Spy Racers- Can't Run Forever

Digging up the Past (pt. 2)

Tony and Layla stood outside the General Store, the hot sun beating down on them. They'd met up a few minutes ago, but had yet to go inside because Layla kept stalling. Tony understood why, of course- talking to her dad was a daunting task for sure. But he also knew that Layla would be upset later if she let this opportunity pass.

    "Layla," Tony interrupted before she could ask him another random question. "As much as I'm loving this little get-to-know-you talk, maybe we should bring it inside...you know, with your dad?"

    Layla pursed her lips. She glanced towards the General Store, then back to Tony, and sighed.

    "Right...sorry."

    "Don't worry about it," Tony said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You've got this, okay?"

    Layla nodded, and the two of them headed up the steps towards the door. Mr. Gray was sweeping the floor in the corner of the store, humming a tune as he worked. He turned as Tony and Layla walked inside, floorboards creaking under their feet.

"Ah, back again," Mr. Gray said with a small smile. He set his broom against the wall and began walking towards them, gaze resting on Layla. "Did you find your earring, young lady?"

Layla swallowed and touched her ear lightly.

"Um, yeah...sorry for runnin' out like that earlier."
Mr. Gray's face softened.

"That's alright. I'm just glad you came back. I've missed you, Layla."

Tony glanced at Layla, unsure how she'd react. Her eyes had gone wide, filled with shock, fear, and relief all at once.

"I wasn't sure you remembered," she said quietly, looking down.

"A father never forgets," Mr. Gray replied, remorse filling his tone. "Not his daughter. Or how he treated her. And I know you'll never forget either, but...I'm sorry. For everything."

Tony was starting to feel like he shouldn't be a part of this conversation, especially now that things seemed to be going well. Maybe he should just go wait outside? Or browse the store, at least? Then again, maybe Layla still wanted him there. He figured he better just let her give him the cue to leave or not.

"I'm sorry too, Dad," Layla said finally. "I know I didn't make things any easier on you after Mom died."

Mr. Gray grimaced slightly.

"Now don't go blamin' yourself for that. I know you only acted out because of what was goin' on with me. And as much as I hate myself for causin' you to run off, that was what ended up finally snapping me out of it," he admitted, hanging his head. "I couldn't lose you like I lost your Mama, so I put the bottle down. Haven't drank since and haven't stopped searching for you."

Tony was as shocked at the confession as Layla was. Her dad had been looking for her this whole time?

"You tried to find me?" Layla asked. If she was trying to hide the surprise in her voice, she was doing a poor job of it.

"I did," Mr. Gray nodded, a hint of amusement playing across his face. "It's been one hell of a job. I should've expected that, though. You always were the best at hide-and-seek."

"Yeah, well...you get pretty good at staying under the radar when you're runnin' from the law," Layla replied, not meeting her dad's eyes.

Tony held his breath, watching Mr. Gray's expression as it went from sudden understanding to one of anticipation for Layla to continue. He had to believe she'd changed, right?

"But then this guy found me," Layla went on, lightly punching Tony's arm as a smile played across her lips. "Saved my life and brought me to the other side."