Perfectly Lonely - Jessica Marin Page 0,51
kind of juice,” Cal look towards Jenna and winks. “It’s not appropriate for children and is only for adult consumption,” he explains with a slow, devilish smile.
“It’s time for dinner!” Jenna screeches in a high voice as she jumps up from the couch and starts heading to the kitchen. “Avery, please put your new toys away and help Mommy set the table.”
“But Mommy…” Avery whines before continuing on her relentless attempt at getting her way.
“Now!” Jenna commands and Avery gets up from the floor, puts all her new presents inside the basket and takes it to her room.
“I can’t wait to hear this story,” Chase exclaims when we enter the kitchen to pile our plates with the Italian food that Jenna had brought in. We all get our food and sit down at the table to eat. For the next hour, we talk about Cal and Jenna’s trip, laugh at the cute things Avery says and enjoy each other’s company.
“Avery, why don’t you get ready for bed and then you can watch TV for a little bit in Mommy and Daddy’s room?” Cal suggests after we’ve finished dessert. Avery reluctantly goes to her room with Jenna to get ready for bed. Once she’s ready and kisses us all good night, Jenna takes Avery into her room to turn on the TV and then comes back to the table and sits down next to Cal.
“Okay everyone, let’s talk some business since we don’t have little ears with us anymore. Thank you for joining us tonight on such short notice. Jenna and I wanted to get everyone together to make sure we are all on the same page of what’s going to be happening in the next week.” He grabs her hand to hold before continuing on. “As you all know, Mason has left us. We will start the interviewing process this week for a new bodyguard and until we find one, Chase will be stepping in and accompanying Jenna and Avery wherever they go when I’m not with them or if we’re in a crowded setting.” We all look over at Chase, who nods his head in agreement.
“We also have decided to start interviewing for a nanny, as well as house hunting since we seem to have outgrown this apartment.” My shocked eyes find Jenna’s and she mouths “tomorrow," indicating she will fill me in with details then.
“I know everyone’s schedules are busy, but Robert and Layla, I would really appreciate it if you can help me with both the interviewing of a nanny and house hunting as I truly value your opinions,” Jenna says, hope and excitement gleaming from her eyes.
“Since you’re the one who determines my schedule, I feel I have no choice in the matter,” Robert responds with sarcasm and we all laugh at his joke.
“I will find the time for you,” I confirm, as there’s no way I’m not helping my best friend out.
“Excellent, thank you!” Cal says with a smile. “We would also like both of you to accompany us to Vancouver when we tour Wilson Enterprises. We will make this trip both business and pleasure.
“Wait, why would we go and tour Chase’s family business?” I ask Cal in confusion, not understanding what Chase’s business has to do with us. I look between Cal and Chase, who seem to be having a silent battle of words brewing between them.
“I would have thought you would have told her, considering the amount of time you two have been spending together these last couple of days,” Cal says in a challenging voice while looking at Chase. I notice Chase lock his jaw, his hazel eyes narrowed in anger at Cal. How does Cal know we have been spending time together, I wonder. Cal raises his eyebrows at Chase, waiting for him to respond.
“What the hell is going on here?” I demand, queasiness starting to fill my stomach as thoughts of being used once again start to swirl within my head.
“Cal’s interested in becoming an investor in my family’s company,” Chase confirms with no emotion in his voice.
Dread races through my veins and the sudden urge to run and get the hell away from Chase overtakes me. “Excuse me,” I say as I throw down my napkin, push my chair back to storm out of the apartment. I ignore Chase calling after me until I reach the elevators and as I push the down button, he grabs my arm and whirls me around.
“Layla, wait! It isn’t what you’re thinking,” he