You Belong With Me (Book 1 in The Love and Dessert Trilogy) Read online

  “Huh,” Layla said, her smile fading as she slipped her sunglasses down over her eyes. Michael insisted that he loved her, so why the ex-wife float decoration?

  Stella and Michael caught sight of the three sisters and turned toward them, smiling and waving. Kit waved back half-heartedly while Jane ignored them and stared at Ashley who was wearing a tight white t-shirt and very short white shorts, her long hair blown out and gorgeous.

  “Layla!” Stella yelled and tried to throw a piece of taffy her way.

  Layla waved at Stella as the kids ran into the road to get the piece of candy meant for her. Stella frowned at the kids and turned and lifted her head up to speak to her father. Michael looked at Layla and smiled. He set his daughter down and reached in the bag of candy with both hands.

  “Oh crap Layla, he’s going to chuck the whole thing at your face,” Kit said with a laugh.

  Layla groaned and wondered if she should run for it. Too late. Michael aimed carefully as their float passed right in front of the bakery and expertly tossed enough candy for ten people right into her lap. Not one piece smacked her in the face. Stella jumped up and down excitedly seeing that Layla had gotten the candy. Layla grinned and waved at Stella and opened up a piece of candy to eat. Ashley came to stand by Stella and Michael and frowned at the three sisters. Layla ignored her and looked away, while Kit and Jane smiled sunnily at her and waved.

  “Okay kids, who wants some of this candy?” Layla shouted to all the children surrounding their bakery. She was immediately swarmed with kids and watchful parents. Within seconds her lap was empty and the parade was almost over.

  “One more political float and we’re out of here. Remember the drill. Pack up the car, lock up, and get to the park.” Jane said, staring at the older man with his wife smiling big as they drove past in an old fashioned 1930’s Ford Coupe.

  “Wait,” Layla said, glancing further down the road. “Isn’t that Rob’s float for the Iron Skillet?”

  All three women tilted their heads to see the large, glossy, shiny float heading their way. This float was one of the old fashioned floats. They’d actually made a float of an Iron Skillet out of black pom pom balls. And all of the waiters and waitresses stood on top of the float, dancing to Twist and Shout. It was a total knock off of Ferris Bueller’s Parade dance with the cute German dancers, but she preferred Rob’s version. Plus, Rob had way more rhythm than Matthew Broderick. When he wasn’t twisting and shouting, Rob threw t-shirts into the crowd.

  All three sisters stood up as one and stared. Rob’s float was amazing. As the float passed by, the crowd danced along with the music flowing out of the speakers. And the happy dancing waiters and waitresses twisting and shaking their hips had everyone wanting to join in. The three sisters grinned at each other and joined the fun, shaking their hips along with everyone else. Rob looked their way and threw them a t-shirt. Jane jumped up to grab it, but Kit was taller and faster and snagged it out of the air. She held it up triumphantly in her hands, as Rob grinned at her.

  Within moments the float was passing by and then they really had to scramble to get all their cookies and cupcakes into the car. They had to wait five minutes while the police removed the tape barricading the roads, but as soon as the tape was down, they were moving down the street, careful of all the children running by. Layla pulled into one of the last spots and hopped out. They lugged the coolers of food to their booth and began setting out the cupcakes and cookies on their portable food stands. They had to keep most of the cupcakes in the coolers, but almost immediately they had a line. Jane took the money while Kit and Layla handed out the food and took orders.

  Two hours later, Layla shaded her head with her hand and looked at the almost empty coolers. “I’m going to have to make a run for it. We’re almost out of cupcakes and we need more chocolate chip cookies.”

  Kit looked at her over her shoulder as she handed a bright lemon cupcake to a waiting hand. “Can you handle the coolers by yourself? They’re so heavy.”

  Layla nodded and slipped her apron over her head. “I’ll drag it if I have to. Be back soon,” she called out. She patted Bubba on the head and left quickly, jogging to her car. Fifteen minutes later, she returned with more of everything and was back to work.

  Jane massaged her back and frowned at the park. “We’re starving and we’re missing out on all the fun. We all need a break. How about each of us takes fifteen or twenty minutes to mingle and grab some lunch? Layla, you go first. I don’t know how you got those coolers here all by yourself, but you deserve a medal for it. I hear Buckey’s Barbeque has amazing sandwiches,” she said as she took a ten dollar bill from a couple with a stroller.

  Layla sighed as she handed a teenage girl a German Chocolate cupcake. “Brilliant idea Jane, I’ll be back soon.”

  Kit shook her head at her sister. “You need to find some shade and sit down for a minute and eat. Don’t hurry back too fast. We’ll be fine,” she assured her.

  Layla frowned but left quickly. She hating to leave her sister’s on their own but on the other hand, she could really use a break. Things were starting to slow down and she was starving. She followed the smells of barbeque to the furthest corner of the park. She stood in line for five minutes before she was finally able to order a pork barbeque sandwich with coleslaw from a cute college aged guy who tried to flirt with her. She took her lunch over to a shaded, grassy hill where other people were sitting down to eat and sat cross legged while she consumed her food. She would need every calorie to make it through the rest of the day. They had two more hours before their time was up and all the booths were taken down so everyone in town could put their blankets down to watch the fireworks.

  “Hey, aren’t you one of Belinda’s granddaughters?”

  Layla frowned and twisted around to see who was addressing her. It was an older man, standing under a tree and in the shadows. She shaded her eyes with her hand as she tried to get a better look at the man. “That’s right. We’re running Belinda’s now. You’ll have to come by Monday. Our grand opening was yesterday,” she said, saying the same thing she’d said to every other customer she’d spoken too.

  The man nodded his head, still staring at her. “Why did you come back? You could have sold it and made some good money,” he asked, his voice low and rough sounding.

  Layla frowned at the nosy question, but shrugged. “There are more important things than money.”

  The man laughed cynically. “Yeah? Like what?”

  Layla smiled. “Like being with your family,” she said and turned back around to finish her sandwich.

  The man stayed silent and then disappeared into the crowd a minute later. Layla frowned, wondering why the man had looked so familiar. It was almost as if she’d known him from somewhere.

  She returned to the booth soon after and Kit took the next break, followed by Jane. Jane walked back to the booth almost immediately though causing Layla to frown. “Honey, you better go grab yourself a sandwich before they’re sold out. You will die they’re so good,” she promised.

  Jane frowned and moved to the side. Alex Foster stood beside her. “Actually, I was just convincing Jane that I’d love to buy her lunch. She said she wasn’t that hungry and needed to get back to your booth. Jane, you must be starving,” he said, smiling at the two sisters.

  Bubba, not a good guard dog in any sense of the word, made a low growling noise in his throat as he stared at Alex. Kit and Layla exchanged looks before moving aside for Jane to rejoin them in the booth.

  “Well, Jane’s been snacking on so many cupcakes and cookies all day she probably couldn’t eat another bite,” Kit lied easily, smiling at Alex coolly.

  Alex frowned and stepped closer, looking down at the trays of cookies and cupcakes. “What a shame. I’ve been hoping to have the chance to spend some time with you Jane. I have a strong feeling that you and I are going to be very close friends,” he said, looking deeply into Jane’s eyes. Jane swallowed and looked away.

  “Jane an
d I are close friends. Aren’t we Jane?”

  Layla, Jane and Kit turned in surprise to see Officer Matafeo standing to the side of the booth listening to their conversation. He was frowning at Alex darkly, with his arms crossed over his chest and Layla could picture him easily as an island warrior from Samoa. Alex looked at Tate with a glare.

  “I’ll see you around ladies,” Alex said and wandered off quickly.

  Jane let out a shallow breath and rubbed her hand over her face. “That was a close one. He almost had me agreeing to eat lunch with him, he’s so insistent,” she admitted.

  Layla glared after Alex as Kit rubbed her arms. “Well, thanks to Tate here, he’s been scared off for the moment. Good work by the way, Officer.”

  Tate frowned at Jane before nodding at Kit. “Anytime. Jane, if you’re smart, you’ll stay far away from that man,” he said and then turned and walked away.

  Jane stared after Tate and sighed without saying anything.

  Layla ran her hand over her younger sisters deep brown hair. “You’re wearing him down I think.”

  Jane snorted and then gave up and laughed. “Well, he did come to my rescue. He definitely fits all the handsome prince criteria except for one thing. He doesn’t want the princess.”

  Kit shook her head. “Actually, I’m going to disagree with you on that one. That man is a little too territorial with you for someone not interested.”

  Layla nodded in agreement. Kit knew men and she was right. Jane smiled hopefully. “Really? Hmmm. Maybe I won’t give up just yet then.”

  “In the meantime, you’re still starving. You stay here with Kit and I’ll go get you a sandwich. You won’t get to see the booths though.” Layla said with a wince.

  Jane shook her head. “I will sacrifice fake tattoos and cotton candy to stay away from Alex Foster. That man gives me the willies. Although I really wanted to climb the greased pole,” she said forlornly.

  Layla laughed and walked away. She would have a talk with the guy in charge and make sure Jane got her chance. She kind of wanted to give it a try too. By then, all of the teenagers would have wiped most of the grease off and they might have a chance of winning the prize.

  She moved around a big group of teenage girls, laughing and talking and then tripped and fell flat on her face as a large tree root sticking out of the ground grabbed her foot and sent her flying.

  Two strong arms grabbed her and lifted her up within seconds. She was still trying to catch her breath as she turned around, bright red with embarrassment especially since the group of teenage girls couldn’t resist giggling at her expense.

  “You okay?”

  Layla groaned to herself before looking up, knowing she would see Michael smiling down at her. He had to look good today of course. He was wearing simple jeans, a white t-shirt and western shirt rolled up at the elbows and unbuttoned. His hair was messed up from the wind and his face was tanned from being out on the water the other day. But it was his blue eyes that always grabbed her and wouldn’t let her go. She looked away to break the pull and looked down at her feet. “I’m fine Michael. Thanks for helping me up,” she said and turned away from him deliberately.

  Michael fell in step with her as they walked toward the barbeque booth. “Ashley is with Stella at the fishing tank so I have some spare time on my hands. Can I buy you some lunch?” he asked, picking a leaf off her shoulder.

  Layla looked at Michael in shock. “No. You can’t. Geeze Michael, you’re trying to make things work with Ashley. Buying my lunch isn’t going to help you. Besides, I’d really rather do without another visit from her,” Layla said, flipping her hair over one shoulder as she frowned at him.

  Michael looked surprised and then frowned darkly. “So that’s where they went yesterday. Stella came back so upset begging me to take her to you.”

  Layla winced. “Yeah, Ashley brought her in with her to warn me off and then didn’t let her have anything to eat. She said she wanted to look good for you so they were laying off carbs. I don’t know what that has to do with Stella though,” she said throwing Ashley under the bus.

  Michael’s face turned hard and his mouth formed a tight straight line. Oops. Maybe she shouldn’t have let that slip after all. They reached the barbeque booth in silence and Layla ordered Jane’s sandwich, a bag of chips and a drink.

  The cute guy taking the orders grinned at her. “I could swear I’ve seen you before. You know, if you wanted to ask me out, all you had to do was say so. You don’t have to waste your money on another sandwich you won’t eat. The answer is yes,” he said, flirting outrageously with her.

  Layla laughed, amused by the young man’s swagger. “You’re just a little young for me, don’t you think?” she said, taking the plate of food from him.

  The guy leaned over the counter, resting his elbows on the wooden counter. “There’s a reason going out with cougars is so hot.”

  Layla raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling at him. “Yeah, what’s that?” she asked, well aware that Michael was standing to the side listening to everything and staring murderously at the guy.

  “Because Cougars are hot. My name’s Jason by the way. You know what? You really need to watch the fireworks with me later.”

  Layla stuck her hand in her pocket and grabbed her money. Michael threw a ten dollar bill on the counter, grabbed her hand and dragged her away before she could answer Jason.

  “Hey!” she squeaked, Jason yelled something but they were out of hearing range and she couldn’t make it out.

  They reached a clearing of trees and Michael stopped, turning around to face her. “Flirting with that kid? Why would you do that right in front of me?”

  Layla rolled her eyes. “He was at least twenty and he was the one flirting. I wasn’t. Besides, you and I do not have a relationship. There is no commitment here,” she said, pointing back and forth between them. “Because if there was, you wouldn’t be dating your ex-wife,” she said becoming completely serious.

  Michael looked down at his feet. “I’m not dating her Layla. Doesn’t the fact that I love you mean anything?”

  Layla shrugged and looked away. “No Michael, it doesn’t,” she said and then winced at his hurt expression. “We’ve already gone over this. You’re the one who came to me and told me that Ashley was the same girl you used to know and that for Stella’s sake you wanted to see if you could make it work. How am I the bad guy here?”

  Michael, ran his hands through his hair, looking more and more tense and upset. “Yeah, I said that, but I’ve been regretting it ever since. Ashley is the same girl I used to know, but that’s the problem. She’s still a girl. She told me she was ready to be a mother and a wife. But I’m not so sure Layla. It turns out she didn’t pass the bar exam. She’s trying to figure out what to do next and so she gave in to her parent’s pressure and came to see Stella. She told me her parents drove her past my house and that’s when she knew she wanted to reconnect with me. Now that I’m doing well professionally, she’s willing to give it a try. I know she’ll leave again Layla.”

  Layla’s eyes went wide as she looked away from Michael’s tormented face. Wow. “And Stella? How will that affect Stella if her mother leaves again?”

  Michael stepped forward and grabbed Layla’s hand in his. “It’ll crush her. She needs someone who she’ll always be able to depend on. Someone who will love her no matter what. I do to Layla. Please don’t shut me out,” he said quietly, stepping closer.

  Layla still had Jane’s lunch in her other hand, so she couldn’t push him away. She wasn’t sure if she could or even if she wanted to, but she knew she should.

  “Look, I feel for what you and Ashley are dealing with here. It won’t be easy making room for each other in your lives. You’ll both have to be tolerant and patient with each other and the people you are now. I think if you both agreed to see a family counselor the transition would be a little smoother. I can get you a few recommendations if you’d like,” she said in a toneless voice.

&nb
sp; Michael glared at her. “Why are you going all social worker on me? I don’t want the social worker. I want you,” he said, his face close to hers.

  Layla looked into his eyes and felt her heart ache. When would looking at him stop hurting?

  “Well, you don’t need me. You need a social worker. Sorry Michael. Go back to your wife and child and just . . . , just leave me alone please,” she said softly pulling her hand out of Michael’s now limp grasp.

  She ignored the pain on his face as she turned and hurried away, reaching her own booth within minutes. She walked around the counter and handed Jane the bag and then took over her spot so she could eat. Kit looked at her oddly and Jane frowned, but they didn’t ask and she didn’t volunteer anything.

  An hour later, she watched as her two sisters made it halfway up the greased pole before slipping down, squealing and laughing and she felt her bruised heart expand in love. Seeing Kit laugh so freely and seeing Jane enjoying herself made even the pain worthwhile. Being here with her sisters was the best decision she’d ever made.

  “Layla!” Kit and Jane called to her, motioning with their hands. Layla grinned and stared up at the pole. If Jane and Kit couldn’t do it, there’s no way she could.

  Kit walked over and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the pole. She groaned in embarrassment as she realized all the noise Kit and Jane were making had drawn a crowd. She glanced around and closed her eyes in exasperation. Of course. Michael, Ashley and Stella were now standing on the outskirts of the circle, watching her and her sisters.

  Jane, oblivious of Michael, walked to her older sister and held a twenty dollar bill high in the air. “Twenty dollars says there’s no way you can climb that pole,” she said with a sneer and a western drawl that had Kit and Layla cracking up.

  Kit dug in her pockets for money to counter the bet, but she was out.

  “I have a hundred dollars that says she can,” Michael said, stepping forward and holding a one hundred dollar bill in his hand.

  Layla glared at Michael. She’d just barely told him to back off and here he was again. She walked over to him and leaned up to whisper in his ear. “Why won’t you listen?” she demanded.