My cheeks burned. “We did everything but full sex.”
“I can’t believe Tam Cornell is taking it slowly with you. I honestly never thought that would happen.”
“It’s only been a few days, Layla.”
She shrugged. “I know, but men like him...”
I stiffened. “Men like him? What does that even mean?”
“I mean, he’s a man whore, isn’t he? He’s one of those blokes who can get anyone and will take anyone. I guess I’m just surprised he hasn’t put his claim on you already.”
“Maybe he’s more of a gentleman than you gave him credit for.” Why the fuck was I lying to her? I was filled with shame at the way he treated me, and I didn’t want even my best friend to know. “He’s taking me out tonight, somewhere special, he said. And he’s bought me something to go with my dress.”
“Wow, it actually sounds as though Tam Cornell has a romantic side.”
“Maybe he does. Maybe he just never met the right woman who could bring it out in him.”
She arched an eyebrow. “And you’re that right woman?”
I took a sip of my coffee and did my best to appear nonchalant. “Maybe.”
Layla linked her fingers together and placed her chin on top of them. “So what present do you think he’s got you? Shoes? Jewellery?” She answered her own question. “I bet it’s jewellery.”
I really don’t know, Lay, and honestly, I can’t be bought with presents. I’m going to need more from him than that if this is going to work.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“He’s...emotionally stunted, shall we say.”
Layla snorted. “You can hardly expect someone like him to start pouring out his feelings. Jesus, Hallie, it’s only been a few days, and he’s just lost his brother.”
“Are you sticking up for him now?”
“I didn’t know I needed to, and no, I’m not. I still think you need to be careful, and I’m worried about you, but I also know that you’ll sacrifice everything for the future of your family, even your own happiness, and that concerns me.”
“You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Don’t I? Who’s taking care of you, Hals?”
I wanted to tell her that Tam was, but I thought we’d both know that wasn’t true. Instead, I lifted my chin. “I’m taking care of me. I’m a grown-up. I don’t need to rely on other people. Besides, I’ve got you.”
She reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “Yes, you do. No matter what, okay? If you decide you need to leave Tam, and you can’t face going home to your dad, you can always come to mine.”
“Layla, you know I can’t do that. I would never put you in the middle of all my family shit.”
She shrugged. “I’ve known your family since we were teenagers. I’d be fine, and the offer is there, okay?”
I really did appreciate it, but I’d feel bad bringing either the Wynters, or the Cornells, or maybe even both, to my best friend’s door.
“Thanks, Layla. I do love you, you know that, right?”
She squeezed my hand. “Love you, too.”