The Contract.

a

was right. The food was incredible. The service was the bes

Too busy with meetings didn't make it.

over

over losing Trevor and

whole idea of making it into a masquerade is going to make it so much more exc

I praise her for that. She cert

dress that dad's fashion designer had created for her. She had a few snapshots

h chocolate cake for both and a lava cake with vanill

tary of the house. Please, enjoy," he says as he sets a tiramisu in front of me. "Daniel.

e words "welcome home, Layla" were written aroun

ckle. "Leave it to Daniel to be so spontaneous." dad says, making

she gets a little tearyeyed. But I couldn't help but smile as I glanced at the words. Indeed he can't have that muc

an evil stare from mom. "I'm kidding. I'm kidding. You know I love you

iss mom on her lips, but she m

true, mom is a terrible co

aiter waved him off, saying the entire meal was on the house, or mor

hefty tip, and we fin

se was in Malibu. It had a beautiful b

it to my room and rest. I've been so overwhelmed a

s no sign of Daniel. Dad was so busy with work as well and cons

cation. I also got along well with some worke

ing, you name it. My sister was getting a kick out of it since I was here. She finally had time to focus o

ally at night. My head couldn't wrap around that night. And all I could do was

y, but they were constantly repetitive f

one week before

ly. It was already dark. I was lying on

ked, feeling a bit thir

in disbelief. "What? Why did you let me sleep for s

." she smiles, wav

club, and Danny will be there." I rol

g you to go. He came by early, but he asked me not to wake you because he figured you were tired from your long day with mom. He really wants you to go,

lways ties a black ribbon on the flowers he leaves me. He knows my favorite movie is Phantom of the Oper

me on, Layla, go with us. It'll be lots of fun, and if you d

d taken over most of my time. I miss spending time with her. And she's right; I do want to stop thinking about Trevor.

"You are going to have so much fun. I promise. There's a new club downtown Long Beach that you will

ways end up at the beach late at night to walk together. It's where the rom

g through my clothes. My closet was huge. Too big if you ask me, but having a dad, that's a fashion designer and mo

n fifteen. Nico will be down here

roughout my middle and high school years. We had lost touch a few years ago when he had gone off to

isited his sister. He was so happy to hear you were back, so I asked him to come a

revor could ruin my night. I was determined to see my b

kless. It hugged my curves perfectly, ending in my midthigh. I left my

icolas waiting for us. "Hey, gorgeous." I couldn't help b

ok at you; you look stunnin

s his arm with mine. "Ready," he adds, winking at me. I follow

long drive to the club. Soon as we're

, but thankfully, we didn't have to make a line. I

going off everywhere, and the atmosphere feels right. Nic

ack as she grabs her phone and types away on it. She leads ups up the stairs and to a room that outlook

ring us some drinks," she sa

, says as she walks into the room. "Brenda!" I yell her nam

e smile. "I missed you too," I add as I h

," she adds, making me feel sorry for myself. The last I

n date Danny." my sister a

I say, making her roll her eyes. "He's changed,

ve," I say, sq

es, you said it yourself; you want to forget about Trevor and g

I'll be right back." I excuse myself, not wa

ave a good time. I miss my best friend. But I'm

steps. Just as I'm going up the last steps, a guy bum

scrunch my nose. "No, thank you," I say, walking away. He pulls my

too good for me? Huh, is that it?" he says, making me push on his chest. He's str

, making my heart skip a beat.

e says, making the guy's face pale. Whoever h

. "M Mr. Halloway, I am so so sorry, sir. I didn't know she was your girlfriend," he says

not

him continue?" he whispers, maki

to the door. Mr. MacArthur, the deal is off. I will not be doing business wit

ze, miss. Please, Mr. Halloway, reconsider my offer. I beg

a pathetic excuse of man, Mr. MacArthur. Especially when he's trying to make a nasty mo

ith them. "Baby, why don't you give the poor guy a chance? He said he was sorry and there was no significant harm done. I'm sure Mr. McArthur is

making him grunt. "You're. Uhh

Arthur. But if this ever happens again, ever! I will make sure you regret it

Halloway, and thank y

a smile. He smiled and no

night." I say as he scurries away. Soon as the guy is

ep back and clash onto his chest as

nd will never happen, and you know that. Thank you for saving me from the guy, but I...

mach flipped each time our lips touched. No matter what happens, I must