Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“You’re right,” she says. And then, as if her husband can sense her struggle, her phone goes off. It’s a text from Camden, with a video of him and Felix dancing to a new song. They’re both laughing while they bust a move. And when it’s over, they both look at the screen and tell Layla that they love her.
By the time the video cuts off, Layla is in tears. “God, I love them so much.”
“And they love you. Camden is going to be an amazing dad to this little girl, just like he is to Felix, so take a deep breath, stop thinking the worst, and let’s go out and have one last drink before you become a family of four.”
“Let me smell it.”
“What?” I crack up.
“Just a little sniff...” I pass the lemon drop shot under Layla’s nose, and she inhales deeply. “God, I’m not even a drinker, but it smells sooo good.”
Kendall laughs. “Just close your eyes and pretend you can drink.”
Layla does as she says, taking another whiff. “When I’m back to myself, we’re totally having a real girls’ night, one I can properly participate in.”
Kendall, Bailey, Cynthia, and I down our shots at the same time as our server arrives with another round. Thanks to Kendall’s status, we were able to get into Lush and are partying VIP style. We have our own server, a private dance floor, and bottle service. Our bodyguards are standing in the corner, chatting quietly, watching us in case of anything, but it feels good to be somewhere the media can’t document our every move. After the pictures came out about Braxton having a half brother and then us apartment hunting, the paparazzi have been relentless, hell-bent on getting the scoop on the status of Raging Chaos.
Around this time is when they usually announce a teaser for their next album and their upcoming tour dates since they go on sale months and sometimes a year ahead of time, but for the first time, they’ve been quiet. Braxton goes to the studio during the day to hang out with Declan and write, and I know they’ve been messing around with some possible songs, but Camden’s been focused on Layla, and Gage has been MIA. I’ve seen the woman he’s been hanging out with a couple of times, and she seems sweet and very pretty but, like Braxton mentioned, kind of sad looking. Gage won’t willingly bring her around to hang out, but she doesn’t look to be held against her will, so we’re all just giving Gage some space since he doesn’t look to be doing any hard drugs for the first time in years. Braxton has said they have no concrete plans to record at this time, and he seems to be completely okay with that.
“Oh, I love this song! Let’s dance!” Kendall yells when “I Don’t Mind” by Usher comes on.
“You down?” I ask Layla.
“Hell yes! Maybe I’ll dance Marianna right out of me.”
We all stop in our places, and Layla’s eyes go wide. They weren’t giving the name until the baby comes, but she totally just gave it away.
“Marianna?” Kendall asks.
“Yeah.” Layla nods, giving her a watery smile. “We wanted to include Maria in her name...”
“Oh.” Bailey sighs, her hand going to her chest over her heart. “It’s so beautiful.”
Maria was the Blackwoods’ nanny when they were growing up. She was especially close with Camden, and when she passed away last year, he was absolutely devastated.
“It’s perfect, Layles. What’s her middle name?”
“Hope. It’s not after anyone. We just thought it was pretty.”
“Marianna Hope Blackwood,” I say. “It’s beautiful.”
“It is,” Kendall agrees. “Now, let’s get our dancing on.”
We spend the next several songs dancing and drinking, only stopping once Layla announces that her feet can’t handle another second standing.
“Guess I didn’t dance her out.” Layla pouts jokingly, rubbing her belly.
“Nope, but she’ll be here soon enough.” I give her a kiss on the cheek. “Love ya, girlie.”
“Love you more.”
After saying goodbye to everyone with the promise we’ll do brunch soon, I get in the SUV with Justin.
“Here you go, Miss Thomas.” Justin reaches back and hands me a bottle of water.
“Thank you.” I sigh, grateful. It’s nearly one in the morning, and between the dancing and drinking, I’m exhausted and sweaty and dying of thirst.
I twist the cap and down half the bottle in one gulp, take a deep breath, then drink the rest, already feeling slightly more hydrated.
My phone goes off with a text from Braxton asking how it’s going. I had sent him a few pictures of us drinking and dancing, and he messaged me back that he wished he were dancing with me.
Me: Heading home. Miss you.
Braxton: Miss you more.
Me: My bed will be lonely without you...
Braxton: I’ll be back in it tomorrow night.
Me: I was thinking...