Page 87 of When We Were Young

“Well, we have some business with you. Some stuff I need to help you take care of. Normally, I do this by myself, but I brought Lena along in case I need help.”

“Help with what, Ladybug?”

She sighs and sits back in her chair. “Help with keeping you in love.”

I don’t mean to laugh out loud, but I do, and she scowls at me.

“Sorry. I know you did great things for Harrison and Delaney.”

“Yes. But now I’m working on you.”

“On me?” I chuckle, but I notice there’s a slight nervousness to it.

“Yes, you.”

“Since when have you needed to work on me?”

“Well, actually, I’ve been working on you for a while now. I’ve just been doing my beginning work.”

She pulls her tote off the floor, places it on her lap, then sifts through it and pulls several objects out to place on the table.

There are a few folders and a small notebook that looks familiar. I’ve seen her carrying it around and writing things in it over the last few weeks. I just figured it was like a diary.

“Okay, except I’m not… I don’t… I mean, I’m not in love.”

She tilts her head slightly downward and pins me with a gaze that says she doesn’t believe me.

“Are you ready to pay attention and work on this?”

“Uh, I guess, but—” Before I can finish my sentence, Lena’s chubby little fingers press against my lips, and she makes a shushing sound.

“Shhh.”

I glance at her, and darn it, she also has a serious expression on her face.

“Good job, Lena. See? You’re learning fast,” Layla encourages her. “It’s ‘cause we got smart ladies around us to teach us things.”

I’m loving the girl-power vibe my nieces are growing up with. They are certainly being raised with strong, intelligent women as role models.

“Okay, shall we get started?” Layla asks.

I’ll humor her.

“Sure, Ladybug. Tell me what you got.”

She tries to lean forward against the desk, but it’s a little too far from her chair, so she stands, pulls her chair forward about a foot, and sits again. Next, she leans her arms on my desk with her hands clasped.

“First, I’m gonna tell you where we’re at.”

Oh boy, what’s this kid gonna say?

“So, I know you met Lizzie in college, and I think you fell in love with her there.”

“What makes you say that, Ladybug?”

“I got eyes, and I seen how you look at her.”

“How do I look at her? If I’m looking at her in some weird way, I’m not aware of it.”