Finding Laila: Some Changes Are Necessary Part 13

"I'll let you know."

He kisses me one last time and I watch him walk to his car and drive away.

Took Luka to Gwen's birthday party and your dad said he might be working late.

Back later.

Love, Mom I wad the paper in my hand and toss it into the trash so I can straighten up before Bailey gets here. I hope Bailey has a good sense of humor because I rent The Heat for us to watch. Two of my favorite people in one movie-can't beat it.

Bailey and I talked a few times at school, but nothing worth noting and nothing that let me in on what type of person she really is. I have no grand illusions that we're going to instantly bond tonight and be lifelong friends, but maybe we'll be able to find something that will help us.

My phone chimes and I look to see a text from Bailey.

Bailey: Mind if I come earlier? I'm bored.

Me: C'mon over. Know how to get here?

Bailey: Joey gave me your address.

Me: There isn't much food in the house. Wanna grab a pizza?

Bailey: Be there in 10 to pick you up.

Me: Kewl Bailey: Kewl? Really?

Me: Bite me. Better?

Bailey: Much There might be more to Bailey Butler than I thought. I need to change into something comfortable, and I see my laundry is in a pile on top of my bed. Thanks, Mom. I dig through until I find my favorite yoga pants-yes, I have a favorite-and pull on a loose tank before pulling my hair into a ponytail. When I look at my reflection I note that this is as dressed up as I get for movie night, so I'm definitely not trying to impress. Granted, I will be seen in public, but that's not something I usually worry about anyway. It's not like I look bad, just really relaxed.

"Laila? You home?" Dad calls out from downstairs.

"Yeah, be right down. I thought Mom said you were working late."

"Your mom never listens to me, I said I didn't have to," he laughs. "Hey, Lai, there's a blue convertible in the driveway. Is someone here?"

"That's probably Bailey, we're going to get something to eat."

I trot down the stairs and see my dad standing behind the kitchen counter with a strange look on his face.

"Everything okay, Dad?"

"Bailey?" He c.o.c.ks his head to the side and furrows his brow.

"Yeah, Joey's girlfriend."

As if on cue, the doorbell rings and I head over to answer it. I'm relieved to see Bailey dressed in similar clothes, not looking to impress anyone either.

"Hey, c'mon in, my dad just got home."

"Nice house," she offers, looking at pictures that Mom has covering the walls.

"Thanks," I say as we enter the kitchen. "Dad, this is Bailey, Joey's girlfriend. Bailey, this is my dad."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Nixon." She smiles and extends her dainty hand in greeting.

"Wow, Laila, you ditched the guys for once?" He laughs. "Nice to meet you, Bailey. Joey treating you all right?"

Her cheeks flame and she grins happily. "He really is."

"Good. So what do you ladies have planned for the night?"

"Ah, the usual-debauchery, trouble, and of course vandalism," I tease.

"That's my girl," he says and looks through the waiting unopened mail on the counter.

"We're going to grab something to eat and then come back here to watch a movie. So we get the theater room?"

"It's all yours."

"Thanks, Dad." I give him a hug and we start to leave, but Dad's voice stops me.

"Hey Bailey, word of advice: don't let Laila pick out the movie-it's always blood and gore."

I laugh and wave him off, but Bailey looks mildly concerned.

"I got The Heat, we're good."

We drive to the nearest pizza place, a tiny restaurant we used to go to every Friday when I was a kid. The same family has owned it for years and they always give us hugs and gush over Luka when we come in. We take a seat at one of the ten tables there and the waiter hands Bailey a menu. They all know me and I always know what I want.

"You two always like that?" she asks over her menu.

"Dad and me? Pretty much. Mom, too. It's pretty laid back in our house," I offer.

"That's cool. I wish my parents were fun," she mutters.

"What's not fun about them?"

"Don't get me wrong, they're not bad parents. I mean, I know things could be worse, but Dad travels a lot and Mom works downtown. When they are around, it feels like business."

"Funny, sometimes I wish mine weren't around so much. I mean, they are always home-I feel like I never have a moment to myself unless I get out of the house."

"So that's why you invited me over," she laughs.

"Yep-diversion. They'll leave me alone if you're there."

"What about the guys?"

"What about them?"

"Do they go to your house a lot?"

"We never really have a plan, except Sunday."

"What's Sunday?"

"Sunday night, we meet up and hang out for an hour or so. During the week, we may or may not see each other outside of school-everyone has something," I c.o.c.k my head to the side and widen my eyes, "or someone-to keep them busy." I laugh and Bailey's cheeks turn a shade of crimson as she joins in.

"So why aren't you friends with anyone but the guys?"

"You mean why aren't any of my friends girls?"

"Yeah. You gotta admit, it's a little weird."

"Not to me. They were the first people I met when I moved here and accepted me when no one else did. I love the guys. Besides, in my experience, when I've tried to be friends with girls it bites me in the a.s.s."

"You mean like Cate?"

"Cate, Jackie, Meghan, Paisley, Ellie, Carter-want me to keep going?"

"No-I've heard it all," she mutters.

"So then why did you accept my invitation, knowing everything that people say about me-more specifically, me and the guys?"

"Honestly?"

I nod, prompting her to continue.

"You know that saying 'keep your enemies close'?"

"So you see me as an enemy?" I ask, taken aback by her bluntness.

"When Joey and I first started talking, I knew that you were close. I thought that maybe he liked you or something. There was always some story that featured Laila. But I really started to like him anyway, so I had to ask him."

"And?"

"Friends," she says simply. "He said that you are his best friend and that's all."

"It's true."

"I know. Now. I mean, before it was just his word and I hadn't talked to you, so I figured I might as well get to know you and make an opinion of my own."

"So what's your opinion now?"

"I think you are nothing like people say you are. I've seen you this week when we've had lunch-the way you are with the guys. The five of you look after each other. I mean, you guys really are friends-what friends should be."

"Yeah, we are. There's nothing I wouldn't do for those guys."

"Including having their girlfriends over to try to get to know them," she says about our hangout.

"Pretty much. Even when I know she doesn't really like me much," I grin.

"She actually thinks you're pretty cool-and it helps that you're dating Haden," she laughs.

I return her smile as I think about Haden and the gallery closing tonight.

"Do you really want to see a movie or would you rather come with me to see the guys at the gallery?"

"Dressed like this?" she waves her hands between us.

"Yep, just like this," I almost sing.

"All right, let's eat and get out of here."

Chapter 11 ~ Finding Futures.

We pull into the parking lot and I spot Haden immediately. He looks much more relaxed than he did when the exhibit opened two weeks ago. He's talking to Cole, who says something and Haden laughs, revealing his beautiful smile. When Cole walks away, Haden looks out the window and for a moment I suspect that he can see me, so of course I feel like a creeper. He takes a deep breath and shoves his hands into his pockets like he's trying to appear relaxed and all I can think is that I want to be there, next to him.

Every time I'm with Haden, he makes me feel special-like I'm the only girl for him.

"Are we going to stare at your boyfriend all night or are we going inside?" Bailey asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"We are definitely going inside," I grin.

As we make the short walk up to the entrance, Haden spots me and holds the door open to let us in.

"I thought it was girl's night," Haden asks as he sweeps me into a hug.

"It is," I smile. "We wanted to stop by for a few minutes. It's the last night of your show and I really wanted to tell you that I'm proud of you-for doing this."

"Thanks for being here," he whispers into my ear. "How's it going with Bailey?"

I step back next to her and she cranes her neck looking around the room for Joey.

"I don't see him," she mutters.

"See who?" I hear Joey behind us and smile at her.

"Hey, there you are," Bailey says as I move to hug the rest of the guys.