Chapter 67
Seth
Two weeks later
Things went back to normal immediately once Layla was released from the hospital. She was given a clean bill of health, and she demanded that I continue with my practice and games, declaring we were not going to give Barbara any power over us. So, I took my wife’s advice, and we resumed life as usual.
Tonight I’m home as there’s no game. “Your mom gave me her chicken parm recipe,” I say to my wife while standing in the kitchen.
She walks in with Jasmine in her arms. They were taking a walk with Vickie and her boys so I could rest. She comes over, gets on her toes, and kisses my cheek. Jasmine follows her mother’s lead and kisses me too. Once Layla washes her little hands and puts her down, she runs off to play with her toys.
“Smells good,” Layla says as she opens a bottled water. After putting the chicken in the oven, I take a seat next to her at the island. I touch the back of her head, and when she doesn’t wince, I drop my hand. “I’m all healed,” she says.
I lean in and give her a chaste kiss. “That was to sweeten you up,” I say. “We need to talk about my dad.” I make a face, and she swats my arm. “He called while you guys were out, and he asked again about moving in with us. I understand if you don’t want—”
“It’s fine with me,” she says quickly.
I don’t know what I expected, but I’m not surprised by her answer. Only Layla would be so open and generous. I must have sensed that about her all those months ago. There’s no one else on this earth I would have chosen to raise Jasmine. If I only do one thing right in my lifetime, it will be choosing her to be my wife.
“Are you sure?” I ask. “I’m gone half the time, so you’re the one who will be stuck with him. He can be needy, and he’s doing well now, but he could always relapse. It’s not like having your mother move in. Dad will be like another child.”
She takes both my hands in hers. “We’re family, Wakowski,” she says. “You took care of my grandmother when she needed it the most. She had the best care money could buy because of you.” When I open my mouth to refute her claims, she puts a finger to my lips. “One of the things I loved best about my childhood was having Gaga around. She died a few years ago, but my dad’s mom was great too. I want Jasmine to have that with Pete. And he won’t bother me. I like him, and if I can help him get better, I will. Maybe being in a new place with different people will be good for him.”
I stare into her eyes, and she looks back at me. I pull her off the stool and put her on my lap. After I wrap my arms around her, I kiss her temple.
“I know you worry about him being all alone. Now, you won’t have to,” she says. “And I’ll make sure he gets out. He can continue with Dr. Reynolds virtually or we can find him a new shrink.”
“You know, for a big-mouthed bully, you’re pretty great.”
She looks at me, and we both laugh.
“I’m sorry,” she says. I hold her closer. “I was such an ass.”
“Yeah. Good thing I’m so smart and saw past that. I’m sorry too,” I say.
“For what?”
“For not asking you out like I should have.”
“I would have said no,” she says with a laugh. “However we got here, I’m glad we did.”
“You would have, and we would have missed out on all of this.” I turn her to me and cup her face. “There’s no one else on earth I would want to go through this crazy life with. You’re kinda perfect, Layla Whorekowski.” She giggles at the name. “And you were really whorish last night,” I whisper in her ear.
“Just wait until you see what I do tonight,” she whispers back.
“We’re going to get our bedroom soundproofed, especially since you know who will be moving in.”
She turns to face me, and we lock eyes. “How do you feel about your father living with us? You’ve only voiced your concerns about me, but what about you?”
I shrug. “I’m stuck with that guy, I guess. I can’t quit him, but he’s my father and my problem. I don’t want him to come between us. If it gets too much with him living here, tell me. I don’t want to lose you if—”
“Oh, please. I’m not going anywhere. And he’s our problem. It will be fine, but enough about that. I have your birthday party all planned.” She hops off my lap and claps her hands together. “It’s going to be the best birthday party of your life, Whorekowski.”
I stand and pull her to me. “It’s also going to be my first birthday party ever, and I can’t wait.” I pull her into me and rest my chin on top of her head. “How did I fall into this life?” I ask, in awe that a boy who came from my circumstances ended up having it all.