--------------------Layla’s point of view--------------------
I’ve left the ball in Beaus court. I reached out and sent a message and he has made no effort in the past 2 weeks to contact me so I guess that’s that.
I’ve had dinners with Al and even convinced him to picnic with me yesterday afternoon. It’s been great catching up with him. I’ve really missed papa Al and he makes me feel like this is my home and no time has passed at all.
My life is starting to get into a routine now. I jog every morning, changing up the routes I take daily, what can I say! I’m just trained that way I guess! Can’t have people thinking I’m predictable.
Madz and I have been hanging out a bit and I’ve actually formed a friendship with Amy too.
Today is Friday and Amy insisted on a girls dinner at a new restaurant in the newer part of town. I guess somethings have changed around here a little. Its only 2 in the afternoon so I have time to check out the gym facilities, I have been slack on the fighting part of my training and could use a decent session. I get changed into training clothes and head out.
I enter the gym and am pleasantly surprised. There’s a decent bag set up and sparring area. This looks fun. I walk up to the front desk and see I gorgeous looking man. Tall, muscular, tanned skin, dark hair, just the right amount of stubble and the most piercing green eyes. He is a god. I smirk to myself as I approach him.
“Hey I was hoping to trial the facilities?” I ask in my sweetest voice. “Sure thing. Hi I’m Jase” He says extending his hand with a friendly smile.
“Hi Jase I’m Layla” I smile back shaking his hand.
“Let me show you around” he comes from behind the counter.
“Lead the way” I follow behind.`
We walk around the not too big facility as he mentions they have trainers and what no to assist with techniques for equipment use and fighting techniques.
Then he says “But I peg you as more of a treadmill and bike or aerobic type of lady am I right?” He has a cocky smile thinking he knows. I snap my response at him “You are so far off it’s not funny!” he looks a little taken aback “I didn’t mean to offend you Layla I’m sorry” he sighs a little and I relax a little. “That’s ok but you should never judge a book by its cover Jase”I smile weakly at him. “Well feel free to enjoy a trial week. You know where the bags are and where to find me if you need me” he sounds a little strained but tries to remain pleasant. “I sure do thank you” I reply.
He takes his leave and heads back to the front desk.
I get into my fight stance in front of the bag in the corner. I didn’t realize how much pent up frustration I had been holding onto. I’ve been going at it hard for what feels like a little over an hour. Going through all my usual combinations and improvising a few new ones. On the last back roundhouse kick I hear a low whistle. “Whoa there Layla I seriously misjudged you girl damn…” Jase stares as he speaks. I stop and I’m panting and sweating a little bit only realizing I’m the only one left in here. “s**t sorry. When I train I get stuck into it was I being noisy?” I ask him. He chuckles a little saying “No love but you’ve been at it for 3 hours.” I grab my phone from my pocket and I’m shocked. “f**k……ah thanks for interrupting actually I have to get going.” I wipe my face with my towel, pick up my bag and head for the door. Jase yells to me as I’m walking away “Anytime my love. See you soon yeah?” I laugh a little hard replying “Yeah ok LOVE….hahahahaha” I sarcastically emphasize the work love mocking him.
When I arrive home I run to the bathroom and shower quickly. I’m looking through my wardrobe when I hear knocking on the front door. *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*. I wrap my robe around myself and open the door.
Amy stands there smiling “Such a tease Lala”
Madz chimes in seemingly frustrated “In a robe really? Why aren’t you ready?
I smirk at her sass “I’m nearly ready! Sorry ladies got carried away at the gym. Come help me decide what to wear” the follow me to my room whispering. “You know it’s rude to whisper right?” I ask raising a questioning eye brow.
Madz face has cheeky written all over it when she says “Did you have ‘FUN’ at the gym? Hmmmm” “I got in some decent training it’s an ok facility” I say trying to deflect her cheekiness.
Madz continues “Ah mmm I bet he is!”
So I bite “What the f**k are you on about Madz?” she doesn’t give an inch when Amy pipes up “Oh shut it Madz leave her alone!” Amy goes into my wardrobe pulls out a dress and hands it to me saying “Wear this” I take off my robe stepping into the skirt top combo Amy gave me and I can feel Madz staring. “Why are you looking at me like that Madz?” I ask.
She sighs before she starts talking “I know you said you haven’t heard from Beau but I thought I’d tell you he hasn’t touched a single w***e since he has seen you!”
I’m a little pissed off now “BIG f*****g deal! I bet he still gets his d**k sucked DAILY MADZ!” I scoff at her.
She presses on “Nah ah he hasn’t! He doesn’t even look at ANY females anymore he just grunts around grumpy as all s**t!” her tone is very matter of fact. I pointedly stare at her and roll my eyes.
I’m finished getting ready so I face my girls and ask “what do you think ladies?”
Amy’s jaw drops “f*****g Jesus bloody Christ woman!! Sure I can’t convince you to swing my way tonight?” She fans herself looking me up and down and we all giggle.
“ohhhh Aimz you’d so be my type if I loved p***y I promise” I wink at her and shake my ass a little.
“See tease I told you! It’s a damn shame” she laughs out.
We all laugh again and head out. Madz is driving and we are singing some Taylor swift having a blast when we pull up to a nice looking restaurant. Not city fancy but country nice.
We walk in and Madz tells the lady our reservation details and we are escorted to lovely table. A waiter comes over straight away.
*WAITER? JOSH*
Evening ladies my name is Josh and I’ll be your waiter for this evening. Can I get you some drinks to start and ill bring the menus right over after?
Madz starts us off “Lovely ill have a cosmopolitan please. Then Amy “A vodka pineapple for me thanks.” Leaving me I add “And a whiskey neat thank you Josh”
JOSH –“Right away ladies”
He hurries away retrieving our drinks promptly.
JOSH-“Cosmo for the gorgeous blonde, Vodka pineapple for the dark haired beauty and a whiskey neat for the breathtaking brunette”
We all smile sweetly at him as he leaves to go get the menus. We clink our glasses together saying cheers to girls night and take a sip. We look over our menus as Josh comes back again takes our orders and hands them to the chef.
Madz is at it again “Soooo Layla meet anyone at the gym?” what is her damn obsession with the gym.? Amy slaps her playfully “You stop that right now Madz” Laughing at both of their behavior I choose to ignore them and sigh. “Just give Beau some time babes he is having a real hard time about you being back and all I can see he is conflicted” Madz pleads through her words and Amy looks shocked “Your standing up for that asshole! He doesn’t even acknowledge you Madz…why are you defending him?” Amy asks angrily. I interrupt them both “No more Beau talk please Madz, he has had every opportunity to reach out and hasn’t. He has my phone number and he knows where I live so that’s that.” I exclaim. There’s an awkward silence, When Josh comes over again.
JOSH- “Another round of drinks for you ladies compliments of the gentlemen at the bar”
Amy snaps her head to the bar and exhales loudly. “ARGHH why is he even here?” she looks at Madz and I’m just confused. Madz looks down before saying “I may have let slip to Alex that we were coming here it’s my fault sorry” still confused I ask “What the f**k is happening right now?” Madz shushes me with a kick to the shin under the table “OUCH” I snap. Amy looks less than impressed leaning over to me whispering “Alex is a fuckwit but Madz has been kinda seeing him for a bit” she rolls her eyes and looks annoyed. I feel my body go on high alert.
Alex strolls over with a smirk “Hey beautiful ladies” He kisses Madz cheek and nods to Amy and I.
Then I hear a familiar voice “Well hey there love!” I turn to see Jase and roll my eyes. “Hey Jase” I smile. Both the girls ask in unison “Love?” I smirk “He wishes”. I laugh and the girls look confused for just a moment when it’s like the light bulb flicks on and they both smile “GYM!” “Yeah as in met him for the first time a few hours ago gym!” I reply quickly as the girls giggle. Alex asks if they can join us and the girls look to me. I put my hands up “hey it’s not up to me. Madz you made the reservations” I say innocently. Amy answers grumpily “f**k it yes you idiots can crash girls night!” Josh comes back with our meals and gets confused. JOSH- “Needing 2 more chairs are we?” Jase smiles warmly replying “yes please mate” He places down our food, adjusts the table to fit in the crashers and brings them their food as well.
Madz is sitting cozy with Alex and it would be such a sweet sight if something wasn’t off about him. “Come on I’m trying to eat…GAG” she makes fake gagging sounds as she talks. I’m not sure what to make of him so I just sit and observe. Alex reaches over the table and introduces himself properly “I’m Alex by the way” I offer my hand “I’m Layla” we lock eyes and I know he isn’t a ‘good guy’. He chuckles “Ohhhhh fierce and feisty Layla?” he questions. He looks at Jase who is looking a little embarrassed. Amy can’t help herself “Hold up Jase are you blushing?” I look to Jase noticing the slightest hint of pink and it’s adorable. Jase doesn’t respond he just keeps eating. The rest of us giggle a little and finish up our meals. Josh comes and clear our plates asking “Can I bring you the dessert menu?” we all look at each other so I speak for myself “I need that delicious food to settle before I even think about dessert but I’ll take another” Josh cuts me off answering for me “Whiskey neat for the breathtaking brunette?” “Yes thank you cutie” I reply with a smile. Everyone follows suit opting for another round of drinks over desserts.
The conversation is flowing nicely. Jase is a funny guy. He has us laughing most of the night. Time gets away from us and before we know it the restaurant appears to be waiting for us to leave so they can close up. We were all having a great time when Jase Says “The nights still young ladies why don’t we take a walk?” we all agree it sounds good besides Madz really shouldn’t be driving.
We all leave the restaurant and begin walking down the side walk along the shops. We are walking and chatting Alex and Madz walking hand in hand, Amy is in the middle, then it’s me and Jase on the end. I’m shivering a little, it’s a bit fresh or the alcohol is wearing off not quite sure which. Jase takes off his jacket and slips it over my shoulders with a warm smile. “Thanks I forgot how cold it can get here but won’t you be cold?” I ask. “Nah I’m a hot blooded man. I’m good” he smiles and puts his hands in his pockets. We are walking through a more familiar part of town now I notice Al locking up the diner. I run over to him “Hey papa finished up” I ask. “Hey sweat pea….yeah yeah its 11 at night love what are you doing out still it’s not safe?” he replies as any papa would. I hug his tightly as Madz and the others stroll over. They all say hello to Al and he replies in kind. He bends down to grab some boxes but Jase stops him. “Here let me” he picks up the boxes and Al gestures for him to put them in the back of his truck. We are chatting away to Al about our dinner when I see a group of men approaching us. I’m instantly on edge.
“Well well well if it isn’t sweetness” Damon stalks towards me like a predator.
“We meet again beautiful” Douche bag number 2 also known as Tank snarls
I clench my fists and tell Al to get going reassuring him I’m fine and I’m with friends. He smiles with concern and leaves.
Alex tries to diffuse the tension “Hey fellas whats good? How’s your night been?” Madz is hiding behind Alex. Dbag 2 simply says “Good now” as he stares me down. Damon speaks directly to me “So Beast says you’re off limits!” Dbag 2 must be feeling cocky he strokes my cheek “But I kinda owe you don’t you think sweetcheeks?? Hmm” I laugh at him “This didn’t end too well for you guys last time now did it?” but he is quick to rebut “Beginners luck” he scoffs.
I turn to Alex and Jase “Boys you should take the girls home this won’t take long” my smile turns devilish. Then we hear a bike roaring down the street and stopping right in front of me. Beau talks to his men “Now boys what happens when you disobey me? Huh?”
Jase comes up to me speaking in my ear “Don’t mess with these guys Layla Please” he grabs my arm gently pleading with me to leave as Damon fumbles with his words “ Beast it was……we just….nothin happened….I just….” Both men look like deer caught in the headlights and I can’t help but smile.
Jase takes my hand pulling me away “Come on love lets go” I start walking when I hear Beast “LOVE??? WHAT THE f**k?” He seems to be getting angrier by the second.
We all keep walking. I look back briefly to see Beau glaring at me and at my hand in Jases as he pulls me down the road.
We get all the way to my house and all pile in the doors. My adrenalin is coursing through my veins I’m pumped. I go to my room to get changed while my friends go to the kitchen to make drinks. They are all talking about how badly that could’ve gone if Beast hadn’t shown up. I enter the kitchen and it falls silent. “What” I ask. “Are you ok lala?” Madz smiles weakly. “I’m good “Alex and Amy start talking about Tanks f****d up face and how they haven’t seen Jolt around. I’m assuming Jolt is douche bag number 1. Madz just stares at me as I pour a drink and slam it down.
“It was you wasn’t it Layla?” She asks obviously knowing the answer so I play along “what was me Madz?” I say a little defensively eyeing her. “Y-y-you know what I’m talking about you did it didn’t you?” she stutters out. I sigh angrily now running a hand through my hair as I pour a glass full of whiskey and skull it.
The boys and Amy are looking at each other confused. So I tell Madz “Shut it Madz you don’t know what you’re talking about!” but she grows a set of balls and yells at me “YES I DO LAYLA MARETTI!!!!!” I get back in her face with a warning look “DO NOT YELL AT ME Madz” Jase interjects “Hey hey calm down Layla look at me” He tilts my chin up to look at him and I do purely because I’m a little drunk. “They deserved what they got. Yes I did it and id do it again a thousand times over! They are disgusting filthy pigs GOT IT!!” I spit it out not mincing my words. Madz starts pacing and talking to herself about losing her job the consequences of lying to Beast and finding a new job. Alex comforts her telling her she is too good for the bar anyway and she will find another. Blah blah blah. Amy even says she can get her a job. I turn and walk into the lounge and plonk down on the couch. Madz comes and sits near me “I’m sorry I yelled at you Layla” she looks sad. I smile “its ok but Madz they attacked me first!” I announce. Everyone now comes in and sits on the couch. Jase seems angry “WHO ATTACKED YOU?” he looks concerned. I sigh “The ones you call Jolt and Tank” I reply. Madz suddenly sounding proud says “Word is Jolt has # breaks in his ankle, a crushed wrist, broken arm, broken nose and 2 skull fractures!! He is unrecognizable and on surgery number 3 I think!” Amy Jase and Alex Jaws drop to the ground as they slowly turn their heads in my direction………. Before I can say anything we hear that familiar rumble of the bike again……… Here we go I sigh to myself.