Wilde at Heart (Completed)

Chapter 12

Donna chuckled as she pulled Layla close for a hug and said, "Baby girl, if it's the right one, it doesn't take five minutes."

Layla let out a shaky breath as she whispered, "You really believe that?"

"I do," answered Donna firmly, "Silas and I were married after a week of knowing each other. Everyone said we'd be on the divorce pew within a month and here we are. Married fifty years and counting."

Layla rested her head on Dona's shoulder taking advantage of the motherly advice and comfort she offered. "Thank you," she whispered softly.

"Love you, baby girl," said Donna, "Now let's get busy and make a batch of peanut butter cookies. They're good for the soul. Come on. Besides, Silas has been nagging after me for some for ages."

Canon watched as Layla wiped her eyes, a sad look still on her face as she followed Donna into the kitchen of the coffee shop. He felt like a heel for treating her like he did. Now that he couldn't have her, he was realizing what he'd lost. Walking aimlessly he didn't realize where he was until he looked up and saw the gated entrance to his home. The security guard at his gate let him in and he walked up to his front steps and went inside the house. He wanted nothing more than to sleep as he crashed down on his bed but it would not come. He tossed and turned for an hour or more before getting up and pacing the floor like a caged animal.

Layla returned home from work at 4:00 in the afternoon when the shop closed and called up Rose. Jester didn't get home from work until 5:00 and she was bored.

"Hey," said Layla, "How's work going?"

"Great," said Rose, "Miss you though."

"I miss it too," said Layla, "I'm really going to enjoy working there."

Abruptly, Rose said, "You should have seen Mr. Wilde today. He looked horrible, like he hadn't slept in days. Something's going on."

"I did see him," said Layla in a low voice, "He came by the coffee shop where I work."

"Oh wow," said Rose, "So that's where he went."

Layla sighed into the phone as she asked, "Did he come back to the office?"

"No," answered Rose, "He didn't. In fact, I was just about to give myself the rest of the day off. He hasn't come back since he left and that was hours ago."

Layla felt worried as she wondered where he was. "Hmm," she said, then whispered, "I hope he's okay."

"Me too," said Rose, who apparently had heard her, "I feel bad for him, Lay. I mean, I know he's a jerk, but he looks awful. I'm telling you, something's going on. Carter and Jason, you know his prvate investigator have been in and out all week."

Layla felt the tears well up in her eyes and she sniffed and Rose heard. "Hey, now," commanded Rose, "None of that. I'm coming over. I'll be there in ten. We need to plan something to get your mind off of this. Is Jester home yet?"

"No," answered Layla, "He'll be here in an hour."

"Okay," said Rose, "You need to forget all about this and just live. What do you say? Let's go to a club. I know a good one. My cousin is the bouncer and he can get us in."

Layla hesitated but then gave in. "Okay."

"Good," squealed Rose, "I'll bring something for you to wear and we'll get ready together."

"Okay," said Layla, "Thanks for being such a good friend Rose."

"You're welcome, Lay," answered Rose, "See you in ten."

She hung up and Layla curled up on her couch.

Ten minutes later, Rose bounced in full of energy. She coaxed Layla up off of the couch and into her bedroom where she could fix her hair and do her makeup. "Work your magic," said Layla half-heartedly.

"Ba-da-bing, ba-da-boo," giggled Rose waving an imaginary wand and Layla laughed before she could help herself.

"You're nuts," she told Rose.

"I know," said Rose airily, "That's why you love me."

"Whatever," snorted Layla.

At exactly 5:00, Jester walked in the door yelling his arrival and Rose and Layla informed him of the change of plans. He had no objections, just as long as they gave him time to get a shower. He complained about the fast food restaurant he worked in, saying they contaminated the air and made it greasy too.

Rose and Layla finished getting dressed. A few minutes later, hair and makeup done, they walked out of the room to see Jester lounging on the couch. He whistled when he saw them and asked, "So what's the plan?"

He walked over to them as Rose answered, "Go have fun."

Layla smiled, twirling her hair on her finger and said, "Okay, let's do this."

.......
Happy Valentine's Day my Wildies!!!! It was about time for an update! Hope you enjoy this shorter chapter! I'll have another out today.

XOXO,

Scarlett