Shopping

Layla POV

My alarm went off early. For a moment, I didn't know where I was, then the last day came rushing back to me. I felt a wave of homesickness and sadness and anger. I felt like my mom chose that random guy over me. I told her that I didn't feel comfortable with him and she moved him in anyway. I started to tear up but I shook my head. She wasn't worth my tears, I had already wasted nine years on her, I wasn't going to waste any more time on her.

My Dad and Leo were who mattered now. They were the ones who wanted me and loved me. I smiled and got out of bed. I went to take a shower and get ready. As I got dressed and did my hair and makeup, I thought about last night and Finn. Things almost went too far with him. I did not need to get involved with anyone right now. I resolved that I was going to be very clear with him that we were going to be just friends. I sighed, just friends no matter how hot he was. I wore a short pink skirt and a black V neck t-shirt. I left my hair down.

I was ready by 8 and came out to realize that Leo wasn't even up yet. I opened his door and jumped on him while he was sleeping.

"Aarrgg" he screamed. I laughed and tickled him.

"Get off me!" he yelled.

"Get up. We said that we would meet everyone in an hour." I said.

"I only need a few minutes to get ready and the Diner is less than 15 minutes away" he muttered.

"Gross. You need to shower at least. You stink" I said.

"I'm going to go make you some coffee. Don't you dare go back to sleep" I yelled on my way out his door.

When I got to the kitchen, Dad was in there drinking coffee and reading the paper.

"Hey Dad" I said as I kissed him on the cheek.

"Hi, honey. Did you sleep ok?" Dad asked, putting down his paper.

"Yep. I really love my room and my bed is so comfortable. Thanks again" I said.

"You don't need to thank me. This is your home and always will be, alright?" he said in a serious tone.

"Ok, Dad." I said and hugged him. For a moment he held me and I felt so peaceful and safe.

After we parted I said, "Leo and I are meeting some people at the Diner for breakfast and then we're going to the mall after. Do you want me to make you breakfast before we go?"

"Thanks but I can make my own breakfast. I'm supposed to take care of you, not the other way around. Speaking of," he pulled out his wallet.

"That's alright, Dad. I made ok money back in Chicago." I said quickly.

He shook his head and said firmly, "No you save that for college or something. You need some school clothes and supplies so please take this." he pressed a large amount of cash in my hand. "Oh, and make sure to get Leo some clothes too. He is desperate need of some but he hates buying them"

"Ok, Dad. I might get you some too. Are you set for work clothes?" I asked. Dad worked for Vander's dad in the construction company. He was a foreman and was recently promoted to head foreman. He was doing really well but I doubted if he spent any of that money on himself.

He shrugged and said, "Maybe you and I can go shopping together another day"

I grinned and said, "I'm going to hold you to that." Dad and I chatted while I made refilled his mug and made myself and Leo each a cup of coffee. I started a new pot when Leo came out, freshly showered and dressed.

I handed him his cup and he smiled gratefully. He sat next to Dad and asked, "Did Layla tell you our plans for the day?"

Dad nodded and said, "Breakfast and the mall, right?"

Leo added, "Yup but I think that we're going to do a movie and dinner too. I'm not sure what time we will be back" Leo got up and put his cup in the sink.

"Fine but don't stay out too late. Layla and I have work in the morning and I don't want to wait up all night again."

"I'll try but I make no promises. Let's go, La" Leo said with a grin. He half hugged Dad and went out the door.

"I'll text you if we're going to be later than 9. Love you!" I said as I hugged him.

"Be safe" he called as I grabbed Finn's jacket and walked out the door.

Leo tossed me my helmet and I put it and Finn's jacket on. We hopped on the bike and left. We pulled into the Diners parking lot a few minutes before 9. I looked through the windows and saw Hart, Tom, Vander and Finn already in a booth. They all looked tired and it seemed like Vander and Finn were arguing. Leo noticed too and frowned. "What's going on?" I asked and he shrugged.

We took off our helmets and the group noticed us. Leo opened the door for me and we walked in. "Hey guys!" I said as Leo nodded to everyone. I took off Finn's jacket and hung it up. Vander scooted over so I could sit next him with Finn on the other side of him. Leo went and grabbed a chair to sit at the end of the table. "Where are the rest of the girls?" I asked after we all said our hellos.

"They are on their way. Sally stayed at Keri's and Eve lives near Keri so they decided to all come together." Hart explained and I nodded. A moment later, a big dark car pulled into the parking lot and they all got out.

"Sorry we're late" Sally called. Hart and Tom jumped up and let the girls sit together on the other side of the booth while they pulled up chairs. Everyone greeted each other and then we all ordered. Vander put his arm behind me on the booth and I saw Finn glare at him.

"Jake texted and said that he just woke up. He'll be here in an hour and get something to go." Vander said and everyone laughed.

"Typical" Hart said to me, "he's always late." I chuckled while Finn jumped over the back of the booth and strolled towards the restroom. Vander frowned at him

"You look lovely, Layla. How was the rest of your first night in Porter?" Eve asked.

I smiled and replied, "Thanks, Eve. It was good. Honestly, I was so tired that I went right to sleep when we got back. Those sheets you all got me are so comfy. Thanks again!" Finn came back and sat next to me which forced Van and I to scoot over.

"It really was no trouble and I'm glad that you like them" Keri said.

"So, Layla, tell us about Chicago" Sally said as our food came. I told them about the Lake, the beaches, Daley plaza, the Mag mile, the Art museum and Navy Pier while we ate. Then I told them about our neighborhood in Andersonville.

"Wow. It sounds like you really loved it there." Tom said.

"I loved lots about the city but it isn't always perfect. It's loud and expensive and there's never any parking. It sounds strange but it's really easy to feel lonely there, even though there are people around you all the time. I'll miss it but I like it here too." I said and I felt Finn squeeze my hand quickly under the table and let go.

The conversation drifted to other topics and I grew quiet. I noticed that Vander's arm was back behind me. It felt comfortable there, safe and natural.

He leaned in and whispered, "You ok, Layla?" into my hair. I turned and saw concern in his warm brown eyes.

"I'm good. Just a lot happened in the last few days and my brain is still trying to catch up." I said realizing how close our faces were.

He nodded and said, "I can't imagine. If this is too much, I can take you home."

"No, this is fun and I want to go. It was sweet of you to offer, though. Thanks." I replied. He looked in my eyes and then his eyes darted to my lips.

"Hey, Van. Have you heard from Jake? He should be here by now." Finn said loudly snapping us out of it. I turned to look at Finn and saw a dangerous look in his eyes. I looked across at the other girls and they all looked like they were trying not to laugh. Leo looked angry and Hart and Tom just smiled knowingly.

Van checked his phone and said, "He left a few minutes ago. He asked us to order him a bacon sandwich and coffee to go."

Tom flagged our waitress and ordered for Jake. "Girls, lets run to the powder room and then we'll pay and hopefully be able to go." Keri suggested and nodded for me to come with them. Finn got up and grabbed my hand to help me up. I felt his and Van's eyes on me as I walked away.

When we got to the bathroom, the girls all dissolved in giggles. "Did you see Van's face when Finn helped her up?" Sally laughed.

"I thought Vander was going to kill him when he got up just so he could sit by her" Keri chuckled.

"What is going on?" I asked.

"Oh, you didn't notice?" Eve asked and I shook my head.

"Well, my dear. Vander and Finn are fighting over you."

Shit. That's what I was afraid of. "Do they do this often?" I asked hopeful, but Sally shook her head and said, "I've never seen them fight over a girl. This is a first."

"So tell us, who do you have your eye on?" Keri asked.

"Neither" I replied quickly

"Don't tell me your going for Jake." Eve looked surprised.

"No. I'm not really looking for a date or a relationship right now." I said

"Why? Do you have a boyfriend in Chicago?" Sally asked

"Or are you not into guys?" Keri asked.

"No. I had a guy but we had a messy break up a month ago" I said sadly.

"What was he like?" Eve asked gently.

"Tate was great at first but then he got strange. We dated for almost a year. He didn't want me to go out with my friends. Then he would get mad if I didn't answer the phone right away when he called or texted. The last straw was when he told me that he didn't want me to talk to Leo anymore. I dumped him and he didn't take it well. He still calls me."

Eve put her arms around me and said, "You did the right thing. It sounds abusive."

I sighed and nodded. She had no idea how right she was. I shook my head to clear it. No reason to bring that up now. It was over... at least, I hoped it was.

I nodded and said, "You can't tell Leo. He knows that I had a boyfriend and that it didn't work out but he doesn't know anything else. He would try to find him and kick his ass. I just don't need that drama."

The other girls nodded. "I get that you might not be ready but I will say that Finn and Van are two great guys that would never treat you badly. Jake too, even though he's a bit of a player." Eve said and Sally and Keri agreed. I nodded and we all headed out.

When we got back to the table, Jake was there along with his food. We went to pay but Jake waved us off.

"I paid for everyone. It was the least I could do since I was late." he said.

I started to argue but Keri looked at me and said, "He does this all the time. Don't bother arguing"

I grabbed Finn's jacket and handed it to him. "Thanks, princess" he said with a wink. We all piled into the large car and left.

On the way, I looked at Leo and said, "Dad gave me some money. He said that we both need clothes and I needed to help you find some."

Leo rolled his eyes but smiled. "I'll help you!" Eve volunteered excitedly.

I smiled. I could tell that she liked Leo and I knew that he liked her. From what I could tell, they would be a good couple and I hoped that it worked out.

"Do you have a dress for the formal?" Keri asked me.

"Nope. Dances aren't really my thing." I said.

"Well they are now. We all go to every dance and you HAVE to come with us. No arguements. Sally and Keri need dresses too." Hart said.

"The back to school dance is this Friday. They always hold it the Friday before the first Monday back" Tom explained.

"That's strange" I said and he shrugged.

"Don't worry. We'll find you something beautiful to wear. " Hart said with an excited smile.

"He loves helping us pick out dresses. The fancier the better. Be prepared for a long day." Sally whispered to me and I sighed.

When we got to the mall, we decided to split up and meet later for lunch. Since all the boys except Hart needed school clothes they went together with Eve to "help" them. I gave Leo over half of the money Dad gave me with the promise that he would by decent clothes with it. Sally, Keri, Hart and I left them to head for a formal dress store. We spent a few hours trying on dresses until we all found something that we liked and that Hart approved of.  Sally wasn't kidding. Hart was like a kid in a candy store but it was nice to have someone care so much about me. I wasn't used to it. After we all bought dresses,we went to get some regular clothes too.

I got a couple pairs of jeans, a skirt, a sweater and a few shirts. The best thing was that none of them were pink.

"Layla, you have to try this on" Hart said holding up a short black dress that had a deep v in the front down to the waist.

"I don't know. It shows alot..." I began but Sally and Keri encouraged me.

"Fine" I said realizing that I wasn't going to win. I took it to the dressing room and put it on. It actually looked really good so I came out to show my friends.

"You have to get that" Sally said.

"Where would I wear it?" I asked

"To the Den, or a club or anywhere. You look fucking hot." Keri said and Hart nodded.

"Hey, there you all are. Are you ready to head to lunch?" I heard Eve say behind me. Crap! I looked at Keri, Sally and Hart and they all cringed. Maybe it was just Eve, I thought hopefully and turned around. No such luck and suddenly I faced Eve, and all the rest of the guys. I looked down at my scrap of a dress and blushed.

They were silent for a moment and then Eve said, "Layla that looks amazing. Please tell me that you are getting it."

"That's just what I said" Keri said. I looked at everyone else. Vander's mouth was hanging open. Jake's eyes just kept going up and down my body. Finn was staring while biting his lip. Tom was grinning and giving me a thumbs up and Leo looked like he was going to explode.

"Where is the rest of that dress?" Leo demanded and we all laughed.

"You don't like it?" I baited him.

"Of course not. Especially on my sister" he snapped and I rolled my eyes. I turned to go change and he called, "I don't like the back either"

"I do" Finn yelled after and everyone laughed again.

After I changed and came out, we went and paid for the clothes. I bought the dress mostly because both Keri and Hart said that if I didn't, they would buy it for me. Leo kept trying to put it back but Eve distracted him until it was too late. Then we headed to lunch.