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I want to hand her my credit card. I want to take care of this for her. What stops me is knowing that she won’t accept and a fear that I’ll embarrass her by calling attention to her financial situation again. If I manage a successful mission to romance Layla away from Spencer, she might let me help her. That’s the hope.
Layla puts her phone back in her pocket and meets me on the path. We catch up to the others who are already in the wagon. Sadie’s complaining about the scratchy hay, and Brady pulls her onto his lap.
At the back of the wagon are removable steps up into the bed. I hold my hand out to Layla. She won’t look at me, butshe takes my offered help. Even with her gloves on, her touch is like a branding iron, and I wouldn’t be surprised if her fingers leave a permanent mark.
Unfortunately, she sits between Tori and the end of the wagon bed where there’s not enough space for me to squeeze in beside her. I’m forced to sit next to Brady on the opposite side.
Grandmother doesn’t take the wagon. It’s probably too bumpy for her. She’s on a golf cart up ahead, with Miles on the back holding on to her folded wheelchair. Mom sits next to him, both of them in deep conversation.
Brady leans closer and asks, “Do you think Mom likes Miles?”
I shrug. “They’re probably just friends catching up. They knew each other when they were teenagers.”
We watch as the golf cart jerks forward and Mom grabs onto Miles’ arm with both hands for balance. Even after the cart moves smoothly, she doesn’t let go.
“Or,” I say slowly, not sure how I feel about their closeness. “Maybe it’s more than friends.”
Brady shrugs. “We’ll be home in a few days. It can’t go anywhere.”
My attention veers to Layla. I disagree. A few days can change a lot.
Brady’s thoughts follow my own, because he points his chin in Layla’s direction. “What about you and her?”
Layla thankfully doesn’t notice Brady’s attention or hear his question. She’s too busy talking to Tori.
“Nothing,” I whisper.
“You stare at her all the time. She has a boyfriend, you know.”
Hopefully not for long.“We’re friends.”
Brady snorts. “Sure. Friends.”
“I like Lady,” Sadie pipes up, reminding me she’s listening to every word we say.
“Who’s Lady?” I ask. “The horse?”
Sadie points to Layla. “Lady. She’s nice.”
Oh no. I wonder what tales Sadie will be spreading. I glare at Brady for bringing up the topic.
He smirks. “You’re just friends. What are you worried about?”
When the wagon is full, the driver cracks the reins, and we lurch forward. The ruts in the road jostle us around like apples in a bag. It’s a relief when we finally arrive and my feet are on solid ground again.
Children run around on the playground equipment to the side of the building, bundled up like Jet Puff marshmallow men in their snowsuits. Sadie pulls Brady toward the other kids, and he goes willingly, his book under his arm.
Layla turns in a circle, taking it all in. “I know this place.”
“You’ve been here before?” Tori asks, one eyebrow raised as she looks around. She is not impressed. “Voluntarily?”
“No, not in person, but I definitely recognize that barn. They’ve filmed a few Christmas movies here.” She laughs and points to the corner of the barn. “Right there is where Yolanda and Nathan kissed inA Holly Jolly Christmas Tree Jamboree.”
Besides the movie title being ridiculous, I love how she recognizes the movies being filmed here. I planned the perfect adventure to take her on today.
“Oh, wow.” Layla points at the cut trees to the right. “I’mpositive out that direction is where Harrison proposed to Caroline inChristmas Carol Hoedown.” She claps and jumps a few times. “Meg is going to flip! It was one of her favorite movies a few years ago.”
“I am not familiar with any of those movies,” Tori tells her. “They sound fake.”
