Layla's POV
"Lay."
Only one person in the world calls me that.
"Mom." I shifted the phone against my ear. "How are you?"
"I'm doing okay, sweetie. How about you?"
*Loaded question.*
"I'm good."
"Liar," my conscience muttered.
"I tried calling you a couple of times," she said gently. "When you didn't answer, I figured school and work had swallowed you whole."
If only that were true.
I'd seen every missed call.
I'd just... left them there.
"Yeah." I forced a laugh. "It's been hectic."
"I know your father called too." She paused. "He told me you didn't answer him either."
Of course he did.
"I only just found out you've been so busy," she continued. "I'll let him know."
I pinched the bridge of my nose.
Great.
One less excuse.
Then her voice brightened in that dangerous way
