want them. And Layla, as you probably know, is a hard worker.”
Dave still had his arm around her when she twisted to face in his direction. “Can you believe that I had no idea who she was until last weekend when she came to our house for dinner, for my daughter Grace’s sixteenth birthday?”
“Really?”
“But Brad knew who she was right away, and I think he’s been gaga ever since.”
“She’s a beautiful woman, inside and out.”
That was the second time that Dave had mentioned Layla being a good person. Maybe she’d misread Layla. But why the bitterness toward God?
Dave rubbed his chin for a moment, almost as if he was checking for stubble. “Don’t let her fool you. She puts on a big act. I guess it’s left over from her days of fame, but she really is as good as they come.”
Dave seemed very genuine when he spoke about Layla, and Darlene wondered if maybe her initial hunch had been right. Maybe Layla and Dave would be a good match.
“I heard my name.” Layla leaned around Darlene to peer at both of them.
Dave removed his arm from Darlene’s chair, and she sat back all the way so they could see each other.
“I was just telling Darlene what a wonderful person you are.” Dave finished off the last of his wine. Darlene still had almost a full glass.
“Don’t lie to her, Dave.”
They both laughed. When Layla went to the ladies’ room a few minutes later, Dave put his hand on the back of Darlene’s chair again and whispered, “Layla has been through a hard time. Did she tell you about Marissa?”
Darlene shifted her weight in her chair. His face was close to hers as he spoke, and she felt the need to back away just a little. He moved his arm and leaned back.
“Who is Marissa?” she asked.
“Marissa was her daughter.”
Darlene’s mouth fell open. “I didn’t know Layla had any children.”
“Marissa died when she was fifteen, drug overdose.” Dave ran his finger around the rim of his wineglass and looked down. “No one ever knew if it was intentional, or if Marissa was just trying to get some temporary relief from all that ailed her. Layla told me once that Marissa was bipolar.” He paused as he looked back at Darlene. “Layla was never really the same. And it ended her career, although people moved mountains to keep the press away as best they could. But it still got out.”
Darlene was surprised Brad didn’t know anything about it. And poor Layla. “That’s terrible.” She paused. “I haven’t known Layla very long, and I don’t know her very well.”
“Well, maybe wait and let her tell you in her own time.”
Darlene nodded as she wondered if Marissa was why Layla had said God had no mercy. She couldn’t imagine anything happening to one of her children. It was every parent’s worst nightmare.
“Marissa is one of the reasons Layla is such a big supporter of the school and wants to see the addition built.” Dave eased his chair back. “Oh, excuse me. They are getting ready to start, and I need to go speak with that man over there. I’ll be right back.” He pointed to a man at a nearby table before hurrying away.
Darlene heard a loud squeak as someone fidgeted with the microphone onstage. A male voice said something about technical difficulties, but she wasn’t really paying attention. Her heart hurt for Layla. She wondered if and when Layla would tell her about it. And if she wanted to hear. She thought about Chad, Ansley, and Grace, and said a quick prayer.
Thank You, Lord, for my healthy children.
She just couldn’t imagine one of her children harming themselves.
Chapter Nine
Dave chatted with Chuck Perkins for a few minutes while people worked to get the microphone onstage working. Chuck was sure to make a sizable contribution, and he was a good guy in general.
On his way back to the table, he bumped into Lacy St. John, the woman in charge of seating at the event.
“Thank you for my seating request,” he whispered with a smile.
“Well, it wasn’t easy. That’s the best table in the house. I had to bump Chuck Perkins for you to sit there.” She frowned, her eyes level under drawn brows.
Dave clamped his eyes shut for a moment and grimaced. “Oops. I didn’t know I was taking Chuck’s place.”
“Well, you did.” She folded her arms across a pink strapless gown. “And I hope she is worth it.” She glanced toward Dave’s table.