“He takes women out. For money.” Dad chuckled, shaking his head in awe.
“Wow. Uh, that’s... I’ve never...met an escort before.” Rosie stammered, her eyes flickering over to Layla, who had frozen still.
“Like a prostitute?” Layla asked, her eyes wide.
“No... I don’t sleep with anyone for money.” I explained, her eyes blinking rapidly as I spoke.
“He was offered five grand, though. Five grand Rosie. Do you know what? There ain’t a lot I wouldn’t do in the world for five grand, especially something as easy as pleasing a woman.”
“Cal,” Mom warned, her eyes burning into his.
The back door swung open as Caleb walked down the steps, grinning at us.
“Sorry. I’m back. Did you miss me?”
“You better now? Honestly, wait till you’re married, Layla, newly-weds are at it morning, noon-” Dad began.
“Cal!” Mom hissed, her eyes flashing as he held his hands up once again. Mom smiled apologetically at Layla, who had blushed a deep crimson. “Sorry. He just gets carried away.”
Rosie laughed as she smiled.
“Right, well, that’s quite the update.” Rosie chuckled, nodding at Layla.
“We’re lucky to have him here with us for free then.”
“Oh no, actually, I’m charging.” I winked, noticing Layla look away quickly.
“If you even agree- it’s illegal. Your cock doesn’t even have to touch-” Caleb started.
“CALEB!” Jade and Mom yelled in unison, making Caleb pretend to zip his mouth up.
The wine continued to flow, and I purposely made sure Layla’s glass was never less than half full. I wasn’t trying to get her drunk; I was trying to help her relax.
Layla told us that Steve was hoping to become a lawyer and that she would study to become a teacher.
“Nothing better than a hot teacher.” Caleb grinned, winking at her as Jade rolled her eyes.
“Caleb had a crush on some student-teacher we had at school. Silly fantasy. You know boys,” Jade drawled as we all laughed.
Who knew my brother had fantasies about teachers as a student?
“We didn’t have any attractive teachers, did we, Gretch?” Rosie mused, leaning back in her chair as Dad sniggered.
“Barely any talent at all back then. Except for you, baby, of course.” He directed at my mom.
“You met Dad in school, didn’t you?” Layla asked softly, the alcohol finally making her relax. I gazed at her as she smiled at her Mom, folding her arms as though to keep warm. I tugged off my hoodie without thinking and handed it to her.
“Oh no, I couldn’t-” Layla protested.
“It’s fine,” I reassured her, pushing it into her arms.
“Thank you,” Layla whispered, tugging it over her head.
Dad winked at me and I looked away, not wanting Layla to see me mentally accepting a high five from my Dad. Now she was sitting in my hoodie, her long legs folded beneath her as her hair rested on the hood.
For fuck’s sake.
I tried to look away, but she was like a magnet. I couldn’t stop staring at her.
