me into his room. He had me against the door, “Looking for me?” he asked, looking down at me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and crashed my lips to his. He accepted me. I looked at him, and he sailed.
“Thank you, Dean. I love you. Thanks for waiting for me.
71 love you too, Layla. Il ahraps wait for you.” I heard a knock, and he pulled me away from the door, still holding me. Aleck came in “Un Mom and Dad are staying the night. The othus rooms was turned into a storage room. So they’ll by using your room tonight. We’ll need to clear it out because those idiots will get drunk on Friday or whenever they come over here.”
“That’s okay, I can stay at a hotel tonight.” I said. Aleck looked like he wanted to say something
“Don’t. Aleck and I have room.” Dean asked looking a
©Chapter 16
vo, I guess we were sleeping in the living room,” Aleck said, shaking his head and walking out. I looked at Dean
“You can sleep here with me or sleep with Aleck in his room. I know you like to kick in your sleep, and I don’t feel like getting kicked.”
1 let go of him. “Fine, I sleep in the living room; at least no one
no one will
get kicked” I said, walking out
I ran into Pamela. “Sorry, I’m kicking you out of your room tonight,” he said, smiling. I saw Dean heading towards
“That’s okay. I’ll sleep with Dean or Aleck. Besides, I kick in my sleep, so whoever I’m sleeping with is going to end up on the floor,” I said, smirking at him. She just laughed.
I ended up in Dean’s room. Halfway through the night, 1 sat up. For the love of Christ, why couldn’t I fall asleep? Dean was looking at me. “Stop staring at me: 1 can’t sleep.” I said, hitting him with one of the pillows. He grabbed his phone and was on it. A few minutes later, his mom door opened, and Aleck walked in. He got into bed on the other side of me and pulled use down into the bed.
“Go to sleep. You never could fall asleep if it was just one of us.” Dean said, and I realized he was right. Once, when Dean was sick and his parents were at the hospital with him, Aleck slept at my house, and I couldn’t sleep all night.
I didn’t say anything. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. Within minutes, I was out. When my eyes opened, I was alone. I showered and headed out.
The rest of the week was as normal as can be. One day, I was looking for Dean. When I walked into his room, I noticed the bed was different; it was bigger 1 didn’t say anything about it. Friday afternoon, I was about to finish up my work, my phone started vibrating.
Group Chat
MALLORY: Guess who’s back?
ANDREW. We were tired of swimming and doing nothing.
CHRIS: Nice, it’s Friday. What’s the plan? Are we meeting up?
REA: We could go clubbing.
NELLA: Yeah, but on Friday nights, everyone is in the club.
CHRIS: Whatever, I’m down.
DEAN: FIl text you the address. You guys can head over. We’ll get the food on the way home.
CARTS. You guys need liquor?
ALECK: Nope, there’s a lot.
ப
LAYLA: Where? I didn’t see any
ALECC: Because we hid it from you.
LAYLA: Funny
MALLORY: Okay, we’ll be over for nine. Is that good with everyone?
RCA: Tg.
LAYLA: Okay.
DEAN: Layla, Inn on the cicuptor so they won’t have to use the other entrance.
NELLA: Day, then it’s
ALECK: Well be home in ten. Does anyone have any requests? Nobody’s leaving once we’ve started drinking.
LAYLA:
Get me pizza.
ANDREW: Fine then, I want tacos.
24
Chapter 16
MALLORY: These idiots will get drunk. Gags, get some food, preferably Chinese takeout.
DEAN: Okay, then. We’ll meet you guys when you get there.
REA: Okay, then. Finally, we get to see where the billionaires live.
ALECK: Yes, yes
NELLA Denn, Aleck, thank you.
REA: Thanki, guys.
CHRIS: See you later.
LAYLA: See you, girls, later.
ANDREN; Later,
MALLORY: Byc, pix
Chapter Comments
POST COMMENT NOW
SHARE